The Stimulus we have been provided with for our first show since returning for our second year is an Apple. This stimulus at first impressions seemed very simple and un inspiring. However, after brainstorming and researching I have discovered the depths and deep meanings an apple holds as a stimulus for a performance. As a group we each had an apple, and a piece of paper. We all started to write down everything we thought about when looking at the apple. After this, we all had a group discussion and the meanings of the apple sparked a very interested discussion and all the interpretations of the apple were really interested and a lot deeper than I thought.
Biblical meaning of the APPLE
In biblical terms, the Apple represents temptation, and almost has a negative symbolism. The apple in the Garden of Eden tempted Eve, and resulted in dire consequences for Eve. The apple is seen as a mystical and forbidden fruit in biblical terms. When Adam held the apple, it was portrayed as a sin, but contrasting, in the bible when Jesus holds the apple it is seen as "bringing life" as Jesus is represented as the "second adam" In the old testament, the apple is seen as a sin and a fall from man, but in the new testament it is seen as a redemption. This shows exactly how much the bible differeniates over the years. The term " adams apple" came from Adam swallowing the forbidden apple, and it becoming stuck in the middle of his throat.
Artistic meanings of the APPLE
Particularly in art, the apple usually represents seduction, sexuality and love. In many paintings including apples, it is usually held by a naked lady, which gives the idea that the apple, particularly red apples, represent temptation. They are portrayed as an alluring fruit, o tempt men to women.
Tribal meanings
The apple from ancient times up until now is very significant in tribal families. When a couples first child is born, they are given an apple by their paternal grandparents. And if this apple is rotten and has a worm inside, it means a very bad omen is coming for that child, and on the childs 21st birthday, the child will have to perform a tribal ritual dance to the fruit gods in order to spare the lives of their future children. It is taken very seriously and many tribes still do this today. The apple symbolises life to them, and the lives of their children are based around the condition of the apple randomly picked from a tree. It is a very important fruit.
Greek Mythology
In ancient greek times, the apple was also a very important factor to the lives of the greeks.
Hercules, the greek hero, was told to travel to the Garden of Hesperides and to pick apples from the Tree Of Life, right at its centre. Atlanta, who was a female goddess from greek mythology, raced all her suitors in an attempt to avoid marriage. She outran all but Hippomenes who defeated her by cunning, not speed. Hippomenes knew that he could not win in a fair race, so he used three golden apples to distract Atalanta. It took all three apples and all of his speed, but Hippomenes was finally successful, winning the race and Atalanta's hand. So the apple was used as a weapon in some aspects, as everybody knew just how tempting they were, so they were used to other peoples advantages. This backs up my logic of how apples are not always a symbolism of health, goodwill and life.
Technology
As everybody knows, Apple Inc is one of the most successful technology company in the world and has bought us iPhones, iPods, iPads and Macbook computers. All these devices have the half eaten apple symbol on the back of the screens. The founder, Steve Jobs chose to name his Corporation Apple because he felt the name was very friendly, fun and not intimidating. He had also just came back from an apple farm after undergoeing an apple diet, it is his favourite fruit and he simply thought "why not?"
I agree with Jobs in the sense that the name apple seems very wholesome and friendly. And as the "apple" is recognised internationally, it has enabled the branch Apple to become so successful and popular as everybody can relate to an apple in one way or another, it is a name you could not forget.
New York
As everybody knows New York is internationally known as the "big apple" this intrigued me to find out more, and find out why it is nick named this. The name "The Big Apple" was popularised in the 1920's by John J. Fitzgerald, who was a sports writer for the new york NYC Morning Telegraph. Since the 1970's the name big apple has became even more popular due to advertisement and promotional companies. It seems to me that anything associated with the apple, means that it is very popular and successful. New York is the city of opportunities, whether it be for work, travel or love. New York is always seen as the best place to live, as it is so alive and fresh and always getting better over the years, which is similar to Apple Inc. The apple is also used as a promotional sales object. For example, the designer DKNY, has a perfume brand named " Be delicious" and has used the apple as the main selling point. It is portrayed as very fresh, trendy and successful. It also links to the "big apple" as DKNY stands for " Donna Karan New York" as DKNY's main fashion office is based in New york and was created there in 1984. Apple symbolises wealth I feel, and is used to business owners advantages as they know the Apple has became extremely popular throughout the years, and most businesses who incorporate the apple mostly are very successful. It is seen as a good luck charm to businesses, and I can see why.
Poison
This is a prime example which shows that the apple is not always symbolised in a positive way. In the disney film "Snow White" the witch gives Snow White a beautiful deep red apple, which on the outside appears to be tasty and tempting. But actually on the inside it is poisionious and deathly, and it will send its victims into a "sleeping death" and the victim can only be revived if kissed on the lips by someone who truly loves the victim. Although the apple seems very wholesome and friendly, this can be used to an advantage, as eveybody will just naturally feel the apple is good and will be tempted into taking a bite, just like what Snow White did. But the apple, usually red apples, symbolise death and temptation. This was my first thought when brainstorming about apples, and I want to use this idea in my devised piece.
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