What does the wind symbolize

Reference no: EM13790234

Montana 1948 Text Response Paper

Symbolism in Literature

A basic definition of a "symbol" is provided by teacherweb: Symbol: using an image to represent an idea. (Ex. Storms often symbolize impending disaster, red rose=love, dove=peace, black cat=bad luck, etc.). This is often accomplished in literature through metaphors and similes.

Wordnet defines the term "metaphor" as:

(n) Metaphor - a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity. His heart was ripped from him by her cruelty and refusal to be his date at prom. His universe was collapsing around him, pieces thudding into his head and crushing all motive and happy thought.
Wordnet defines the term "simile" as:

(n) Simile a figure of speech that expresses a resemblance between things of different kinds, usually formed with `like' or `as.' He wept like a little girl who lost her favorite Barbie. He vowed, next time, to fight like a tiger to win her love or at least a date.

The novel Montana, 1948 by Larry Watson is filled with powerful symbolism. Your assignment for this essay is to choose one of the Review questions (included here) and write 3 page response. Be sure to: explain the symbolism, using details from the novel to illustrate. Then, explain to the reader if and why this is still relevant today. You'll assume the role of "teacher" in this essay, explaining to your reader how symbolism works in literature using Montana, 1948 to illustrate. Be careful and avoid simply summarizing the story. We know the story. We want the symbolic meaning.

Remember, if you use any passages from the novel, you must cite it in text and include a works cited page as your final page.

Essay Questions

1. Disappointment is a major aspect of Montana 1948. Discuss examples of disappointments faced by three different characters. Be sure to provide analytical "whys" in your response.

2. Explain why the narrator's mother "feared for my soul." What exactly was she afraid of?

3. What could the narrator's mother's fear of disease be a larger symbol of? How did she face it (p. 15)?

4. What do fences symbolize (p. 27)?

5. Considering the following passage about Ollie Young Bear, discuss reasons why he could not find humor in the world.

Mr. Young Bear, as my father insisted I call him, was a stern, censorious man. He was physically imposing-- tall, barrel-chested, broad -shouldered, large-headed--and he never smiled. His lips were perpetually turned down in an expression both sad and disdainful. He seemed to find no humor in the world, and I have no memory of hearing him laugh.

6. What does the wind symbolize? What does it mean when it blows? Be specific.

7. What did father and mother feel about grandfather's house? How is the house symbolic of grandfather? What does it say about father's true attitude toward grandfather?

8. Describing Marie, the author writes: Her eyes seemed darker than ever, all pupil, black water that swallowed light and gave nothing back. describing Frank's medical bag, he writes: His medical bag was on the table too, and seeing it there where we ate our special meals I realized how large it was, how if its black mouth opened, it could swallow all the light in the room. Is there a connection? Explain thoroughly.

9. Explain what the paint symbolizes.

10. Explain what the horse means to the boy. What is he crying for as he weeps?

11. What did the boy realize about the perception of small town life? Explain what and why his perception changed.

12. The boy refers to the "sins of our fathers." What does this term mean, and what are the sins of the fathers in the novel?

13. What does the following passage symbolize for women in terms of society: She [mother] was too tired to care anymore. This was the day she had fired a gun in the direction of four men. From her own kitchen.

14. What is Frank's smashing of the canning jars symbolic?

15. Explain why the boy felt love for Frank?

16. Explain why the author adopted a new view of history on page 164. What does it say about how history is recorded and taught?

Reference no: EM13790234

Questions Cloud

Prepare the journal entry to record the transaction : On December 31, 2012, Ed Abbey Co. performed environmental consulting services for Hayduke Co. Hayduke was short of cash, and Abbey Co. agreed to accept a $250,300 zero-interest-bearing note due December 31, 2014, as payment in full. Prepare the jour..

How would you overcome the barriers to communication : What kind of management style would you use to be most effective given the cultural attributes of the country? How would you overcome the barriers to communication

Using an activity-based management : What would a company using an activity-based management approach attempt to do in regard to activities that add value to the product and those that do not?

Instead of saving money : Let's say I save $400 per month for 20 years, and my investment grows at 6% the whole time that I'm saving. How much money will I have at the end of 20 years? Now let's say the 20 years have gone by and now instead of saving money, I'm living off my ..

What does the wind symbolize : What does the wind symbolize? What does it mean when it blows? Be specific. What did father and mother feel about grandfather's house?

Population-based health problem : Are there any cultural-based related issues regarding your group that should inform your approach to care? population-based health problem:

Analyze the overall effect of global competition : Analyze the overall effect of global competition on the business or the organization that you researched. Suggest one strategy that the business leader can use in order to improve business competition and efficiency. Provide a rationale for your r..

Regardless of the composition of a group : Regardless of the composition of a group, managers can leverage diversity to achieve superior performance by which of the following approaches?

The difference between religious belief and theology : Explain the difference between religious belief and theology

User Account

All Pages