Katherine Paterson's vivid use of imagery and symbolism brings to life the theme of overcoming the complexities of sibling rivalry in order to reclaim one's life in "Jacob Have I Loved." A stunning update of the classic biblical story of Jacob and Esau, Paterson traces the siblings coming of age on the isolated island of Rass during World War II. The older twin by only a few minutes, Louise Bradshaw, sees her life immediately eclipsed by the dramatic birth of her twin sister, Caroline (Paterson 16). Caroline's near-death experience attracts the attention not only of their mother and father, but also of their cantankerous grandmother (Paterson18-20). This trend continues when the inhabitants of the small island are quickly enchanted by Caroline's breathtaking voice and angelic looks (Paterson 20, 22-24). Meanwhile, Louise's tomboyish behavior, independent thinking, and strong attitude endear her to the community (Paterson 29-31) and she struggles to keep her best friend Call and a mysterious stranger named the Captain of Caroline's ever-increasing influence (Paterson 113-114). . Never able to take center stage again, Louise struggles as she realizes that the woman she should be is not necessarily what others, but especially herself, expected. Repeatedly turned down by family and friends in favor of Caroline, Louise finally finds herself once her sister leaves, taking with her what was seemingly Louise's only chance at freedom. The novel opens with the imagery and symbolism essential to telling the story effectively. Louise, as an adult, imagines the ferry ride to Rass Island that she will soon take to collect her newly widowed mother. The only way to enter and exit the island, the ferry represents more than just a means of transport, it is a lifeline between ...... middle of paper ...... and detail . As the story progresses, the reader discovers that the main characters symbolize those in the original biblical story and are able to identify Louise as Esau and Caroline as Jacob. Paterson's audience makes this vital connection, hints are given that the Captain is an earthly representation of God in the story. Meanwhile, the birthright that divides Esau and Jacob is represented in the scholarship opportunity that Louise loses to her younger twin, Caroline. Through Paterson's use of imagery, symbolism, and symbolic characters, "Jacob Have I Loved" is powerfully told and creates a story that lingers with the reader. Works Cited Paterson, Katherine. I loved Jacob. New York: Scholastic, 1990. Print.Youthwalk Devotional Bible, New International Version. Ed. Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson et al. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1997. Print.

Essay / Katherine Paterson's vivid use of imagery and symbolism brings to life the theme of overcoming the complexities of sibling rivalry in order to reclaim one's life in "Jacob Have I Loved." A stunning update of the classic biblical story of Jacob and Esau, Paterson traces the siblings coming of age on the isolated island of Rass during World War II. The older twin by only a few minutes, Louise Bradshaw, sees her life immediately eclipsed by the dramatic birth of her twin sister, Caroline (Paterson 16). Caroline's near-death experience attracts the attention not only of their mother and father, but also of their cantankerous grandmother (Paterson18-20). This trend continues when the inhabitants of the small island are quickly enchanted by Caroline's breathtaking voice and angelic looks (Paterson 20, 22-24). Meanwhile, Louise's tomboyish behavior, independent thinking, and strong attitude endear her to the community (Paterson 29-31) and she struggles to keep her best friend Call and a mysterious stranger named the Captain of Caroline's ever-increasing influence (Paterson 113-114). . Never able to take center stage again, Louise struggles as she realizes that the woman she should be is not necessarily what others, but especially herself, expected. Repeatedly turned down by family and friends in favor of Caroline, Louise finally finds herself once her sister leaves, taking with her what was seemingly Louise's only chance at freedom. The novel opens with the imagery and symbolism essential to telling the story effectively. Louise, as an adult, imagines the ferry ride to Rass Island that she will soon take to collect her newly widowed mother. The only way to enter and exit the island, the ferry represents more than just a means of transport, it is a lifeline between ...... middle of paper ...... and detail . As the story progresses, the reader discovers that the main characters symbolize those in the original biblical story and are able to identify Louise as Esau and Caroline as Jacob. Paterson's audience makes this vital connection, hints are given that the Captain is an earthly representation of God in the story. Meanwhile, the birthright that divides Esau and Jacob is represented in the scholarship opportunity that Louise loses to her younger twin, Caroline. Through Paterson's use of imagery, symbolism, and symbolic characters, "Jacob Have I Loved" is powerfully told and creates a story that lingers with the reader. Works Cited Paterson, Katherine. I loved Jacob. New York: Scholastic, 1990. Print.Youthwalk Devotional Bible, New International Version. Ed. Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson et al. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1997. Print.

Navigation

« Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next »

Get In Touch