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Lesson 9. The great wave by Hokusai
Before we read the text, have you seen this painting before? Do you like it?
Please read the text about this famous painting:
The Power of The Great Wave
Looking at The Great Wave off Kanagawa, it’s impossible not to feel its energy. The massive wave curls forward, its white foam resembling sharp claws, ready to swallow the tiny boats below. Many assume Hokusai painted a tsunami, but art historians argue that he was simply depicting a large rogue wave. Hidden in the background, almost unnoticed, is Mount Fuji, standing calm and unshaken despite the chaos of the sea.
Hokusai, already in his seventies when he created this masterpiece around 1831, never minded experimenting with new techniques. The Great Wave is part of his famous series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, in which he explored different perspectives of Japan’s most sacred mountain. He preferred using a bold composition, contrasting the movement of the waves with the stillness of Fuji. Another striking piece in the series, South Wind, Clear Sky, shows the mountain glowing red in the morning sun, while Thunderstorm Beneath the Summit captures a dramatic lightning strike.
Despite being one of Japan’s greatest artists, Hokusai admitted struggling with perfection. He changed his name over 30 times, believing that each new identity would bring him closer to artistic mastery. Near the end of his life, he regretted not having more time, saying that if he could live to 110, he might finally call himself a true painter. Although he never reached that age, his work continues inspiring artists around the world.
Please read the text about this famous painting:
The Power of The Great Wave
Looking at The Great Wave off Kanagawa, it’s impossible not to feel its energy. The massive wave curls forward, its white foam resembling sharp claws, ready to swallow the tiny boats below. Many assume Hokusai painted a tsunami, but art historians argue that he was simply depicting a large rogue wave. Hidden in the background, almost unnoticed, is Mount Fuji, standing calm and unshaken despite the chaos of the sea.
Hokusai, already in his seventies when he created this masterpiece around 1831, never minded experimenting with new techniques. The Great Wave is part of his famous series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, in which he explored different perspectives of Japan’s most sacred mountain. He preferred using a bold composition, contrasting the movement of the waves with the stillness of Fuji. Another striking piece in the series, South Wind, Clear Sky, shows the mountain glowing red in the morning sun, while Thunderstorm Beneath the Summit captures a dramatic lightning strike.
Despite being one of Japan’s greatest artists, Hokusai admitted struggling with perfection. He changed his name over 30 times, believing that each new identity would bring him closer to artistic mastery. Near the end of his life, he regretted not having more time, saying that if he could live to 110, he might finally call himself a true painter. Although he never reached that age, his work continues inspiring artists around the world.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary for The Great Wave
to curl - form or cause to form into a curved or spiral shape.
скручиваться
to swallow - cause or allow (something, especially food or drink) to pass down the throat.
проглотить
to depict - represent by a drawing, painting, or other art form.
изобразить
rogue - a person or thing that behaves in an aberrant or unpredictable way, typically with damaging or dangerous effects.
норовистый, негодяй
stillness - the absence of movement or sound.
тишина, неподвижность, спокойствие
to struggle - make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction.
бороться, биться, стараться изо всех сил
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The great wave
Why did they?
| Take the quiz |
Why did Hokusai create The Great Wave?
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| Check |
Why is Mount Fuji included in The Great Wave?
| Next |
| Check |
Why did Hokusai change his name so often?
| Next |
| Check |
Why did Hokusai regret not having more time?
| Next |
| Check |
Why is The Great Wave still famous today?
| Next |
| Check |
Great work! Well done!
| Restart |
What is gerund?
The term refers to the “-ing” form of a verb when it functions as a noun.
For example, His work continues inspiring- inspiring is a gerund.
The term refers to the “-ing” form of a verb when it functions as a noun.
For example, His work continues inspiring- inspiring is a gerund.
We use the gerund
-after prepositions and phrasal verbs
-as a subject of a sentence
-after some verbs, like hate, love, etc.
-after prepositions and phrasal verbs
-as a subject of a sentence
-after some verbs, like hate, love, etc.
ATTENTION!
Most common verbs we use with gerund AND with infinitive:
start, begin, continue
She started to paint. = She started painting.
BUT
The verbs hate, love, like, & prefer are usually followed by a gerund when the meaning is general, and by the infinitive when they refer to a particular time or situation.
Grammar: gerund
Vocabulary
Verbs that we use gerund with:
to admit - confess to be true or to be the case.
for example, they admitted stealing
for example, they admitted stealing
признать
to deny - state that one refuses to admit the truth or existence of.
Do you deny entering the wrong password?
Do you deny entering the wrong password?
отрицать
to like/dislike - to have positive feelings about something/ to not like something
I dislike exercising.
I dislike exercising.
нравится/не нравится
to enjoy - take delight or pleasure in (an activity or occasion).
We are enjoying riding our bicycles.
We are enjoying riding our bicycles.
наслаждаться
to finish - bring (a task or activity) to an end; complete.
I need to finish writing my report.
I need to finish writing my report.
заканчивать
to love/hate - feel deep affection for (someone)./ opposite of love
I hate eating after 6 pm.
I hate eating after 6 pm.
любить/ненавидеть
to mind - be distressed, annoyed, or worried by.
Do you mind closing the window?
Do you mind closing the window?
возражать
to prefer - like (one thing or person) better than another or others; tend to choose.
I prefer drinking coffee.
I prefer drinking coffee.
предпочитать
Gerund
| Take the quiz |
Hokusai admitted _______ (experiment) with new techniques throughout his life.
| Next |
| Check |
He never denied _______ (struggle) with perfection.
| Next |
| Check |
Hokusai started _______ (paint) at a young age and never stopped.
| Next |
| Check |
Many people like _______ (look) at The Great Wave because of its powerful composition.
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| Check |
Some artists dislike _______ (copy) the styles of others, but Hokusai believed in constant learning.
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| Check |
He truly enjoyed _______ (explore) different perspectives of Mount Fuji.
| Next |
| Check |
Hokusai started _______ (paint) at a young age and never stopped.
| Next |
| Check |
Before creating The Great Wave, he finished _______ (paint) many other landscapes.
| Next |
| Check |
He began _______ (use) a new name every time he felt his style was evolving.
| Next |
| Check |
Some traditional artists hated _______ (change) their styles, but Hokusai embraced it.
| Next |
| Check |
He never minded _______ (experiment) with new artistic identities.
| Next |
| Check |
He continued _______ (experiment) with composition even in his later years.
| Next |
| Check |
Great work! Well done!
| Restart |
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Questions to discuss with your teacher:
- Have you visited Japan? Did you like it? /Would you like to visit? Why?
- Do you like this painting? Could you describe it? Try to use gerund and vocabulary.
- What other Japanese artist do you know? How would you describe their style?