(二)選擇題(5%): 6-8 題為題組題,第 7 題以原文及中文回答。 Almost as commonly circulated a term in reference to Debussy is Symbolism. This is a much fairer
assessment of his music. The movement, which has its origins in the writings of Charles Baudelaire,
grew quickly in Paris during the latter half of the nineteenth century. In brief, Symbolism was a reaction
against Realism, and can be seen as almost the antithesis of Impressionism. Its followers were concerned
with externalising, through the means of art, the internal, and often infernal, world of the mind, dreams
and the supernatural. There is unimpeachable evidence to align Claude Debussy with Symbolism. To
begin with, it was a movement rooted in literary origins. Debussy, despite being largely uneducated in
any discipline but music, was ‘well-read’ and had ‘a passion for literature’ that permeated through to his
compositions. His strongest influences were words and writers rather than the visual arts (although
Symbolism wasn’t exclusively a literary movement; it existed in art too).
Debussy gravitated towards Symbolist beliefs, and forged close friendships with notable figures
associated with the movement, such as Paul Bourget and Stèphane Mallarmé, whose literary salon he was
a regular attendee of. Much of his music was overtly Symbolist in character. _________________, the
orchestral tone poem that took his recognition to a new level entirely, is based on a poem by Mallarmé.
Its whimsical flute opening is tonally and rhythmically ambiguous, portraying the indistinct dreams of
the eponymous faun; a central theme in Symbolist philosophy.
【題組】
6. Based on this passage, which of the following statements is NOT true? (1%)
(A) Debussy was strongly influenced by literature rather than paintings.
(B) Symbolism was a movement rooted in literary origins.
(C) Much of Debussy’s work showed Symbolistic features.
(D) Symbolism is highly related to Impressionism and Realism. Thus, we can also see the shadow of
Realism in Debussy’s work.