"In the thin child's mind, there must have been a time when the sun and the moon, created by the gods, moved at their own sweet will, meandering maybe, pausing maybe, extending a lovely day, or a lovely summer, maybe, or a dark dreamless night." (58)
What I have enjoyed most about this book is simply the beauty of the prose. The word choice and imagery is a treat to read. This quote exemplifies that opinion. The imagery created here of a time where the seasons and the days occurred in an almost leisurely fashion really speaks to me. This quote is also very important because it points out a stark contrast between the modern setting of the book, and a potentially more idyllic time. The thin child imagines a time when the sun and moon moved with leisure sometimes stretching out a day that they wanted to experience more of. In the modern age, it is almost as if the war and the fear that comes with it are the personification of those mythological wolves within the story. The moon and the sun symbolize human freedom and free will that to some extent is lost in war and violence. The troubles we experience in the world serve to chase us out of free will and leisure, pushing us towards a more serious and troubled existence. It is for this reason that the thin child escapes to her mythological world. She maintains a sense of wonder and imagination even in the face of adversity.
I agree with you-this book was like one long, epic poem. It was so rich and imagery-filled and I really enkjoyed reading it. The contrast of the times also was very apparent throughout the book, and I'm glad you chose to point that out.
ReplyDeleteI agree, this book is very fun and pleasing to read. The authors use of words and articulation of sentences paints such a vivd picture in my mind. You bring up a very interesting point when you say that the moon and sun represent human freedom, which is now disappearing with the war. The days become drearier and this represents the loss of free will.
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