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World Lit. A—Brit Lit. Art, Allusion, and poetry W.H. Auden |
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DIRECTIONS:
Poetry is more than just a bunch of words on a page. Many poets
like to create pictures with words as artists and sculptors do with
paints and clay. Some poets write because of a work of art that has
deeply effected them. Come into the world of the "visual" text and see
art through the poets' pen.
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1. Look at the picture on one of the sites below. Open an MS
Word document. Study the picture, then write a thorough description of
it – what is it? What is in the foreground (closest to you) and in the
background? Is there anything missing from this picture or anything
surprising about it? Does it have a theme? Thoroughly explain your
ideas.
2. Write a new title for this painting. Explain the meaning or symbolism behind your new title.
3. Next, read the myth that connects to this painting. Think about the painting and how it connects to the myth. What morals or lessons does the myth teach? Does it deal with things like pride or arrogance or apathy? How does it connect to the painting? Where is Icarus in the painting, and what is happening around him? What do you believe is the message of the poem in relation to the myth? Type your explanations in your Word document.
4. Now, read the poem “Musee Des Beaux Arts” by W.H. Auden several times. (The title translates as The Museum of Fine Arts). When you have a good handle on the poem, type your responses and explanations to these questions: How does this poem connect to the painting and to the myth? How does it connect to the lessons of the myth? How does it deal with pride or arrogance or apathy? Remember to explain each of your ideas.
5. The myth of Icarus has been portrayed in art through the ages, from ancient times to the contemporary era. Visit each of the links below. a) choose one of the pictures you like the best. Cut and paste it in your Word document. b) Then, write about the following – What about the myth is it portraying? Is it tying in any details from the poem? Write about your feelings now that you've seen how important this myth was in the history of art. Look at this picture again. How does it change your feelings about the myth, the poem and the previous painting? |
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