"The Metropolis and Mental Life" Blog Post

Simmel's 1903 essay has stood the test of time. It is considered one of the most influential works of urban psychology ever written. With this in mind, I'd like us all to assume that his basic conclusions about city life at the turn of the last century are/were valid. I would, however, like to get some sense as to how applicable and/or useful you think Simmel's descriptions and conclusions of the individual struggle to maintain independence in the face of overwhelming political, historical, cultural, and technological forces are today. Reading this essay, do you feel his observations and conclusions are useful mainly for their historical importance or do you get the sense that his writings may have a greater relevance today than they did during his time? Make sure to use at least one quotation from "The Metropolis and Mental Life" to back up your points. (Answers should be roughly 6-10 sentences in length)

Baudelaire and Constantin Guys

Go to The Art Institute of Chicago's website on Constantin Guys (in "The Painter of Modern Life" Baudelaire calls Constantin Guys by the name "Monsieur G.") spend a few minutes browsing his artwork, then describe the reasons that Baudelaire admired him so much. Looking at the paintings in detail, describe (specifically) how they do or do not resemble Poe's "The Man of the Crowd" piece. Then, take a stab at figuring out why "the man of the crowd," or the flaneur, is an important artistic response to the urban-industrial experience of the mid 1800's.