{"content":{"sharePage":{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"15386262","dateCreated":"1255464839","smartDate":"Oct 13, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"courtneyabbott","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/courtneyabbott","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/15386262"},"dateDigested":1532173644,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Motif","description":"A motif can be defined as a recurring theme or dominant idea in a work of literature. A few motifs which are prevalent in "Clear Light of Day" are selfishness, greed and resentment. The main character who portrays a selfish behaviour is Raja. Raja is only concerned about himself and his relationship with the Hyder Alis,this is seen when he is sick and is constantly asking Bim to check next door where the Hyder Ali's lived and to come back and report to him. In addition, Raja's selfish ways reappear after he has recovered from his illness and proceeds to inform Bim that she must start paying him rent, which is ridiculous since Bim was the one who nursed him back to health and stuck with him and listened to his "Hyder Ali obsession". Further more, another character who can be said to have been selfish is Bim, this is due to the attitude she gives off to Tara because she didn't stay at home to help her.
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\nThe second motif which is seen in Clear Light of Day is Greed, which is also linked to Raja. Raja's greed began the very day his relationship with Hyder Ali did. The more he was around them was the more he wanted to emulate them, eventually making his family "not good enough" anymore in his eyes. Raja's greed is also the reason for why his family began to fall apart.
\n
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\nLastly, resentment. This is portrayed by both Tara and Bim. I believe Tara resented Bim for not understanding her and failing to realise that she wanted to stand out and come out of her sister's shaddows. On the contrary, Bim resented Tara for getting married and running off instead of staying with her and helping back at home","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]},{"id":"15351324","dateCreated":"1255397781","smartDate":"Oct 12, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"Brooke-B","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/Brooke-B","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/15351324"},"dateDigested":1532173644,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Allusion","description":"Allusion:
\n A reference in a literary work to a person, place, or thing in history or another work of literature. Allusions are often indirect or brief references to well-known characters or events.
\nIn the book Clear Light of Day, there are a few allusions made throughout the book. These allusions are:
\n\u2022 Mahatma Gandhi: He was a historical figure in the time frame in which the novel was set, fighting for peace amongst the differing religious groups. In the book he was used as an allusion to show historical significance. Although the story does not give much information about him, his life and death are alluded to as to give historical framework for the book so as to give the reader a better understanding of the times in which the characters are living in and what they truly face.
\n\u2022 The Well: the well is alluded to in the book in many occasions as well as widely stated. This well holds major significance. The point when the well was more alluded to than stated in was during the point where Aunt Mira began going mad. She became utterly fascinated with the well and we are able to see the well as a symbol of death especially after learning later in the book that the cow drowned in the well.
\n\u2022 The Rose Walk; this is alluded to mostly by Tara and takes up most residency in her flashbacks. Through Tara\u2019s references to the rose walk, we have come to view the rose walk as a symbol of decay. We see how the rose walk goes from flourishing and rich in Tara\u2019s youth to dry and wilting upon her return. Such a depiction further emphasizes the saying \u201cOld Delhi dies; not changes, it only decays\u201d.
\n\u2022 Raja\u2019s Poetry: there were several literary works which were liked by Raja and Bim which were mentioned throughout the book. These included poetry by Iqbal, poems of Tennyson and Byron and Swinburne and Urdu poetry. These allusions to literary work show us what the two older siblings had in common and how Raja became so passionate about poetry and becoming a poet and a hero.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]},{"id":"15347070","dateCreated":"1255391429","smartDate":"Oct 12, 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\/15347070"},"dateDigested":1532173644,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Group Work: Narrative Techniques, Point-of-view, Characterization and Setting","description":"Literature Group Work
\n
\nDefine with examples from the novel Clear Light of Day by Anita Desai:
\n
\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
\n
\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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\n In 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. The 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.
\n
\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
\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
\n
\n The 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,
\n
\n "\u2026that made Tara look at him in admiration and made Bim look away ... edged the ill-kept lawn."
\n
\n In 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. Additionally, 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,
\n
\n"Bim laughed, helping herself to some of the betel leaves in the silver box at his side."
\n
\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.
\n
\n A 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.
\n Furthermore, 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.
\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
\n To 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":"15013842","dateCreated":"1254693674","smartDate":"Oct 4, 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\/15013842"},"dateDigested":1532173644,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Jamila Carbon- Definition of Characterization ","description":"Characterization can be defined as the way in which a writer creates characters in a narrative so as to attract or repel our sympathy.
\n
\nIn the novel Clear Light of Day, Desai structures her text so that the reader is aware of the characters' personalities, by describing their reactions to circumstances during the progression of the plot; by drawing attention to their choice of words when in dialogue and also, the tone each character uses during dialogue. She also pays a great deal of time describing the characters' actions. All of these factors help determine a persons' character. Therefore, by presenting all of this information to her readers, Desai allows them to broaden their understanding on the roles of her characters and decide whether they like or dislike them.
\n
\nAn example of the effectiveness of Characterization:
\nFrom the characterization presented in Clear Light of Day, it is evident that Tara is weak in character. She has little self esteem despite her appealing appearance and is easily lead and controlled because of this. Whereas Bim-la is an aggressive pessimist who does not easily submit and is bitter due to the many sacrifices she has been forced to make in her lifetime.
\nRaja is the optimist in the family. He is very passionate about his interests and strives to accomplish his goals. However, he does so selfishly and is partly responsible for Bim-la's unhappiness.
\n
\nIn closing, Desai presents her characters as subjects to be studied and observed, and because of this, her readers can analyze them accurately.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]},{"id":"14933456","dateCreated":"1254439727","smartDate":"Oct 1, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"JamaraLew","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/JamaraLew","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/14933456"},"dateDigested":1532173644,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Definition of Symbol","description":"Symbolism as it is sometimes referred to as, is the representation of something by symbols, movement in art and literature. It is used to express both abstract and mythical(fictional) ideas.
\n
\nWe see two forms of symbols in the book, Clear Light of Day. These are the Rose Walk and the Well. First I'll start with the latter. The latter, the well, represents a strong symbol of death to the family after the death of their cow. This is where Aunt Mira(Mira Masi) goes downhill as she became obsessed with the death of the cow and the well. We later see that she becomes an alcoholic and deteriorates slowly. Additionally, she begins to distance herself form the rest of the family.
\n
\nThe second evident symbol is the Rose Walk, which represents the passage of time. Here, Tara has seen the decay around the family house. The roses are thinner and weaker unlike before. Tara herself notices that not much has changed over the years and that Old Dehli remains "Old Dehli". She makes much fuss of how it hasn't changed. Tara notices how everyone distances themselves from each other. It wasn't as before where even though both Bimla and Raja picked on her, they were still close in a sense.
\n
\nWith each passing year "Old Dehli dies not changed, it only decays". This simply means (in my opinion) that Old Dehli has long since died and the decaying process is still taking place.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]},{"id":"14933458","dateCreated":"1254439727","smartDate":"Oct 1, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"JamaraLew","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/JamaraLew","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/14933458"},"dateDigested":1532173644,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Definition of Symbol","description":"Symbolism as it is sometimes referred to as, is the representation of something by symbols, movement in art and literature. It is used to express both abstract and mythical(fictional) ideas.
\n
\nWe see two forms of symbols in the book, Clear Light of Day. These are the Rose Walk and the Well. First I'll start with the latter. The latter, the well, represents a strong symbol of death to the family after the death of their cow. This is where Aunt Mira(Mira Masi) goes downhill as she became obsessed with the death of the cow and the well. We later see that she becomes an alcoholic and deteriorates slowly. Additionally, she begins to distance herself form the rest of the family.
\n
\nThe second evident symbol is the Rose Walk, which represents the passage of time. Here, Tara has seen the decay around the family house. The roses are thinner and weaker unlike before. Tara herself notices that not much has changed over the years and that Old Dehli remains "Old Dehli". She makes much fuss of how it hasn't changed. Tara notices how everyone distances themselves from each other. It wasn't as before where even though both Bimla and Raja picked on her, they were still close in a sense.
\n
\nWith each passing year "Old Dehli dies not changed, it only decays". This simply means (in my opinion) that Old Dehli has long since died and the decaying process is still taking place.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]},{"id":"14933388","dateCreated":"1254439628","smartDate":"Oct 1, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"JamaraLew","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/JamaraLew","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/14933388"},"dateDigested":1532173645,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Definition of Symbol","description":"Symbolism as it is sometimes referred to as, is the representation of something by symbols, movement in art and literature. It is used to express both abstract and mythical(fictional) ideas.
\n
\nWe see two forms of symbols in the book, Clear Light of Day. These are the Rose Walk and the Well. First I'll start with the latter. The latter, the well, represents a strong symbol of death to the family after the death of their cow. This is where Aunt Mira(Mira Masi) goes downhill as she became obsessed with the death of the cow and the well. We later see that she becomes an alcoholic and deteriorates slowly. Additionally, she begins to distance herself form the rest of the family.
\n
\nThe second evident symbol is the Rose Walk, which represents the passage of time. Here, Tara has seen the decay around the family house. The roses are thinner and weaker unlike before. Tara herself notices that not much has changed over the years and that Old Dehli remains "Old Dehli". She makes much fuss of how it hasn't changed. Tara notices how everyone distances themselves from each other. It wasn't as before where even though both Bimla and Raja picked on her, they were still close in a sense.
\n
\nWith each passing year "Old Dehli dies not changed, it only decays". This simply means (in my opinion) that Old Dehli has long since died and the decaying process is still taking place.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]},{"id":"14933050","dateCreated":"1254439217","smartDate":"Oct 1, 2009","userCreated":{"username":"JamaraLew","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/JamaraLew","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/year2literature.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/14933050"},"dateDigested":1532173645,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Definition of Symbol","description":"Symbolism as it is sometimes referred to as is the representation of something by symbols, movement in art and literature. It is used to express both abstract and mythical(fiction) ideas.
\n
\nWe see two forms of symbols in the book, Clear Light of Day. these are the Rose Walk and the Well. First I'll start with the latter. The latter, the well, represents a strong symbol of death to the family after the death of the cow. This is where Aunt Mira(Mira Masi) goes downhill as she became obsessed with the death of the cow and the well. We later see that she becomes an alcoholic and deteriorates slowly. Additionally, she begins to distance herself form the rest of the family.
\n
\nThe second evident symbol is the Rose Walk, which represents the passage of time. here, Tara has seen the decay around the family house. The roses are thinner and weaker unlike before. Tara herself notices that not much has changed over the years and that Old Dehli remains "Old Dehli". She makes much fuss of how it hasn't changed. Tara notices how everyone distances themselves from each other. It wasn't as before where even though Both Bimla and Raja picked on her, they were still close in a sense.
\n
\nWith each passing year "Old Dehli dies not changed, it only decays".","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]}],"more":false},"comments":[]},"http":{"code":200,"status":"OK"},"redirectUrl":null,"javascript":null,"notices":{"warning":[],"error":[],"info":[],"success":[]}}