Case Study → The English Countryside (Edexcel A-Level Geography): Revision Notes

Case Study → The English Countryside

Context	● Identity may be tied to landscape eg. many artists, writers and poets have celebrated the English countryside as a key element of national identity ● Representations of rural life and landscapes play an important role in the reproduction of English culture
Portrayals of the English Countryside	● Some important national myths have a strong association with a rural sense of place, such as Arthurian legends ● Iconic English classical music, including the works of Elgar and the hymn 'Jerusalem', is strongly linked with 'pastoral' images of the countryside. This music is sung or heard regularly at national sporting events or festivals ● Paintings of the English landscape were used during WW2 by the gov to foster patriotic feelings & behaviour
Globalisation	● National cultures are changing rapidly due to globalisation, but the countryside can signify stability ● Rural landscapes provide a comforting sense of the past in people's imagination ● The age of rural buildings, a perceived stability in the appearance of the rural landscape and the proliferation of important historical landmarks and antiques found in the countryside: All help to evoke nostalgia

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