How are novels (literary fiction) like paintings, sculptures, photographs, songs, themes (musical) and/or scores?
Andrea Offermann, renowned artist from Germany whose piece "The Ship Sank" is right here, responded to this question. Click the "comments" to read her exceptional perspectives.
Mr. Goheen and Mr. Kessler responded intelligently, too. Now that you're farther into the novel, what do you say?
56 comments:
Hello everybody, I am glad to take part in the discussion of “Life of Pi” again!
How are novels (literary fiction) like paintings, sculptures, photographs, songs, themes (musical) and/or scores?
I think that question can be answered in many ways, here are a few thoughts:
All of the above are expressions of our human experiences and our need to communicate, inspire, move and enlighten. All these forms of art are tools to reach out to another human being, express the message of the artist and touch the audience on different levels of perception. Rather than just communicating a message these forms of art translate the message into a form of order, a musical score, a composed painting, or photograph, a sculpture, that reaches not only the mind but also the soul of the audience. The human mind loves rhythm and order, and it is not surprising that all of the above mentioned forms of art have over the years developed a set of rules that are pleasing to the human mind, e.g. different keys for music, compositional rules like the golden section for painting, the story arc for novels. Also, rhythm and a sense of order seem to help the mind to remember, the message seems to sink in more deeply.
Why then, if the artists of these different art forms are just following rules, is their work so interesting to the viewer or audience? Often the theme is something we know, it reflects the experiences of the artist (in a novel something that happened to him, in music maybe a sound he heard in nature etc.) but he or she is communicating his viewpoint, surprising with his ideas, his story, his view of the world.
We love to see and understand the thoughts and ideas of someone else. Maybe that is because we often feel unconnected and misunderstood, and ultimately alone in the world, in our head, in our life. Even the people we love do things we don’t understand, and often can’t understand us and our way of thinking.
Also, the continuous development of the art forms is pushed forward through artists that break those rules, try new things, challenge the audience. When Monet painted his first water lilies the outcome was shocking to the audience of the time that was used to a different set of rules than us today. That is why all the art forms mentioned above are so important, they move the human mind often more directly and deeply than a mere thought could, and at the same time challenge it constantly.
Mr. Goheen's reply:
There definitely are some similarities between literature and music. What many people refer to as classical music many times is made of themes that keep reoccurring through out. So does literature. Opera use the idea of motifs which are musical statements associated with a person or place. Literature frequently uses motifs as well.
But from a purely personal and non technical point of view music and literature have to power to take the listener or reader away from everyday life. They both can ignite emotions in our souls. They both can make you think and feel with not just your mind but with your heart as well.
Mr. Kessler's reply:
I will try to draw some parallels between novels and music. This is assuming I have any knowledge of the construction of a novel.
Musical scores usually have some form of introduction, a means to set a mood, a place, or a time for the listener. Following the introduction, a theme (plot), is introduced. It can be simple or complex, short or long.
The theme then moves into a development. This is when the theme augmented rhythmically, melodically, harmonically, etc. Much like a plot develops and adds tension, intrigue, and interest, so does a piece of music. This is done with notes that do not belong within the key center (dissonance), changes of key, changes of dynamics (be they sudden or gradual), and with rhythmic variety(including changes in meter).
Music's version of the "happy ending" comes in the form of dissonance flowing to consonance, and/or a concluding statement. There are some works that do not end with a feeling of comfort or repose, much like some novels end without answering all of a reader's questions, or without providing a conclusion that is pleasing to the listener.
I hope this makes sense and is some kind of help!
Shouldn't there be an art gallery somewhere with all of these pieces? Oh wait, I guess you could call this class site a "gallery." A gallery of thinking, I mean it to be.
Writing a novel is like composing a song in many ways. Like Mr. Kessler said, they work in the same way. In a novel, the author develops an introduction just like an artist develops an introduction to a song. Throughout the novel, they start to tell a story and develop a plot. Many good songs tell a story and relate to your life or relationships or feelings. In a novel, the author really develops the characters so that we can almost picture them in our minds and see the story playing out in our heads as we read it. Just like in a song, songs can make you feel different things. For example, if you are listening to a slow song, you tend to feel more relaxed or it may bring back some emotional memories; if you’re listening to a fast, upbeat song, it makes you more hyper and makes you want to get up and dance. Novels can do the same thing; they can bring out certain emotions in people and certain questions. The conclusion usually ties up the loose ends and answers the questions in songs and in novels. A good song usually repeats the middle story and ends with a bang. Novels do the same, no one likes a stupid ending.
I was in band for 4 years, so i know all about this stuff. Songs are the same as far an introductory, plot, and ending, but you normally need that for a lot of things like a football game or even your school life. A picture does not tell a story. It may show a part of one but nothing that would make you think about it for a long time like a book.
tina l.
pd. 1
Novels are paintings, sculptures, photographs, and songs! There are no limits! You can use your imagination with no boundries! ^^ Paintings can be scence with the descriptive words in the book! Sculptures can be a character's faceal expressions! Photographs can be the flashbacks of a character's memory! Songs can be what a character is feeling at any time in the book! The possibilities are endless! ^_^
Do Mr. Kessler and Mr. Goheen know/think more than you thought?
Offermann sure will type a lot back to us, won't she? Why is she willing, do you suppose?
P.3
Novels are like musical pieces because they tell a story. They portray a theme by how the author/writer wrote it. When you listen to a song, the lyrics in that song make you think about what is happening in that song. Likewise, in a novel you think about what the author is telling you. You discover new ideas, beliefs, and values each time you listen to a song or read a novel. Mr. Kessler talked of how in a musical piece there is an introduction, just like in a book. I believe that songs are short stories from the writer's lives and maybe even other people's lives that have touched them in some way, just as in novels. Stories can be told in so many different ways, songs and novels are just two ways to tell a story.
Songs, novel, paintings, sculptures are all ways of the author, artist, or musicial expressing how they feel about something. They are intended to send a message to the reader, viewer, or listener.
I find this picture very intriguing there are so many different aspects of the picture that draws my eye to each part. From the sinking of the ship to what is on and around it. It leaves you wondering what you can’t see. What is around the boat that is left out of the picture? I also find it interesting how the artist portrayed Richard Parker, so big t here could be no way he would ever fit into the life boat and still have room for Pi, the zebra, Orange Juice and the hyena, it is just impossible. When you look around the boat you can see Orange Juice holding onto the net of bananas but it looks like she wouldn’t survive she looks like she would drowned with the boat, could it possibly be foreshadow? Could this be showing that she will be dead, along with the zebra that is also under the water? It also amazes me at how many animals the author decided to show struggle for there lives because according to Pi all the animals were caged and should be in the boat not floating about in the water.
I think that novels relate closely to any type of art. Its amazing how one thing or idea from one person can be seen so differently and connect to so many people. Its like listening to your favorite song and then going to the concert. At the concert the music meets the people and something that you think connects only to you also connects to the hundreds of others standing around you, but each in a different way. I think its sort of important that Yann Martel doesn't give extremely long answers because his book is art. He may have written it with a certain thing in mind but who is he to dictate how we interpret it ourselves? Besides being busy Im sure that he connects to this novel and wants to keep some of the reasons why for himself.
Brittany's right! Martel's answers have to be short, because he doesn't want to dictate or instruct too much. We are the readers; we need to decide. We get to decide--that's our right as purchasers of the book and of investors of our time.
I'm always amused by the way music will matter differently to different people. Absolute excellent music provokes absolutely.
Pd. 3
I would have to agree that paintings,sculptures,photographs, and songs are like a novel. In a novel it tells stories, conflicts between characters. When people go to an art gallery and look at paintings, sculptures and photographs they may see a different story than what the person next to them is seeing. It could remind them of something they have read or something that has happened to them. I beleive art is meant for people to relate to their own lives. Whether it be a problem they are going through or just everyday life. It is also meant for people to visualize a story and get the picture of what an author or artist is trying to say. Its kind of like a childrens book to me, how when you read a children's book and you get one page with words and the other page with a picture for you to visualize what was just read. Also for entertainment and color.
Music is also like a novel. Most songs you hear are a story relating to life, relationships, and feelings like jesse stated. To some people music is a way to express yourself. Music and art are ways you can tell what a persons personality is or what kind of mood they are in. If someone is listening to upbeat music they are probably excited or happy about something, or just having a good day. If someone is listening to screaming or sad they are probably upset or angry.
Novels are like art, they tell stories and relate to other peoples lives. Also get people interested.
P.3
Novels are like paintings because they both give everyone the freedom to chose how they want to interpret the art. Novels, painting, sculptures, photographs, songs, give people a chance to escape from their reality and view someone elses. It is a chance for us to see how others perceive life's situations and their beliefs. It is a way to get to know others, deeper than it would be to just talk to them. The artists let out their deepest feelings into the work, and invite us into their world. They allow viewers to connect to each other, by giving us our freedom to interpret their art.
Do you see the man with the striped shirt (on the right, about to plunge into the water)? Andrea Offermann has told me that he's important. You'll see.
Why do you suppose these artists are willing to blog with a high school class in South Dakota?
Novels, paintings, sculptures, etc. all can tell a story, or all have a meaning. I think, without these different sources, life would be dull. Life would be dull without stories, colors, or music. All these things are in life to give people, the audience, entertainment and a sense of meaning to them or from them. Novels are very much like paintings, etc, by giving or showing people deeper meanings, and to make people think and challenge theirselves. Or sometimes; novels, paintings, sculptures, etc., are simply here on earth, without meaning, bust just to simply be here.
pd. 3
I think novels can relate to every kind of art. Every kind of art needs inspiration and a reason to be made. I don't think anyone has created art or written a novel because they didn't have a reason. It takes inspiration to motivate you to make something you are proud of. When i look at a piece of art it makes me wonder what the creator was thinking while they were making it, or what their mood and reasoning was to make it. The same goes with the books that i read. It takes a long time to write a 4 page paper, and i can only imagine what it takes to write a book. The author must have a reason to be so dedicated to their work of art. Books obviously tell a story, but so do paintings and drawings and all other types of art. Someone may have just had an incredible experience in their life, or maybe they lost a loved one, but whatever it is they felt they needed to do something about it and to express their mood they make art.
Now that Andrea has mentioned the man in the stripped shirt I am very curious to see if he will pop up in the story.... she wouldnt just point out that detail for no reason.. if she did point out that detail for no reason why him and not the other guys that are hanging on for dear life or the ones who are under the water fighting for life.
The zebra being in the water kind of throws me off from my understanding when the zebra fell it fell driectly into the boat and was never in the water...? If someone can please explain this to me...
The detail of the boat is very nice.. it looks a little on the titanic side but it proves the point of showing us that the boat sank it was mad chaos ans struggle for life
I think artist blog with us for the same reason we blog with them. We want to know about their book or their painting and they want to know what we think about their painting or novel. When you do something it feels good to get feedback and when you see something you want to know more about it. You take some you give some, them blogging with us works hand in hand with them responding to us, both of us become more educated because of it.
I agree with Britt. I'm sure they like to know what people think of their art work and how it affects others.
pd 5
I think that any kind of art work goes hand in hand with music. Both are ways for the artist to express their thoughts and feelings. Music and art can both tell stories. What makes them even neater is that each person can interpret them in a totally different way. There is no right or wrong answer to the pictures you look at or the music you listen to. It is up to you to decide what it is portraying.
period
I think that novels are exactly like paintings, photographs, songs, anything. It is a way to get emotions out. When someone writes a book, it may be because of an even that has happened in their life and they have a way of expressing themselves and getting their emotions out through paper; just like a painter puts emotion down on canvas. A song writter will normally write about a past even in their life such as a death or a bad breakup with a boyfriend/girlfried. Musical scores set the mood or plot in a novel or story. It can be long or short and then the rest of the song develops. There can be happy ending and sad endings. You dont always see this in paintings (unless there is a series of paintings). Music can show a happy ending by a melody and a more flowing of sounds. A "unhappy ending" can be heard by a mix of instruments not mixing together well.
I believe novels are like paintings because all novels can simply paint a picture. When we are reading we get images in are head and some of the fortunate who can actually be artistic can paint them. When we see a picture we can also tell a story by looking at a picture. When looking at Life of Pi paintings we can tell what part of the story it is and greatly explain it because the paitings go in such detial. Without pictures some stories would be incomplete.
pd. 5
I think that novels are like paintings and pictures because they all tell a story. They all make us feel a certain way. They make us think and help us understand using our imaginations. We stay interested and focused to try to percieve what the author/photographer etc. is trying to get through to us. I also agree with Paige when she says its like music. Not one painting is the same, and not one song is the same. These pieces of artwork describe who the artist is and how they look at things.
Period 5
I agree with Alyssa in that novels are like paintings because they both give everyone the freedom to chose how they want to interpret the art. There are even many different ways to interpret this painting.Just like in, The Life of Pi, you can interpret parts of it however you would like. You don't have to accept that Pi has three religions. You don't have to accept that the animals on the boat just magically escaped from their cages and are running freely on the ship. You even don't have to accept that Pi could ever survive on a life boat with a tiger. This book is meant to step on your toes. Just like this painting, you don't have to agree with it. You can interpret it however you want to. When I look at it I see chaos. I see everything that could possibly go wrong going wrong. Just because I don't think that this is realistic doesn't mean that I can't interpret it. I believe that this is how novels are like paintings, sculptures, photographs, and songs; you can interpret them however you want to even if you don't find them realistic.
p.5
I think that paintings, sculptures, novels and songs are very much alike. First off they all have a ton of work put into them. There is usually a reason for the painting, sculpture, novel or song. Sometimes songs can paint pictures in your mind along with novels. In novels there is a beginning, middle and end just like piece of music has a beginning, middle and end.
Period 5
I think music is a lot like art and music. Like Mr. Kessler said music has an intro and an ending, whether that ending is sad, scary or happy it is up to the reader (listener) to decide if the music (book) was good. Sometimes if you read too much into the story or if the story/ music is boring, then you won’t read/listen to it again. Music has a beginning or introduction, it sets the time and place, and if it is a piece by Sousa (wrote marches) you know its going to be upbeat and happy. So if you read a book by Stephen King, you know it’s going to be bizarre and strange. Same way with art, I think art only depicts a certain moment or time in a person’s life; a self portrait would only be about that person during that time in life.
I like how this picture is so vast just like the book. There are many things to think about and when your on a boat with a tiger for a very long time, you get to know yourself better. You ponder what's what because there really is nothing to pass the time. All you have to do is protect yourself and feed the tiger. I also believe that artists talk to students because we learn about their art and they show respect to us just like we show respect to thier work.
Period 5
I also agree with Casey in that novels, painting, sculptures, and songs are all ways to get emotions out. This could be one of the best ways to actually get emotions out. If you write, or draw, or sculpt something this can show other people how you really feel. Instead of using violence or yelling which, in my opinion, doesn't accomplish as much. With art you can show your true feelings possibly without hurting anybody.
Novels are like painting, sculptures, photographs, songs, and themes. One of the reason whys is because each of these things are made by someone else and like Andrea Offermann had said we humans love to see and understand each other thoughts. Each of these things is a part of human’s lives and I don’t think most of us would want any of them taken away from us. They all have a story to them whether it’s a novel or a photograph. Each of them have a background to them or meaning to them. Each of these brings out a mood in us whether it’s good or bad. It would be different for each person.
said by Erin Sudbeck
Any of you seen a sculpture that made you FEEL?
period 5
I agree with Kaitlin in that with art, you can show your true feelings without hurting anyone.
When i was in Europe, there was a sculpture of Jesus on the cross. To me, it was an emotional experience to see it. I had tears in my eyes when we walked up and i really saw what it was.
Novels are like artwork because every piece of artwork has a story. They either tell us the story or we come up with our own with what we think of it. Same as for books, we all interpret differently and have our own understanding of what is going on in the novel or painting. Some novele are easily understood and some are more difficult depending on the way the author felt that day or what the author was trying to say to us. Each novel and painting has its own message also. It is our job to use our imaginations and come up with what we believe the authors are trying to reveal to us.
Pd. 5
I absolutely agree that paintings coincide with novels. When i paint i always get inspired by things i read or heard in a song. I believe that most artwork is inspired by another form of art whether it be the art of nature or another person's work of art. I believe that artwork of any form whether it be novels, songs, or paintings are inspired by something, I don't think its possible for people to just paint or write something without any form of inspiration.
Nick P. Per.5
I find music and novels to be the most fascinating as well as most relatable. When listening to music I am oblivious to everything and anything going on around me, it's as if i'm on some drug that I can't come down from. No matter what time of music, it's the same effect, from Ol' Dirty Bastard to Alice In Chains to Moby, it puts me in a trance. This same feeling I often get from reading novels, if I find myself deep in a good book I may never set it down until i'm finished. I believe art is essential to life. ESSENTIAL. Without art we'd be a dull, tasteless group of people without thoughts, it'd be the equivalent of 1984.
Nick P--you're one aware dude. Thanks for what you've written. I'm looking forward to studying 1984 with you.
Whoa, Kaitlin. Martel says something about anger's uselessness, something exactly like your words:
"draw, or sculpt something this can show other people how you really feel. Instead of using violence or yelling which, in my opinion, doesn't accomplish as much. With art you can show your true feelings possibly without hurting anybody."
He speaks about anger here:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24319737-16947,00.html?from=public_rss
Check it out.
Jesse W--how do you define a "stupid ending"?
Paintings and sculptures and photographs are a visiual form of art. Music is an auditory form of art. and Novels are a written form of art. but all of these share one thing in common they all require talent, passion, and experience. all of them acomplish the same goal taking the reader/viewer/listener to a place that they have never been before. When i was in Kansas City for a dance workshop a choreograher told us that the point of all art is to take the [in this place dancer] to a place they have never been before trying new things and attempting to do the impossible. i believe that we can live vicariosly through anything we see hear or read. even if you do get to experience some things you will never accomplish it all but because we have art forms we are able to accomplish more than we ever thougth possilbe.
I absolutely agree with Mr. Kessler and Mr. Goheen. Their insight is perfect! They would know especially how books and music/art relate being music teachers themselves. Mr. Kessler had very good points on how the structure of a piece of music. The introduction, the plot, the twists, and the conclussions are all just as in a book. Each one has its twists/evil/wrong just like a music, i believe Mr. Kessler called it dissonance, and ends in a conclusion, something that sounds right most the time, just as in a song(consanance?).
Mr. Goheen's insight was just as amazing with his thinking on how music can take you from everyday life. I'm sure a good book can do the same just as easily. A good song can take you on a journey and contimplate things you hadn't before or reach new ideas you hadn't, just as a book can convey ideas and thoughts that you never had thought before. So a good song is like a good book because they both have the power to convey ideas, beliefs, and allow you to contimplate your own ideas and beliefs.
Kessler and Goheen are qualified and experienced, indeed--both good readers, too.
I believe jake said that art can not tell a story, but i strongly believe it can. Look at a deep picture and read its story behind it. You can see what the author feels and maybe even put yourself in the picture. Look at andrea offermanns picture of the ship sinking is telling a huge story of a tragic event of the boat sinking. You can see pi on his life raft and Richard Parker trying to get on with him. You see orange Juice and the bananas that it will later float on. Look at the size of that ship and put yourself in pi's perspective of how HUGE an even this really is. Any good picture can tell a story and is worth at least a thousand words.
I really agree with Kailin. Art is essential to life because it is a way to convey and idea, tell a message, and change others opinions.
7- Anything you do can be considered art. To some people driving can be an art. They are all related because they often show what the author or creator is feeling and shows there personality or how they view something. For someone to paint a picture they have to have a reason why they painted it the way they did. Thus they show what they thought and yet it can be interpreted diffrently by somebody else. So one thing show diversity in people and they ways of life just like novels affect people diffrently as well. For example some people thought "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" was stupid yet others thought that it shows what controll and power does to people. Some people probably felt even more. Even kids know how to show us that they are the same. When they are little they want to do acting or singing at one point in their lives. That is both considered art work and fun. People love music for many reasons such as it calms you down, pumps you up, puts you to sleep, and can make you reflect on your day. In the song Stan by Eminem he acts as a fan talking to Em himself. He states "I can relate to what you're saying in your songs
so when I have a shitty day, I drift away and put 'em on
cause I don't really got shit else so that shit helps when I'm depressed"(songlyrics.com) so the music helps him with his depression just like a novel can help other people relax or drift off to anohter world where they feel safe. Isn't that what almost every childrens novel is? A sence of adventure, just like music, paintings, and movies. It may be dramtic, sad, violent, scary but it is still an adventure that we normaly wouldn't take. Even sports are in this category. It is an adventure everytime and its something you couldn't normaly do in the real world off the feild or court. You can't go tackle your boss because he has a stack of papers yet you can sack the quarterback for having a ball which sends a rush of adrenline threw your body and you make sure the hit counts. Sports are an art just like everything else. They also help give you your personality too.
7- Could war also be considered art? I mean you have conflict, climax, and then an ending. You have many protaginst and antiganist. You have a setting and you have action. That is what a normal novel has isn't it? War also makes great paintings. People see pictures of war and they know instantly about it. Some music is also made at war such as our nations anthem. Plus war takes statgic planning as well.
I agree with kaitlin, but some forms of art stir up emotions that would make people want to fight or be fought. Just like everything else, there is always a good way, and a bad.
I agree with Leah on this one, 100%. To do something you really love to do takes talent, yes, but also the passion to do so. Someone could be good at finding a cure for some serious disease, but all they really want to do is write, read, draw, or sing. Should we stop people from doing what they love to help us in our selfish cries for help? With art, we can expierence so much, I've never been to Italy, but my friend Mandy's aunt Shari and uncle Bruno have, they showed us pictures of all the statues and art work (what was left of ancient Italy anyway) and Mandy and I just sat there looking at them, we felt like we were there looking at them. It was really weird. So before I leave for bootcamp we decided that we're going to go to Italy ourselves and see it all in person rather then thru pictures and videos. It was still cool seeing them how we did, but I think that seeing them in person would be loads more exciting and be much more of an experience.
I agree with Dani and believe that art is a way of letting out your emotions and how you feel. If you're in a good mood, and you feel good, you're more likely to paint a picture of happy .... people or something running around a park with the sun out and all around them then if you were in a sour, down and depressed mood. It works the oppposite way too, if you're in a depressed mood, you're more likely to use darker colors, to let people know how you feel when you just can't find the words to express what's built up inside of you. If its a happy cheerful ending scene of a story that an artists wants to depict, they'll use bright colors, lots of yellows and oranges to give off the warm happy feeling, and if it's a somber sad scene, black and grey and dark blue are used to express the depressed feeling inside.
I also agree with Kaitlin. Not everyone can contain how they feel, and a lot of people can end up getting hurt from the way other people feel sometimes. When I get mad, I know it takes a lot to calm me down, but when I am angry, and I listen to music, or write or draw, it takes my mind off of what happened, and no one gets hurt. So everyone is happy. Yaay.
Period 7.
There is a book called The Art of War (by Sun Tzu, I think). Seems like an oxymoron. Art is usually a good thing. There is an art to war, though, surely. Hopefully, there is an attainable art to/in/with ending war.
I agree that music has the ability to take you somewhere else and offer respite and refuge. Music really does have the ability to ignite our emotions just like novels. We read a novel because we want to be affected. We want our emotions played upon. We don't go to movies to sit in front of a blank screen and remain emotionless, we want to be affected. This is the same with novels and music. When we listen to music we want to be affected. We want to be taken back to a particular place or reminded of a particular person. The same goes for reading a novel. We don't read to stay the same, rather we read to understand more and be taken on a journey, just like a song can do for us. Music really has the ability to affect our emotions just like novels in this sense.
i forgot to say that even music can help with feelings, you listen to a slow song when your sad, an upbeat when you wanna dance, or hard rock when you are getting pumped up for a game.
i believe novels, painting, sculptures, photographs, and songs all are different ways people show there emotions...through colors,words,symbols,shapes....all these different things can describe someones individual emotion.
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