Rhetorical Analysis Rough Draft

The Mona Lisa is the most famous work in the entire 40,000-year history of the visual arts. It provokes instant shocks of recognition wherever it is shown, reduces the Venus of Milo and the Sistine Chapel to the level of merely local marvels, sells as many post-cards as a tropical resort, and stimulates as many people as an unsolved international murder mystery. Like many celebrities today, the Mona Lisa is simply famous for being famous. Louvre officials estimate that most of the museum’s first-time visitors come mainly to stare at this cross between a cultural model and an icon of tastelessness. Undoubtedly, the painting has become part of our collective subconscious. This picture has provoked--and been the object of--crazy reactions, adoration, analysis, gross imitations, scandalous take-offs and the object of commercialization than any other work of art in history.

Da Vinci used a pyramid design to place the woman simply and calmly in the space of the painting. Her folded hands form the front corner of the pyramid. Her breast, neck and face glow in the same light that models her hands. Detail of Lisa's hands, her right hand resting on her left. One would have to assume he chose this gesture rather than a wedding ring to depict Lisa as a virtuous woman and faithful wife. The light gives the variety of living surfaces an underlying geometry of spheres and circles. Da Vinci used the seemingly simple formula for seated female figure: the images of a seated Madonna, which were widespread at the time. He effectively modified this formula in order to create the visual impression of distance between the sitter and the observer. The armrest of the chair functions as the dividing element between Mona Lisa and the viewer. The woman sits strikingly upright with her arms folded, which is also a sign of her reserved posture. Only her gaze is fixed on the observer and seems to welcome him to this silent communication.

Mona Lisa has no visible facial hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. It was common at this time for refined women to pluck them out, since they were considered to be unsightly. This also aides to the emotionless expression upon the woman’s face, and adds to its slightly semi-abstract quality. Since the brightly lit face is practically framed with various much darker elements (hair, veil, shadows), the observer's attraction to Mona Lisa's face is brought to even greater extent. Da Vinci’s subtle sfumato technique of modeling light and shade reached its peak with the Mona Lisa. The composition of the figure evokes an ambiguous effect and we are attracted to this mysterious woman, but have to stay at a distance as if she were a divine creature.

The painting was among the first portraits to depict the sitter before an imaginary landscape. The woman is seated in an open terrace with dark pillar bases on e side. Behind her is a vast landscape that fades into icy mountains. Winding paths and a distant bridge give only the slightest indications of human presence. The curves of the woman's hair and clothing, created once again using the sfumato technique, are shown in the imaginary valleys and rivers behind her. The blurred outlines of the figure, creates dramatic contrasts of light and dark and the overall feeling of calm is expressed throughout the piece. Due to the fusion that was achieved between sitter and landscape, it is arguable whether Mona Lisa should be considered as a traditional portrait, for it represents an ideal rather than a real woman. The sense of overall harmony achieved in the painting, especially apparent in the sitter's faint smile, reflects Da Vinci's idea of a link connecting humanity and nature.

The very look of that enigmatic, tight-lipped smile that has launched thousands of interpretations, logical explanations and crazy analyzes. It has been described as both innocent and inviting, and it is unknown why the smile has been seen so differently by people. The explanations range from scientific theories about human vision to ideas about Mona Lisa's identity and feelings. It has been argued that the smile is mostly drawn in low spatial frequencies, and so it can best be seen from a distance or with one's peripheral vision. For example, the smile appears more striking when looking at the portrait's eyes than when looking at the mouth itself. It could also be argued that the secret is in the dynamic position of Mona Lisa's facial muscles, where our mind's eye unconsciously extends her smile, resulting in an unusual dynamicity to the face that gives off a subtle yet strong emotion in the viewer of the painting.

The trend most recently however, has leaned towards the physiological explanations for the smile. Was Mona Lisa, whoever she was, asthmatic? Simply a contented pregnant housewife? One could speculate that she smiled with her mouth closed because she was undergoing 16th-century-style mercury treatment for syphilis;the mercury would have turned her teeth an ugly black, as well as leaving her with a sorely inflamed mouth. She could perhaps have suffered from congenital palsy affecting the left side of her face, backing up the theory by pointing out that she had the typically large hands of such patients. Or perhaps the semi-smile resulted from her being half-paralyzed either from birth or a stroke.This is indicated by the fact that her right hand looks relaxed but her left hand is strangely tense.

So who is the Mona Lisa? There are several variations to be considered as to the identification of the sitter. The painting was originally given its name because it was painted in imitation of Lisa del Giocondo, the wife the wealthy silk and cloth merchant Francesco del Giocondo, who is thought to have commissioned Lisa's portrait to celebrate the purchase of the family's new home in Florentine, Italy. The painting was intended for the portrayal of a woman of virtue. Shown as a faithful wife through gesture—her right hand rests over her left. Da Vinci presented Lisa as fashionable and successful, perhaps more well-off than she was, her dark garments and black veil were Spanish-influenced high fashion. Many believe that the veil is present because Lisa was mourning the loss of her daughter, yet another piece of identification. The portrait is strikingly large; its size is equal to that of commissions acquired by wealthier art patrons of the time. This extravagance has been explained as a sign of Francesco and Lisa's social aspiration.

During the last years of his life, Da Vinci spoke of a portrait "of a certain Florentine lady done from life at the request of the magnificent Giuliano de' Medici." No evidence has been found that indicates a link between Lisa del Giocondo and Giuliano de' Medici, however, the comment could instead refer to one of the two other portraits of women painted by Da Vinci. A later statement created confusion when it linked the Mona Lisa to a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo’s husband, Francesco. Who is perhaps the origin of the controversial idea that it is the portrait is actually of a man.

Which is when the idea that the Mona Lisa is actually a self-portrait came into play. The theory can be supported by the results of a digital analysis of the facial features of Leonardo's face and that of the famous painting. When a self-portrait drawing by Da Vinci is reversed and then merged with an image of the Mona Lisa, the features of the faces align perfectly. Some suggest that the painting is of Da Vinci’s mother Caterina, which explains the resemblance between artist and subject, observed and would also explain why Leonardo kept the portrait with him wherever he traveled, until his death.

Whomever she may be, or whatever Da Vinci’s reasoning behind painting this woman, this painiting is truly a magnificent specimen of how an artwork can impact a society in so many ways. Its truly a magnificent work that sends deep emotional feelings, and leads to different intrepretations by everyone who views it.

Works Cited:

http://www.encyclomedia.com/mona_lisa.html

http://www.studiolo.org/Mona/MONALIST.htm

http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/vinci/joconde/

http://www.lairweb.org.nz/leonardo/mona.html

http://www.arlindo-correia.com/020602.html

WWII Propaganda

In this picture, most of the paper space is used up with the image of the woman. By doing this, the poster draws the attention of the viewer first most directly to the lady. The result of this being that the propaganda almost immediately distinguishes its audience. The lady is dressed in army garb, which is somewhat unusual as it was not generally the woman’s role to engage in warfare. By this variance, it draws more attention to the woman, thus amplifying their point. The second most noticeable feature on this poster is the American flag that resides behind the woman. By displaying the flag, it accomplishes two primary tasks: first, the flag is a symbol or type. The flag symbolizes respect, freedom, and liberty. So by showing the flag, the poster instills those feelings. Secondly, by displaying the woman standing in front of the flag, it denotes her loyalty to her country. This layout is key as the purpose of the poster is to recruit women, so by displaying a woman who is willing to serve her counter, it creates the same feelings in women viewing the poster, thus making them want to join the army.
In this poster, the words “This is my war too!” are written at the bottom in fairly large font. By using the larger font, the words will draw attention more that the other words would. This phrase combined with the picture of the woman instills an emotion of responsibility into female viewers. This poster does this through addressing the stereotypical fact of many more men joining up with the war than women. By bringing up this point, some women feel as if the men shouldn’t have to do everything with the war but that the women should get involved as well. With the use of the phrase ‘my war’, the sentence introduces a sense of ownership. With ownership of a great issue comes responsibility of that issue. Also, by saying that the war is partially owned by the women, it implies that the women have a say in the outcome of the war. This pushes the emotion of responsibility even further. The point of this poster is to create enough emotion in the women viewers to the extent that they will go out and join the army.

Responsibility

Remember when you were a kid and your biggest worry was like if you'd get a bike for your birthday, or if you'd get to eat cookies for breakfast? Now that I am officially an adult, I'm beginning to think its totally overrated. Don't be fooled by all the hot shoes, the great parties, and the no parents anywhere telling you what to do. Its the responsibility that comes with all that privilege I'm worried about. I mean adults have to be places, and earn a living, and pay the rent. See? Its kind of making bikes and cookies look really really good isn't it? And you know what the scariest part of responsibility is? When you screw up, and let it slip right through your fingers. Unfortunately however, once we get past the age of braces and training bras, responsibility doesn't go away. Without parents to defy, we break the rules we make for ourselves. Responsibility can't be avoided, either someone makes us face it, or we suffer the consequences. . And still, I mean adulthood has its perks, your own place, your own privacy, and the no parents anywhere telling you what to do, well, that's pretty damn good.

Also in the unfortunate category, is the inevitability that in life only one thing is certain...apart from death and taxes...no matter how hard you try, no matter how good your intentions, you are going to make mistakes. You're going to hurt people, you're going to get hurt, and if you ever want to recover, there is only one thing you can say. Forgive and forget, that's what they say, it's good advice, but its not very practical. When someone hurts us, we want to hurt them back. When someone wrongs us, we want to be right. Without forgiveness, old scores are never settled...old wounds never heal. And the most we can hope for is that one day we'll be lucky enough to forget.

Fairy Tales

After careful consideration, and many sleepless nights, here's what I've decided: There is no such thing as a "grown-up". We eventually move on and move out, and we will move away from our families, and start our own. But the basic insecurities, the basic fears, and all the old wounds will just grow up with us. We get bigger, we get taller, we get older, but for the most part we're still a bunch of kids, running around the playground, trying desperately to fit in. I've heard it's possible to grow up, I've just never met anyone who's actually ever done it. Without our parents to defy, we break the rules we set for ourselves. We still throw tantrums when things don't go our way, we whisper secrets in the dark with our best friends, we look for comfort where we can find it. And we hope, against all logic, against all experience, like children we never give up hope.

Like you know how when you were a kid and you believed in fairy tales? That fantasy of what your life would be, white dress, Prince Charming who would carry you away to a castle on a hill. You'd lie in bed at night and close your eyes, and you had complete and utter faith. Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, Prince Charming, they were so close, you could taste them. But eventually, we grow-up. One day, we wake up, open our eyes, and the fairy tale disappears. Most people turn to the things and people they can trust. But the thing is, its hard to let go of that fairy tale completely, because almost everyone still has that smallest bit of hope, of faith, that one day they'll open their eyes and it will all come true.

At the end of the day, faith is a funny thing. It turns up when you don't really expect it. Its like one day you realize that the fairy tale may be slightly different than you dreamed. The castle, well its may not be a castle. And it suddenly becomes not so important that its happily ever after. Just that it's happy right now. See once in awhile, once in a blue moon, people will surprise you. And once in awhile... people may even take your breath away.

Vice Presidential Debate

In the Vice Presidential debate, each candidate was asked the question, "What promises, given the events of the week, the bailout plan, have your campaigns made to the American people that you are not going to be able to keep?" Both candidates used different tactics and strategies an attempt to persuade the audience. They used different methods to reach the people in a variety of ways. Using logos, pathos, and ethos, candidate is effectively arguing or debating their opinions and beliefs.

After Joe Biden's response, Sarah Palin begins to answer the question by saying, "The nice thing about running with John McCain is that he does not tell one thing to one group and then turn around and tell something different to another group." By opening with that particular statement, Sarah Palin is able to effectively give credibility to John McCain using the rhetorical method of ethos; it provides John McCain with the credentials that he is an authoritative figure that is very trustable.

After speaking about John McCain, Sarah Palin then begins to use a different approach and talks of her feelings on the subject. She once again uses ethos by talking about the energy plan, "You know what I had to do in the state of Alaska? I had to take on those oil companies and tell them that their mode of operation was wrong and that it was not going to continue." By providing the audience with this information, she is establishing herself as a very powerful figure that has a lot of control and authority. By using this approach, the speaker's character is persuading, as she is showing what she has accomplished at a position already as a leader. She's trying to show the American people that she is very capable of being in a position at a level of high authority and in control.

Sarah Palin also made several statements about herself that shows the goodwill of her character. She presents information by quoting, "What I had to do was break up monopoly and say that the people are going to come first and make sure we have value given to the people.” This can be considered an ethos because she speaks of the goodwill she has a person but it is also interpreted as a pathos. It may be considered a pathos statement because it also applies to emotion, and it directly relates to the people and it is a subject that the audience can easily relate to.

Finally, Sarah Palin uses ethos to wrap up her main points. She says, "I had to turn around those tax breaks as a governor of an energy producing state, which is my own expertise (energy)." She is showing that she is very experienced in the area of energy conservation, which is very important for her to be able to have even more credibility as a leader. Palin then says, "I do not believe that John McCain has made any promises that he would not be able to keep either." This is a very bold statement that is an ethos, for she is showing the reliability and trustworthiness that John McCain has as a potential President. It puts him in a very high position with a great amount of authority and control. Throughout the debate, there are various examples of ethos that Palin used to attempt to persuade and convince her audience.