The Poetics Of Painting In "Under The Green Shade"

This thesis studies ekphrasis in Under the Greenwood Tree,The subtitle of the novel "A Rural Painting of Dutch School" suggests that Hardy consciously draws pictures in the process of creation.Actually,they are not restricted to rural paintings of Dutch School.This thesis analyzes ekphrasis from three perspectives:landscapes,characters and arts.First,ekphrasis is embodied in Hardy's descriptions of natural scenes and rural architectures.In describing natural scenes,Hardy makes extensive use of the basic elements of painting such as colors and lines.Hardy's descriptions of rural architectures are similar to Rembrandt's paintings,especially Cottage Near the Entrance to a Wood.Second,Hardy's characters also take on some features of ekphrasis.Every time people get gather in the novel,they are given different expressions and movements.The gathering scenes are like collective portraits.Hardy's portrayals of Miss Fancy and Mr.Penny have some connections respectively with Rembrandt's painting,A Girl at a Window,and Moroni's painting,Shoemaker.Third,art scenes in the novel are also related to ekphrasis.The wedding dance is closely related to Bruguell's painting,Wedding Dance.Hardy's music scenes are similar to Van Gogh's painting,Church Pew with Worshippers,and Ostade's painting,Peasant Musicians.By analyzing of ekphrasis in Under the Greenwood Tree,this thesis may to some extent enrich the studies of Hardy.