Travel in Art and Literature

Abstract

This chapter explores the links between travel and artistic endeavours. It shows that travel dominates our language through metaphor and idioms, thus shaping our way of thinking. It then explores the myriad links between creativity and travel. It discusses how travel has influenced artistic trends and tastes, and shaped literary forms such as the novel. It also explores how travel helps inspire creativity, giving the artist or writer a mental freedom and new perspectives. Conversely, artistic works have inspired many others to travel: to follow in the footsteps of the artists and see places depicted for themselves. Finally, the chapter looks at how and why travel is such a central motif within our stories, art and literature. We see how nearly all forms of literature, and many other art forms, explore themes of identity, freedom, suffering, empathy and psychological development through the theme of travel.