Hornbill Character sketch of the landscape of the soul?
Summary of Landscape of the Soul Chapter ‘Landscape of the Soul’ by Nathalie Trouveroy is about art. The chapter consists of two parts. The first part has been taken from ‘Landscape of the Soul: Ethics and Spirituality in Chinese Painting’; and the second part is from ‘Getting Inside ‘Outsider Art’, an article written by Brinda Suri in Hindustan Times. The first part deals with the art of painting. There is mention of two stories in it. The first story is about Wu Daozi, a famous Chinese painter, who lived in the eighth century. He was a master painter and had been commissioned by the Tang Emperor Xuanzong, to decorate a palace wall. He made a beautiful painting with high mountains, forests waterfalls, clouds floating in clear, big blue sky, men walking and working on hilly paths, birds in flight, and a cave situated at the foot of the mountain, where dwelt a spirit. As the painter was showing the painting to the emperor, he clapped hands; the entrance to the cave opened, the painter got in; the painting vanished and Wu Daozi never came out. The disappearance of the painting from the wall signifies the knowledge of the spiritual inner world. Only the masters know the way within and can go beyond any material appearance. In another famous story, a famous Chinese painter refused to draw the eye of a dragon he had painted for he feared it would fly out of the painting. The third story in the first part is about Antwerp, a master blacksmith called Quinten Metsys fell in love with a painter’s daughter. The father would not accept a son-in-law in such a profession. However, Antwerp had to accept Quinten Metsys as his son in law because he painted a fly on his panel with such delicate realism that it looked real one. The author also talks about Chinese philosophy shanshui, which means ‘mountain water’. The mountain represents ‘Yang’, the male principle; and water signifies Yin, the female principle. In the second part the author writes about the concept of ‘art brut’, which means ‘the art of those who have ‘no right’ to be artists as they have received no formal training, yet show talent and artistic insight. They are artists who think out of the box. Their works are totally different from those of their predecessors. In simple terminology this art can be called ‘unorthodox art.’ In this section the author talks about Nek Chand’s creations. His creation of Rock Garden at Chandigarh is an expression of art brut.
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Hornbill Character sketch of the landscape of the soul?
Hornbill Character Sketch of the Landscape of the Soul
The landscape of the soul is a metaphorical representation of one's inner self, emotions, thoughts, and desires. It reflects the unique characteristics and experiences that shape an individual's identity. In the story "Hornbill" by Agha Shahid Ali, the protagonist's character sketch can be seen through the lens of this metaphorical landscape.
1. Introduction
The protagonist in "Hornbill" is a deeply introspective individual who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. This journey takes place within the landscape of their soul, which is beautifully depicted through vivid descriptions and imagery.
2. Serene Valleys and Tranquil Rivers
Within the landscape of the soul, there are serene valleys and tranquil rivers that symbolize a sense of peace and harmony. These represent the protagonist's innate calmness and their ability to find solace within themselves. It reflects their introspective nature and their inclination towards self-reflection.
3. Towering Mountains and Deep Abysses
The landscape of the soul also features towering mountains and deep abysses. These represent the protagonist's inner struggles and conflicts. The mountains symbolize their resilience and determination to overcome challenges, while the abysses represent their moments of despair and uncertainty. This juxtaposition showcases the complexities of the protagonist's character.
4. Blooming Gardens and Withered Trees
Amidst the landscape of the soul, there are blooming gardens and withered trees. The blooming gardens embody the protagonist's dreams, aspirations, and personal growth. They signify their ability to find beauty and inspiration even in the most challenging circumstances. On the other hand, the withered trees represent their past traumas, regrets, and emotional burdens that have shaped their present self.
5. Golden Sunsets and Stormy Skies
The soul's landscape also encompasses golden sunsets and stormy skies. The golden sunsets symbolize moments of contentment, joy, and fulfillment in the protagonist's life. They represent their ability to find happiness and appreciate the beauty of existence. Conversely, the stormy skies depict periods of turmoil, internal conflicts, and emotional turbulence. They highlight the protagonist's vulnerability and inner battles.
6. Conclusion
Through the metaphorical landscape of the soul in "Hornbill," the protagonist's character sketch is brought to life. The serene valleys, towering mountains, blooming gardens, and stormy skies reflect their inner journey of self-discovery, resilience, growth, and emotional complexity. The landscape of the soul serves as a visual representation of the protagonist's unique identity and the transformative power of introspection.
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