AT HOME ART DATE | read watch write
“I believe there are only two ways of writing a novel. One is mine, making the thing a sort of musical comedy without music and ignoring real life altogether; the other is going right down deep into life, and not caring a damn.”
-- P. G. Wodehouse
“I felt most awfully braced. I felt as if the clouds had rolled away and all was as it used to be. I felt like one of those chappies in the novels who calls off the fight with his wife in the last chapter and decides to forget and forgive. I felt I wanted to do all sorts of other things to show Jeeves that I appreciated him.”
― Bertie Wooster in P.G Wodehouse’s My Man Jeeves
One of the essential comedic writers of the 20th century, P.G. Wodehouse was exemplary in his standing as an artist. His hilarious creations would be something millions would remember him for in generations to come. Wodehouse demonstrated an impressive ability in bringing a diverse set of characters to life in a well-developed picture of Edwardian Britain, which includes dozens of wealthy, middle class, and deeply flawed but hilarious members of the Edwardian upper classes. He is a significant figure in literature, translated into many languages, adored by his fans. He has remained influential to many generations of writers to this day.
He was known to have a complicated, spoiled, naive, and charming approach to his own life but was deftly skilled in his comedic plot devices and story development.
This AT HOME ART DATE is a chance for you to find a fairytale within real life and a musical without the music and discover a guiltless joy in escapism.
(element one) READ This New Yorker article about Wodehouse’s incessant optimism during what, for most, would be a horrible time.
(element two) WATCH writer and actor, Stephen Fry, gives you some insight into Wodehouse’s influence here.
(element three) WRITE a scene between two people. One character has (seemingly) higher status than the other. The scene might take place just before they sing a ridiculous song in a very silly musical. Use whimsy, fantasy, and the absurd. Indulge your brand of silly.
How does it feel to cut loose with your idea of a comedic fantasy? Is it freeing and fun? Does it make you giggle?
Finished? Congratulations. Well done, artist!
If you seek perfection, you will never reach completion.
Please send your Wodehousian scene to a friend with whom you love to laugh. I would be delighted to see what you have created! Try always to share your art.
I hope you find P.G. Wodehouse + Your Unmusical to be a compelling AT HOME ART DATE.
I curate provocative AT HOME ART DATES for you to enjoy solo or with others in your own home. Many of these art dates have online elements combined with supplemental reading, listening, and a variety of activities you can do at home to enhance how you express and experience art. Feel free to forward these art dates to others. Remember to check out the bonus material below.
These AT HOME ART DATES are free of charge. However, they do take time, energy, and a lifetime of artistic experience to put together. If you’d like to buy me a cup of tea as a bit of thanks, I’d appreciate your generosity. Buy Pattie a Cup of Tea.
Yours,
Pattie
Bonus Material:
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