Ekphrasis: Poetry That Deciphers Art

Abstract

The word “ekphrasis” (also called “ecphrasis”) comes from the Greek words ek, “out of” and phrazien, “to declare” or “to express.” Ekphrasis is a rhetorical device in which two medium of art establish a relationship, where one art form tries to interpret, define and describe the essence of another art form so as to provide a deeper meaning to it. More specifically, it is a rhetorical term used for a passage that describes something either in prose or in poetry. The aim is to make the reader conceive the thing described as if it was right in front of them. Ekphrasis description thus becomes the illustration of both creative imagination and competence of the writer. Over the time, the interpretation of ekphrasis has transformed from a mere detailed description of any object as can be seen in Homer's description of Achilles’ shield in The Iliad to elaborate depiction of works of visual art like William Carlos Williams’ poem, Landscape with theFall of Icarus, which is based on Pieter Bruegel Elder's painting with the same title. The articleis an attempt to provide a better understanding of the concept of ekphrasis poetry to the readers. The article also incorporates various popular examples of ekphrasis poetry.