Date of Award
2020
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Music (MM)
Department
Music
First Advisor
Michael Schelle
Abstract
The original inspiration for this work came from Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame when Quasimodo asks the gargoyles on the cathedral “Why was I not made of stone like thee?” as he watches Esmerelda ride off. This piece is an attempt to express the aspect of the human state contained in Quasimodo’s words. I believe that this piece succeeds in communicating both the innate humanity in the futile search for a state of invulnerability and the intrinsic value and beauty of despair. It is neither optimistic or pessimistic but rides a fine line between the two without being nihilistic. The purpose of tragedy is not to provide some test of character, nor is it always the result of someone’s failure. Indeed, just like Quasimodo, sometimes tragedy simply is and one must try to bear it without the armor of the gargoyles of Notre Dame.
Recommended Citation
Callen, Ian, "Why was I not Made of Stone." (2020). Graduate Thesis Collection. 520.
https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/grtheses/520