Tyronne
Tash Jayasinghe
Cibbuano
Mata Hari - Part 2
October 3rd 2008 04:21
From Paris with Love
Mata Hari
Continuing the tale of Mata Hari (Read Part 1 Here), after separating from her abusive husband, Lady Macleod as she was still known moved to Paris. Within 2 years of her arrival in the European Mecca she would change her name and become a famous exotic dancer.
A non classical face
Becoming an overnight sensation when she performed at the famed Muisee Guimet, she wielded her gyrating bodice, hypnotic hips and taunting movements to captivate and arouse the audience.
Gaining international fame over the next few years, Mata Hari rose in stature to become the mistress of powerful men. Attending parties and functions afforded the cultural elite, she bought a respectability to her profession through dubious means.
By pretending to be an Indian Princess from Java of religious origins, she was able to exploit the geographic ignorance of European suitors and admirers. Her seemingly exotic background coupled with undeniable alluring sexual charm and unique beauty afforded her a lavish lifestyle of luxury.
Dating politicians and aristocracy, wealthy industrialist, businessmen and military leaders, Mata Hari became a promiscuous courtesan who travelled extensively. Her public image changed though with the outbreak of WWI.
Before 1910 she was seen as an artistic free spirit but as the secrets of her past were debunked by the media her morality became questionable.
As her homeland remained neutral in the rising international conflict Mata Hari was morphed into a symbol of cunning seduction, a deceitful temptress. Her continued travels around Europe and Britain without restraint made some suspicious.
On some levels enjoying the attention, her connections in high places meant she was questioned by intelligence agencies. Some claim that she was a French Spy, others that she was in fact a scapegoat.
Regardless of the murky truth about wether or not she was certainly a spy, Mata Hari was executed by a gunshot to the head on October 15 1917. She was tried by a court and found guilty on charges of working for the Germans and causing multiple deaths.
One of the reasons for the enigma surrounding the case is that the documents and evidence have been sealed for 100 years, due to be opened in 2017.
Poster For the 1931 Film Classic
Since her death Mata Hari has gained a mythical status, her story was famously put on screen with Greta Garbo in the title role. The legend continues to grow and few women will be remembered with such mystique, historical significance for multiple interpretations of her legacy.
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Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
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