Distinctively Visual Elements in Literature and Film
Introduction
Composers utilize distinctively visual elements to expose unique experiences to their audiences. These elements have the capability to convey powerful responses and effectively communicate ideas and concepts, positioning both positive and negative responses in their audiences.
Distinctively Visual Elements in Literature
Henry Lawson’s ‘The Drovers Wife’
Henry Lawson’s short story ‘The Drovers Wife’ exposes distinctively visual elements through the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery. Descriptive language is used to create a sense of isolation, such as: “The two-roomed house is built from round timber, slabs, and stringy-bark, and floored with split slabs.”
Strong sensory description is effectively used to create an image when The Drover’s wife sits to watch the snake all night: “A green sapling club laid in readiness on the dresser by her side, together with her sewing basket and copy of the young ladies journal.”
Present participle verbs are used to highlight her actions when she attempts to hit the snake: “Snatches” is used to create images of immediacy and courage, while “darts” is used to create an image of a menace.
Lawson’s Depiction of the Australian Bush Culture
Lawson captures the essence of the Australian bush culture and introduces his readers to the eccentric nature of its inhabitants. He illustrates the harsh reality of outback existence, portraying it as a dull environment: “Draw a wire fence and a few ragged gums, and add some scattered sheep running away from the train. Then you’ll have the bush all along the New South Wales western line from Bathurst on.”
Lawson also portrays his stereotypical perception of people in the Australian outback through the distinctively visual. Although the characters are not personalized, remaining anonymous and unnamed, they are differentiated only by their stereotypes.
Distinctively Visual Elements in Film
Andy Wachowski’s ‘The Matrix’
Andy Wachowski’s film ‘The Matrix’ emphasizes distinctively visual elements through the storyline. A low angle shot of Morpheus, the leader of the group, as he closes the door positions the viewer to perceive him as a superior character.
The use of costumes in the matrix shows the agents in black suits with crisp white shirts and a black tie. They look flawless, indicating to the viewer that they are hiding their emotions behind the glasses.
Conclusion
Distinctively visual elements play a crucial role in both literature and film. They allow composers to create powerful images that enable audiences to establish relationships with characters and their environments.