The Stones of Venice

Ruskin mixes a number of literary genres in the book: instruction manual, travel book, historical treatise, and philosophical essay. What is the wider significance of each of these generic styles in The Stones of Venice? How do these different styles reflect and illustrate Ruskin’s key themes and ideas?

Analyze Ruskin’s comparisons of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. What is the significance of his characterization of each? How does his analysis of these historical styles reflect the beliefs and anxieties of 19th-century England?

Examine Ruskin’s presentation of Venice’s art and history. How does Ruskin characterize Venice, both as a place and as a symbol? Why does Ruskin select Venice as a case study for his ideas and theories about architecture? What are the strengths and weaknesses of this approach?

Ruskin favors imagination, sincerity, and even play in architecture over strict adherence to "correct" forms and techniques. How does Ruskin define such qualities? In what ways do these elements inform his understanding of architecture’s wider purposes?

Ruskin’s work has had a varying reception in the many decades since its original publication. What are some of the criticisms made of Ruskin’s work and ideas? Do you find these critiques convincing? Why or why not?

Ruskin describes the Ducal Palace as “the central building of the world” (19). In your view, is it possible for a work of architecture to have universal appeal? Why or why not?

Ruskin valorizes the natural world and argues that all manmade creation should reflect “God’s work” in its form and purpose. How does Ruskin present the role of spirituality in architecture? How do his religious beliefs inform his interpretations and ideas about architectural history more broadly?

Ruskin states that “the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless” (38). What is the relationship between beauty and function in architecture, according to Ruskin? How do his ideas about beauty and function relate to some of the text’s key themes?