In the words of the great Pablo Picasso, “Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.” Art can be viewed as relief or an escape mechanism from the world around us. The sensation of seemingly getting lost in the melody of a Beethoven symphony, or envisioning oneself in the midst of a Michelangelo mural, can enable an individual to gain a level of insight into their feelings. In addition, one is able to experience thoughts and emotions that are often difficult to express verbally. E.M. Forster’s, A Room With a View, calls on artistic masterpieces to aid the main character, Lucy Honeychurch, in her search for self discovery and true love. Lucy’s internal battle with her own feelings and external battle against societal expectations and
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One of the famous works of art Lucy encounters is Sandro Botticelli's, Birth of Venus. The Birth of Venus is a very famous work of the Renaissance and has served as a, “symbol of feminine grace and beauty.” The photograph depicts the female figure Venus, a Greek goddess, standing on dry land (a seashell) having emerged from the ocean beneath her. In combining the symbolic meaning of water in regards to rebirth, nudity in regards to femininity and sexuality, and the artistic Renaissance nature, the picture represents a revival of a woman. Regardless of the fact cousin Charlotte's dissuasion in purchasing this picture because of it’s nudity, Lucy buys it anyway. Lucy is in a sense experiencing her own revival, not only in her thoughts but through her actions. Despite, this rather rebellious act, Lucy’s “gates of liberty seemed still unopened.” For the first time Lucy became “conscious of her discontent” in both her life and the choices she makes. This idea will evolve throughout the story as she experiences more personal moments with the arts around …show more content…
For Lucy, this concept is liberating as her day to day actions are often determined and expected by her superiors, her mother and fiancé, Cecil. Throughout the novel, Beethoven musical references are made. The world of music is described as, “not the kingdom of this world", making it an outlet of escape for Lucy. Beethoven’s Opus 111 is mentioned. The narrator notes Lucy’s ability to play this piece despite its, “winding intricacies.” Famous pianists such Robert Taub call Opus 111 “a work of unmatched drama and transcendence ... the triumph of order over chaos, of optimism over anguish.” Others, like John Lill view the sonatas as, “physically challenging” for a pianist performing this work.” Beethoven compositions, in Mr. Beebe’s opinion, were intended to be simple and direct. Choosing this unusual piece of music, seems almost unreasonable or unacceptable. Lucy’s music choice parallels her own life in that she is willing to act in ways that are not acceptable in
One of the famous works of art Lucy encounters is Sandro Botticelli's, Birth of Venus. The Birth of Venus is a very famous work of the Renaissance and has served as a, “symbol of feminine grace and beauty.” The photograph depicts the female figure Venus, a Greek goddess, standing on dry land (a seashell) having emerged from the ocean beneath her. In combining the symbolic meaning of water in regards to rebirth, nudity in regards to femininity and sexuality, and the artistic Renaissance nature, the picture represents a revival of a woman. Regardless of the fact cousin Charlotte's dissuasion in purchasing this picture because of it’s nudity, Lucy buys it anyway. Lucy is in a sense experiencing her own revival, not only in her thoughts but through her actions. Despite, this rather rebellious act, Lucy’s “gates of liberty seemed still unopened.” For the first time Lucy became “conscious of her discontent” in both her life and the choices she makes. This idea will evolve throughout the story as she experiences more personal moments with the arts around …show more content…
For Lucy, this concept is liberating as her day to day actions are often determined and expected by her superiors, her mother and fiancé, Cecil. Throughout the novel, Beethoven musical references are made. The world of music is described as, “not the kingdom of this world", making it an outlet of escape for Lucy. Beethoven’s Opus 111 is mentioned. The narrator notes Lucy’s ability to play this piece despite its, “winding intricacies.” Famous pianists such Robert Taub call Opus 111 “a work of unmatched drama and transcendence ... the triumph of order over chaos, of optimism over anguish.” Others, like John Lill view the sonatas as, “physically challenging” for a pianist performing this work.” Beethoven compositions, in Mr. Beebe’s opinion, were intended to be simple and direct. Choosing this unusual piece of music, seems almost unreasonable or unacceptable. Lucy’s music choice parallels her own life in that she is willing to act in ways that are not acceptable in