Elements of Classical Athenian Democracy - Essay Example

Question The sound of these two works initially struck me a being very similar. They both had a monotone delivery that at first listening sounds so different from modern music. As I listened again, however, I could discern that they were very distinct from each other. They both had a mystical quality about them, but the first piece seemed to meander throughout while the second one had a rhythmic, driving vocal line that did not harmonize with the underlying chant but complemented it nonetheless. I enjoyed the second piece more than the first one. I think the meandering quality (Sherrane, 2009) of the vocals was a bit disorienting. There was no discernable beginning, middle or end. I never knew if the piece was building towards a climax or if the end was seconds away. I think the lack of structure was a real factor in my lack of enthusiasm for this first piece. The second piece, with its repetitive rhythms was more enjoyable to listen to. It felt as though the music was going somewhere. While it did not follow a classical design, it was driven onward they the rhythm. I can see that a clear connection between ancient music and the music I enjoy today is the element of rhythm. I like music that makes me want to move or music that evokes a positive feeling. A driving rhythm is exciting because it evokes feelings of excitement and action. I guess I am a rhythm junkie whether I’m listening to modern or ancient music. Question 2 The thing that strikes me first as I compare the sculptures of different periods of time is the weight and the heaviness of the figures. The earliest examples are heavily muscled and very bulky appearing (Classical Greek Sculpture, 1998). They have pleasing proportions, but they somehow look rigid and mechanical. There is little or no suggestion of movement. Even when movement is suggested, it appears as though the figure is awkwardly posed. As the ages advance, it is clear that the forms become more lifelike. They are less bulky and less muscular. There is also a feeling of movement about them. They appear to be real people caught in a moment in time. You can almost visualize the next motion they will make were they to somehow be brought to life. All of these figures are idealized versions of the human form. Muscles are emphasized and proportions are exacted to godlike specifications. The fact that some people actually do look like these sculptures (perhaps after a great workout at the gymnasium) just confirms the fact that most of us do not and cannot ever look this way. That doesn’t make them any less appealing, or even realistic. A small fraction of humanity actually looks like one of these statues, but that doesn’t keep the rest of us from admiring the beauty of this art. One similarity between these sculptures and the way men and women are portrayed today is the posing during the late classical period. In advertising, it is common to have a gorgeous individual pictured doing some mundane task in order to make the task look more appealing. The same is true of the realism used by these Greek sculptors. They show the young man scraping mud from his body preparing for a bath. This is something many men could relate to. Having an idealized for positioned doing mundane tasks stimulates the fantasy inherent in viewing art. Question #3 I think that the key theme visited again and again in the allegory of the cave is the theme of sight and vision. Socrates uses vivid imagery in describing the pains encountered by those that were dwelling in darkness and how their vision was changed by looking into the light. It was a painful experience but one that brought an understanding far beyond the old understanding of the cave. What Socrates is saying is that the best people to lead a nation are people that have moved from the cave and have experienced a new type of vision. He feels that true visionaries are the best leaders (Kreis, 2009). Their duty is to move beyond the cave and then to re-enter it, equipped to share their new vision with the inhabitants of the cave. A person escapes the cave by realizing and believing that things may not always truly be as they appear. They may simply be shadows of actual objects cast upon the cave wall by firelight. A yearning for experience and understanding beyond what is readily offered is what gives the inhabitants of the cave access to the sunlight. Not everyone should exit the cave. Only some have the capacity for understanding the light outside the cave. If everyone were released into the sunlight, who would remain to be enlightened? What would have really changed? The people would find themselves wandering about in a new reality, but they would never know if it was actually real. They would constantly be asking themselves, “What is really casting the light from the sun? Is the sun real or is there something on the other side?” Better to have a few philosophers rule than to have an entire nation of philosophers. We need people to bake the bread as well. Question #4 The differences between Athens and Sparta are many. Athenians displayed a love of refinement and beauty. They were the original well-rounded scholars. It was important for them to be able to speak well, debate, fight and create art. Aesthetic was of great, if not primary importance in their society. Freedom from tyrants and oligarchs propelled the first experiments with democracy. The Spartans on the other hand were single-minded in their pursuit of military glory. The state was more important than the individual and allegiance to the state was the driving force behind their military exploits. The Spartans were not lovers of art, but were lovers of war. Comfort for the body and the mind was a sign of weakness. Dual kings provided leadership (Kreis, 2009) and direction for the state and the whole society. It could be argued that never have two peoples been more different that are bound by a common culture and geographic situation. Elements of Classical Athenian Democracy can still be seen in modern elements of our democracy in America. Member of the assembly needed to be citizens. They were often the more affluent citizens as well as those that had good communication skills. This is still true. In Athens, many of the prominent citizens had earned fame through service in the military, such as Pericles. This is still true today. Several of our past presidents and present day legislators have served in the armed forces. References "Classical Greek Sculpture." 8 August 1998. Think Quest. 17 March 2010 . Kreis, Steven. "Plato, The Allegory of the Cave." 13 May 2004. The History Guide. 18 March 2010 . —. "The Athenian Origins of Direct Democracy." 3 August 2009. The History Guide. 18 March 2010 . Sherrane, Robert. "The Middle Ages ." 2009. Music History 102. 19 March 2010 . Read More