Dudas 1!

Naomi Dudas
AP Language, 1B
Ms. Thompson
March 30, 2015
Synthesis Essay
Public monuments aim not only to honor achievements and recognize important figures
but also to artistically create an experience that is unlike reading or merely viewing photographs.
Physical presence calls for a direct relation to the moment in time the corresponding monument
commemorates. The location, size, and medium are the three most vital features to consider
when conveying such a profound experience because they directly affect the perception of the
public.
As we all know, location is the starting point to every event and gathering. The location
serves as the platform to the moment; it is the foundation for establishing the monuments
relevance to the modern world. The effusive controversy over the Holocaust museum in the mall
located in Washington D.C. illustrated the pain people associate the moment with the place:
Imagine a Holocaust museum in the town whose political sages refused to lift a finger to halt
the Holocaust(source E). The mere location already sparked animosity among those involved
or related to the Holocaust because it seemed disrespectful to place such a necessary reminder in
a place that did nothing to help.
Furthermore, size literally speaks volumes. It is human nature to judge the importance of
something just because of its size. A well recognized national monument is the Lincoln
Memorial, which, by its size serves as an idealized reminder of his achievements: a colossal

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marble statue and the text of two speeches carved on enormous panels(Source A). In this
particular example, size is the primary feature people notice which is also symbolic to how
people saw Lincoln.
Similarly, the medium is important in defining the tone of the monument. Whether its
rough or smooth, it must form a parallelism with what the monument is commemorating. I
chose black granite in order to make the surface reflective and peaceful, said Maya Lin when
she explained her design. The color and feeling the granite evoked was necessary in conveying
the somber emotions such a monument would cause.
Of course, monuments are not limited to what they are made up of; their importance is
not defined by materialistic means. The way each feature collaborates and compliments the other
is essential to achieving the desired experience. A monuments location, size, and medium
merely emphasize and convey the message it intends to send. Thus, while the message may be
the same regardless of its outward appearance, the way such a message is received is directly
influenced by how it looks. Advertising the message in its intended light is all due to its image,
which is made up of the three essential aspects.