A Place Of Importance

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A Place of Importance In his essay, “Space, Stone and Spirit: The Meaning of Place,” Richard A. Etlin describes how psychological and symbolic meaning are attached to places by an individual, or group of people. Etlin goes on to explain certain ways places acquire meaning. One way places acquire meaning is by having certain physical characteristics, or “character” (308-9). Another reason why places are given meaning is by “identity,” or being a well known, important place (309). Etlin also recognizes the first two examples lead to a third reason which is “imitation” (309-10). A combination of the physical characteristics a known place has, can be used to create imitation by attempting to force meaning, by mimicking characteristics from well-known places. The memories a person can relate to a place while growing up also creates meaning, according to Etlin. He also explains that events that have happened at a location help give meaning to a place. The emotion, or spiritual feeling an individual receives from being at a location can help determine meaning, whether it be in a positive or negative way. As you can see, Richard Etlins’ essay ““Space, Stone and Spirit: The Meaning of Place,” gives and describes six major reasons why an individual gives meaning to a place. West End 2153 is a music venue and art space located on West Avenue in Ashtabula, Ohio. It is a place that often hosts local bands and local art so that the public has a chance to see them. Richard Etlin, in his essay “Space, Stone and Spirit: The Meaning of Place,” describes the six means that cause places to acquire meaning. This location has acquired a meaning of importance with me through being and event, as it has influenced my developing life. In what he refers to as “Meaning through being” Etlin describes how a place acquires meaning. Put plainly, he says that a place can cause long-term
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