The Arts and Royalty; Philosophers Debate Politics
Please respond to one (1) of the following, using sources under the Explore heading and any other sources of the same quality that you find as the basis of your response:
In this week’s readings, a dispute in the French royal court is described between the playwright Moliere and a well-born Parisian; Louis XIV stepped in. In what two ways did Louis make use of drama and the performance arts to promote his power? Identify one (1) example of a modern political leader approaching the arts this way.
The philosophers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke disagreed on the understanding of political authority, with Locke taking what is commonly called the “liberal” view. Choose a side (be brave perhaps; take a side you actually disagree with). Using the writings of each, given in our class text or in the websites below, and make your case for the side you chose and against the other side. Identify one (1) modern situation in the world where these issues are significant.
Louis XIV was the master of public relations. Explain two ways he used the arts as propaganda. The textbook and my Live Session for Week 2 will give you plenty of ideas.
Elizabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre (1625-1729) was Louis XIV’s favorite composer of dances and she was the first woman in France to write an opera that was performed on the national stage. Compare her career and role in Louis’s court with that of George Friederich Handel (1685-1759). Although he was never at Louis’ court, Handel spent most of his life in Britain and came there to write “Italian” operas for the aristocracy and the king but his own genius came to prevail. He was buried in the most prestigious burial spot in England, Westminster Cathedral. How did each influence the music of their times?
