Use of contrasts

Intention vs consequences

Part of the exam assignment is to focus on the use of contrasts while discussing Jean Kwok’s short story “Where the Gods Fly”. In what follows, we will explore some of the key contrasts to consider, focusing mainly on the narrator and her daughter Pearl.

Throughout the story, the narrator goes through inner turmoil as a result of the conflict between her original intentions regarding Pearl’s ballet classes and the present consequences: “And somehow the consequences of that initial instinct to protect her have branched out through the years, sprouting and twisting, to arrive at this moment.” (ll. 11-12)

When Pearl started ballet classes as a child, the narrator saw this activity as a way for Pearl to pass the time while she and her husband were at work. However, the girl started developing a real passion and talent for the activity, something the narrator does not approve of because she does not see doing ballet as a secure profession. She discovers that the consequences of an action can be very different from those she intended.

Potential futures for Pearl

The story explores three potential futures for Pearl, which are in contrast with each other.

The option the narrator fears the most is Pearl growing up like her – a working class woman dependant on her husband:

…her thin fingers worn callused and red by years of sewing in the factory, then, if she was lucky, marriage to some office clerk, a pack of children, and finally, Pearl the woman submerged under the struggle to feed and clothe them all. (ll. 31-34)

To help her escape this future, the narrator wants Pearl to get an...

Teksten herover er et uddrag fra webbogen. Kun medlemmer kan læse hele indholdet.

Få adgang til hele Webbogen.

Som medlem på Studienet.dk får du adgang til alt indhold.

Køb medlemskab nu

Allerede medlem? Log ind