The Mutability of Public Opinion in The Rite of Spring

“Public opinion is an extremely mutable thing,” Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen once declared. In light of historical documents surrounding Igor Stravinsky’s now-acclaimed masterpiece, The Rite of Spring, the truth behind Ibsen’s quote is clearer than ever. Public opinion is not always easy to determine from the limited availability of historical resources, and often evolves over time as well. Although primary sources, especially reviews of music, literature, or other works, can be priceless sources of historical information, scholars must remain aware of possible biases represented among the limited historical materials available.

The role of historical research is to seek and provide comprehensive and accurate understandings of historical persons, places, and events. Primary documents like those republished in Slonimsky’s Lexicon of Musical Invective and Weiss’ and Taruskin’s Music in the Western World definitely aid a scholars in confirming and questioning traditional understandings of the musical works, especially classics like Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. For example, even though “it is easy now to place The Rite of Spring in the context of its Russian “nationalist” heritage,” it can be equally easy to overlook the fact that “the reaction of the older generation of Russian composers was no different from that of conservative musicians everywhere” (Weiss 375). As Weiss and Taruskin acknowledge, quotes like these demonstrate that pieces that had been initially classified according in certain categories can be reclassified and debated. Generally, when primary documents are available, scholars are less likely to fall into naïve and incorrect interpretations of now-celebrated musical works.

Furthermore, primary sources, especially musical reviews, can cast a new light on the dynamics between composers and audiences. As noted earlier, surviving historical reviews of The Rite of Spring seem to be mostly disparaging, with a typical reviews asserting that The Rite of Spring was “like a locomotive which has fallen off the track, making its wheels revolve in air,” or “horrible jargon from the start to finish, sheer discord with no right to a place on the same program with true music” (Slonimsky 198, 199). Granted, Stravinsky did once remark backstage, “That my music could not be immediately accepted, I quite understand” (Weiss 376). However, that he later adamantly denied authorship of an article explaining the meaning behind his music suggests that Stravinsky may have caved into negative reception of his work. Additionally, Stravinsky hints at more positive reception of his earlier works, Petrushka and The Firebird, suggesting that his previous works received more favorable criticism from the press. Such nuanced understanding of the relationship between composers and audiences is only possible with primary documents, and bring greater depth to current knowledge of musical works.

As beneficial as primary sources are in historical studies, however, modern researchers must remain careful of the limited viewpoints expressed in historical works. For instance, although most surviving reviews of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring are sharply derogatory, Carl Van Vechten wrote in the Boston Evening Transcript: A certain part of the audience, thrilled by what it considered a blasphemous attempt to destroy music as an art, and swept away with wrath, began very soon after the rise of the curtain to whistle, to make cat-calls, and to offer audible suggestions as to how the performance should proceed. Others of us, who liked the music and felt that the principles of free speech were at stake, bellowed defiance.

Could it be that Van Vechten was representative of a significant minority, or even majority, that genuinely appreciated Stravinsky’s innovative musical styles? This question will never be truly answered, partially due to the insufficiency of surviving primary documents, and partially due to possible biases depicted in these documents. In America today, most people understand that social media and mainstream news are not necessarily representative of public opinion in America. Likewise, opinions gleaned from historically mainstream sources, such as musical reviews published in newspapers, may not be representative of the public opinion of the time. Additionally, just as modern trends in public opinion can be traced over time, historical trends in public opinion may not be readily apparent from narrow selections of primary documents. Researchers have a responsibility, therefore, to remain cognizant of possible biases in historical sources, and to seek out supplementary sources of information if possible. Whenever appropriate, researchers should also use overly deprecatory reviews with a grain of salt, giving composers the benefit of the doubt, especially given that formerly scorned pieces like The Rite of Spring have since gone on to become classical masterpieces.

Primary sources surrounding The Rite of Spring certainly demonstrate the mutability of public opinion. Even as scholars treasure such sources for the invaluable insights they provide, they must bear in mind the potential skews in viewpoints represented, and interpret these works against the greater backdrop of the musical work’s overall historical impact. Historical knowledge may never be complete, but scholars can do their best in evaluating and reevaluating modern understanding of traditional pieces, in order to bestow a more comprehensive and accurate understanding.

Essay on Spring Season

The spring is of three months, however, due to the beauty of its surroundings, it seems that it remains only for a short time. Birds start singing in the sweet voice in reception of the Vasant Season. Temperature remains normal, this season does not have much cold and neither too much heat. Due to the greenery around it, it makes us feel that the whole nature has covered itself with a green sheet. All trees and plants receive new life and new form, because new branches and flowers develop on their branches. Crops grow completely in fields and look like real gold on all sides.

New and light green leaves start coming on the branches of trees and plants. After a long winter silence, the birds start chirping around the house and in the sky around us. On the arrival of spring, they feel refreshed themselves and break their silence by sweet voice. Their activities make us realize that they are feeling very happy and are thanking God for giving this good season.

At the beginning of this season, the temperature becomes normal, which makes people feel relieved, because they can go out wearing clothes without wearing hot clothes on the body. Parents organize a picnic to have fun with the children during the weekend. Flowers buds bloom in their entire shawl and welcome nature with a good smile. The blossoming of flowers creates beautiful scenes and romantic emotions by spreading Khushboo around.

Man and animal-birds feel healthy, happy and active. People start their hindered work and plans in this season due to very low temperature in the winter season. The very cool atmosphere of spring and very normal temperature prepares people to do too much work without weariness. They start the day very well from morning to evenings, even after a lot of crowds feel refreshed and relaxed.

Farmers feel very happy and relieved, because they successfully bring the new crop in the form of their home prize after hard work of many months. We celebrate Holi, Hanuman Jayanti, Navratri and other festivals with our friends, family members, neighbors and relatives. Spring, our environment and the whole atmosphere are very nice from nature and gives us a very good message that, happiness and misery continue to come after one another. Therefore, it should never feel bad and should be patient, because it always happens in the morning after a dark dense night.

Descriptive Essay on Spring Season

The spring season has always been a favorite time, among many. People love it more than any other season of the year. You can also find that students have been given teachers to write a few lines or essays during the spring. So, in this article, you will know a few essential things to help with your assignment and give a brief overview of this particular period of various needs and uses.

A new form of life getting lively in the spring

When it comes to the spring season, it lasts for three months, but it seems to stay for a short time as everything around it looks good. You can find the birds singing beautiful songs to welcome the season, and again, the air is always warm, not too hot, and not cold.

It makes one feel as if the whole environment is covered with green sheets to see the greenery around you. All plants and trees experience new life here and form fresh flowers and leaves. Also, the plants are fully mature in the garden, looking very much like real gold everywhere.

Welcoming nature as spring approaches

After a long silence in winter, the birds roam and begin to sing near the houses or in the sky. The birds break the silence and feel fresh with their beautiful song whenever this spring season comes. Their activities make everyone feel pleased and thankful to God for providing such fantastic weather.

When you see the spring approaching, you will find that the air is expected. This often makes people feel comfortable, making their outings without wearing warm clothes all over their bodies. In addition, parents enjoy having their children organize picnics during their vacations as children often have their annual exams completed during this time, especially in India.

You will find flower buds that bloom fully, embrace nature with their smiles, and bloom to give romantic feelings by spreading the scent of the whole place.

Springtime – good morning every night

At this time of year, even animal money is active, happy, and healthy. People are starting to do their job because of the poor winter conditions. So, this measure of weather and cold spring weather makes people do a lot of work without getting tired. You will see everyone starting a good day from morning to evening, and even after a lot and quickly, they feel comfortable and fresh.

This season brings great joy to the farmers, and they feel relaxed and happy as they get new crops to their homes in the reward of long months of hard work. This era is the greatest gift to humanity and the whole universe from nature, giving an important message of happiness and continuity in succession. Therefore, it should never be sad but be patient as there is a good morning every night.

Benefits of the Spring Year

Spring is in the air, and the month of March comes, bringing many green gardens, colorful eggs and, beautiful rabbits. Although spring officially begins in March, there is much you can say about the benefits that come with it.

1. Heaps of Sunshine

After a dark and cold winter, the sunlight in the spring comes and produces a lot of your smile. Other than that, the sun will bring tremendous warmth to the sky, which means no heavy jackets; a lightweight coat awaits you in your wardrobe.

2. Better Temperature

Spring is in the middle of the two worst seasons: hot summer and heavy winter. This is the reason why this great time brings people an excellent opportunity to look for new outdoor businesses and enjoy a wonderful evening wrapped in your favorite clothes.

3. Many Sunny hours a day

You can now enjoy long days and short nights in this season. This is why spring is an excellent season to start a project or a hobby. You can also think about farming or building art and take this season as the last season of opportunity.

4. The Cutest Baby Animals

Like ducks, chicks, piglets, and rabbits, baby animals look excellent. You can search for lovely photos or videos of these little ones and find nowhere to run away from these beautiful creatures.

5. Flowers, Flowers everywhere

After a harsh and long winter, the reward of spring awaits with glorious flowers. Starting with beautiful flowers and early snow, all of this comes from everywhere you visit. Even plants and trees get a new green look with their blossoms. Everything here looks good.

6. Fresh air

There is no reason for the spring season without a refreshing and strong wind, which illuminates the emotions for a few milliseconds. You can, therefore, leave your window open to allow warm air circulation into your home and rejuvenate your spacious space.

Loss of Spring Season

1. Allergies increase

The spring season is awful for those who like to disagree with certain things as it increases pollen from trees. Tree pollen can give people an uncomfortable reaction.

To combat it, you should make sure you take the appropriate medication and view the allergy tracker in the weather app or news. If you have allergic reactions, make sure you take plenty of drugs, as springtime will hurt you.

2. Bad Weather

When spring arrives, the heat trying to stay fresh and fresh air will cause thunderstorms. Bad weather can be catastrophic and leave things in a state of disrepair. In addition, the problem with this severe weather is that you are losing energy, and depending on the size of the storm, it will only increase over time.

3. Spring may be more refreshing than usual

In the spring, especially how cold this season can be. The onset of spring is especially hot as trees are delayed in leaf growth. These late-growing trees can scare you, but looking at them while you are growing can be very fast.

4. Landscaping

Although many would like to go along with their yard, you would probably not want to cut the grass as this would be the worst part of spending your springtime.

After you get home, you can hire yourself or hire professionals in yard maintenance. Of course, if you want to make your house look good, you can always make your home the way you want it to be.

CONCLUSION

Finally, the spring season is considered the transition period between winter and summer. There are a lot of early spring fans, and you don’t have to sneeze as much as the trees are not ready to pollinate at that time.

You would be pleased to see what the rest of the season has in store for you, and you can hope that in the spring comes the gains and losses that go with every time you can get the most out of it. I hope you enjoyed this article about the spring season.

Grief and Blight in Poem “Spring and Fall” by Gerard Manley Hopkin

Introduction

Gerard Manley Hopkin’s poem “Spring and Fall” is centered around one’s perception of death and mortality. The central figure of the writing is a girl called Margaret, who is crying over dead leaves and ordinary seasonal changes. However, the narrator understands that the underlying reasons for such an emotional response are one’s mortality and death. The author uses nature imagery in order to illustrate the difference between adults’ and child’s perspectives on grief and blight. Therefore, the girl’s pain is due to leaves falling, whereas the narrator realizes that the real reason behind Margaret’s sorrow is her own mortality.

Child’s Perspective

Margaret is most likely a little child that just learned the concept of death and decay, which are essential influences of human life. The author writes: “Margaret, are you grieving / Over Goldengrove unleaving??” (Hopkins, 2019, p. 1145). The given lines are introducing the girl’s grief regarding leaves falling during the fall. It is important to note that the majority of significant changes are always faced with certain forms of resistance or emotional response (McCoyd & Walter, 2016). A child’s world is a journey of discovery, and many ordinary objects or occurrences are novelties for a little one. Thus, it is evident that Margaret is not yet aware of the fact that people eventually die, but the falling of the leaves illustrates that many things in life are not permanent. Seasonal changes are cyclical, where one season replaces another. It is highly similar to human life, where parents bring their children into the light and fade away. Therefore, Margaret does not know that people die, but she understands that some things, such as seasons, are not permanent. The latter is one of the key premises of the concept of mortality.

Moreover, the narrator further emphasizes the similarity between seasonal changes and human life. The author writes: “Leaves, like the things of man, you / With your fresh thoughts care for, can you?” (Hopkins, 2019, p. 1145). The narrator compares the leaves to humans, where one’s fall is a representation of the other’s death. It is clear that the girl’s grief is primarily due to her knowing little about the subject. In addition, she is experiencing such events for the first time, which indicates the novelty of the experience.

Adult’s Perspective

The majority of the poem is focused on demonstrating an adult’s perspective on death and grief. The author writes: “Ah! as the heart grows older / It will come to such sights colder” (Hopkins, 2019, p. 1146). This is the first line that showcases the major difference between an adult’s and a child’s understanding of one’s mortality. The narrator attempts to explain that as people grow older, they become more resilient to their own mortality. Margaret will grow up, and she will no longer grief over falling leaves or the death of the majority of people. The author writes: “By and by, nor spare a sigh / Though worlds of Fanwood leafmeal lie;” (Hopkins, 2019, p. 1146). The given lines further reiterate the fact that adults show little care about the “leafmeal” of dead people. The narrator is trying to explain that Margaret will stop grieving over most people, who will always be dying similarly to leaves falling. The author also writes: “And yet you will weep to know why” (Hopkins, 2019, p. 1146). However, the narrator does not state that adults do not experience grief at all because they do on specific occasions. All people grief when their loved ones pass away, that is why, the line says that one will weep, but the reasons will be clear.

Underlying Reasons

Moreover, the poem also provides similar points between the adult’s and child’s sorrows. The author further writes: “Now no matter, child, the name: / Sorrow’s springs are the same” (Hopkins, 2019, p. 1146). The narrator makes a final comparison and shows the similarity between a child’s and adult’s perspectives, where both express such an emotional response in order to grief. The reasons or “springs” for one’s grief are the same for both adult and child, but the only difference is the fact that the former realizes the underlying reasons. The author writes: “Nor mouth had, no nor mind, expressed / What heart heard of, ghost guessed:” (Hopkins, 2019, p. 1146). The narrator comes back to the current situation of Margaret crying over falling leaves and states that she is not capable of articulating her sorrow. However, it is evident that she is doing so due to the visceral level of understanding or “gut-feeling” without logical comprehension.

The narrator finally elaborates on the actual reason behind Margaret’s grief. The author writes: “It is the blight man was born for, / It is Margaret you mourn for” (Hopkins, 2019, p. 1146). This references the fact that all people are mortal, and so is Margaret. The child’s grief was triggered by the leaves, but the key underlying reason is her own mortality. Margaret unknowingly expresses the correct emotional response to the concept, but the subject and context are not worth crying over. Both blight and decay are inevitable stages that come after the termination of human life. People are born to eventually die and become a decaying blight.

Spring Season vs Autumn Season Essay

There may be four seasons in one year for most in the Western part of the world, but two out of four of those are usually confused with one another ‘“ especially when you consider the culture and practices attached to it. These two seasons are called autumn and spring, and apart from one preceding the other, there are also glaring differences between the two.

The spring season is usually associated with rebirth, since the winter months have finally finished and everything ‘“ plant life, animal and human life ‘“ is slowly getting out of its slumber and back in to the bright sunlight. Spring is when weather can be considered as absolutely perfect because you still have the crisp chill left over from winter yet you also get to see more flowers popping up here and there.

Autumn, on the other hand, is when all these colors transition into different levels of reds and browns and become crisp, falling off for children to sweep or collect. If the leaves in spring are bright green, the leaves in autumn are a magnificent red. Spring is the signal that winter has already ended, and autumn is the signal that summer is finally over and done with. For many people, spring lets them look towards summery days and vacations ahead ‘“ while autumn signifies the reality of going back to school and the routines of the most part of the year.

Colorful plants and green leaves versus brilliant reds and browns and falling leaves ‘“an awakening from the cold, and the end of the hot summer heat. The eager anticipation of sunny days and breezy nights, and the stark reality of a vacation ended on a high note. These are usually the things that come to mind when you try to differentiate between the two seasons of spring and autumn.