Pages 211-213: Life at Sea and Underwater Foraging
On these pages, we find Kavanagh and Hughes adapting to their new life on rafts at sea after being exiled from the Wall. The focus is on their efforts to find food through diving in the cold waters.
Highlight: This section showcases the harsh realities of survival in a post-apocalyptic world, where even basic necessities like food require extreme measures.
Kavanagh and Hughes take turns diving for edible items in the sea. They approach the task methodically, first scouting for suitable diving spots before plunging into the icy waters. Kavanagh volunteers for the first dive, demonstrating his growing leadership and selflessness.
Quote: "We took turns [...]. We could always have started by diving in [...]. We'd manage one or two dives [...]." (p.211)
This passage illustrates Kavanagh's strategic thinking and consideration for the group's well-being.
The author vividly describes the underwater environment and Kavanagh's sensations while diving. The cold is portrayed as an ever-present, almost tangible character in the story.
Vocabulary: Alliteration - The repetition of initial consonant sounds in successive words, as seen in "Slightly shallower" (p. 212).
Lanchester uses alliteration to emphasize the sea's depth and draw the reader's attention to the changing landscape due to rising sea levels.
Kavanagh's character development is evident in this section. He shows resourcefulness by suggesting they bring a knife on future dives to harvest seaweed more efficiently. His bravery is also highlighted as he fearlessly investigates unknown objects underwater.
Example: Kavanagh's decision to bring a knife for future dives (p. 213) demonstrates his practical problem-solving skills and adaptability.
The narrative style in these pages is more descriptive than emotional, focusing on the physical sensations and practical aspects of survival rather than delving deeply into the characters' feelings.
Definition: Anaphora - The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, as seen in the repeated use of "We" in Kavanagh's narration.
The use of anaphora emphasizes the collective nature of their struggle and Kavanagh's growing sense of belonging to the group.
While this section may lack dramatic plot developments, it serves to illustrate the day-to-day challenges faced by the characters and their resilience in the face of adversity. It also provides a stark contrast to their previous life on the Wall, highlighting the drastic changes they've undergone.
Highlight: The author uses the contrast between the underwater world and life on the rafts to symbolize the characters' internal struggles and their adaptation to their new reality.
In conclusion, these pages of "The Wall" by John Lanchester offer a detailed look at the protagonists' survival strategies and Kavanagh's evolving character. The author's use of vivid descriptions and literary devices helps to immerse the reader in this harsh, post-apocalyptic world.
