The Views from Matisse?s Windows :: essays research papers

The Views from Matisse’s Windows   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The menagerie of emotions that Henri Matisse evoked in his paintings spanned from enchanted enthusiasm to somber contemplation. In his paintings, Open Window and French Window, the artist depicted two vastly different views from possibly the same window, each nearly opposite in value, yet both impetuous in color. Various research studies have explored the psychology of color and have found that humans do relate color with emotion instinctively. One such study found that light, â€Å"warm†, colors encourage positive emotion, while darker, â€Å"cool†, colors spur negative emotion in most people. The bevy of warm colors in Open Window arouse elated emotion, while the cool colors in French Window innerve an icy feeling of solitude because the relationship between color and emotion is psychologically significant in the human process. Henri Matisse was the leader of the Fauvist movement of early Modernist art, a method that used true, brilliant color in often distorted brush strokes on canvas. The artists involved were titled the Fauves, French for wild beasts, because of their untamed and avant-garde approach to painting. They evaded detail and used the placement of color to create movement. Matisse’s new approach shook the art world and heavily influenced future artists, as he has been referred to as the â€Å"Master of Color†. In Matisse’s work, entitled Open Window, his oil sodden brush strokes illuminate the canvas with images of sailboats on a blush sea in the background and pots of crimson blooms in the foreground. The piece is drenched with life. His colors, vibrant and unnatural, range from cobalt to alabaster. A periwinkle, rose and ivory sky lingers above bobbing boats of coral masts, and hulls of azure and ebony. Greens flecked with varying amounts of yellow create hues of olive and amber in the foliage draping the windowsill. Indigo and terracotta pots hold bright scarlet and jade flora near the viewer. The window’s open doors reflect the image ahead; it’s glass panes mirroring the misty rose-colored water. The turquoise and lilac walls inside reveal that the window is in the corner of the room. A palette of colors full of vigor drenches the painting. Blues, greens and reds are the predominant colors in Open Window, and the 1996 research of Michael Hemphill will conclude that this is why one feels a surge of pleasure and vivacity while viewing this work. Of the 40 men and women in his color-emotion study, more than half cited blue as their favorite color.

Cold War Essay

In the European theater of operations for WWII, the Allied victory and the Axis loss resulted in unprecedented destruction of the economy of the region. The Americans felt that the United States had a purpose to work for the revival of the European economy along the lines of political and social factors that could allow free countries to emerge (qtd. in May par. 2). The sweep of such a purpose on into a solid commitment was not perceived or hoped for at the outset. In the United States the Executive branch (including the State Department) and the US Congress were often at odds about what to do about the European economic situation. But there was agreement that the aftermath of WWII must not come to have a result in any fashion like the economic conditions that prevailed after WWI (Marshall Plan Par. 7). It was initially felt that the United States’ involvement in European recovery would not be costly or time consuming. It was thought that Europe and especially the United Kingdom and France with their colonies, could pull themselves back up in short order (Marshall Plan par. 4). The cold winters after the war did not help the situation. The worst winter in a century was experienced in Europe in 1946-47 (Kunz par. 5). There was high unemployment, food shortages, and strikes. In particular, the food shortages sparked humanitarian and relief efforts among various organizations. The new United Nations sponsored much of this effort and it was almost all funded by the United States (Marshall Plan par. 11). Not enough of this was organized well enough or in great enough amounts to do more than to briefly alleviate the problem. American troops in Europe also lent a hand in repair and refugee work. For the long term, the food shortages could be seen to keep on occurring since the traditional source for supplies for Western European had come from Eastern Europe (Judd â€Å"East-West Trade† par. 2). After these winters of food shortage, it was becoming apparent that a divided Europe was becoming the norm. The awareness of such a division was not generally acknowledged prior to these harsh winters. President Truman entered the United States into some bilateral agreements intending to militarily aid Greece and Turkey. These countries could be seen as being in East Europe. They were facing subversive efforts by communists to take over those countries. For Western Europe, some thought the Morgenthau Plan could be used (Marshall Plan par. 13). This plan supposed massive war reparations could be extracted from Germany to restore the countries other than Germany. There was also the Monnet Plan (Marshall Plan par. 13) which proposed more punishment of Germany since France would control the Ruhr and Saar coal regions for French purposes. On a purely monetary front the Bretton Woods agreements of 1944 established the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for loans to European nations (Kunz par. 7). The funds made available for these loans were proving to not be of the necessary magnitude. It had been assumed that the international economic system was sound and that an initial infusion of monetary aid would do the trick. But even more was needed. The American agricultural production was unimpaired, the level of manufacturing output was unprecedented, and the American gold reserves were safe. An outlet was needed to sustain and use the economic prowess of the American transition from wartime to domestic and foreign consumption. The economic plan for a reconstruction of Western Europe, if needed, could borrow from the New Deal experience as the American response to the Great Depression had been accomplished. Early in 1947, evidence of a recession brewing in the United States turned some economist’s attention to a need to assure European purchases of American goods. The Americans did not want to see continued European wartime controls and plans which had placed the idea of a continuance of control and regulation by European governments as conclusive. Many in Europe were looking to the Soviet Union’s central planning controlled by the state. The Soviets were reporting very high growth rates with the prospect of prosperity just around the corner (DeLong and Eichengreen 11). The Americans had not successfully concluded a war in Europe to end fascist tyranny and oppression only to then see a different brand of tyranny and oppression in its place. This threat was perceived to be the communists, Soviet or otherwise. The Soviet influence was directly felt on Eastern Europe. The American administration felt that, for Western Europe, an economic union would be needed. These nations would have to be on the same page if they were not to go communists or be controlled by communists. Accordingly, on June 5, 1947, Secretary of State Marshall spoke of the need to promote free institutions in Europe through their restoration with American aid (Marshall Plan, par. 15).

Theme Of Madness In King Lear - 976 Words

Being betrayed by a loved one causes an alteration in one’s behaviour, such that it leads to one going mad. Betrayal alters the mindset as to how one thinks, feels, and reacts to certain situations. The feeling of betrayal causes rage, sympathy, and confusion. In a time where hierarchy rules over all the people of such land, there is evidence that proves conflict arises between characters and their surroundings, depicting how madness is the result. Ruler of the land, King Lear, betrayed by those he loves, struggles to continue on his life through means of sanity. In William Shakespeare’s play King Lear, madness is brought about through one’s power of authority, self-esteem, and internal conflict. Madness, as a result, is seen when one†¦show more content†¦King Lear uses the power he holds to send away two beloved people, one with prudence would know how foolish such actions are. Irony plays a substantial role in Shakespeare’s meaning of sanity in relation to power; how two wise and honest characters are banished by one whose thoughts and power drives the betrayal by means of madness. A lack of self-esteem causes for one to think less of himself, and a high self-esteem causes one to stand with confidence. In Shakespeare’s King Lear, Lear’s lacks a high self-esteem causing insecurities. Since his daughters Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia must admit their love for Lear, it proves to readers that Lear needs confirmation in order to truly satisfy his mind. This need for satisfaction is eventually a cause of conflict, as right away, when Lear states, â€Å"tell me my daughters, which of you shall we say doth love us most† (1.1.50-53) one can then see his insecurities. Those with low self-esteem create mental notes that result in a matter of conflict; a sort of craziness builds up; madness. Lear, thinking Cordelia betrays him as she explains, â€Å"I love your Majesty According to my bond, no more nor less†(1.1.95) with no direct answer, Cordelia’s response is an act of betrayal yet her love is real, unlike her sisters. Her response cause s for her father to feel unworthy, and self conscious. One can go mad when the reality does not meet the individual’s needs. Cordelia, being unableShow MoreRelatedThe Theme of Madness in King Lear1243 Words   |  5 Pagesis to be insane and to have a disordered mind. Throughout King Lear, there are several different characters who one would question if they are in an orderly state of mind. The Earl of Kent, Edgar, the Fool, and King Lear all portray varying degrees of madness. Some have alternative motives behind their madness while others are simply losing touch with reality around them. The Earl of Kent is a close advisor to King Lear. Lear decides to split up his kingdom between his two daughters, ReganRead MoreShakespeares Use of Madness as a Theme in King Lear2035 Words   |  9 Pages Edgar first assumes the disguise of Poor Tom as Lear and the Earl of Gloucester enter the cave in which Edgar is hiding. Since Edgar was banished, similar to Kent, who is also present later in this act, he must conjure up a disguise. Why does Edgar chose the repulsive beggar that Poor Tom is? Well, remember that Poor Tom represents the popular belief of the insane during the Elizabethan era. Therefore, he is the perfect disguise. No one would ever suspect Poor Tom of being Edgar, because Edgar isRead MoreCompare and Contrast Essay on King Lear and Macbeth909 Words   |  4 Pagestragedies which included King Lear and Macbeth. All of Shakespeare’s plays had a theme which was used to help the story’s plot to advance further, making events much more interesting. King Lear and Macbeth both have a common theme of madness that is apparent throughout the play which has been depicted differently. They are both written in different ways but still share a same purpose. The essay will be broken down into three parts; firstly we will look at the way madness is viewed in Macbeth. SecondlyRead MoreEssay on Madness in King Lear: Act 4848 Words   |  4 Pages Madness in King Lear: Act 4 In Shakespeares play King Lear, Shakespeare introduces many themes. The most important theme shown in King Lear is the theme of madness. During the course of this play madness is shown in the tragic hero, King Lear. King Lear develops madness right in the beginning of the play but he actually shows it in Act 4. In this act, King Lear is not only at the peak of madness but it is also shown him coming out of his madness as well. This act is likely to be the most importantRead MoreLiterary Analysis Of William Shakespeare s Macbeth And King Lear1605 Words   |  7 Pagesmany complications due to the madness it causes. Shakespeare manages to draw both mad and tragic parallels in two of his tragic plays, Macbeth and King Lear, which have both gone down as literary picassos. In both plays, themes of madness and injustice are clearly presented, along with containing parallel ideas about scheming, hypocrisy, and abuses of power. Likewise, female deception is also very apparent in both of the works plot, only adding to the idea of madness that both plays are trying toRead MoreShakespeare s King Lear Appearances1704 Words   |  7 PagesIn Shakespeare’s King Lear appearances are not always reflective of reality. While in many scenes throughout the play characters are disguised, their identities concealed behind a physical shroud, the theme of appearances versus reality runs much deeper, making the l ines between love and hate, foolishness and wisdom, and cruelty and innocence ambiguous to both the characters and the audience. As the play progresses, a veil of ignorance seems lift, elucidating the truth of each matter to the charactersRead MoreThe Theme Of Madness In Shakespeare, By William Shakespeare927 Words   |  4 PagesMadness can be defined as the state of mental delusion/ mentally ill or showing extremely foolish/eccentric behavior which begins with anger. The incorporation of madness in literature has been a long-standing tradition and can be encountered in these three works: King Lear by William Shakespeare where he tells the story about King Lear whose madness has been promoted by his two daughters, Regan and Goneril, â€Å"Daddy† by Sylvia Plath, where she reveals her anguish at her father’s death, she also disclosesRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s King Lear971 Words   |  4 PagesKing Lear Exam Question In all genres there are stereotypical elements. This academic essay will outline the importance and effect of the elements of dramatic tragedy within the given passage from King Lear, and how this is significant and develops an understanding in the audience towards the play as a whole. The passage given comes from Act 1; Scene 1 of ‘King Lear’. This initial scene is what would be called the ‘initiation of tragedy’ in this context as it supplies the tragic hero; in this caseRead MoreEssay on King Lear and a Brave New World: Similar Themes and Motifs774 Words   |  4 PagesShakespeares King Lear, the reader will find that both works use similar motifs that mirror each other to increase further the similarities and significance of the works. The Brave new world tries to destroy any of human emotion, which is why Huxley has chooses Shakespeare as the basis of Johns system of beliefs involved in personal connection. Although the story lines in both of the publications are quite different from one another, there is no doubt that there are themes that allow oneRead More A Lesson Learned Too Late in King Lear Essay1184 Words   |  5 PagesA Lesson Learned Too Late in King Lear      Ã‚   In the first half of the play, King Lear struggles with the problem of authority and the consequences of giving his own authority away.   Lear’s eventual loss of sanity is a result of his ill judgement and unwillingness to part with his power as king.   Yet, the issue of authority is not the only theme that is being dealt with in the play.   King Lear is also about Lear’s search for identity and wisdom in his old age.   The play explores the concept of