Tow #10 - Napoleon Crossing the Alps (Jacques-Louis David)

In Napoleon Crossing the Alps (1805), Jacques-Louis David attempts to capture the moment when French leader Napoleon Bonaparte led his army across the Great St. Bernard’s Pass in May 1800. Bonaparte can be seen riding his horse in the foreground, while some of the men serving under him are in the background. The painting was commissioned by King Charles IV of Spain to be hung in a hall with other military leaders. Jacques-Louis David was chosen by the King because of his prestige in the genre of “History painting,” which focused on a portrait’s subject matter rather than on its artistic style. Most viewers celebrate the French painter for his classical style, helping his purpose, which is to show that Napoleon is not only a great military leader, but also a great man that should be revered. To prove this, David organizes the painting by placing Napoleon and his cape at the highest point. The top of his cape is even higher than the mountain, implying that he is larger than life. He is far more significant than his subordinates and even nature bows to his will, encouraging the audience to revere him. David also uses color to show Napoleon’s importance. While the rest of the landscape does not evoke much emotion, the horse Napoleon rides is specifically designed. It is bright white, intended to give off an angelic image. If Napoleon is riding an angel, he must be very powerful indeed. Finally, David alludes to the great military leader Hannibal by placing his name on a rock in the bottom left-hand corner. Many later military leaders strove to be like him, including Napoleon. Interestingly, Napoleon’s name is listed above Hannibal’s, and it is larger. This shows that Napoleon was an even better general than Hannibal. Ultimately, David accomplishes his purpose, as his combination of rhetorical devices forces the audience to recognize Napoleon’s daring and dashing heroism. After viewing the photo and without any background information on the famous dictator, a viewer would certainly believe him to be a wonderful man in all regards, especially in battle.

IRB Intro Post #2

I am choosing to read Alexander Hamilton, American because it is one of the most well-known and highly-acclaimed memoirs on the famous figure. Having seen the musical, I have become very fascinated with Hamilton's life over the past few months. As a result, I wanted to learn more about him, especially as I know that Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the musical, did not include all of the important aspects of his life. In addition, I thought reading about him and the other Founding Fathers would give me a greater understanding of America's creation, which will certainly help me in history class.

Tow #9 - Long Avoided by Tourists, Iran is Suddenly a Hot Destination (Thomas Erdbrink)

     In this article, Thomas Erdbrink explains the reasons behind the revitalization of Iran’s tourism industry, but also describes how it could be improved. To understand this relationship, the author examines the country’s violent past and how the new deal struck with six world powers in 2015 has led to thousands of Western European visitors. This article was published in the New York Times, one of the world’s most well-respected news sources. Its author has written a variety of articles on Iran, making him qualified to speak on this subject. This credibility enhances his purpose, which is to show that, while the tourism industry in Iran is making leaps, it is still not completely inclusive. To accomplish this, he quotes a French visitor to Iran. She explains how, contrary to common belief, she felt extremely safe in the Middle Eastern nation. She says, ““I feel more safe here than in France.”” This proves Erdbrink’s point, as it shows that foreigners are beginning to consider Iran a viable tourist destination. Erdbrink also recalls people that have led to increased tourism in Iran, specifically President Hassan Rouhani. The author explains, “Long suspicious of foreigners, Iranian officials...are now welcoming them.” This helps establish the author’s ethos, as it shows he knows his subject very well. It also proves that Iran is more welcoming of visitors. Finally, Erdbrink concedes the sad truths of Iranian tourism to show that, despite advances, the nation still has room to improve. He tells the story of a man who hosted foreigners in his basement and allowed the women to abandon their head scarves This man was later arrested but, as Erdbrink describes, “He was released and is awaiting trial.” This shows that the nation’s leaders are still unwilling to allow tourists to bring their ideals with them. The article certainly accomplishes its purpose, mostly because of its use of examples to show the contradictory nature of Iranian tourism. These contradictions prove that, although many new visitors are welcome in the nation, these visitors are not allowed to bring their beliefs with them.

Tow #8 - The Other Mother (Stephanie Fairyington)

     In The Other Mother, Stephanie Fairyington shares her experiences being the lesbian mother who did not give birth to her child. She worries that she is not as important as her spouse or as her daughter’s anonymous father. As a journalist and writer for the New York Times, Fairyington’s ethos is automatic. Additionally, as she is describing her personal experiences, it is difficult to question her credibility. This enhances her purpose, which is to comfort prospective parents who do not share their child’s blood by proving their importance. For this reason, her chief audience is parents who did not or will not play a role in their child’s conception. One device Fairyington uses to advance her purpose is rhetorical questions. She has many concerns about not being blood-related to her daughter, and she summarizes them for the reader through these unanswered inquiries. She asks, “How much, I wondered, would her father’s absence define her?...In what ways would he show up in her mannerisms?” By including these questions in her essay, Fairyington helps validate the audience’s similar concerns. Another rhetorical device she uses is personal anecdotes. These stories help explain why concerned parents might feel the way they do. Fairyington recalls, “When Marty was born, the “congratulations” were almost always directed at Sabrina alone.” By sharing this memory from her daughter’s birth, Fairyington explains the circumstances that illuminate why she had misgivings about her connection to Marty. This comforts the readers, as it shows them they are not alone. Fairyington also employs the strategy of concession and refutation, in which she attempts to explain why society forces her to question her role in her daughter’s life. She explains, “Hit shows like...PBS’s “Finding Your Roots,” or popular genetic tests that trace biological lineage...also attest to our preoccupation with blood ties.” Although she recognizes the importance of blood ties, she later eases her reader’s minds when she describes how her personal concerns waned over time. Once Fairyington realized how important she was to her daughter’s daily well being, she worried less about how Marty would view her. The essay definitely accomplishes its purpose, because the personal experiences Fairyington describes successfully lift the audience’s spirits. In the end, she explains that it is more about being a parent to a child than being the parent to a child.