WRACK TECHNIQUES Essay Example

WRACK TECHNIQUES Essay Example WRACK TECHNIQUES Essay WRACK TECHNIQUES Essay Maps were a symbol of power. Because the secrecy meant they got lost it also shows the reader that discoveries can be lost. In the shifting patterns of time This links to the reoccurring images of SHIFTING SANDS. And WRACK/WRECK/ SHIP. David and Kurt are linked by their mutual quest to discover/ rediscover the shipwreck. Their problems are symbolized by the shifting sands. The image of footprints both as a heading and within narratives suggests evidence -? someone has been there but couples with images of sand show evidence can be lost like the ship/wreck. Again history is inconclusive. USE OF NARRATIVES. There are 3 stories all interwoven Davits search, his current research. This collides with Curts story about his search. The writer uses Curts voice but it represents a problem for the reader as Kurt is articulate when we are told he is in a maze and rambles. We need to decide what is true and accurate. His monologues are reflective narratives and the events took place at least 50 years ago. How true would be the memory of a drug addict We also have to rely on his version of events. Both share similarities in they are emotionally damaged (Tania and Veronica) so the reader discovers and speculates about the nature of relationships. The second story is Davits quest for both the ship and for some contentment in his personal life. His Story is revealed by 3rd person narration . David is tormented by his wifes death and is struggling to find love and friendship with Claire.. The description oftener relationship draws on the language of navigation and discovery. She is seen as undiscovered country p. 2 and David is a battered vessel. The narrator suggests there is no map for love Trust in mass is like trust in love little is what it seems. Both stories suggest on a personal level that the mind is uncharted and difficult to understand. We see Claire working at self-discovery. David too has to navigate through his emotions; his grief to find some middle ground with Claire. The third story is about the age of discovery. This involves comments about maps along with examples some true some not of explorers. All serve to suggest science is not exact and the process of discovery holds many angers. The historical narrative uses a factual and formal language to contrast the richer more poetic language of the 3rd person narrator. All three stories are linked by the theme of discovery and the metaphors and symbols of sand, ghosts and the idea that there are no exact sciences in the process of discovery both concrete and personal. THE SETTINGS Setting and weather e. G. Rain, wind are an important technique in the novel shadowing the emotional state of characters. Curts story is set against the backdrop of World War 2 and fall of Singapore. The chaos of their world was eke the chaos in their personal life. Ironically it was only in midst of this chaos and destruction that Veronica can finally admit her love. It has been suggested Singapore was symbolic because it heralded the fall of the British Empire which in the historical narratives shows white men triumph over indigenous people and rewrite their history and geography. THE BEACH SHACK. Was a perfect location for the isolation Kurt craved for his escape from the world. The dilapidated state of the shack represents the physical and moral decay of Kurt. Claire calls it a sinkhole THE SAND DUNES AND SEA. Symbolism the mysterious and uncertain nature of the past history. The sand and sea suggest shift and change the remote nature of the dunes reinforce the characters isolation and loneliness. The landscape is both beautiful and dangerous as shown by the dead body and the suggestions of landmines during the war years. The very suggestion of a ship wreck shows the dangers present then and now. The sea used for so many journeys can bring wealth, prosperity but can also destroy. Claire takes joy in swimming in the sea. THE UNIVERSITY allows the writer to develop his ideas about the tauter and process of academic discovery and coupled with the historical narratives provides many of the reasons why people embark on discoveries.