Poetry · Chapter
A Rear Elevation explained
The chapter praises the expressive power of the actor Salvini, comparing his ability to convey emotion through his back to the biblical story of Moses seeing God's rear.
What happens
The chapter praises the expressive power of the actor Salvini, comparing his ability to convey emotion through his back to the biblical story of Moses seeing God's rear. It elevates the art of performance and the subtlety of non-verbal communication.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Criticism
The chapter is a dramatic critic's reflection on Salvini's performance, celebrating the power of physical expression in theater.
Characters to notice
- Salvini
Praised for his godlike ability to express volumes through his back and shoulder-blades in a performance of 'Conrad'.
Key passages
“He can speak with his eyes, his hands, arms, legs, body—nay, with his very bones, for he turned the broad of his back upon us in “Conrad,” the other night, and his shoulder-blades spoke to us a volume of hesitation, fear, submission, desperation—everything which could haunt a man at the moment of inevitable detection.”
Salvini's entire body, even his back, communicates a full range of emotions like fear and desperation during a critical moment in the play.
Highlights the actor's non-verbal mastery.
“So godlike Salvini, lest worshipers die, Averting the blaze of his withering eye, Tempers his terrors and shows to the pack Of feeble adorers the broad of his back.”
Like God shielding Moses, Salvini spares his audience from the full intensity of his gaze by turning his back, allowing them to admire him safely.
Compares Salvini's performance to a divine act of mercy.