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Narration
Narration
Complete the worksheets.
Sample paragraph
Sample paragraph
Parrett effectively uses point of view to represent the anomalies, paradoxes and inconsistencies inherent in human experiences. She uses third person limited narration and pairs this with alternating narrative perspectives to highlight the contrasting viewpoints characters can have on similar experiences. Parrett uses the focalisation of Harry’s perspective in: “Now he could get two show bags, and go on a ride and get one for Miles…” to reveal Harry’s innocence and naivete, with his thoughts surrounding show bags at the Hobart Show. The narrative perspective creates an intimacy with the reader which invites us to understand how Harry is still compassionate and trusting despite harrowing experiences. Parrett alternates this perspective with Miles’s much bleaker and more cynical point of view: “He used to feel sorry for the abs when he was young…he can’t think that way now,” to highlight the way the experience of trauma and hardship has hardened Miles’ emotions. Miles must repress feelings of compassion and empathy in order to maintain a hard exterior that is crucial for his survival. The abalone actually symbolises his experiences, as abalone has a hard exterior shell but soft inner flesh. Through the use of these narrative techniques, Parrett has effectively conveyed the differing perspectives individuals can have on collective human experiences.
Parrett effectively uses point of view to represent the anomalies, paradoxes and inconsistencies inherent in human experiences. She uses third person limited narration and pairs this with alternating narrative perspectives to highlight the contrasting viewpoints characters can have on similar experiences. Parrett uses the focalisation of Harry’s perspective in: “Now he could get two show bags, and go on a ride and get one for Miles…” to reveal Harry’s innocence and naivete, with his thoughts surrounding show bags at the Hobart Show. The narrative perspective creates an intimacy with the reader which invites us to understand how Harry is still compassionate and trusting despite harrowing experiences. Parrett alternates this perspective with Miles’s much bleaker and more cynical point of view: “He used to feel sorry for the abs when he was young…he can’t think that way now,” to highlight the way the experience of trauma and hardship has hardened Miles’ emotions. Miles must repress feelings of compassion and empathy in order to maintain a hard exterior that is crucial for his survival. The abalone actually symbolises his experiences, as abalone has a hard exterior shell but soft inner flesh. Through the use of these narrative techniques, Parrett has effectively conveyed the differing perspectives individuals can have on collective human experiences.
Non-linear structure and flashbacks
Non-linear structure and flashbacks
Through a non-linear structure and successful use of flashbacks, the motif of memory is developed to highlight the emotions of grief and the confusion that surrounds secrecy.
Through a non-linear structure and successful use of flashbacks, the motif of memory is developed to highlight the emotions of grief and the confusion that surrounds secrecy.
Miles’ recollection of the memories of Mum often fracture the narrative in quite startling ways—this could be a reflection of how our past never truly leaves us and can intrude on our present actions when we least expect it. More broadly, it could even suggest the inherent confusion and unpredictability that comes with being human.
Cyclical structure
Cyclical structure
There is cohesion and sense of unity created by the opening and beginning echoing each other and creating a bookend effect, sometimes also known as framing or a circular plot as the story returns to where it started, but with slight differences in the ending that imply that all has not stayed the same
What is established in the opening paragraph?
What is established in the opening paragraph?
The novel’s opening pages set up the mood that will follow. The language choices (literary elements) made by Parrett may be about the sea but they invite the reader into the world of the brothers, their family and their place.
Consider the use of strong yet simple word choices and the power of the adjectives. The words in bold below contribute to the creation of meaning in this evocative opening:
Out past the shallows, past the sandy-bottomed bays, comes the dark water –black and cold and roaring. Rolling out the invisible paths. The ancient paths to Bruny, or down south along the silent cliffs, the paths out deep to the bird islands that stand tall between nothing but water and sky. Wherever rock comes out of deep water, wherever reef rises up, there is abalone. Black-lipped soft bodies protected by shell. Treasure.
Write
Write
Choose two examples from the bolded words and discuss their effectiveness.
Choose two examples from the bolded words and discuss their effectiveness.
Which words have been repeated? Why do you think these words are important enough to repeat?
Which words have been repeated? Why do you think these words are important enough to repeat?
Discuss these examples of contrast - why do you think Parrett so early in the novel establishes these contrasts? What insights do they give us to the paradoxes and anomalies of life?
Discuss these examples of contrast - why do you think Parrett so early in the novel establishes these contrasts? What insights do they give us to the paradoxes and anomalies of life?
shallows and dark
roaring and silent
rock and water
soft bodies protected by shell.
If we consider this passage metaphorically as reflecting an aspect of human experience, what experiences might this be about and what might the passage be suggesting about the experience?
If we consider this passage metaphorically as reflecting an aspect of human experience, what experiences might this be about and what might the passage be suggesting about the experience?
Parrett uses elements of the opening to conclude her novel; consider in what ways it is different:
Parrett uses elements of the opening to conclude her novel; consider in what ways it is different:
Out past the shallows, past the sandy-bottomed bays, comes the dark water – black and cold and roaring. Rolling out the invisible path, a new line for them to follow. To somewhere warm. To somewhere new.
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