The Land of Make-Believe: Delaware may be the flattest state in the Union, but it is mountains that dominate this loony vision of heaven. Loony? Don't look for a loon on the lake, look for a Looney Tune. Elmer Fudd, rifle in hand, seems ready to take aim at the moose, even though they stand on different sides of the river that separates today from tomorrow. St. Stephen Cemetery. [2010]
That Elmer Fudd be looking for “wabitts” across a grave marker’s somber and otherworldly landscape is more than unexpected, it is baffling.
ReplyDeleteCould that scene refer to a passionate hunter’s nickname?
An idiosyncratic explanation so simple as to remain hermetic to outsiders?
Yet Elmer Fudd was no Nimrod nor Saint Hubert; his much hoped for preys were never in any real danger and his quest forever one of frustration. Here, the baby deer and moose’s peaceful demeanor (might they even be smiling?) attest that Elmer is entertainment, not a threat.
We are at the antipodes of the gory hunting trophies paintings of old.
This Happy Hunting Ground is a playground where no one can ever die. The pleasures of expectation will forever supersede satisfaction. Elmer will keep on tracking, hunting, while being “vewy vewy quiet” and unlike in the cartoon world, it will be great fun for all involved.
Vaison
The perfect afterworld for a hunter who might not have enjoyed shedding blood?