Stonehenge, Stourhead & Bath

Wednesday was the best, it quickly made its way up to the top of my list of favorites. Our first stop was Stonehenge Yes—I have finally been to Stonehenge and I love being able to say that! I’ll be honest though, I was a little confused when our professor told us to look over to the side of the road and, yep, there it was—a pretty small pile of rocks just right on the side of the road. It wasn’t so much the size that shocked me but the fact that it was just right there next to the highway. I was expecting it to be in some huge empty field tucked away from everything. Well even though it’s not in the enchanting location that I was expecting, it was still a pretty unbelievable thing to see. The stones are bigger when you’re standing close to them and it’s pretty amazing to think about how long they got there and how long they’ve been there. I still can’t believe I saw Stonehenge-I’m so happy!

After finishing up there we made our way to Stourhead. Pride and Prejudice anyone? Yes, I also got to see the famous bridge Elizabeth runs over right before Darcy confesses that he loves…he loves…he loves her. Unfortunately the bridge was closed as well as the Temple of ApolloL. That was a huge disappointment to a group of 40 hopelessly romantic girls hoping to take proposal pictures at the temple, but it’s hard to be upset when everything in that garden is so beautiful. It really is one of the most amazing places I have ever been. Not to mention, it was definitely one of our best weather days since we’ve been here and that made the gardens all the more pleasing. We had time to just walk around and enjoy everything; it was a perfect day!

J.M.W. Turner

            J.M.W. Turner’s “The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last Berth to be broken up” is a perfect example of the techniques that Turner was partial to using. The paint is laid on very thick with somewhat rough brushstrokes. Although the sunset and water are applied rather loose and thick, the boats in the painting are carefully crafted with smaller, thinner detail. His color palette consists of mostly light colors. With the extremely bright center of the sun, the color fades as it moves outward. The application technique allows for a hazy, majestic feel with smoky golden light. Further away from the setting sun, the sky is lighter and cooler. His loose application of beautiful colors is striking yet still creates a soothing mood.

The aesthetic techniques of this painting differ from those of earlier landscape artists in that it is lighter and more welcoming than before. In earlier paintings darker colors are typically used to show the landscape. Another quality that changes from earlier times is the more open attribute of the scene. Many paintings from other artists in previous eras depict landscapes as a far more complex scene with so many parts of nature taking part in the painting.  On the other hand, “The Fighting Temeraire” is a painting that illustrates a wide-open space using different somewhat lighter colors and pieces of nature while maintaining a simpler, yet still majestic feel.

            The large canvas Turner uses creates a more powerful image. The sheer size makes it more realistic, an outdoor scene captured and put into a painting. The size also emphasizes the colors of the scene and brings a more encompassing serene feeling. The subject matter seems to be a parallel between the past and the present. Turner depicts an old warship as well as a new boat coming in before the setting or possibly rising sun. Having these two boats side by side shows the comparison of the two time periods. The contrast between the veteran ship and the modern steam boat may be a depiction of the setting of simpler times that are now passing and the rise of new ways of the world. There are many qualities unique to Turner that collaborate to form an impressive and beautiful way to capture various landscapes around the world.

Country Walk

On Wendesday a group of us went up to Kent where we met Brother Chiddick for a country walk. Although it was rainy and cold, it was enjoyable and we were able to see so many beautiful sites. No matter how much time I spend in the country, I always find something new to appreciate. There is always an old building or church and graveyard tucked into the landscape. On this walk, my favorite part was the fog hanging over the huge green fields, it made the cold worthwhile. We were also able to see a few castles, including one of which that is now beautiful ruins. There are so many amazing things in nature that work together to make one remarkable English country.

The Winter’s Tale

            The production of The Winter’s Tale at The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon by the Royal Shakespeare Company was one of great interpretation that provided good and interesting insight into the play.  This production was unique in several aspects including the setting of the stage, the props and the characters. As the tale begins, the lighting is dark and candlelit to portray Sicilia as a harsh and worldly place, while Bohemia is full of light and pieces of nature to represent a more uplifting fantastical environment. With the changing light and sets on the circular stage, the audience is able to be more involved and better understand the feeling of the place where each part of the play takes place. Although these particular aspects contribute much to the play, it is the players that make the production such an impressive experience.

Most of the actors portrayed their characters excellently by taking what Shakespeare has written and bringing them to life. However, one of the characters stood out amidst them all and brought a very commanding stage presence. Although Paulina has an important role in the play, the actress brings a more powerful air to the stage and seems to play a much more vital role to the evolving story in the production.  While producing this play on stage, the director has a few options on how to portray Paulina’s character. This specific time, when Paulina steps on stage, something about her demands not only the attention of Leontes but the attention of the entire audience as well. Her loud voice and authoritative actions around the entire stage all contribute to the powerful woman she embodies.

            One particularly dominant moment is when Paulina confronts Leontes about the child his wife has born. Although this part could have been done many ways, the director chooses to allow Paulina’s outspokenness to be recognized and have the king respond in a specific way. While he could have ignored her and turned his attention elsewhere, he seems to listen with increasing anger. And though he doesn’t fully focus on her as she speaks, his body language suggests that her words hit him and make an impression on his mind. As she speaks to him, she does not give in to his masculine power nor give in to his view of women’s fidelity. Her direct approach illustrates her courageous attitude and willingness to stand up to the king’s arrogance.

            Although there are many interpretations of different aspects of the play, one thing that is always unique to each production is the domination of certain characters. In this case of The Winter’s Tale, the presence of Paulina is definitely one of the most powerful. The character she brings to the stage and her authoritative actions make the production more compelling and allow the audience to be consumed with Shakespeare’s tale.

          

A Day Dedicated to Shakespeare

This weekend we had another day trip! We started out at Mary Arden's house and worked our way to Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway's cottage in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Maybe this is common knowledge to everyone else but I found it interesting to learn that it is called Stratford-Upon-Avon because it is the town of Stratford that sits upon the Avon River. I'm sure you feel like a much better person having just learned that. Anyway, I loved the town because every little shop and cafe is named after Shakespeare or one of his characters.  in the center of town is Shakespeare's birthplace. The tour started by walking through a museum that had short movies in several rooms about his life and accomplishments, it was actually entertaining! After going through the museum, we walked through his house where we saw some of his belongings and a man dressed up in Shakespearean attire reciting sonnets, it was great. I wanted to shoot back some of my Polonius lines at him as a challenge, but I got stage fright.

After walking through his house we had a few hours to burn so we walked around for a while and eventually ended up at McDonalds (I'm still ashamed I go there so much) and did homework and talked for a few hours. That night we went to the theatre and saw "The Winter's Tale" and it was actually a decent play! Even after my awful experience at the last play, Shakespeare has been somewhat redeemed…somewhatJ.