AT the beginning of Chemistry the first image is of the "pond " which was "circular" and "exposed". The pond is used as symbolism of the relationship between the Narrator, Grandfather and mother. The adjective "circular" represents the strong bond between the three and the unity, however this is contradicted by the verb "exposed" which refers to the weakness of this relationship probably due to there not being a father figure anymore. The pond is also a very special place where the remainder of the family go to unite, when they go there, there is a real sense of unity as seen in the teamwork to pull the boat in order to embark. This place is very intimate as the family try to go there when there are no other people around. The boat is symbolism of the relationship and when the boat sinks the relationship also deteriorates. WE see this when the narrator talks about he close family bond when saying "we live for each other" but then sais "until that day" when the boat sank which shows how this strong bond was broken. Ralph is also seen as a reason of how the bond is broken as the narrator links closely Ralphs appearance to the sinking of the boat. However In the narrators dream of his father coming back his father mentions that mother put a hole in the boat which then uses the symbol of the boat to show that mother was the reason the relationship fell apart.
In the story "Chemistry" the author uses "One of fathers," old jumpers that Ralph was wearing as a metaphor for the missing farther figure in the family. The jumper "was far too small" for ralph showing that Ralph is not the right fit for the family and ,like a puzzle piece, he does not fill the missing gap correctly. The choice of the verb "small" and not big is strange as it not saying Ralph is not a big enough character to fill the missing farther figure but it is saying,in the narrators eyes, that Ralph is too strong, opinionated and over powering to be the fathers replacement.
In the short story "chemistry", the writer uses symbolism to represent the family's relationship. A "pond" is referenced at the beginning of the story and it symbolises the family's close relationship at the start as it is not moving and also shows a steady relationship. The "pond" is then described as "circular" and this conveys their family's unbreakable bond. The "pond" is also referred to in the last paragraph of the story and this conveys how important the pond was to the narrator and is symbolic of when his family unit was the strongest. The "pond" could also be interpreted as mirroring the structure of the story. The story uses a circular structure meaning it starts and ends in the same place. This could be to further emphasise the importance of the pond to the narrator.
In the short story 'Chemistry', symbolism is used to portray a number of different things, such as relationships between family members, as well as the change in relationships. Near the beginning of the story, it's described how the boat sinks 'deeper and deeper' in the pond. This could convey the fact that their happiness and unity will soon be destroyed by the addition of Ralph to the family. In a way, he's shown to be a heavy weight which is the cause for the boat to sink. Imagery is used when it talks about Grandfather's shed, with 'high walls surrounding the garden'. His shed was a safe place for him, somewhere that he didn't have to worry about being under the wrath and dominance of Ralph. On the other hand, it could reference a fortress; and so comparing the Grandfather to a knight- this could be due to how many battles he fought with Ralph. The many references to gold throughout the story, could indicate how the family together were undoubtedly strong, however 'anything can change'.
In 'Chemistry' there is a lot of symbolism used to reflect on the relationships in the story. In the opening of the story, the setting is around a circular pond. The story also end with this setting. The 'circular' pond is a symbol of the cycle of a family relationship. Every family goes through arguments and fights along with the best moments. The pond represents the fact that no matter what happens between the family they will always be going around in a 'circular' movement and will always be there for one another. Also, the boat is described to 'sink deeper and deeper'. This happens 'not long after mother met ralph'. The imagery of the boat sinking reflects that the bond between the Grandfather, Mother and Son will be soon broken by the weight of Ralph on the family. Grandfathers shed is described to have 'high walls' which can reflect on the narrator veiwing his Grandfather as being trapped whilst Ralph is part of the family. On the other hand it can show that the young boy views his Grandfather to be one of much loyalty and greatness comparing him to live in a place of such security.
In the short story 'Chemistry', symbolism is used to show a number of different things, such as relationships and the progressive change within the family. One of the main symbols portrayed at the start of the story is a small toy boat that sails a pond smoothly and flawlessly, this is symbolic of how the narrator perceived the family. The author also uses a pond which the boat has to sail through as a symbol of the daily struggle. This imagery is later present as the boat sinks when it becomes overcome by the ‘element.’ The failure of the toy is iconic because it portrayed the breaking point in the story as the family relation starts to wither away due to the fact that the character of Ralph has been introduced. From then on out the author, Graham Swift, uses symbolism to convey the atrocity that is the perishing of his family’s bonds. For example, the “high walls” created by the grandfather convey a confined and dislikeable aura however these are symbolic of how he has blocked himself away from the family similar to a fort, this is contradicted by the park at the start which was open conveying a welcoming atmosphere. Near the end of the story the narrator returns to the pond which he perceived as a symbol of joy and peace simply to relive those memories.
In the short story 'Chemistry' the writer uses symbolism through the imagery of a 'pond' to convey the family's relationship as a steady and a still one. This is followed on with the adjective of 'circular,' portraying the strong bond of unity and affection between the three, and is also repeated at the end of the story to illustrate their never-ending and unbreakable relationship. The fact that the narrator is shown to be from the young boy's perspective, who describes his family to a 'pond,' suggests their relationship being isolated and fragile, this is because it mirrors the idea of the pond as a detached area from the vast sea, which foreshadows the remaining family saddened by the loss of their relatives and feeling distant from each other, despite the irregular family structure of Grandfather, Mother and Son. Alternatively, the contradiction between the family's state as a pond to the sea reflects the boy's deeper thoughts on danger, despite the sea having no control or shape but a pond being motionless and small, and he is lost when the bond grows further apart between the trio, conspicuously after Ralph's entrance in their 'circular' relationship, which reinforces their sudden change, as the writer uses the verb 'slapped' to show the boy as surprised and hurt in Ralph's presence.
In the short story "Chemistry", symbols are used in many forms by the boy(narrator) to portray the family relationships and how they have changed throughout. Near the beginning of the story the boy uses seasons to emphasises the fact that the family would go to the pond "even in winter - especially in winter" which shows how the relationship between the three is/will be cold.He also mentions that "water froze your hands", this may be symbolism of lifelessness and death which may foreshadow how the relationships at the end of the story start to deteriorate. Further on into the story, Ralph is introduced and with him is a semantic field of hunting which is symbolic of his predatory nature and how he picks of his prey(the family) one by one until there is nothing left which can be seen by the complete change from a loving family bond to broken helpess one.
The short story "Chemistry" uses symbolism in order to display many themes and messages, one of them being change of family and circumstance. Ralph coming into the family suddenly, and being described to replace grandfather's place, is mirrored in "anything can change. Even gold". "Gold" is a valuable, expensive metal, perhaps symbolising the relationship between mother, grandfather and the narrator, as they are described to have a close bond, in the beginning. On the other hand, "gold" is a soft metal, which requires other elements in order to stay strong; this parallels the idea of the family being incomplete without the grandmother, or the father, or could even suggest that they are weak, and can easily be broken by Ralph. Grandfather describing his job of "taking something that wasn't gold and covering it so it looked gold" is a symbol of how the relationship before was pure and genuine, but with Ralph only seems better, like gold, in the mother's eyes, but to the grandfather, it is just something that mimics gold, so isn't what they had before.
In the short story chemistry, Graham uses symbolism to foreshadow of whats to come in the story and how the family relationship changes. At the beginning of the story the narrator mentions the boat sinking - this can foreshadow how the grandfather doesn't make it. After-that, the character Ralph makes his appearance. Graham uses the verb barked to show the wildness of his character and how he chooses the grandfather(the bond) and breaks him, leaving the family to suffer.
In ‘Chemistry’ by Graham Swift, symbolism is used to portray the pond as the bond between the close knit family. The word ‘circular’ is used to describe the pond to show their unity and how their relationship is never ending, displaying the strength of their bond. Circles are also drawn in one curved line instead of harsh straight lines which could represent how smooth and easy the family’s relationship is. However, Swift also utilizes the word ‘exposed’ to illustrate the pond. ‘Exposed’ has connotations of vulnerability, which displays that there may be a gap left in the family, destroying what’s meant to be their ‘close bond’ and leaving a space to be filled. The fact that the pond is only small (‘perhaps fifty yards across’) accentuates what tiny space it is and how the gap is hard to fill without reckoning the rest of the family and their unique, unbreakable tie.
In 'chemistry' Graham Swift uses symbolism of a parting relationship through a pond at the start of the short story. Swift uses the passage, "for some reason it was always grandfather, never I, who went to the other side", to reflect how it had always to be seemed grandfather with some form of problem or issue towards not only the family but the relationship with ralph as well and Swift uses key symbolism of a pond with, "circles", to represent how the problems are continues and repeating with the family itself.
The gold in the story symbolizes the grandfathers relationship with the narrator. This is because gold is very precious and rare, which reflects their relationship. It is, however, very malleable, which depicts how their relationship can be influenced by outside forces, such as his mother, who drove the Grandfather to suicide, thus ending their relationship. The pond is symbolic of life and death in many ways. One way is that the boy and grandfather stood at opposite ends of the pond, to show how they are at opposite ends of life, with the boy just starting his life, and the grandfather ending his. It also symbolizes the death of the narrators father, with the boat sinking in a way that mimics the death of his father.
In the short story "Chemistry" Graham Swift uses symbolism to show the relationships within a family. At the beginning of the story the mother, son and grandfather go to a pond which is described as "circular" and "exposed". The word "circular" could represent how the three are united and have a strong close relationship. The word "exposed" however could mean that anything can come in-between them. Also a pond had no flow to it like a stream or river this could show that there relationship isn't going anywhere.
Throughout the short story 'Chemistry' the writer includes a number of symbols to reflect the change in the family's relationship. This is presented through the reference to the 'pond' and the fact that it is described as 'circular' indicates the complete unity between the grandfather, mother and boy(narrator). This is similarly shown as the structure carries a circular format with the 'pond' being repeated at the start and end of the story. It is evident that the introduction of Ralph creates a sudden distortion and imbalance within the family. However, this is further conveyed through the reference to the 'invisible chord' in the beginning and the 'invisible line' at the end. The transition from the 'chord' to 'line' suggests the severity of Ralph's damage upon the family as a 'chord' is often assumed to be strong and thick compared to a 'line', which is the complete opposite.
In "Chemistry", the author uses symbolism to portray how family relationships do not always stay the same and can change, for example by using the pond to symbolise the relationship between the Narrator, Grandfather and the Mother. The story starts and ends at the pond, meaning the story has a circular structure. This could represent how the bond between them is unbreakable and conveys their unity. However this is contrasted when it is described by the verb "exposed" which indicates their vulnerability - perhaps because the narrator's father passed away - and how their family is open to attack, foreshadowing how the narrator thinks Ralph intruded on their vulnerability. The narrator's feelings towards Ralph are shown using symbolism of his father's jumper. "Ralph wore an old sweater, which was far too small for him and i recognised it as one of fathers." The fact Ralph is wearing his dad's old sweater implies how he is trying to become a father figure and take his dad's place, but it "was far too small for him" highlighting that Ralph will never be fit for the family. Rather than using the adjective big, "small" is used to describe how the jumper fits symbolising how the narrator feels Ralph is too controlling to be in his father's place, as if it were too big it would symbolise he is not worthy enough.
In the short story 'Chemistry' by Graham Swift, the author uses gold and the pond as symbols to represent the relationship. Gold is a highly priced metal due to its attractive colour and resistance to tarnish. This is symbolic of the relationship as at first the relationship is described as very strong and never ending through the idea of the pond being "circular" and the trio of "Mother, Grandfather and I". It is a very valuable and precious relationship, implied when the author says the grandfather "kept Mother and me as he might have kept his own wife and son". There is irony however as even though the natural form of gold is always the same, gold change through chemical experiments. The change is shown when Ralph barges into this family relationship which is portrayed when the "wind blew" and "slapped the paved edges" therefore distrupting the pond - a metaphor for the family relationship. The use of the word "slapped" implies how this external force of the wind - Ralph - will have a hurting, lasting effect on the pond - the family relationship. Moreover the relationship is also foreshadowed to change through the description of the pond being "exposed". It is exposed due to the father figure being lost and this creates a sense of vulnerability of their relationship, and how it can be tarnished quite easily by a third person coming in to take the dominant place of which the father once had.
Water is used throughout the length of "Chemistry".Water is vital for our survival and is associated with life(which is ironic as death is a prominent theme) as, is the families bond within this story. The water links into the overall message of the narrative; things may change but they stay the same underneath. The water is presented in many forms to represent change within the unit; the still "pond" exhibits the calm and steady relationship between the grandfather, mother and narrator. Contrary to this the "sea" could represent the the relationship between Ralph, the mother and the narrator as the sea is vast it could portray having an additional parent is uncharted and new territory .Furthermore the size of the sea can be overwhelming, as is having Ralph break the "delicate equilibrium" between the original trio.
In the short story "Chemistry", Swift uses alcohol as a symbol of deceit which is an underlying cause of the evident deterioration of the family relationships within this story, "I smelt whisky". Alcohol is a substance with the capability to make something seem like something else, just how one’s personality changes under its influence. This could explore the idea of the grandfather’s death and how there is more to it than just a suicide case, possibly murder? Alcohol only has a temporary effect on something which could convey how this family bond between the grandfather, mother and the son can only be changed but not lost. However, consuming too much alcohol, does result in death. In the narrator’s eye, the mother’s deceitful actions towards the grandfather is what deprives this family bond and causes it to weaken just how alcohol gradually destroys the body.
AT the beginning of Chemistry the first image is of the "pond " which was "circular" and "exposed". The pond is used as symbolism of the relationship between the Narrator, Grandfather and mother. The adjective "circular" represents the strong bond between the three and the unity, however this is contradicted by the verb "exposed" which refers to the weakness of this relationship probably due to there not being a father figure anymore. The pond is also a very special place where the remainder of the family go to unite, when they go there, there is a real sense of unity as seen in the teamwork to pull the boat in order to embark. This place is very intimate as the family try to go there when there are no other people around. The boat is symbolism of the relationship and when the boat sinks the relationship also deteriorates. WE see this when the narrator talks about he close family bond when saying "we live for each other" but then sais "until that day" when the boat sank which shows how this strong bond was broken. Ralph is also seen as a reason of how the bond is broken as the narrator links closely Ralphs appearance to the sinking of the boat. However In the narrators dream of his father coming back his father mentions that mother put a hole in the boat which then uses the symbol of the boat to show that mother was the reason the relationship fell apart.
ReplyDeleteIn the story "Chemistry" the author uses "One of fathers," old jumpers that Ralph was wearing as a metaphor for the missing farther figure in the family. The jumper "was far too small" for ralph showing that Ralph is not the right fit for the family and ,like a puzzle piece, he does not fill the missing gap correctly. The choice of the verb "small" and not big is strange as it not saying Ralph is not a big enough character to fill the missing farther figure but it is saying,in the narrators eyes, that Ralph is too strong, opinionated and over powering to be the fathers replacement.
ReplyDeleteAmy
In the short story "chemistry", the writer uses symbolism to represent the family's relationship. A "pond" is referenced at the beginning of the story and it symbolises the family's close relationship at the start as it is not moving and also shows a steady relationship. The "pond" is then described as "circular" and this conveys their family's unbreakable bond. The "pond" is also referred to in the last paragraph of the story and this conveys how important the pond was to the narrator and is symbolic of when his family unit was the strongest. The "pond" could also be interpreted as mirroring the structure of the story. The story uses a circular structure meaning it starts and ends in the same place. This could be to further emphasise the importance of the pond to the narrator.
ReplyDeleteIn the short story 'Chemistry', symbolism is used to portray a number of different things, such as relationships between family members, as well as the change in relationships. Near the beginning of the story, it's described how the boat sinks 'deeper and deeper' in the pond. This could convey the fact that their happiness and unity will soon be destroyed by the addition of Ralph to the family. In a way, he's shown to be a heavy weight which is the cause for the boat to sink. Imagery is used when it talks about Grandfather's shed, with 'high walls surrounding the garden'. His shed was a safe place for him, somewhere that he didn't have to worry about being under the wrath and dominance of Ralph. On the other hand, it could reference a fortress; and so comparing the Grandfather to a knight- this could be due to how many battles he fought with Ralph. The many references to gold throughout the story, could indicate how the family together were undoubtedly strong, however 'anything can change'.
ReplyDeleteIn 'Chemistry' there is a lot of symbolism used to reflect on the relationships in the story. In the opening of the story, the setting is around a circular pond. The story also end with this setting. The 'circular' pond is a symbol of the cycle of a family relationship. Every family goes through arguments and fights along with the best moments. The pond represents the fact that no matter what happens between the family they will always be going around in a 'circular' movement and will always be there for one another. Also, the boat is described to 'sink deeper and deeper'. This happens 'not long after mother met ralph'. The imagery of the boat sinking reflects that the bond between the Grandfather, Mother and Son will be soon broken by the weight of Ralph on the family. Grandfathers shed is described to have 'high walls' which can reflect on the narrator veiwing his Grandfather as being trapped whilst Ralph is part of the family. On the other hand it can show that the young boy views his Grandfather to be one of much loyalty and greatness comparing him to live in a place of such security.
ReplyDeleteBy Lauren
Delete
ReplyDeleteIn the short story 'Chemistry', symbolism is used to show a number of different things, such as relationships and the progressive change within the family. One of the main symbols portrayed at the start of the story is a small toy boat that sails a pond smoothly and flawlessly, this is symbolic of how the narrator perceived the family. The author also uses a pond which the boat has to sail through as a symbol of the daily struggle. This imagery is later present as the boat sinks when it becomes overcome by the ‘element.’ The failure of the toy is iconic because it portrayed the breaking point in the story as the family relation starts to wither away due to the fact that the character of Ralph has been introduced. From then on out the author, Graham Swift, uses symbolism to convey the atrocity that is the perishing of his family’s bonds. For example, the “high walls” created by the grandfather convey a confined and dislikeable aura however these are symbolic of how he has blocked himself away from the family similar to a fort, this is contradicted by the park at the start which was open conveying a welcoming atmosphere. Near the end of the story the narrator returns to the pond which he perceived as a symbol of joy and peace simply to relive those memories.
In the short story 'Chemistry' the writer uses symbolism through the imagery of a 'pond' to convey the family's relationship as a steady and a still one. This is followed on with the adjective of 'circular,' portraying the strong bond of unity and affection between the three, and is also repeated at the end of the story to illustrate their never-ending and unbreakable relationship. The fact that the narrator is shown to be from the young boy's perspective, who describes his family to a 'pond,' suggests their relationship being isolated and fragile, this is because it mirrors the idea of the pond as a detached area from the vast sea, which foreshadows the remaining family saddened by the loss of their relatives and feeling distant from each other, despite the irregular family structure of Grandfather, Mother and Son. Alternatively, the contradiction between the family's state as a pond to the sea reflects the boy's deeper thoughts on danger, despite the sea having no control or shape but a pond being motionless and small, and he is lost when the bond grows further apart between the trio, conspicuously after Ralph's entrance in their 'circular' relationship, which reinforces their sudden change, as the writer uses the verb 'slapped' to show the boy as surprised and hurt in Ralph's presence.
ReplyDeleteMehwish
In the short story "Chemistry", symbols are used in many forms by the boy(narrator) to portray the family relationships and how they have changed throughout. Near the beginning of the story the boy uses seasons to emphasises the fact that the family would go to the pond "even in winter - especially in winter" which shows how the relationship between the three is/will be cold.He also mentions that "water froze your hands", this may be symbolism of lifelessness and death which may foreshadow how the relationships at the end of the story start to deteriorate. Further on into the story, Ralph is introduced and with him is a semantic field of hunting which is symbolic of his predatory nature and how he picks of his prey(the family) one by one until there is nothing left which can be seen by the complete change from a loving family bond to broken helpess one.
ReplyDeleteThe short story "Chemistry" uses symbolism in order to display many themes and messages, one of them being change of family and circumstance. Ralph coming into the family suddenly, and being described to replace grandfather's place, is mirrored in "anything can change. Even gold". "Gold" is a valuable, expensive metal, perhaps symbolising the relationship between mother, grandfather and the narrator, as they are described to have a close bond, in the beginning. On the other hand, "gold" is a soft metal, which requires other elements in order to stay strong; this parallels the idea of the family being incomplete without the grandmother, or the father, or could even suggest that they are weak, and can easily be broken by Ralph. Grandfather describing his job of "taking something that wasn't gold and covering it so it looked gold" is a symbol of how the relationship before was pure and genuine, but with Ralph only seems better, like gold, in the mother's eyes, but to the grandfather, it is just something that mimics gold, so isn't what they had before.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn the short story chemistry, Graham uses symbolism to foreshadow of whats to come in the story and how the family relationship changes. At the beginning of the story the narrator mentions the boat sinking - this can foreshadow how the grandfather doesn't make it. After-that, the character Ralph makes his appearance. Graham uses the verb barked to show the wildness of his character and how he chooses the grandfather(the bond) and breaks him, leaving the family to suffer.
ReplyDeleteIn ‘Chemistry’ by Graham Swift, symbolism is used to portray the pond as the bond between the close knit family. The word ‘circular’ is used to describe the pond to show their unity and how their relationship is never ending, displaying the strength of their bond. Circles are also drawn in one curved line instead of harsh straight lines which could represent how smooth and easy the family’s relationship is. However, Swift also utilizes the word ‘exposed’ to illustrate the pond. ‘Exposed’ has connotations of vulnerability, which displays that there may be a gap left in the family, destroying what’s meant to be their ‘close bond’ and leaving a space to be filled. The fact that the pond is only small (‘perhaps fifty yards across’) accentuates what tiny space it is and how the gap is hard to fill without reckoning the rest of the family and their unique, unbreakable tie.
ReplyDeleteIn 'chemistry' Graham Swift uses symbolism of a parting relationship through a pond at the start of the short story. Swift uses the passage, "for some reason it was always grandfather, never I, who went to the other side", to reflect how it had always to be seemed grandfather with some form of problem or issue towards not only the family but the relationship with ralph as well and Swift uses key symbolism of a pond with, "circles", to represent how the problems are continues and repeating with the family itself.
ReplyDeleteThe gold in the story symbolizes the grandfathers relationship with the narrator. This is because gold is very precious and rare, which reflects their relationship. It is, however, very malleable, which depicts how their relationship can be influenced by outside forces, such as his mother, who drove the Grandfather to suicide, thus ending their relationship. The pond is symbolic of life and death in many ways. One way is that the boy and grandfather stood at opposite ends of the pond, to show how they are at opposite ends of life, with the boy just starting his life, and the grandfather ending his. It also symbolizes the death of the narrators father, with the boat sinking in a way that mimics the death of his father.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteIn the short story "Chemistry" Graham Swift uses symbolism to show the relationships within a family. At the beginning of the story the mother, son and grandfather go to a pond which is described as "circular" and "exposed". The word "circular" could represent how the three are united and have a strong close relationship. The word "exposed" however could mean that anything can come in-between them. Also a pond had no flow to it like a stream or river this could show that there relationship isn't going anywhere.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the short story 'Chemistry' the writer includes a number of symbols to reflect the change in the family's relationship. This is presented through the reference to the 'pond' and the fact that it is described as 'circular' indicates the complete unity between the grandfather, mother and boy(narrator). This is similarly shown as the structure carries a circular format with the 'pond' being repeated at the start and end of the story. It is evident that the introduction of Ralph creates a sudden distortion and imbalance within the family. However, this is further conveyed through the reference to the 'invisible chord' in the beginning and the 'invisible line' at the end. The transition from the 'chord' to 'line' suggests the severity of Ralph's damage upon the family as a 'chord' is often assumed to be strong and thick compared to a 'line', which is the complete opposite.
ReplyDeleteIn "Chemistry", the author uses symbolism to portray how family relationships do not always stay the same and can change, for example by using the pond to symbolise the relationship between the Narrator, Grandfather and the Mother. The story starts and ends at the pond, meaning the story has a circular structure. This could represent how the bond between them is unbreakable and conveys their unity. However this is contrasted when it is described by the verb "exposed" which indicates their vulnerability - perhaps because the narrator's father passed away - and how their family is open to attack, foreshadowing how the narrator thinks Ralph intruded on their vulnerability. The narrator's feelings towards Ralph are shown using symbolism of his father's jumper. "Ralph wore an old sweater, which was far too small for him and i recognised it as one of fathers." The fact Ralph is wearing his dad's old sweater implies how he is trying to become a father figure and take his dad's place, but it "was far too small for him" highlighting that Ralph will never be fit for the family. Rather than using the adjective big, "small" is used to describe how the jumper fits symbolising how the narrator feels Ralph is too controlling to be in his father's place, as if it were too big it would symbolise he is not worthy enough.
ReplyDeleteIn the short story 'Chemistry' by Graham Swift, the author uses gold and the pond as symbols to represent the relationship. Gold is a highly priced metal due to its attractive colour and resistance to tarnish. This is symbolic of the relationship as at first the relationship is described as very strong and never ending through the idea of the pond being "circular" and the trio of "Mother, Grandfather and I". It is a very valuable and precious relationship, implied when the author says the grandfather "kept Mother and me as he might have kept his own wife and son". There is irony however as even though the natural form of gold is always the same, gold change through chemical experiments. The change is shown when Ralph barges into this family relationship which is portrayed when the "wind blew" and "slapped the paved edges" therefore distrupting the pond - a metaphor for the family relationship. The use of the word "slapped" implies how this external force of the wind - Ralph - will have a hurting, lasting effect on the pond - the family relationship. Moreover the relationship is also foreshadowed to change through the description of the pond being "exposed". It is exposed due to the father figure being lost and this creates a sense of vulnerability of their relationship, and how it can be tarnished quite easily by a third person coming in to take the dominant place of which the father once had.
ReplyDeleteHafsa.
Water is used throughout the length of "Chemistry".Water is vital for our survival and is associated with life(which is ironic as death is a prominent theme) as, is the families bond within this story. The water links into the overall message of the narrative; things may change but they stay the same underneath. The water is presented in many forms to represent change within the unit; the still "pond" exhibits the calm and steady relationship between the grandfather, mother and narrator. Contrary to this the "sea" could represent the the relationship between Ralph, the mother and the narrator as the sea is vast it could portray having an additional parent is uncharted and new territory .Furthermore the size of the sea can be overwhelming, as is having Ralph break the "delicate equilibrium" between the original trio.
ReplyDeleteAsees.
In the short story "Chemistry", Swift uses alcohol as a symbol of deceit which is an underlying cause of the evident deterioration of the family relationships within this story, "I smelt whisky". Alcohol is a substance with the capability to make something seem like something else, just how one’s personality changes under its influence. This could explore the idea of the grandfather’s death and how there is more to it than just a suicide case, possibly murder? Alcohol only has a temporary effect on something which could convey how this family bond between the grandfather, mother and the son can only be changed but not lost. However, consuming too much alcohol, does result in death. In the narrator’s eye, the mother’s deceitful actions towards the grandfather is what deprives this family bond and causes it to weaken just how alcohol gradually destroys the body.
ReplyDeleteMunaah
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