Having this book be through Gene's eyes allows the author to write more detailed and emotion thoughts. Putting in two different times also shows the contrast and development from one time to another. From the very beginning Gene finds himself observing a tree and admiring its qualities. These are a few things that Gene admires about this tree, "The tree was tremendous, an irate, steely black steeple beside the river" (Knowles, 14). If this book was to be in third person the narrator would have to explain how Gene is attentive but with first person we can assume that he is a very descriptive . By taking a look at two different times in Gene's life we are able to see how he has developed. In the earlier part of the book we learn that older Gene is much more relaxed and calm, but as an adolescent he appears more lively and energetic, "Some tips of branches snapped past me and then I crashed into the water" (Knowles, 17). By adding these flashbacks we are able to have a change in pace. For example, if older Gene was constantly looking at trees, the book may get a little boring. With these two added technics the reader gets a thorough and extensive look at Gene through out his life.
Questions:
Do you think we will have flash backs every chapter?
Who do you like better so far, the younger or the older Gene? Why?
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ReplyDeleteI agree, Although the story is told in a flashback, John Knowles still characterizes the protagonist Gene, and his best friend Phinny, in the story beautifully in first person narrative, a successful tool as shown on page 14, "What I like best about this tree," he said in that voice he had"(Knowles, 14) Although the reader is getting little cuts and flashbacks the author enhances the readers knowledge about the character each time. When Knowles is talking about a tree we identify Phinny’s curiosity, his daring personality, and his wide green eyes. We see Gene’s attentiveness as he observes the tree as Charlie stated above. The technique of retrospective and first person narrative affected me by keeping the story authentic and interesting to hook the reader in the first 10 pages.
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