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Metamorphosis Of Narcissus Comparative Essay

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The unconscious mind is the intersection of rationally irrational thought, formulated from the accumulation of memories and studied to uncover the depths of an individual. Surrealism focuses on the automatic, instinctive action, in relation to waking desires and conscious thought. Metamorphosis of Narcissus by Salvador Dali utilizes realistic imagery while alluding to a mythological narrative creating a representation indicative of a dream state. Dali’s use of water parallels that of a mirror, reflecting back a similar yet altered version of the original image. This is comparable to Claude Cahun’s work Self Portrait’s use of mirror imagery as a symbol to depict the difference between an individual’s perception of oneself and reality. Both artists’ works have psychological components as a prominent motif, utilizing visual allegory and symbolism to illustrate complex concepts. Ostensibly Dali’s as well as Cahun’s compositions allude …show more content…

The narrative articulates how Narcissus became transfixed by his reflection which inevitable results in his downfall. Furthermore the statue in the background situated on a pedestal with its back toward the audience insinuates mythological figure’s concept of self-importance. The singularity of the form and its placement, facing the dark ominous mountains, parallels the narrative in foreshadowing Narcissus’ death. Dali utilizes the myth to communicate how the human inclination towards hedonistic pursuits result in arrogance and conceit. The parable calls to attention extreme cases of human vanity, and the detrimental aspects of such behavior. In modern society narcissism is considered a mental disorder, categorized by symptoms such as self- importance and a lack of empathy. Subsequently Dali’s painting is perceived to articulate the strain of being blinded by vanity and the horror of internal

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