Friday, November 29, 2019
The Historical Development of Fine Arts in Korea from 1950 to Present
Introduction Korean fine art entails different forms of art that originate from Korea such as pottery, calligraphy, literature, painting, music among other genres, which are characteristically identified by their bold colors, surface decorations, and natural forms. The history of Korean art spans back to the Stone Age period with the introduction of votive sculptures and petro glyphs, which can be dated back to the Neolithic art, Bronze Age art, and the Iron Age art eras (Cavendish 961; Armstrong 92).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Historical Development of Fine Arts in Korea from 1950 to Present specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Subsequently, different styles of art were introduced during the reign of different kingdoms and dynasties (Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, Gaya, Unified Silla, Goryeo Dynasty, and the Joseon Dynasty) whereby the Chinese culture is credited for influencing the development of differ ent styles of art that displayed elegance and spontaneity (Mayo, Rimer, and Kerkham 134). However, contemporary art scholars note that the Korean culture, both traditional and modern, consists of a unique style of art that transmits the Chinese culture while assimilating its own unique art culture. Therefore, it is apparent that Korea particularly South Korea offers vibrant art scenes characterized by creativity and innovation in different art genres (Cavendish 961). This paper explores the development of different genres of fine art such as traditional and contemporary dance, music, paintings, sculpture, and drama in Korea from 1950 to present. The History of Fine Arts in Korea Visual Arts The fall of different Korean kingdoms and dynasties coincided with the development of Korean art from the ancient Chinese-influenced forms of art to more distinctive and unique styles of Korean art. During the 20th century, Korean calligraphy, painting, animation, comics, wood-blocks, and printin g were influenced by the transition from Korean Shamanist art through Buddhist art, and finally, to Confucian art. During this period, brush-strokes were used to communicate the artistââ¬â¢s personality through calligraphy, which also enriched the subject matter of the painted works. Moreover, fabric arts as captured through Choe Eun-sunââ¬â¢s work involved embroidery in screen-work, wall decorations, weaving, and designing costumes. Fabric art was also represented through the works of carpet and rug weavers who produced different saddle blankets, imperial dragon carpets, saddle covers, and tiger rugs for different occasions and personalities.Advertising Looking for research paper on art? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, paper artistry included the use of hand-made paper-works in designing window screens, floor covers, paper fans, paper figures, and for printing. In fact, the use of paper derived from mulberr y roots dates back to thousands of years according to studies conducted in 1960, which revealed that the paper could last about 1000 years (Cavendish 961-963; Connor 265). Painting is another form of visual art, which has been used to celebrate nature and religious themes over the years. However, beginning the 18th century to the present, many artists use painting to depict daily life and different landscapes. For example, the Japanese occupation (1910-1945) is credited for the introduction of western oil-painting, which has since influenced the contemporary South Korean paintings most of which are housed in the National Museum of Contemporary Art (Mayo, Rimer, and Kerkham 135). Through these 20th century art paintings, it is evident that the South Korean artists have continued to employ the western oil-painting styles with a redefined mixture of classical Korean themes, which demonstrate their originality. Moreover, the contemporary painting styles used in Korea demand that the art ist understands the Korean ceramics, pottery, and textures considering that brush-strokes weigh more in judging the Korean artistââ¬â¢s work. Notable Korean artists who combine the contemporary western and distinctive Korean painting styles include Suh Yongsun, Tschoon Su Kim, and Junggeun Oh among others (Cavendish 963). As opposed to South Korea, which still embraces the socialistic art styles, North Korean artists have introduced completely different forms of visual arts exemplified through the production of patriotic films that have dominated the North Korean culture from 1949-1994. These patriotic films have revived the use of architecture, neo-traditional painting, and fabric art to communicate political statements and represent various dramatic landscapes. This revolution has seen the emergence of politically-charged revolutionary posters, documentary films, visual crafts, realistic paintings, and exportable needlework by renowned North Korean painters such as the Fwhang s isters whose painting style is a mixture of western and Far East techniques (Armstrong 92; Cavendish 900). Ceramics, Sculpture and Metal Crafts The production of different forms of ceramics spans six centuries since the introduction of the celadon vases (blue-green in color) production techniques by the Chinese. Since then, the Korean people have owned the techniques with a few changes such as the introduction of the inlaid designs, which represent different natural motifs.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Historical Development of Fine Arts in Korea from 1950 to Present specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Currently, pottery that combines the traditional and modern techniques is the most famous activity taking place in Inchon whereby artisans are involved in producing quality ceramics. On the other hand, the introduction of sculpture dates back to the Buddhism era whereby stone, bronze, and wood were th e main raw materials used to carve images of Buddha and pagodas as exemplified by the Buddhist sculpture at the Sokkuram Gotto Shrine (Kyongju). Despite the decline of Buddhist sculpture with the emergence of Confucianism, modern sculpture has been widely practiced since the 1960s in different places including plazas, streets, and parks across South Korea (Cavendish 961-969). Metal craft is another form of ancient art exemplified by the ancient decorated bronze structures that can be found all over South Korea. Furthermore, history has it that the ancient Shilla artisans are well known for the use of gold and jade in cramming tombs and producing bronze bells such as the Divine Bell of King Songdok. Many other ancient handicrafts such as gilt crowns, ornaments, and pots have been excavated and are now available at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. Currently, handicrafts are uniquely designed for specific purposes as opposed to their aesthetic value. Furthermore, there has been a sporadic change from the traditional techniques of using metal, fabric, and wood to the modern techniques employing glass, paper, and leather (Cavendish 970). Korean architecture and interior design has a long history, which can be seen through the traditional Korean gardens and palaces. In these gardens and palaces, ancient ideographs can be seen. The ideographs display various geometric, animal, plant, and nature patterns (motifs), which offer an aesthetic value to different architectural structures. Some of the most famous geometric designs and patterns, which have stood the test of time, include squares, triangles, concentric circles, and diamonds among others. Conversely, some rock carvings were designed to represent animal patterns, and in most cases they coincided with the food-gathering seasons. However, the current use of different architectural and interior design patterns involves the decoration of doors, temples, shrines, spoons, furniture, and other objects to add an a esthetic value (Cavendish 965-970; Connor 265). Performing Arts Performing arts in Korea encompass the art of story-telling/comedy, tea ceremonies, musical arts and theatre, dance, literature, and poetry. The tea ceremony is usually held in a specific house characterized by its own unique architecture within the garden. In the tea house, ritualized conversations, pottery, traditional costumes, and poetry are important aspects of art that offer an artistic and cultural experience for the attendees.Advertising Looking for research paper on art? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the other hand, musical arts and theatre have had a long history in South Korea with a few changes, which have led to the emergence of different categories of music in Korea including traditional, western, and a mixture of Western and Eastern styles. Traditionally, music was categorized into folk music and pââ¬â¢ansori (a musical narrative involving folktales and novels). These categories of traditional music have been preserved and classically developed into new music since the establishment of the Korean Traditional Performing Arts Center in 1951 (Cavendish 961-980). Contemporary music in Korea has the same test of audiences as other forms of western music despite that most Korean artists perform using various stringed instruments while some are well known for their prowess as symphony directors. World music has also influenced Korean music despite efforts made to differentiate it from other Western and Eastern forms, and currently, the Korean musicals is a representative of various innovations and revivals of Korean music in the 21st century. Conversely, post 1945, the Korean masks have found extensive use in folk-art dramas and as tourist artifacts (Cavendish 976-981). Dance and Theatre are other important forms of performing arts, which have been rediscovered in South Korea as early as the 1980s with the declaration by the government that the few remaining dances should be preserved and protected by the Intellectual Property protection laws. Furthermore, the establishment of the Korean Culture and Arts Foundation has also accelerated the development of performing arts and the preservation of traditional dramas. Currently, contemporary dance and ballet thrives in the presence of many companies and ballet troops housed in the National Theatre in Seoul, which is basically dedicated to promoting traditional music, drama, and dance. Moreover, the Sejong Cultural Center in Seoul is also dedicated to the development of orchestras, choirs, and dance. Despit e narrative storytelling based on dramatic songs or physical comedians thriving over the years, it is still dominated by male performers (Connor 265-270; Cavendish 990). Moreover, South Korea and Korea in general has not seen the emergence of Stand-up Comedy due to the underlying cultural considerations, and thus, more needs to be done to promote performing arts from this perspective. Works Cited Armstrong, Charles, A. The North Korean revolution, 1945-1950. New York: Cornell University Press, 2004. Print. Cavendish, Marshall. World and its Peoples: eastern and Southern Asia. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Corporation. Print. Connor, Mary, E. The Koreas. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO Publishers, 2009. Print. Mayo, Marlene J., Rimer, Thomas J., and Kerkham, Eleanor, H. War, occupation, and creativity: Japan and East Asia, 1920-1960. United States of America: University of Hawaii Press. Print. This research paper on The Historical Development of Fine Arts in Korea from 1950 to Present was written and submitted by user Sariah Rutledge to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Campaign Funding essays
Campaign Funding essays What We Dont Know About Campaign Finance Does Hurt Us. No matter what your social issue, if you want to solve it get the money out of politics. Only then will lawmakers vote for their people rather than their pocketbooks. Jack E. Lohman. Money corrupts politics, and when contributions are being made to candidates it is not in the best interest of the American people. Campaign Finance is out of control in todays political races. Candidates are taking money from wherever and whoever they can get it. Soft money is flowing through elections without care or caution. People who make these contributions do not share the views of the average citizen, so politicians end up representing the wrong people. Money decides races, sometimes leaving the better man but lighter spender out of a position. Candidates make decisions based on what will help them financially that what is better for the people. Contributions by industry are made not in the interest of the people, sometimes hurting them in ways they dont even know. No matter what th e opposition may say campaign finance reform is needed urgently to keep our democracy as our founders intended it. People and corporations that make the largest donations to campaigns do not share views with the general population. Politicians will listen to those who give them money so that they can depend on that money being there again when it is time for reelection. Yet individual donors making a $200 dollar or more contribution make up only .33% of the population. This extremely small percentage of mostly wealthy individuals gain the power to influence politicians to their liking. The idea that these people should have power to affect government more than those with less money goes against the concept of equality for all, which is what made this country great. People who make large donations do not share the same views on most issues as the general population...
Thursday, November 21, 2019
The importance of Rossi work to understanding the city Essay
The importance of Rossi work to understanding the city - Essay Example The development of a city in relation to these manmade features is what makes up the cityââ¬â¢s nature and morphology and from this reference Rossi is able to define urbanism. The cityââ¬â¢s nature can be examined using massive structures, engineering works, and structures that are characteristic to their own history. Failure of connecting these two shows the sophisticated reality that has to be addressed for the future of the city. The history is the very important for the cityââ¬â¢s development. Its favorable character and good moments of life, is very necessary in the city life. The man made features is work of art while the city is viewed as a human achievement and these achievements have the biggest contribution for the overall individuality of the city. Rossi believes that only the historian can give the complete picture of a city because they are the only ones who are totally concerned with defining the urban manmade features and their gradual development in different eras. History provides to urban science making it very important. This statement is related to the theory of remaining unchanged. The city is an object that is manmade and we will always feel the past and it will give meaning to the state of being permanent. This permanence can be felt in natureââ¬â¢s existence and the way towards which the city is headed. Rossi defines urban manmade features as the main elements because they have provided for the cultural and morphological of the cityââ¬â¢s evolution. A good example is the changing of the amphitheatre at Nimes was changed in a fortress to become a little functional city of inhabitants of around two thousand. Outside the wall, it grew with a shape of amphitheatre as the main element. A city is a collection of the memory of those who belong there and the same with memory, it has to be associated with places and objects. It is a point of memories that are collected. Locus and citizenry
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Tracing the development of painting Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Tracing the development of painting - Term Paper Example The essay "Tracing the development of painting" discovers the development of painting. The chronological discussion of painting styles proves the difference in visual characteristics but with a number of similarities and are related to each other in some way or other. This painting style was originated around 1600s and influenced the following centuries. Besides, this form of painting style is rich and deep in color, and the intense usage of light and shadow. The exponents of Baroque style made use of the most exact moment or the dramatic point of events arouse emotionality in the minds of viewers. One of the best examples for Baroque as a painting style is The Deposition by Caravaggio. Neoclassicism dominated the European art from 18th century to 19th century. Neoclassicism was basically a reaction against Rococo style in European Art. As a painting style, Neoclassicism gave due importance to Roman and Greek art. Its influence is not limited to the sphere of painting, but it extends to other forms of art like literature and architecture. One of the best examples for Neoclassicism as a painting style is The Death of Marat by Jacques-Louis David. Realism originated in Europe, especially in France, in 1850s. Besides, it was a movement against Romanticism. Realism was totally against the emotionalism projected by Romanticism, and was in favor of the ideology of Objective Realism. So, truth and accuracy were the fundamental principles of Realism in painting. In short, realism gave due importance.... Impressionism: Impressionism originated in Paris, as an Art movement in 19th century. The name Impressionism is originated from Claude Monetââ¬â¢s art work, namely ââ¬ËImpression, Sunriseââ¬â¢. The usage of thin brushstrokes, perfect lighting, usage of ordinary subjects, and strange visual angles are some of its main characteristics. One of the best examples for Impressionism is The Abduction of Egypt by Shwidkiy Andrey (see appendix -4). Post-Impressionism: Post-Impressionism was developed in France during 1880s. Roger Fry, the renowned British Art critic was behind the creation of the term Post-Impressionism. Post-Impressionism was an extension of Impressionism, but rejected the limitations of Impressionism. The exponents of Post-Impressionism gave more importance to geometric forms. The usage of unnatural color in paintings is one of the most important features of Post-Impressionism. One of the best examples for Post-Impressionism is Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh (See ap pendix ââ¬â 5). Cubism: Cubism transformed the scenario of painting in Europe and deeply influenced other forms of art like sculpture and music. The basic element of Cubism is to break down the object, analyze it, and to re- assemble the same. This helps the painter to present the art work with difference in subject matter. The usage of random angles is the most important aspect of cubism. One of the best examples for Cubism is Guernica by Pablo Picasso (see appendix-7). Geometric abstraction: Geometric abstraction is based on abstract art. Besides, it is based on non-objective and two dimensional models. It rejects exaggeration and illusionistic modes of painting and makes use of canvas as
Monday, November 18, 2019
Read Nancy Herthers Digital Natives and Immigrants Essay
Read Nancy Herthers Digital Natives and Immigrants - Essay Example A sad parent tried to sue MySpace website because their daughter got sexually assaulted (Fleming, 2008). The US District Court Judge dismissed the claim by stating that it was her parentââ¬â¢s duty to protect their child not of MySpace. Fleming describes the whole process of how the online community works. She portrays it in such a light that there is repulsion felt by the reader even in processes like making friends, setting up an online profile or sharing or liking each otherââ¬â¢s posts to spread the message. Flemingââ¬â¢s style is a little exploitative when she stresses too much on one side of the picture because online networks like YouTube, MySpace and Facebook are not only used to advertise the most personal thoughts across the world. Different online groups have grown on such platforms where people have find their old friends. They start many good things like projects, work groups and businesses together. However, Fleming needs to portray it in such an emotionally re pulsive light because the crimes committed under exploitation of social media are so heinous that one needs to exploit the truth to make the point. Sometime persuasion requires little bit of exploitation to get the point
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Government Influence on Media Debate
Government Influence on Media Debate Mass media is the vital means which keep people informed about event and news over the world. It is one of the most important stages to communicate and transfer information. Obviously, people receive external and internal news anywhere even they busy by listening radio and/or reading newspaper, magazine and internet. That mean mass media is the most powerful tool of communication. There are many kinds of media such as newspaper, radio, television and internet. It is useful for entertainment, advertisement and news around the world. Mass media has positive and negative impacts on the audience. That mean should be censorship to assess mass media and make it suitable for all audience. It would argue that some people believe that government should not influence on the mass media. However, others think that the government should control the mass media. In my opinion, I think that the government should have responsibilities and duties to control mass media. In this essay will write about advantages and disadvantages of mass media. Then I will discuss about the government should involve in regulating forms of influence on news, violence program, advertisement, sexual themes and education. After that I will mention some suggestion about media. Mass media has positive and negative effects on the people. There are many of advantages of media. First of the advantages, it helps you to increase your knowledge by reading articles in newspaper or watching TV program. Second, it keeps you inform about news internal and external world by listening to radio. Third, it helps you to improve your skills such as reading and listening. Moreover, magazine or TV advertisement obtains best offer for perfect product. On the other hand, if you followed the media extensively it could cause negative impacts such as media may cause obesity because setting long time read, watch or listen. Furthermore, children or young might learn bad habits like smoking or eating drugs because they imitate hero in film. In addition, people may miss some skill like speaking fluently because they learn to read and write with media. In many places around the world people believe that news take part in human life. The people want to know every events that happen around them. Therefore, mass media makes report daily and monthly to keep people informed. Also it reflects the news in best way to affect on people and make them happy to follow the broadcast. Audience might not trust any information sent to them by newspaper or television because fake news influence on the true news. Sometimes the media broadcasts the events in different way or it changes some parts in this events to attract people. Producing fake news may led to make serious problem between people and government entire the country or between two countries. The government should contribute many efforts to regulate the mass media by providing censorship for all kinds of media. Moreover, encouraging the media to make news in easiest way to understand it clear. That means the media not allows to establish programs or report without assessment from the gove rnment. For instance, when the newspaper and/or television produce report they need to have permission to establish it. Watching horror films and excessive violence programs seem good way to spend free time for young people. They set at home or they go to cinema to watch these program in terms of fun and entertainment. These programs design to make you concentrate on the events and try to think what could happen at the end. In this kind of program may show crime unreal like monsters or real but fake film like murder kill people. Excessive watching horror and violence cause many problems for young people especially children as the following. First of all the attitude, mood and behavior will change to worse such as speaking of young uncivilized because they imitate the film. Second, it might make children less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, be more fearful of the world around them and be more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others. As result, the government should notice that and teach the parents to look after their children and keep them away. The government shoul d obtain the instruction of any program by provide legal age to watch it. For example, some films indicate the suitable age to watch the film to prevent children from any violence. In many companies around the world use the media to advertise their product. The companies pay huge amount of money to show the product in the media. Usually they target children in advertisement which help them to sale goods. They create best broadcast by using famous hero use this product which attract children to buy it. Also, they use carton film to advertise product by doing unbelievable thing. That might make children believe that unhealthy food make you strong. Watching a lot of advertisements cause negative effects on children such as child believe every think in the media and do not realize the broadcast made for commercial and get money. Therefore, in my opinion the government should limit the advertisement or reduce time broadcasting. Moreover, the government should encourage companies to make broadcast with positive goal such as encourage children to eat fruits or mention in broadcasting some benefits of vitamins. In the visible media use attractive and sexual people to show the program like television and internet also in magazine they use photos of beauty girls. This kind of show to attract people and make them concentrate in the program. Companies provide beautiful girls an handsome boys in terms of fashion. The companies effort the worker more attractive to attract people and sell product. For instance, the companies use semi-naked girls to advertise hair care products, shaving blades and creams and/or body soaps. Some of the boys and girls do strong diet to be slim like the actors or actress. This may cause negative effect on their life such as cause some disease. Moreover, the people tend to watch romantic films which contain a lot of sexual themes. Also, some adult watch sexual films in terms of entertainment. However, the children will watch most of unacceptable themes in television or internet. This will encourage children to do earlier sex and do not care about wearing naked cloths. Because the children do not know sham and they think do right. This issue should solve by government. The government influence on the media by provide suitable age to watch and delay the broadcasting until mid night to be ensure children sleep. The mass media source of information for people so it work hard in terms of education which is the important concept in our life. Media provide variety programs to educate people. There are many program in history and culture in different countries. These broadcast to keep you informed about your traditional culture. Moreover, mass media will increase your knowledge by providing a large number of competition programs. There are many channel provide documentary and scientist material to give you view about the nature. Also, some magazine and newspaper provide different subject and games help you to think. These programs useful for all ages for example children may learn to read and write through TV or magazine. I think, the government keep encouraging mass media to improve the part of education. Furthermore, the government should give the media motivation to work hard and to keep going. Before the end of this essay I would mention some useful suggestion to help us to get benefits of media. First of all, the government should encourage people to read books by giving people pursuers about importance of media and how we use it in correct way. Second, the people should notice list for good program also do not concentrate on TV or internet only but you should read. Third, the parents should look after their children by deleting some channels from TV or band TV at the midnight and help them to understand the correct way for the media. Finally, I would say you should do sport to keep your mental awake. To sum up, me and some people believe that mass media plays a fundamental role in our life. It seems that mass media is the quick way to connect between the government and individuals. Therefore, the government should control mass media to promote education and development target also to protect young people from misleading habits.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Cleopatras Initial Encounter With Caesar Essay -- Egypt History Paper
Cleopatra's Initial Encounter With Caesar Cleopatra is desperate-she needs to gain the throne of Egypt before her inadequate younger brother, Ptolemy, convinces Caesar to grant him full power. But alas, Cleopatra has been banished from Egypt by the ruthless Pothinus. Fortunately, the brilliant Cleopatra devises a plan to enter her Egyptian castle rolled up in a carpet, posing as a gift for the great Caesar. Her loyal servant, Apollodoros, carries her through a secret passageway and into the palace, where they are met by Caesar's guards. They continue into Caesar's quarters, where Apollodoros unrolls the carpet to reveal the stunning Cleopatra. Caesar is impressed not only by Cleopatra's intelligence, but also by her undeniable beauty, and pronounces Cleopatra the sole ruler of Egypt. Such is the story of the meeting of Caesar and Cleopatra as told by Plutarch and others that followed him. The extent of the story's truth remains a mystery, but it is likely that Plutarch included it in his account merely for entertainment value-it is only fitting that the alluring Cleopatra enters the castle with such a grand appearance. Because it is written in Plutarch's interpretation, many perceive the story as fact and include it in their own works. The scene, however-and the portrayal of Cleopatra within it-vary among different compositions. Regardless of the probable fictitious aspect of the scene, it is an important one, for it is in this scene that the level of Cleopatra's strength and power is revealed. INTELLIGENT YET INFERIOR Initially, it appears as though the rug scene is a display of Cleopatra's wit, for she uses her intelligence to devise a plan to enter the palace. In addition, it seems that Cleopatra has heightened ... ...lmi, Sr. With Billy Zane, Leonor Varela, and Timothy Dalton. ABC/Hallmark Entertainment, 1999. Cleopatra. Dir. Mankiewicz. With Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Rex Harrison. 20th Century Fox, 1963. Foreman, Laura. Cleopatra's Palace: In Search of a Legend. New York: Discovery Books, 1999. George, Margaret. The Memoirs of Cleopatra. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1997. Gerome, Jean Leon. Cleopatra and Caesar. Private Collection. Hamer, Mary. Signs of Cleopatra. New York: Routledge, 1993. Hughes-Hallet, Lucy. Cleopatra: Histories, Dreams, Distortions. New York: Harper & Row, 1990. Plutarch's Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romanes [c. 100 C.E.]. Trans. Sir Thomas North (1579). Ed. Geoffrey Bullough, Narrative and Dramatic Sources of Shakespeare. Vol. V. Columbia UP, 1964. Shaw, Bernard. Caesar and Cleopatra [1898]. New York: Penguin, 1957. Cleopatra's Initial Encounter With Caesar Essay -- Egypt History Paper Cleopatra's Initial Encounter With Caesar Cleopatra is desperate-she needs to gain the throne of Egypt before her inadequate younger brother, Ptolemy, convinces Caesar to grant him full power. But alas, Cleopatra has been banished from Egypt by the ruthless Pothinus. Fortunately, the brilliant Cleopatra devises a plan to enter her Egyptian castle rolled up in a carpet, posing as a gift for the great Caesar. Her loyal servant, Apollodoros, carries her through a secret passageway and into the palace, where they are met by Caesar's guards. They continue into Caesar's quarters, where Apollodoros unrolls the carpet to reveal the stunning Cleopatra. Caesar is impressed not only by Cleopatra's intelligence, but also by her undeniable beauty, and pronounces Cleopatra the sole ruler of Egypt. Such is the story of the meeting of Caesar and Cleopatra as told by Plutarch and others that followed him. The extent of the story's truth remains a mystery, but it is likely that Plutarch included it in his account merely for entertainment value-it is only fitting that the alluring Cleopatra enters the castle with such a grand appearance. Because it is written in Plutarch's interpretation, many perceive the story as fact and include it in their own works. The scene, however-and the portrayal of Cleopatra within it-vary among different compositions. Regardless of the probable fictitious aspect of the scene, it is an important one, for it is in this scene that the level of Cleopatra's strength and power is revealed. INTELLIGENT YET INFERIOR Initially, it appears as though the rug scene is a display of Cleopatra's wit, for she uses her intelligence to devise a plan to enter the palace. In addition, it seems that Cleopatra has heightened ... ...lmi, Sr. With Billy Zane, Leonor Varela, and Timothy Dalton. ABC/Hallmark Entertainment, 1999. Cleopatra. Dir. Mankiewicz. With Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Rex Harrison. 20th Century Fox, 1963. Foreman, Laura. Cleopatra's Palace: In Search of a Legend. New York: Discovery Books, 1999. George, Margaret. The Memoirs of Cleopatra. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1997. Gerome, Jean Leon. Cleopatra and Caesar. Private Collection. Hamer, Mary. Signs of Cleopatra. New York: Routledge, 1993. Hughes-Hallet, Lucy. Cleopatra: Histories, Dreams, Distortions. New York: Harper & Row, 1990. Plutarch's Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romanes [c. 100 C.E.]. Trans. Sir Thomas North (1579). Ed. Geoffrey Bullough, Narrative and Dramatic Sources of Shakespeare. Vol. V. Columbia UP, 1964. Shaw, Bernard. Caesar and Cleopatra [1898]. New York: Penguin, 1957.
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