| ← Realism | Character Leadership → |
Free Example of Paris Essay
Main images of Paris and their relation to the city’s geographical layout
According to Rearick (2011), Paris just like other European big cities, it is characterized by traffic jams, large shopping malls and skyscrapers. However, Rearick noted that there are several symbols that differentiate Paris from many other European Cities. He also noted that as a result of its uniqueness, many writers have used different words and quotes to describe the city. For example, the city has been referred to as the heart and brain of France, the head of the world, paradise, new Babylon, and the stinking ulcers.
First, Rearick sited the ‘Old Paris’ as one of the symbols of Paris. According to him, Paris as it is today has endured many difficulties in its development for many centuries. For example, there have been several political crisis, revolutions, street battles, wars, and urban-renewals. The many museums and galleries found in Paris resulted from these past events. In addition, many films and photography based on Paris have been focused on these historical sites such as the Arc de Triomphe.
Secondly, Rearick identified The City of Light. This was the term the supporters of the second empire used to refer to the city in the 19th century. The many projects that the emperor had undertaken made the city look completely different. The streets of the city have been lightened for many years and hence the city came to be referred to as The City of Light. To date, Paris is still brighter than many other cities in the world. In fact, Rearick noted that the city’s streets have been lighted since the 16th century. He adds that to date Paris is among the well-lighted cities in the world.
The third symbol that Rearick noted was the association of Paris with a stylish woman. Rearick represents the city as one that has undertaken several changes in its development. Since 1800s Paris has hosted a number of fairs. The city is also very popular for fashion and it is even referred to as the City of Fashions. Rearick noted that Paris came to be referred by this name as a result of its remodeling by the Emperor Napoleon III. The city at the time had changed its style.
Fourth, Rearick noted that Paris unlike many other cities is known for leisure. In fact, the city is referred to as the Capital of Pleasure. It is often flocked by foreigners because of the many historical sites around. The lightings of the city are another attraction and Rearick suggested that though the people of the city are known to spend time on leisure activities, they gain in terms of tourism. The city has hosted many international events for the past few centuries.
Lastly, Rearick noted that Parisians had much pride for their city and everybody wanted to be associated with the city. They have songs praising the city that date back to the 19th century. As a result, the city is known worldwide as the romantic city.
How representations of European Cities in “streetlife” match those in Rearick’s book on Paris
Representation of European cities in ‘Streetlife’ by Jerram contradicts those in Rearick’s book on Paris in a number of ways. Firstly, Jerram represents European cities as cradles of civilization in ancient times. However, they continued to grow in respect to economic development and real estate speculation. As a result, population rose, bringing ecological benefits on one hand, and difficulties in social and economic sustenance on the other, but in the absence of rivalry. Rearick’s representation depicts Paris to have developed through difficulties. Rearick notes that in the history of Paris there have been several political crisis, revolutions, street battles, and wars. According to Ferram, Civilization was one of the main factors that brought about development of European cities.
Secondly, Jerram represents European cities as cities that were formed as a result of privacy and isolation that were not simply a consequence of prosperity, but a consequence of people planning new ways of living and housing in estates and suburbs across the region. This is different from Rearick’s explanation that the Paris’ origin is attributed to the antiquity of legendary cities that were occupied by ‘bigger than life heroes’. In addition, it is held that Paris was formed as a result of settlement of refugees from city of Troy, which was burned, and named their new home Paris, after one of their heroes. According to Rearick, Paris was formed as a result of settlement of victims of war. This is completely different to Jerram’s representation where he notes that major European cities were formed as a result of people planning new ways of living.
Thirdly, Jerram represents European cities as cities that have experienced massive revolution of the streets as a result of street protests and factories restructuring. In addition, places of association, such as pubs, were controlled. This gave structure and substance to some important European cities. Further, most European cities were ruled by leaders who encouraged street riots in an attempt to gain more power. Leaders like Hitler, Lenin, and Mussolini allowed riots in the city for their own gains. In Rearick’s presentation of Paris as a city mainly developed as a result of good leadership of Emperor Napoleon III. Many Parisians admired his work and his supporters referred to the city as the ‘City of Light’. The Jerram’s representation contradicts Rearick’s representation of the Paris where he notes that ‘ambitious urban renewal program’ facilitated by Emperor Napoleon III.
Lastly, Jerram represents European cities as distinct cities due to their concrete block buildings that gave them a high reputation. The sky-high reputation of Paris is attributed to its distinctiveness that was gotten from its riches and pleasures. Therefore, whereas Jerram represents most European cities with concrete skyscrapers, Rearick represents Paris as a city known for leisure. In fact, the city is referred to as the Capital of Pleasure.
