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CHAPTER VIII
Some of the World's Famous Buildings
Like so many subjects suggested for club work, the one presented here may be expanded indefinitely. Each of the great buildings given should serve to introduce the subject of architecture and history.
Material will be found in good histories; in the encyclopedia, especially the Encyclopedia Britannica, and in the many books on architecture. Among the most useful in the way of description are: "Historic Buildings Described by Great Writers," and "Turrets, Towers and Temples," both by Esther Singleton (Dodd, Mead & Co.), and "Wonders of Art and Archæology," by M. Lefevre (Scribner). Ferguson's "History of Architecture" (Dodd, Mead & Co.) is also valuable. At each meeting there should be illustrations shown of the buildings studied.
I – EGYPT'S GREATEST BUILDING
The earliest of the world's great buildings, and in some respects the most remarkable of them all, is the Great Temple of Karnak, at Thebes, in lower Egypt, built about 1600 b. c.
Introductory papers should describe the country and its rulers, its development and religion. Speak especially of the power of the monarchs and the nation of slaves. Show pictures of pyramids, obelisks, gates and temples. Speak of Thebes, described by Homer as "hundred-gated." Compare with Memphis.
Then follow with one paper on the great ruins on the left bank of the Nile at Thebes, and read Shelley's sonnet on the fallen Colossus there. Crossing to the right bank, describe the ruins at Luxor, and so come to the vast and overwhelming Temple of Karnak itself.
Note the avenue of sphinxes, the forest of columns which led to the river bank, the huge fallen capitals, on each of which a hundred men can stand. Give some idea of the immensity of the Hall and what it must have been like when the roof was on, and the whole area of two hundred and seventy acres was in its perfection. Read the description by Amelia B. Edwards in "Turrets, Towers and Temples."
II – THE PARTHENON AND THE ACROPOLIS
To realize the beauty and value of the Parthenon at Athens, clubs must first study the history of Greece from the time of Themistocles and the Persian wars, through the rule of Aristides and Cimon when, it is believed, the building of the Parthenon was begun. The Age of Pericles, when art was at its height, needs two or more meetings; it was then that the temple was finished.
A good picture of the Acropolis at Athens should be shown to keep the buildings distinct; the one in Lefevre's book is excellent. Read the description of a procession to the temple by John Addington Symonds, in "Sketches in Italy."
One paper should discuss the architecture of the Parthenon; another should mention the sculptures and paintings; a third may give its later history, noting that while it was intact until 1687 its history from that time has been one of destruction. Mention the injuries done by collectors, especially Morosini and Lord Elgin. What of the ethics of the removal of the sculptures? Close with a descriptive reading on the Parthenon as it is to-day.
Studies of other Grecian temples will be found in the "Isles and Shrines of Greece," by S. J. Barrows (Little, Brown & Co.).
There is a remarkable little collection of poems called "The Englishman in Greece" (Clarendon Press) which will give delightful material for illustrating this program with verse from famous writers.
III – THE BUILDINGS OF ROME
The picture of the Coliseum at Rome brings with it the wonderful story of the imperial city at the height of its splendor, and also in its decay. Have meetings on Rome under Vespasian and Titus, who together built the Coliseum. It was completed in 80 a. d., ten years after the destruction of Jerusalem.
One paper may describe its architecture, its arches, its massive stone walls, its successive tiers of seats, its divisions for the people and the court, its interesting exits. It covered five acres of land and seated eighty-six thousand people; compare with the great stadium at Harvard to-day.
Follow with papers on the Roman games; at the dedication of the Coliseum these lasted a hundred days. Have one also on the gladiatorial fights and one on the Christian massacres, many of which took place here. Read from "Ben Hur" (Harper), the Chariot Race. Show, if possible, Gabriel Max's picture, "The Last Token." Then take the gradual destruction of the building by Goths and Vandals, and by the people of Rome themselves. Read from Gibbon's "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" his description of the building and the events which took place there; and also from the Coliseum, by Dickens, in "Historic Buildings."
Other buildings which may also be studied are the Pantheon, the Arch of Titus, Pompey's Theater, and the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, all in the early history of Italy. Clubs may follow the meetings on these buildings with two others on the more modern but no less remarkable St. Peter's, at Rome, that colossal edifice in the transept of which it is said that a cathedral could stand. Read from the description in "Wonders of Architecture."
IV – CASTLES AND CATHEDRALS IN GERMANY
Among the many great architectural remains in Germany perhaps the most interesting is the Castle of Heidelberg, standing on a hill three hundred feet above the town. It was begun toward the close of the thirteenth century, and is divided into two palaces and a hall, all of different periods. The extraordinary thing about it is the fact that nearly every style of architecture has been employed in its construction and adornment, yet it remains a thing of beauty. In the Palace of Frederick IV there are chiseled sculptures of five emperors, two kings and nine palatines; in the Palace of Otho Heinrichs there is a lovely Italian façade, with Greek demi-gods and nymphs, Hebrew heroes, and Roman Cæsars. There are four granite columns given by the Pope to Charlemagne, which were transferred from palace to palace before they were finally brought here. One writer has said that there is renown for ten artists in this castle, all of them unknown.
Study the history of Germany in connection with this building, the different palatine emperors who lived here, the wars in which it played a part, and the great events of which it was the scene. Read the description by Victor Hugo in "Turrets, Towers and Temples."
Clubs should also take up the Cathedral of Cologne, the Castle of the Wartburg, the Dragonfels, and the church at Aix-la-Chapelle.
V – THE MOSQUE OF ST. SOPHIA
The Mosque of St. Sophia at Constantinople is the great example of Byzantine art. Its history begins in the latter days of Roman history. Constantine, Theodosius, and Justinian all were connected with it. Read of the part each emperor took. Study next the rise and development of its style of architecture; note how uninteresting is its exterior, how curious the material of which it is built, and how wonderful its interior is. Note especially its marvelous dome, its pillars, built of marble and mosaics, its galleries and seats, so unusual in a great church. Take up the history of its greater columns, some from the Temple of the Sun at Baalbek, built by Aurelian, others from the Temple of Diana at Ephesus, and still others from Thebes, Athens, Rome, and Alexandria. This one topic of the columns could fill a meeting.
The use of color in the church should be emphasized; greens, blues, reds, black and white, rose and gold all mingle here in the decoration. Lamps, globes of crystal, even ostrich eggs, are suspended from the ceiling. Carpets and rugs, inlaid lecterns, painted sentences from the Koran are all of interest, but perhaps most remarkable are the scenes of Moslem life and worship at all hours.
As to the history of the great church, – that covers all of the Middle Ages, and extends even to our own day. Christians and Mohammedans have fought for it; it has withstood sieges and bombardments, and known massacres and pillage. Read from many sources; one good description by De Amicis is found in "Turrets, Towers and Temples."
VI – MOORISH ARCHITECTURE IN SPAIN
On a hill-top in Spain in the fortified suburb of Granada is the famous palace of the Moorish kings, the Alhambra. A large part of it was torn down by Charles V to make way for a palace which he began but never finished; it has suffered from neglect, from spoliation, from bombardment, from earthquakes and from fire; yet it still remains to-day an exquisite and unique piece of architecture. The whole place is easily divided into its parts, and papers may describe them separately. The entrance with its great vestibule and the inner portal, one with a gigantic hand and the other with a key, around which emblems cluster fascinating legends, may be the first subject; then will follow others on the Hall of the Ambassadors, the Court of the Fish Pond, the Court of the Lions, the Hall of the Two Sisters, and the Hall of the Abencerrages. The Court of the Lions is the most beautiful, with its alabaster fountain resting on the crouching lions; the Hall of the Abencerrages witnessed a famous massacre; show pictures of these two rooms. Notice how everywhere there are the vaulted ceilings of carved cedar wood, the bubblelike domes, the mosaics, the tilings, the arabesques, the delicate tracery of color, and the marvelous lace work of wood and marble. The deep well of icy water is also to be mentioned, and the repeated fountains; the glorious views from the various windows and arches are also famous. Read several chapters from Washington Irving's "Alhambra," and also from "Spain and the Spaniards," by De Amicis (Coates).
The Giralda and the Alcazar, both of Seville, should also be studied as other Moorish remains; and if there is time there may be one meeting on the Escurial.
VII – NOTEWORTHY RUSSIAN BUILDINGS
The Kremlin is the citadel of Moscow and is built on very much the same lines as the Alhambra, for a wall surrounds it and it contains many important buildings. Here are churches, palaces, and towers. Clubs should spend several meetings on this place, for it is of immense importance in Russian history. Have one paper on the Bell Tower; pass from this to the Cathedral of the Assumption, and describe its massive interior and the painted walls, with the figures whose aureoles, breastplates, necklaces, and bracelets are of precious stones; mention also the burial place of the Metropolitans. Follow with another paper on the cathedral of the Archangel, and a fourth on the new palace, which holds the art treasures of Russia, its famous manuscripts, paintings and jewels. The library, museum and university should also be described, the whole place forming a wonderful group of buildings.
Read the description by Théophile Gautier, in "Turrets, Towers and Temples." See also "The Russian Empire of To-day and Yesterday," by N. O. Winter (The Page Company). Give the description of a coronation.
VIII – NOTRE DAME
The history of the great church of Notre Dame in Paris goes back into pagan times. A heathen temple once stood on its site, and later a Christian basilica. The present church was begun in the twelfth century. Clubs should first take up its architecture, which is not pure Gothic but transitional, and understand how it differs from many of the beautiful pure Gothic French cathedrals. Some of its many striking features are its three deep porches in front, the massive square towers, the delicate gallery, with its openwork arches, which supports a heavy mass of stone, and the huge rose window.
The history of the church is of the deepest interest. One paper may be on the curious fact that, though the French kings were crowned at Rheims, an English king, Henry VI, was crowned in Notre Dame, and give a description of the times and the event. Note also the great Te Deum sung here in 1431 when Paris was retaken.
During the French Revolution this was the Temple of Reason, and a travesty on the usual religious services was performed. Napoleon, wishing to impress Europe, summoned the Pope to Paris, and was here crowned Emperor of the French, but by his own hands. All these and other historical points are to have papers.
Read parts of Victor Hugo's novel, "Notre Dame." Study also other French churches, especially the cathedrals of Amiens, Rouen, Chartres and Rheims. Read "Rambles in the French Châteaux," by F. M. Costling (The Page Company), "Old Paris," by H. C. Shelley (The Page Company).
IX – IN THE BRITISH ISLES
The Tower of London has a more intimate connection with the history of England than any other building. Tradition says, probably erroneously, that it was begun by the Romans; certainly, however, the oldest part, the White Tower, dates back to 1078. Have a picture or plan shown which makes clear how it is built, – with walls, a moat and various towers and the Keep. Then take in chronological order all the great events which occurred here, giving several meetings to their study. Kings were crowned, held court here, and were imprisoned. Queens died or were beheaded. Famous prisoners spent years in its dungeons. Describe the square place in the court where the executioner's block stood; show the Bloody Tower, and give the events which occurred there. Notice the gate connected with this, and also the Traitors' Gate. Tell of the Tower to-day, and its collection of armor and jewels.
In "Abbeys, Castles and Famous Halls of England and Wales," by Timbs and Gunn (Warne of London), there is an excellent résumé of the history of the Tower. Or, a good English history, such as Green's, will give it.
Take also the history and description of Westminster Hall and Abbey, St. Paul's, the different cathedrals of England and other famous buildings. If possible add the famous buildings of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood, Stirling, and others. Wales has many famous ruins, notably Carnarvon, Conway and Harlech. Ireland has, among others, Ross Castle.
X – THE TAJ MAHAL
India has many notable temples and ruins, but for sheer beauty nothing can compare with the Taj Mahal, at Agra. Built in the seventeenth century by the Emperor Shah-Jehan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife and himself, it required the work of twenty thousand men for more than twenty years to complete it. It has been called a masterpiece of art, "a poem in stone."
A portico of red sandstone admits one to a long terrace built of white marble blocks, with wonderful gardens on each side and a canal reflecting the dark cypress trees. The tomb stands among these, reflected in the water. It is an octagonal building rising to a great dome, with smaller ones with minarets. All is built of marble and covered with exquisite carvings and inlays of flowers of turquoise and onyx, with sentences from the Koran in black marble. It is all simple, harmonious, and exquisitely beautiful. Within, in the bare central space are the two plain tombs, covered with what is like a pall of carved, lacy marble. The whole forms one of the art treasures of the Orient.
CHAPTER IX
Four Short Programs
PART I
I – A GROUP OF FAMOUS BOOKS
Each of the six masterpieces of fiction suggested for this program must be read by the members of the club in preparation for their presentation at the different meetings. The plots and characters must be familiar, to have intelligent discussion.
When studying each book begin with a sketch of the life and work of the author; follow with an outline of the plot of the book and a description of each of the principal characters. Readings from all the books and criticisms upon them may be found in "Warner's Library of the World's Best literature."
FRENCH, GERMAN, RUSSIAN, AND SPANISH
A French book, "Les Miserables," is one of the best known books of history as well as literature, for it has to do with many vital social questions and reforms. Notice Victor Hugo's descriptive powers and discuss whether the book shows a knowledge of actual life or is largely theoretical. As it is the moral purpose of the book which has given it vitality, study the attitude of society toward the outcast and the criminal as the author gives it. Does the artist in him at times overpower his moral sense? Compare the treatment of the criminal then and at the present time. In spite of the faults of construction, how does the book rank as literature?
Goethe's "Wilhelm Meister" stands in the front rank among German novels. Give an outline of the book. Is there a plot? Is the book an autobiography? If not, how far does Goethe give his own experiences? Is the book a study in realism or does it deal with the unnatural? In what does the power of the book lie? What has the author to say of education, religion and esthetics? Is there a moral purpose, and are any problems settled?
Tolstoy's "Anna Karénina" is of the greatest literary importance, for its author was the founder of the modern realistic school. Have several papers on the leading characters. What is the mainspring of Anna's character? Is the comedy character, Oblensky, satisfactory? Is Tolstoy really capable of humor? Is Levin a mouthpiece for Tolstoy's own views of life? Study the social side of Russian life. Are the problems of Anna the same as those which confront women in other lands to-day? Notice what famous men have said of this book: Matthew Arnold declared it "less a work of art than a piece of life." In a final meeting discuss the subject of realism in fiction compared to idealism, with examples of each class of work. Study and compare the writings of James, Howells, and Arnold Bennett with Tolstoy's.
"Don Quixote" is not only the masterpiece of Spain, but a book with unique qualities. Discuss, Does it give an unbiased picture of the people? Is Don Quixote a madman, or does the author intend to show under his extravagances some philosophy of life? What does the author satirize? Does he successfully combine the real and the grotesque, or lean too far toward the latter? Is the book a parable? If so, what does it teach?
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN
Among the greatest works in English fiction, "Adam Bede" stands out conspicuous by setting forth the eternal question of moral values. In the study of the characters note that Dinah was drawn from life. Notice the development of character in Adam and Hetty.
How does the standard of morals differ in our day from that in the time in which the book is placed? Study the writer's humor and show how it serves to relieve the somberness of the book. Was George Eliot really a humorist? Above all, notice the great moral purpose which inspired the writer. Does her picture differ from that of Dickens in "David Copperfield"?
"The Marble Faun" is worthy of serious study. It is the American masterpiece of fiction. Observe in this book that Hawthorne gave the story such a faithful setting that it may be used as a guidebook to Rome. The style of the book is remarkable; its exquisite simplicity deserves more than a passing notice. Discuss the mingling of the real and the mystical. Note especially the effect of the murder on the different characters.
The remarkable character analysis in this work is one of the author's famous points. The main theme of the book – Is sin really an element in human education? – should be discussed. Does Hawthorne answer the question?
If these books lead to the study of others, the following are among the best to select: Daudet's "The Nabob;" Goethe's "The Sorrows of Werther;" in connection with Don Quixote, Le Sage's "Gil Blas;" Tourguenieff's "Smoke;" Thackeray's "Henry Esmond;" and in our own literature of the present time, Edith Wharton's "House of Mirth," and Margaret Deland's "Iron Woman."
PART II
A STUDY OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
Among the live questions of the day marriage and divorce are conspicuous. Our ideas, as well as our laws, are undergoing radical changes. Women should certainly be intelligent upon this great subject, and this outline will give them material for at least six meetings upon it.
Begin with an account of marriage in ancient times; follow with the customs of different countries down to the present day. Notice that marriage is distinctly a social institution.
One meeting should raise the question, Upon what should marriage be based? Among other things these three points should be emphasized: it must be based on love; on physical and mental fitness; and upon mutual interests, especially those which center in the children. Negatively, it should not be based upon mere emotion nor upon a desire for wealth or social advantages.
Discuss the relation between grown children and parents in making a marriage-choice; the age for marriage; the so-called international marriages; frivolous marriages, and other points which will readily suggest themselves. Have club members speak of what they consider the conditions for a happy marriage, and the necessity to-day of training all young men and young women for marriage. Notice that as marriage is a social institution, society is bound to safeguard it in every possible way.
Turning to divorce, begin this with a study of its history down to the present time. Follow with a résumé of the laws of divorce in the different countries. Note that America leads the world in the number of its divorces, which are two hundred a day. Give the laws in some of the states; point out that South Carolina gives no divorces, that New York gives them for one cause only; that Indiana gives most of all. Mention some of the evils which arise from the difference of state laws.
One meeting should take the subject of the changing sentiment toward divorce. Ellen Key significantly says that one reason for it is our weak moral fiber, which avoids all unpleasantness. Another cause is undoubtedly the tendency toward individualism. Illustrate with readings from Ibsen's "A Doll's House" at this point. A third cause is the increasing desire for ease and luxury and pleasure of all kinds, which makes a man or woman leave one environment for another which promises more. Have papers or talks on these themes:
Shall divorce be free where love has gone? Read from Ellen Key.
Should divorce be given on other than statutory cause? If so, on what?
Does separation take the place of divorce in most cases?
Would the addition of a civil ceremony to the religious make divorces less frequent?
Would the attitude of society toward hasty marriages, should they be discountenanced, be helpful?
What should be the proper attitude of the State toward divorce? Are the Courts of Domestic Relations of value in preventing them?
Would Divorce Courts, dealing with this whole matter intelligently, be helpful?
What should be the attitude of the church toward divorce?
What is the effect of divorce on children in the home? Has the child a right to one father and one mother even though their attitude toward each other is strained? What is the moral effect on a child in the latter case?
Especially make a point of the question: How much should the individual sacrifice for the good of society? Here read "The Iron Woman" (latter part), by Margaret Deland.
Among the many books on these two subjects read these especially: "Love and Marriage," by Ellen Key (Putnam); "Marriage and Divorce," by Rev. J. H. Holmes (B. W. Huebsch); "Woman and the Law," by G. J. Bayles (Century Co.); "Marriage as a Trade," Hamilton (Moffat, Yard & Co.); "Women and To-morrow," George (Appleton).
Have reviews also of "Together," by Herrick (Grosset), and "Marriage," by Wells (Duffield).
