Short and Zero Ekphrasis in the Novel “The Virgin in the Garden” by A.S. Byatt

Antonia Susan Byatt’s literary works frequently contain references to masterpieces of fi ne art, and the ekphrasis is one of hallmarks of the English writer’s oeuvre. This article aims to examine the role of short and zero ekphrasis in A.S. Byatt’s novel “The Virgin in the Garden” (1978). This form of ekphrasis, defi ned as concise references to artistic creations, does not entail a comprehensive depiction of the artifact. Text analysis reveals a close connection between ekphrastic elements and the organization of artistic space, confl ict structure, and character system. The investigation illuminates a symbiotic relationship between the ekphrastic elements and the structural framework of the artistic creation, underscoring the intricate interweaving of aesthetic and literary dimensions in Byatt’s oeuvre. In the novel “The Virgin in the Garden”, the author employs various methods and techniques to realize short and zero ekphrasis. These include direct comparison, metaphor, and symbolization. The description of the hero’s appearance is often based on visual imagery, numerous copies and reproductions of pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works appear in the descriptions of interiors. These images serve to characterize the novel’s characters associated with these interiors. The author’s references to the artistic oeuvre extends beyond mere plot and stylistic analysis, encompassing the biography of the artist, the evolution of his creative process, and the cultural and historical milieu. The staging of the drama “Astraea” is the novel’s primary event, which serves as the organizing principle of the narrative and unites the characters. This event is set against the backdrop of a historical occurrence: the preparations for the coronation of Elizabeth II. Ekphrastic elements play an essential role in establishing a connection between the era of Elizabeth I and the mid-twentieth century. Moreover, a play by Alexander Wedderburn, one of the main characters of the novel, is dedicated to the reign of Elizabeth I. By employing concise descriptions or references to works of fi ne art, A.S. Byatt notably broadens the scope of the text, thereby initiating an associative series within the reader’s mind.