Literary Analysis - LanguageArts-NHS

Homer’s WorldPortraiture As you look at a portrait, ask yourself whatthe image suggests about the character or charactersbeing depicted. Try to identify the techniques thathelped the artist create that impression.• What does the position of the characters tell youabout the scene rendered in terra cotta?• Consider the difference in dimension between thetwo pieces; one is flat, while the other is in relief.How does that difference affect the feel of each piece?• The pastel drawing is a highly abstract figure, asopposed to a realistic one. What do you think of it?Why might an artist choose such an abstract style?Narrative Art Most of the artwork in this selectiontells a story in one way or another. Consider how theartist’s choices affect your sense of the events portrayedin each work.• One of the following pieces is a decorative scenepainted on a useful object, and the other is a bookillustration. How does each piece’s function affectits style?• Compare the backgrounds on which the two scenesare painted. How does each background affect theway you view and understand the scene?• Which scene makes more sense to you? Explain.About 460–450 b.c.: Terracotta plaque showing thereturn of OdysseusAbout 450–440 b.c.: Clay urn showing Odysseus slayingPenelope’s suitorsAbout 1915: Illustrationfrom Tales of the Godsand Heroes by SirG. W. Cox, Innes Fripp.Hermes, messenger ofZeus, urges the nymphCalypso to releaseOdysseus.1931–1932: Ulysses,Georges Braque. Pasteldrawing.homer’s world 1093