Make Your Way 7, Schulbuch mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM

Every picture tells a story Look at the following picture and choose the interpretation (A, B, or C) which you think is best. Discuss the reasons for your choice. 8 A Most people see this famous painting by the American artist Edward Hopper as a metaphor of the individual’s loneliness in the modern world. However, this could not be further from the truth. These characters are alone but they are not lonely. The artist’s use of light creates the impression of warmth and acceptance. Outside may be dark and forbidding, but through the brightness of the light from within the café Hopper depicts a place where the stranger may come and enjoy the silent night time camaraderie of a world that is alive when others are asleep. B Three strangers sit in silence in a diner while the outside world is sleeping. Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” has become an icon of the solitude of the modern city. Through his contrast of light and shade Hopper has created a world of alienation, loneliness and psychological tension. While the light may offer the temporary illusion of safety, the ever present darkness outside reminds us of what lies ahead. The artist wants to warn us about the superficiality of the modern relationship and the lack of humanity in our ever-growing cities. C As with all his paintings, “Nighthawks” is another example of Hopper’s love for all things American. This time his subject is the American diner. His completely neutral style and use of simple colour indicates the “normality” of the scene. Hopper is not trying to convey any great message about the human condition, he is simply representing everyday life as he sees it. And as usual he leaves any interpretation or story behind the painting 100% to the imagination of his audience. all things American: alles, was typisch amerikanisch ist nighthawk: Nachtschwärmer Edward Hopper, Nighthawks 78 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eige tum des V rlags öbv