Truth and Reality Discuss how these ideas of the self are disclosed in art by ch

Question

Truth and Reality

Discuss how these ideas of the self are disclosed in art by choosing an example of a character/narrator/subject in a work of art (novel, poem, film, graphic novel, short story, television show, song, painting, etc.) who you think captures the avocado/modern idea that we have an essential, shared human nature and that the self and the world are distinct entities. Then, choose an example of a work of art that you think illustrates the artichoke/post-modern idea of the self. Consider the following ideas and questions in your analysis of these two examples:

Are the self and the material world distinct entities, as Descartes thinks? What are some examples of representative art that illustrate the idea that the subject/mind and the object/world/body are distinct? Alternatively, are the self and the world organic unities, as Schelling argues? How might artistic creation express this unity of subject and object?

Is art mimesis/representation (as in Platonism and Aristotelian aesthetics) or is it a means of transforming the self and reality? Might it be aspirational, allowing us to achieve catharsis, as Aristotle suggests? Consider, too, how the idea of art as representation is akin to the avocado view while the idea of art as transformative is more like the artichoke view.

Explanation / Answer

I would like to cite cinematic examples to show how the self maybe portrayed as an ‘avocado’ or an ‘artichoke’, although I do not believe that they are mutually exclusive. Citizen Kane, a mystery drama film released in 1941 revolves around the character of Charles Foster Cane who is a newspaper magnate. The film traces his life from childhood to death. From a tender age itself, his lofty ambitions of achieving fame, money, and status are noted which only progress to become more pronounced during the course of his life. His desire for success and power could be thought of his core personality traits, which were remained steadfast even though it ultimately lead to his doom. Thus, his character captures the ‘avocado’ notion of the self.

On the other hand, the character of Christopher McCandless in the 2007 biographical drama film, Into the Wild, would represent the ‘artichoke’ conception of the self. The movie traces the two-year journey of McCandless to Alaska after he severs his past identity, relationships, and material possessions in order to spend his life in the wilderness. He rejects any associations of his ‘earlier’ self and assumes a completely new identity, which is then shown to be constructed with his interactions with people and places he encounters during his travel journey. In this way, his character has several complex layers of the self.

Please post the other questions separately as we are supposed to answer only one question per post.

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