{"content":{"sharePage":{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"15530976","dateCreated":"1255704213","smartDate":"Oct 16, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"Sophia.S.","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/Sophia.S.","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1255381286\/Sophia.S.-lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/15530976"},"dateDigested":1532173665,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Clear Light of Day by Anita Desai","description":"Clear Light of Day, written by Anita Desai is about a family and a country, the different factors that affect both and the fear of change that has take has taken hold of the Das family. The author used reflective, descriptive and expressive form of writing so that the reader can fully understand the language and imagery used. Cultural issues, political differences and the conflict used in this novel gave it a compelling effect, alongside with the much imagery, symbols and the different motif used. Desai made the readers become aware of the Old-decaying-Delhi and the Das family who is not only adamant about change but are clearly afraid to change anything about themselves and their home.
\nAnita used imagery as her way of giving the readers help in imaging the scene and to try and understand the points she is trying to bring across. She made vivid image of the surroundings which made it easier for the readers to recognize the significant of the different symbols used. Desai created the Rose Walk as a symbol of beauty but as the novel progress it became a symbol of despair and eventually death. The rose walk also represents the Old Delhi which was once beautiful but because of time it slowly decayed and faded with age. The well was used as a sign of death or as for Mira Misa, a way out of suffering; Baba used the gramophone for something that represent comfort, stability and the fear of change. Raja used the Hyder Alis\u2019 as his symbol of hope for a new and different way of life.
\nThe characters in Clear Light of Day were all given their own unique personality which adds humor, suspense, anger to the novel. These characteristics enhanced the novel. Bimla was known for her adamant, obsolete and frankness. She was the strongest character in the novel. Tara on the other hand was quiet, timid and is the total oppose of Bimla. Raja is famous for his anger, his short temper and his stubbornness, he is strong-will and doesn\u2019t take \u201cno\u201d for an answer. Baba displayed characteristics of being subtle and is afraid of change and anything that resembles a change. Mira Misa added charisma to the children especially Tara because Tara was the one that admired her and was always by her side. The characteristics were put together in such a way that it shows Anita Desai is an expert in making those unique characters co-exist in the novel.
\nAnita Desai used the novel as a way of letting the readers become aware of the many different political and cultural issues and conflict raging in the Das family and in the India as a whole. The Muslims and the Islam were at war with each other because the Muslims wanted to get the country divided so that they could get an even chance of land in India. She pointed out how dangerous it would be for an Islam boy to be caught in the cross fire, especially on Muslim territory. Raja was going through an identity crisis, because he didn\u2019t really have a father figure present in the home to show him who he really was, which was an Islam. He had to rely on Hyder Ali who was a Muslim and because Raja was an Islam it caused a culture clash. This caused conflict within Raja and between him and his father. The conflict Raja faced was cause by his need to understand who he is. There was conflict between Raja and his father because he wanted to go to a Muslim school but his father who never paid any attention to him did not allow him to go because of their religion. Conflict was also raging in the mind of Tara, because as a child she was confuse about what a mother should be like and her view of the role a mother should play because she was torn between her mother version of what a mother should be and Mira Misa and their different mothering skills.
\nClear Light of Day depicts the different struggles, changes and conflict that a family had to go through to find out who they are. The author used the different situations to help rebuild the love and to establish forgiveness amongst the family members of the Das family.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]},{"id":"15449412","dateCreated":"1255561405","smartDate":"Oct 14, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"RoleekaKing","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/RoleekaKing","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/15449412"},"dateDigested":1532173665,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"ma'am","description":"i cant my url up i tryin for a week now","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]},{"id":"15314932","dateCreated":"1255314949","smartDate":"Oct 11, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"Sarah-G","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/Sarah-G","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/15314932"},"dateDigested":1532173665,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Literature Group Work","description":"Literature Group Work
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\nDefine with examples from the novel Clear Light of Day by Anita Desai.
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\n1. Narrative Techniques \u2013 Sarah-Anne Gresham
\n2. Point-of-view \u2013 Ariel Derrick
\n3. Characterization \u2013 Danielle McCoy
\n4. Setting \u2013 Tanisha Henry
\n\u2003
\nNarrative Techniques
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\n The unabridged novel entitled Clear Light of Day, by Anita Desai, is a work of fiction that vividly incorporates various narrative techniques which seek to enhance the totality of the story. These are pertinent attributes that are vital in any good work of literature and they assist in increasing the reader\u2019s comprehension. Narrative techniques encompass all literary elements which refer to specific aspects of literature that can be easily analyzed and identified. These facets of literature are used to express an idea more effectively and are also used to convey a particular meaning. In essence, the manipulation of these techniques brings more colour and life to writing and has the capability of conveying a particular meaning more powerfully and effectively than writing without them. Any work of literature would be incomplete and egregiously lacking, sans the assistance of narrative techniques which go hand in hand with literature. These vital aspects of literature can also instill a sense of emotional intensity on the part of the reader if used correctly.
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\nIn the novel Clear Light of Day, Anita Desai flawlessly uses narrative techniques which act as the life force which makes the story come alive in the reader\u2019s mind. Consequently, the story, though fictitious, becomes very believable as a result of the reader being able to picture it in his\/her head. The basic elements of narrative techniques include themes, conflicts and settings.
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\nThe predominant themes in Clear Light of Day are religious war, literal and figurative death and also relationship. Conflict, though more complex, ties in very well with these themes. It is the actual problems or struggles on which the Indian tale was based. The setting refers to the time and place in which a narrative was laid which was in Old Delhi in the Gandhi era. These basic elements are the foundation blocks upon which other techniques are laid and they help the readers to fully grasp the different concepts and ideologies that follow. Other techniques include: point-of-view, characterization, climax, motif, figures of speech, imagery, metaphor, simile and tone. All of these examples can be identified within the novel and each technique has its own significant role to play. For example, figures of speech are literary devices used to suggest ideas, pictures or moods. In the case of a simile, comparisons can be made to increase one\u2019s understanding.
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\n \u201cTheir voices rang out from the dark trees like an arrangement of bells, calling and echoing to each others\u2019 calls, mocking and enticing each other into ever higher and shriller calls.\u201d
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\n In conclusion, all of the techniques aforementioned must come together to form a comprehensive work of literary which the reader can analyze, understand and ultimately enjoy.
\n\u2003
\nPoint-of-View
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\nThe point-of-view employed in the novel is third person omniscient. This point-of-view allows the narrator to know all of the pertinent facts regarding the characters, their thoughts and the story. In this novel, the narrator continuously changes the aspects from which the story is told. The story is sometimes told to reveal Tara's thoughts and other times to reveal Bim's thoughts. This literary trait interchanges with the majority of the main characters in the novel. An example of this can be identified in chapter two of the novel,
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\n "\u2026that made Tara look at him in admiration and made Bim look away ... edged the ill-kept lawn."
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\nIn this section of the novel, the reader can clearly see how the author interchanges between the thoughts of both characters. The author describes the thoughts of both women and the way in which they are feeling at that point in time. This proves to the reader that the use of a third person omniscient perspective is applied. The author does not have any limitations concerning knowledge but knows everything about every character and knows what is happening throughout the novel.
\nAdditionally, the reader can also see that the author uses a third person omniscient perspective by the pronouns that she employs in her writing. She consistently uses the pronouns "he\/she" or the name of the character when referring to them. Despite relaying the thoughts of a certain character the story is never told from the perspective of the character himself. Therefore, the pronoun "I" is never used. However, the narrator knows everything about each character and writes from their perspective in the third person. Another example of this is revealed in chapter one,
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\n"Bim laughed, helping herself to some of the betel leaves in the silver box at his side."
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\n This point-of-view helps the readers to fully grasp the concept of the characters, their attitudes, motives and the entire novel in general by describing the emotions and sentiments of these characters, their thoughts and motives and how they react to things.
\n\u2003
\nCharacterization
\n
\nIn any narrative, characterization is employed to bring dimension to characters\u2019 existence. It is the process wherein fictional characters are given human traits so as to add substance to a story. When characters\u2019 personalities are intricately woven in a narrative, the reader is able to effortlessly comprehend the purpose behind respective character\u2019s deeds. In Clear Light of Day, each character\u2019s personality and traits are evident not just from stated qualities, but also from their actions and dialogues. In other words, Desai may not always directly state each character\u2019s attributes but the reader is able to infer from speeches and actions, what kind of person each character is.
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\nA prime example of the aforesaid is Tara. The reader makes a fair assumption if he presumes that Tara is submissive and frequently berated by persons who have domineering personalities, as is demonstrated throughout her childhood and even in her adult years. In her childhood, Tara\u2019s character is a gullible and weak one and this is made palpable on a number of occasions. Two manifestations of Tara\u2019s aforementioned traits during her childhood are revealed when she flees to her Aunt Mira, crying, after her older siblings mock her for wanting to be a mother when she grew older and when Bimla, her older sister, cunningly coerces Tara to allow her to cut her hair.
\nFurthermore, Tara\u2019s submissiveness and tendency to yield to dominance are demonstrated even in her adult years. Tara is constantly subjected by her husband Bakul. She waits on him hand and foot and does whatever she can to please him. Moreover, Tara even suppresses some aspects of her personality to fit into the mould of \u201cBakul\u2019s model wife\u201d.
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\nAnita Desai skillfully and intricately creates each character, vividly describing their trials and feats and in so doing, brings a sense of reality and depth to the story. She effectively paints such a lucid portrait of the characters\u2019 personalities that the reader sometimes forgets that the narrative is fictitious.
\n\u2003
\n
\nSetting
\n
\nTo begin with, \u2018setting\u2019 refers to the time and place in which a narrative is laid. Therefore in the novel, Clear Light of Day, the setting is centered in Old Delhi, India, during a period of religious war between the Muslims and the Hindus. This occurred during the struggle for independence in India and continued after the untimely assassination of the country\u2019s preeminent leader, Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. Old Delhi is the original home of Tara, who is one of the main characters in the novel. She returns home from her numerous travels and is rather surprised that her home remains depressingly immutable after the long period of her absence. Her home is the central focus of the setting in Clear Light of Day, in that it is the place where her many reflections of the Das Family\u2019s past and present lives manifest itself.
\n For instance, the rose walk, in which she converses with her sister, reminds her of her past and of the fact that her sister Bim is loosing \u201ctouch\u201d with the outside world. Additionally, although everything seems to be losing its lustful penchant, the rose walk remains relatively the same. Bim\u2019s surroundings figuratively die, unchanged, as indicated earlier but it was within her power to prevent it from doing so. However, she does not change anything and the monotony and tedium of the story\u2019s setting is a theme in itself that remains consistent throughout the novel. As they are firmly ensconced within their surroundings, Bim and Tara inevitably relive memories of the past which are both positive and negative. It can be recognized that the setting of the story is significant and it helps to bring out reflections of the past which provide substantial evidence of the characters\u2019 personalities and conspicuous frailties.
\n The setting of Clear light of Day is imperative to note because one can visualize and comprehend behavioral patterns, beliefs, cultures, among other things. The consistent pattern of the story in relation to setting renders unto the reader the power to predict plausible future events.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]},{"id":"14896070","dateCreated":"1254373996","smartDate":"Sep 30, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"Dani-Mc","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/Dani-Mc","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1254256954\/Dani-Mc-lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/14896070"},"dateDigested":1532173665,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Clear Light of Day-Literary Style and Structure","description":"Anita Desai, author of the novel Clear Light of Day, skilfully weaves this narrative by employing a wealth of literary language. The reader is painted a vivid picture of the setting of the story via the use of imagery. That is to say, the reader is mentally transported to Old Dehli and is able to distinctly visualise the environment in which the Das children grow up. Additionally, the author uses figurative language, such as metaphor, to effectively communicate certain situations and emotions.
\nConsequently, Anita Desai constructs the novel in such a way that the different epochs of the children's lives are compartmentalized in each chapter. In doing so, the reader gains a wealth of background information and a thorough understanding of each character's experiences.
\nDifferently, the novel is narrated from a third person omniscient perspective. It oscillates amidst practically all of the characters' points-of-view, thus giving the reader insight into each character's thought process at specific periods in time. Furthermore, this helps with the overall characterization of each character, which Desai does impeccablably. Each character's personality and traits are evident not only from the direct statements about their attributes but also from the actions and dialogues in which they engage.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]},{"id":"14892074","dateCreated":"1254362795","smartDate":"Sep 30, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"Ariel-D","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/Ariel-D","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/14892074"},"dateDigested":1532173665,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Discuss the language used in the novel and the structure of the text. ","description":" The language used in the novel encompasses many things including the type of language, the literary devices used and how the author displays meaning in the novel. In the novel "Clear Light of Day' by Anita Desai the use of proper english language is evident. The use of this language is done by the author in order to appeal to both educated and well educaed people. By using this language the author makes the readers feel that they are on the same level. This language also helps to build the vocabulary of students who may have to look up words in the dictionary. In doing so they are learning the meaning of the words as well as the use of the words. The author also uses proper english so that the readers can clearly understand what is being said in the novel without getting lost in the different slangs or dialects of the language, she uses straight forward, clear cut language and it helps the readers to both get through and peoperly understand the novel.
\n Additionally, in the authors use of language she uses literary devices such as imagery, metaphors, similies, motifs and symbols. These devices are all used to enhance the novel and entertain and engage the audience in thought. For exaample the author uses imagery as one of the main literary devices. The author gives vivid, clear descriptions throughout the novel so that the reader can picture clearly the setting and atmosphere of the novel. The reader does not have to second guess and wonder what India, Old and New Dehli are like, the author describes with great detail, the house, the rosewalk, Old Dehli and New Dehli. She describes all aspects of India to the readers so that they have a clear understanding of the novel and it's background and backdrop. The author uses metaphors and similies to enhance the literary quality of the book. She uses them both to entertain and also to provoke thought in the minds of the readers. They are used also to help decribe what is going through the minds of the characters at a given time. It helps the readers get a better idea of what the author is talkin about with the use of metaphors and similies. For example, Chapter 1, page 12, "A part of her was sinking languildly down into the passive pleasure of having ...- why did it not keep up with her?" The author compares Tara to a pebble sinking in a murky pond. This metaphor helps the reader to both understand and maybe even relate to what is happening at that time in the novel.
\n Furthurmore, the authors use of motifs and symbols throughout the novel are very apparent. These again help the readers to properly understand the novel and also to provie a sort of entertainment for them. For example, the motif of the rosewalk is ever present in the novel. It is there to remind the readers how the house and the garden have remined unchanged over the years. Even through the war, the decay and the time, the garden and the rosewalk remain the same through all of it. Additionally, symbols are also present in this novel. For example, the well. It is a symbol of death for the children after the cow drowns in it. Because of the cows death the children become afraid of the well because they believe that anyone that goes near it will die as well. Also the readers see this symbol because as Aunt Mira goes crazy she keeps referring to the well where she wants to drown herself which shows the strength of the symbol as well.In addition, The author displays meaning in the novel by using the various literary devices. These devices show the readers the meaning of what the author is trying to express.
\n In the novel "Clear Light of Day" there is a certain structure which the author employs. The novel is written in four parts or chapters. The chapters all show different stages in the novel and the different times and events in India. All these parts in the novel connect in a non-conventional way, which keeps the readers captivated and helps them understand what is happening in the novel. The point of view used in the novel is an omnicient one. This is where the the narrator knows all of the facts about the characters and the story. In this novel the narrator continuously changes the aspects from which the story is told. Sometimes told to reveal Tara's thoughts and sometimes to reveal Bim's thought for example. This interchanges with all the main characters in the novel. This all knowing point of view helps the readers to fully grasp the concept of the characters their attitudes, motives and the entire novel in general. Finally, the style of the novel prose fiction meaning that the story is imaginary and it is continuous writing. The author uses both dialogue and ordinary speech to show the readers the different aspects of the novel whether about the atmosphere, plot or characters. In doing this, the readers are both directly told and able to infer different meanings and charactersations throughout the novel.
\n In Conclusion, the author uses specific language techniques and a specific structure throughout the novel to help the readers to be both entertained and thought provoked during the novel and this is all due to the excellent writing of Anita Desai.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"15065626","body":"yOU'RE SO RIGHT!! She has a way of captivating everyone. I like the eay she uses very few words to form a picture of the many things that are taking place ta that specific moment. Anite Desai uses imagery and figurative language like a pro!","dateCreated":"1254792048","smartDate":"Oct 5, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"gladys.knight","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/gladys.knight","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1255366168\/gladys.knight-lg.jpg"}}],"more":0}]},{"id":"14880054","dateCreated":"1254349063","smartDate":"Sep 30, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"JamilaCarbon","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/JamilaCarbon","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/14880054"},"dateDigested":1532173665,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Jamila Carbon- My Take on the writing of Anita Desai in the novel, Clear Light of Day","description":"The novel, Clear Light of Day, is structured in a manner that gives readers an overview of past events in the main characters' lives prior to the actual unraveling of the plot. This enables the reader to link the characters' past experiences to their current mannerisms and frame of mind, thus, giving the reader a greater understanding of their roles in the story.
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\nDesai makes ample use of literary devices to enhance her writing by taking the reader on a journey through the lives of the characters. Her intricate descriptions and use of symbols and setting are examples of devices successfully used. She also uses figurative language which jolts the readers imagination into gear causing them to actually experience the conditions the characters are exposed to- more specifically, the cultural, economic, political and religious situations and the conflict present within the Das household.
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\nThe novel is written in an empathetic point of view. Desai, through her imagination, shares in the feelings and state of mind of the characters. This gives the impression that she shares in their pain and understands their struggles. Essentially, it tells the reader that she is passionate about this literary work, regardless of whether she actually experienced it.
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\nAnita Desai's style of writing is both crafty and practical. She approaches this novel with the intent to describe real life issues and struggles in a way that is identifiable and intriguing to the reader.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"14881038","body":"Good","dateCreated":"1254350395","smartDate":"Sep 30, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"najele.buffonge","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/najele.buffonge","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1254110316\/najele.buffonge-lg.jpg"}}],"more":0}]}],"more":false},"comments":[]},"http":{"code":200,"status":"OK"},"redirectUrl":null,"javascript":null,"notices":{"warning":[],"error":[],"info":[],"success":[]}}