Distinctively_Visual

Distinctively Visual Essay Ideas and themes are central to texts as they are used to create messages and morals. These themes and ideas can be .shaped by the use of imagery in texts and the use of devices to accentuate these images. The Shoe-Horn Sonata by John Misto, Pan’s Labyrinth by Guillermo Del Toro and Ode to a Nightingale use visual imagery to shape the responder. Pan’s labyrinth and the Shoe-Horn Sonata shape the themes of the brutality of war and sacrifice through the use of imagery. Ode to a Nightingale uses imagery to convey ideas about life and death as well as nature. The use of imagery in these texts is central to convey meaning. In the Shoe-Horn Sonata John Misto uses conversations between the two protagonists Bridie and Sheila to evoke images of World War Two. Misto also uses Slides of images from World War Two to further shape the reader and create a sense of realism. In Pan’s Labyrinth Del Toro uses lighting to great effect. In the film Del Toro has created two worlds, one of fantasy and one of realism. Brighter lights are used for the fantasy world while darker lighting is used for the real world, adding darker emotions. The use of camera angles is also used to great effect. In Ode to a Nightingale Keats uses emotive language to evoke imagery to shape the reader. Overall the readers have used visual imagery to great effect, shaping the viewers interpretation. The idea of the brutality of war is explored in both the Shoe Horn Sonata and Pan’s Labyrinth. Both Authors use imagery to shape the viewers understanding. In the Shoe Horn Sonata Misto uses emotive language to evoke the image of the massacre of Benka Island. “the men were bayoneted” conveys the savagery involved. As the women are ordered to march into the sea, the use of sound to show machine gun fire adds further impact to the brutal image. The further use of emotive language was added when Bridie is asked by Rick about Belalau. “What did you do as work'” Bridie replies with “Grave digging, mostly”, highlighting the senseless loss of life as we imagine a younger Bridie digging graves. In Pan’s Labyrinth the use of imagery to shape the perceptions of the brutality of war is shown in two scenes: the farmer and the interrogation. In the farmer scene a man and his son are captured by military forces. Dark lighting is used to create a dark mood. Low angle shots are used of the Captain (protagonist’s step-dad) to create a sense of power over the two men. High angle shots are used to show the men having no power in the confrontation. Violence is shown off frame to add an implied level of violence, shaping the viewer against it as well as war. In the interrogation scene, a rebel fighter is caught. In order to get him to talk, torture is threatened and eventually used. The quote “It would be in your best interest to talk, but to make sure you do I’ve brought along a few tools” evokes an image of absolute brutality. Once again violence is shown off screen to add to the implied levels of violence. The use of imagery by Misto and Del Toro allows the viewer to be shaped by the author by creating an anti-war sentiment. Sacrifice is used in both Pan’s Labyrinth and the Shoe-Horn Sonata. Imagery helps shape the meaning as well as create it. In the Shoe-Horn Sonata sacrifice is used as one of the central ideas. Sheila sacrifices her body and innocence to save Bridie’s life. The image of Sheila going to the Japanese soldier ‘Lipstick Larry’ is evoked through dialogue. “ I crept to the door, but they saw me, Bridie. They saw me and dragged me back.” This quote evokes the horrors Sheila went through to save Bridie. “Every night I see Lipstick Larry. He calls to me and I go to him.” highlights hoe this sacrifice has haunted Sheila for her life. In Pan’s Labyrinth Del Toro uses the motif of blood to blood to symbolise sacrifice. Ofelia, the protagonist, refuses to sacrifice her brother to gain ‘divine rights’. This sacrifice for her future results in her being shot and dying. Blood is used as a motif and is used visually to highlight her decision. Doctor Ferriero also sacrifices his life for that of the rebel cause. The low angle shot helping the rebels highlights his power to help those individuals. A low angle shot is used to show his lack of power when he is shot and killed by the captain. Both Misto and Del Toro use imagery to create meaning as well as shape it for the audience. In Ode to a Nightingale visual imagery is used to represent ideas about life and nature. Keats evokes the image of a depressed man, sick of humanity, falling asleep intoxicated. The surreal world is created, using it as a vessel to convey his ideas. ‘but then I hear a nightingale cry aloud’ creates an image of nature in its majesty and the wonders in life. The nightingale changes the protagonists outlook in life. The poem ends with the protagonist waking, wondering if he will ever feel the ecstasy of listening to a nightingale again. The use of emotive language shapes the readers understanding of life and nature as wonderful things to be enjoyed. The use of imagery by Misto, Del Toro and Keats is strong. Imagery is used by Misto and Del Toro to highlight the brutality of war as well as the importance and consequences of sacrifice. The use of emotive language by Keats highlights the wonders of life and nature compared to city life. All three Authors shape the viewer by using visual imagery to create meaning and effect the interpretation of their texts.