Humanity:Discussion 1: Mozart
1. The first movement of Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G Minor is based on variations on a three-note motif. Explain why you think this Classical music form may be satisfying for both 18th century and contemporary listeners - and whether it was enjoyable for you.
2. Mozart was considered a child prodigy, performing throughout Europe. Cite your view on the notion of the child star and the impact of early success on a person who shows exceptional talent or genius. Explain whether you think Mozart's struggle with sustained success in adulthood was a product of this phenomenon.
Discussion 2: Representations of Slavery
3. By creating awareness of oppression and arousing sympathy of supporters, the arts can be a form of protest. Identify and describe an example of how either black slaves or white abolitionists used the arts as a form of protest against slavery.
4. Explain whether you think an autobiographical or fictional account by a slave (such as Phillis Wheatley and Olaudah Equiano) is more persuasive than a biographical or fictional account by a white author (such as John Gabriel Stedman or Aphra Behn).
5. Explain whether you think the representations of slavery in the visual arts (such as William Blake's illustrations, William Hackwood's cameo, or John Singleton Copley's painting) were more compelling and convincing of the injustices of slavery than literary representations.