Compare And Contrast Bruegel's Landscape With The Fall Of Icarus

Beautiful things come and go throughout our lives, and one may never understand what they truly are by simply observing them for what they seem to be in accordance with their appearance. At least, such ideals are what I have learned, as I have witnessed those who are beautiful, naïve, and misguided ruining their lives along with the lives of others. As I have thoughts such as these while observing Peiter Bruegel’s Landscape with the Fall of Icarus (Bruegel), I can only recall with my mind’s eye Catherine and Heathcliff, how foolish they were, the young and impressionable tormented souls of our secluded segment of the world—Wuthering Heights. So similar to the ambitus and naïve Icarus, who merely attempted to gain what he desired through misguided …show more content…
I understand according to mine own beliefs that his fall is due to his foolishly ambitious nature and lack of attention to the advice of elders. I have born witness and also experienced such incidences and circumstances, but must the punishment be so severe and the victim met with an undignified and unrecognized end? I understand the world nor his father may witness Icarus’ demise, but I cannot conceive why those who look upon the painting are not provided with the means to bestow such a right upon the character of Icarus. The picture was initially meant to stand as an example to warn others of their ambitious natures, however the only perspective provided is seemingly the composed and untroubled perspective of the world on human troubles. I cannot see how that will aid one in their attempts to better themselves for their benefit, rather, it encourages them to act fearfully and cautiously in a world they feel will never be impacted by their existence. Such a life would be a barren life without purpose and meaning. Icarus was abandoned by an uncaring world, just as Cathy and Heathcliff, but I, I will never forget what I have seen nor heard, for I have learned by observing the situation and circumstances as a whole. Such is …show more content…
I wanted to analyze this ideal proposed by Bruegel in his painting, as well as another perspective that he may not have intended or possibly accepted, through the character of Nelly Dean, who understands such a situation very well but realizes that there is more that can be found within multiple representations of a situation. Therefore, I found the critical approach of Cultural Criticism, which allows individuals or societies to understand works of art or literature according to their own thoughts and ideals, to be the most appropriate approach to use in this final