"What is Ekphrasis?": A Literary Guide for English Students and Teachers

Summary

Ekphrasis, a literary device where a visual artwork is described in words, creates a dialogue between visual and verbal mediums. It's seen in Homer's 'Iliad' and modern works like Victoria Chang's poem on Edward Hopper's painting. Ekphrasis not only describes but also interprets, revealing unspoken aspects of the artwork. It can stand alone or be part of a larger narrative, enriching the story by allowing characters and readers to reflect on emotions and perspectives.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Ekphrasis is a narrative mode where a literary work describes a visual artwork.
• 🖌️ The term 'ekphrasis' has evolved, but currently, it refers to the verbal representation of a visual representation.
• 📚 Ekphrastic descriptions use words to paint a picture, similar to how pictorialism uses images.
• 👀 Ekphrasis is distinct because it describes a visual artwork within a verbal context.
• ⚔️ Homer's description of Achilles' shield in the Iliad is an ancient example of ekphrasis.
• 🎭 Modern ekphrases often engage with real, identifiable works of art.
• 🖼️ Victoria Chang's poem 'Edward Hopper Study: Hotel Room' is a contemporary example of ekphrasis.
• 🔍 The poem interprets the artwork it describes, going beyond mere description.
• 🗣️ Etymologically, ekphrasis means 'to speak out,' often revealing what the artist leaves unsaid.
• 📖 Ekphrasis can be the entirety of a poem or part of a longer literary work.
• 🌉 It serves as a narrative device that can pause the plot to allow for emotional processing or perspective shifts.

Q & A

What is the term 'ekphrasis' used to describe?

Ekphrasis is used to describe 'The verbal, representation of visual representation', which is a literary description of art.

How does ekphrasis differ from pictorialism?

Ekphrasis differs from pictorialism in that it stages an encounter between two mediums, one visual and one verbal, and focuses on the description of an artwork itself.

Can you provide an example of ekphrasis from classical literature?

An example of ekphrasis from classical literature is Homer’s description of Achilles’ shield in the Iliad.

What role does ekphrasis play in a narrative?

Ekphrasis can either be the entire poem or part of a longer work, where it may halt the forward movement of the plot to allow readers or characters to process emotions or consider a different point of view.

How does ekphrasis contribute to the story in the Iliad?

In the Iliad, ekphrasis contributes to the story by emphasizing the fact that the images described are on a shield and by calling attention to the god Hephaistos’ act of making that shield.

What is the etymological meaning of the term 'ekphrasis'?

Etymologically, 'ekphrasis' means 'to speak out', which is reflected in the poet's interpretation of the artwork in the poem.

How does Victoria Chang's poem 'Edward Hopper Study: Hotel Room' exemplify ekphrasis?

Victoria Chang's poem 'Edward Hopper Study: Hotel Room' exemplifies ekphrasis by attending to a specific work by the painter Edward Hopper and interpreting the image through the poet's words.

What is the significance of the passage 'That is all the artist, / left us with' in the poem?

The passage 'That is all the artist, / left us with' signifies that the poet is engaging with an artistic representation, indicating the ekphrastic nature of the poem.

How does ekphrasis allow for an interpretation of the artwork?

Ekphrasis allows for an interpretation of the artwork by providing a verbal description that not only catalogues the features of the painting but also offers insights into the artist's intention or the emotional impact of the artwork.

What is the importance of ekphrasis in literature?

The importance of ekphrasis in literature lies in its ability to create a vivid image of an artwork using words, thereby allowing readers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level.

Can you provide another modern example of ekphrasis?

Another modern example of ekphrasis could be a poem or a short story that describes a painting in detail, interpreting its themes, and providing a deeper understanding of the artwork's significance.