Roots and Meanings of Orozco’s Zapata” and Moore “On the Signification of Doors

    This assignment consists of two parts. Read Hutton’s article starting on page 41: “In the Mexican Revolution…” And end on page 42, “…come to grips with his Zapata.” In Mexican history, Zapata is the hero of the peasants.

    First part. In his article, Hutton states: “It is this ambiguity to which most American critics objected, lamenting the absence of a ‘key’ by which to interpret the work” (42). In your opinion, what is the key that can help in the understanding of Orozco’s mural “Zapata Entering a Peasant’s Hut”? Elaborate your opinion thoughtfully and thoroughly; an I agree or disagree statement is not an appropriate answer. As a student with a good basic knowledge of Mexican history, politics and art, what would you tell this confused critic? Provide to this confused critic the key that will help him understand Orozco’s mural.

    Use Moore’s article, “On the Signification of Doors” to help you come up with the key for your confused critic. Moore mentions the words symbolization, signification (page 202) and associations (page 205). By using one of these words or all three, what do you think the meaning of the door through which Zapata enters is? Can the door in the mural help us interpret Orozco’s Zapata?

    Part two. Browse through the pictures you have taken with your cell and see if there are any pictures in which there’s a door present (perhaps the door was not the focal point but it is part of the picture nevertheless). Describe the significance of that picture to you and of the possible meaning that door could have in connection with the picture taken. If there’s no door in your pictures, then focus on your bedroom or household door.

     

     

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