Overview
This week we are studying intent and interpretation, specifically focusing on cultural works. For this assignment, select either the Statue of Liberty, the Crazy Horse Memorial, or the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Research the intention of the creator of the monument you selected and how the monument is perceived today. Review the articles related to each monument in the Resources section.
Prompt
Respond to the questions below in a few paragraphs. Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
- 1. Describe the monument selected.
- 2. Explain the original intentions behind the monument selected and how later interpretations changed the meaning and cultural understandings.
- 3. Reflect on what you learned in the Resources section articles below and compare your own interpretation or understanding of the monument selected with the intent of authors whose interpretations you chose to evaluate.
RESOURCES: Monuments
These resources will support your short answer assignment. You do not need to read all of them. Choose a monument and read the two associated articles.
Statue of Liberty
Reading: The Statue of Liberty: A Transatlantic Story opens in new window, Chapter 1
This e-book from the Shapiro Library discusses the ideation and creation of the Statue of Liberty. Read Chapter 1.
Reading: “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus opens in new window
This article from the Shapiro Library presents an explication of Emma Lazarus’s poem “The New Colossus” and helps define the purpose of the Statue of Liberty.
Website: Statute of Liberty opens in new window
This website presents the park information for the Statue of Liberty.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Reading: American Sphinx opens in new window
The article from the Shapiro Library discusses the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota.
Website: Crazy Horse Memorial opens in new window
This website presents the Crazy Horse Memorial.
MLK Memorial
Reading: MLK Jr’s New Memorial to Stand Among DC’s Honored opens in new window
This article from the Shapiro Library discusses the artistic considerations in the construction of MLK’s memorial.
Website: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial opens in new window
This website presents the creation of the MLK statues, views of the park, and other resources related to the statue.