“[...] a morass of despair violence death with a thin layer of glass spread upon the surface where Love, a tiny crab with pincers and rainbow shell, walked delicately ever sideways but getting nowhere, while the sun [...] rose higher in the sky its tassels dropping with flame threatening every moment to melt the precarious highway of glass. And the people: giant pathworks of colour with limbs missing and parts of their mind snipped off to fit them into the outline of the free pattern.”
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Analysis of Quote from Janet Frame
This quote from Janet Frame's writing depicts a vivid and bleak image of the world. The use of metaphors and personification creates a stark contrast between the harsh reality of despair, violence, and death, and the fragile facade of love represented by the crab on the layer of glass. The imagery of the sun threatening to melt the glass highway symbolizes the constant danger and instability of the world. The description of the people as "giant pathworks of colour" with missing limbs and snipped minds highlights the struggle of individuals to conform to societal expectations and the loss of individuality in the process. Overall, the quote conveys a sense of hopelessness and the struggle to find meaning and connection in a chaotic world.
Modern Relevance
In this evocative passage from Janet Frame's writing, the delicate balance between love and despair, beauty and destruction, is vividly depicted. The imagery of a fragile "highway of glass" overlaid on a dark landscape speaks to the precarious nature of our modern existence. As we navigate our way through a world filled with violence and chaos, it is important to remember the importance of love and connection, even when it seems like we are making no progress. Just like the tiny crab in the passage, we must continue to move forward, navigating the challenges that lie ahead.
Example of Usage
In this passage, Janet Frame beautifully illustrates the surreal and chaotic nature of the world, using vivid imagery to convey the sense of despair and longing for love. The juxtaposition of the delicate crab with the violent surroundings creates a striking contrast, highlighting the struggle for connection and meaning in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Reflection Questions:
As you reflect on this passage from Janet Frame's writing, consider the following questions:
- How does the imagery of a "morass of despair violence death" contrast with the delicate image of Love as a "tiny crab with pincers and rainbow shell"?
- In what ways does the description of the sun "threatening every moment to melt the precarious highway of glass" symbolize the fragility and impermanence of hope and progress?
- What might the "giant pathworks of colour with limbs missing" suggest about the people in this passage and the society they inhabit?
- How does the image of "parts of their mind snipped off to fit them into the outline of the free pattern" connect to themes of conformity and individuality in the text?
- In what ways does the overall description of this scene convey a sense of stagnation and inevitability in the face of adversity?
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