I was immediately drawn to the story Harbour because I have
spent all of my life around one. I can identify with the word itself. The
beauty of this piece is that it says so much in a few words. The few words used
mimics how large of a character the harbour is for the author. Yes, the reader is forced to interpret
the language, but the author is showing a vast experience.
Every time I read the story, something new appeared to me.
It became more beautiful and unique. The harbour is a place of memory and love.
I picked up on this beauty in the use of the language; as every word carries a
mass of weight in short form. The words love and dance appear twice. He seems
to be dancing in his memories.
I see dance in two ways when it comes to memory. It could
either mean his dancing through memories is unclear, or he is extremely happy. Nonetheless,
the word dance gives the impression the experience was positive. But if you
think further, it’s probably both. I love the way the story mimics the word
dance. It dances through scenery and his memories. “Magic words” carry the
story on its journey.
For me, a harbor is life in so many ways. It can be the loss
of friend at sea, or an exciting excursion trembling at hand. Michael seems to
see excitement in these two. The thrill of life explodes.
Noting how the economy of language having so much impact also ties into the absolute right word selection for what one is trying to write about. I can see your connection here and how the physical ties in.
ReplyDeletee
Isn't it great how a piece can get better and better upon rereading? I feel that way about To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it every year, and each time I get something new out of it.
ReplyDelete"as every word carries a mass of weight in short form" - I think this is what makes me love this form so much. During this semester, having written more in class than I ever have before, I've wondered how intentional word choice is, and how much of it just comes from within (yea yea corny, I know). It just seems to me a whole lot of emotion has come through many of the pieces we've read. When I relate that to my experience of writing I notice it's when I zone out and just write without thinking that I "choose" the "right" words.....and now I'm rambling.
ReplyDelete" It can be the loss of friend at sea, or an exciting excursion trembling at hand." In addition to these two that the author talks about I wanted to add that a harbor literally provides a livelihood for many people via jobs/food.