The Sun King Sets

Palace of Versailles C&V 15 PG 370

The Palace of Versailles' architecture and paintings perfectly portray the french baroque style. For example, the hall of mirrors (the construction of which began in 1619) exemplifies ornate detail and exaggerated motion. All throughout the hall, the ceiling is frescoed with mythological scenes. While the details are highly ornate, there is a classical feel and orderly manner that remains, making it the unique french baroque style described in by Lawrence Cunningham in the Culture and Values book. All the gold and the reflections (which Louix IVX) relates to himself being the sun king and creates a presence and sense of awe that cannot be explained. There are most definitely new techniques being used that made a statement and is still making a statement today as millions of visitors flock to this most famous hall.

Similarly, the structure of the palace itself is very baroque. The entry is built around an enormous court (a common theme among baroque palaces) which is embellished with gold-leaf and decorated with intricate sculptures.  Additionally, there are enormous stair-structures and intricate gardens and fountains that portray the baroque style in an excellent and fancy manner.

(Detailed image of the court.)

Et In Elsinore, Ego

Hamlet, Shakespeare V.I  pg 126

"Imperious Caesar, dead and turned to clay,
Might stop a hole to keep the wind away."  


Shakespeare's reference to Julius Caesar, who was an all-powerful emperor, is very significant and interesting as Hamlet explores the realities of mortality.  Similarly to the murder of Hamlet's father, Caesar was murdered by his close friend Brutus. Betrayal and a fall from greatness is exactly what Hamlet is dealing with in his own life.

Caesar being murdered by his close friend Brutus

Furthermore, Hamlet is constantly trying to understand mortality. As seen in the famous quote in Act III, Hamlet discusses whether "to be or not to be," toying with suicide and deciding what makes life worth living.  Similarly, in this quote he makes a pivotal realisation that no man, no matter how powerful he is, will last. Even Julius Caesar, a conquerer and dictator, turned into pieces of dust that serve menial purposes.