The most beautiful passage in this novel is the last two pages of the novel. Clara calls Patrick after Ambrose dies, and asks him to come and pick her up and the novel ends as Hana and Patrick start driving to Marmora. As the resolution part of the novel, this scene of the novel does not have any intense moments or emotions compared to other parts of the book, and that is why I like this scene the most. Its calm atmosphere relieves the readers and at the same time, the ending implies that Patrick is closer to finding his identity and able to go back to Marmora without any pain or bitter feelings.
Clara stayed at Marmora, where Patrick spent his youth. This connection between Clara and Patrick shows that Marmora is an important setting for both Clara and Patrick. Patrick is riding back to Marmora with a different attitude. He has Hana next to him, supporting him and making him smile. This attitude is very contrasting to the moments when he went back to Marmora to see Clara. Though Marmora was not mentioned in this book much, many key events take place at Marmora. The first few pages of the book is about Patrick’s childhood, especially his memories with his dad. Then, Marmora is mentioned again when he goes back to visit Clara. When he went back, he had to risk his life twice. For Patrick, all his childhood memories, memories with his dad all belong to Marmora. Also, Marmora is where his search for identity began. Thus, the last scene is very significant as the novel ends with Patrick going back to Marmora, but with a more clear recognition of himself and his identity. Therefore, when he finally returns to Marmora to pick up Clara with “lights” on, it shows the readers how much change Patrick has gone through.
댓글 3개:
I agree with you, Hyojung, that this is definitely a beautiful scene. Moreover, your logical way of looking at it and expanding on it has made me realize how beautiful and intricately made it is. There is definitely a change to be seen with Patrick as he drives back to Marmora. And the fact that the book does end with "lights" emphasizes his search for his identity except this time his identity is not found in the relationship between Clara, Alice, Ambrose or other, it's within him and his 'journey' back to Marmora along with Hana at his side. It's always very important to look at the last couple of pages in a novel. By doing this we as readers are able to see either changes, morals, or new beginnings. For this particular book we find Patrick on a new beginning back to where he started from where creation began.
Hyo Jung, the circular nature of the narrative that you imply here is excellent. Just beware of the details (Marmora isn't where Patrick is from, it just happens to be the small town where Clara ends up at the end of the story. Patrick is from Abashed, Ontario, near the Depot Lakes.)
hyojung
i too agree that the last scene is truely beautiful. It is an interesting scene to analyze and brings up the question of whether it was Clara who killed Ambrose. The setting you talk aboput is interesting because yes, it does seem like a place that has some significance for Ondaatje to end the novel here.
I like how the novel ends because here is a huge universal symbol of journey! i love how the book ends with them on the journey with light.
댓글 쓰기