English Literature-Bluffing, Gail Helgason

Bluffing- Gail Helgason By P. Baburaj, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of English, Sherubtse college, Bhutan Author of: Language and writing, DSB Publication Thimphu Communicative English, P. K. Books, Calicut A perception on Literary Criticism, P. K. Books, Calicut Flashback: A term which is probably from the cinema and which is now also used to describe any scene or episode in a play,novel, story or poem which is inserted to show events that happened in an earlier time. It is frequently used in modern fiction. Flashback in the story.Medicinal smell reminds homemade solution. Waiting in the hospital- she remembers the morning three weeks ago. When she sees Merlin- she remembers how she taught Liam to spot wildlife. Foreshadowing: The technique of arranging events and in formations ina narrative in such a way that later events are prepared for or shadowed forth beforehand. The end is contained in the beginning and this gives structural and thematic unity. It refers to plot technique in which a writer plans clues that hints at what is going to happen later in the plot . Similar essay: Unknown Woman by Rabindranath TagoreForeshadowing is used to arouse the reader’s curiosity,build suspense and help prepare the reader to accept events that occur later in the society. Fore Shadowing -She is running to Jasper hospital but we don’t know why –arouse curiosity to read further to know more. -The expensive trade mark-the word expensive is used to let the readers know in the later part of the story that he is extravagant and spends all his money. -That wasn’t the same as telling the whole story-it gives us a clue that there is some story which we will come to know later. Contemporary story, languagemodern, charactersrealistic, third person limited. -Five scenes- alternate from present to past. -Present- Gabriella is running in the pavement and is waiting to see Liam in the hospital. -Past- the scenes set three weeks earlier at a remote lake. Theme- Commitment Third person limited- The point of view is limited to Gabriella and anyth ing known about Liam is filtered through Gabriella’s perceptions. Bluffing means try to deceive somebody by pretending to be stronger, braver, clever, loving etc. Than one really is (pretending -Chambers Dictionary) Setting JasperHospital and Jasper National Park. Conflict Internal- Person V/S Person (Gabriella V/S Gabriella). External-Gabriella V/S Liam. The couple V/S Nature. Liam He is anegoist (not want to learn from other people) He is jealous (Clive) as he was not invited for a big expedition. Extravagant- in spending all his money to buy boots, jacketsetc,(outdoor gear) Ambitious- wants to see his pictures in the glossy Magazines. Clever and selfish- trick the two young men. Jolly type Very determined, serious, silent and not trustable(in the face of great danger he ran away).Lacks dedication and sincerity and commitment in life. Gabriella Gabriella was not sure- why Liam ran away, whether to save her or himself. Gabriella failed to understand Liam. Oneminute he behave s like a stranger-does not care anything,another minute he surprises her through surprising small deceitsor sometime extravagant gestures. Gabriella’s dream gets shattered. Very sincere, committedand a dedicated wife. A biology teacher. She is very clever and resourceful. In front of the grizzly, she exhibits her presence of mind and courage. She is very practical minded and good at bluffing.By P. Baburaj, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of English, Sherubtse college, Bhutan Liam -On the other hand not committed in the beginning. -He is careless and carefree. -Always away from her. -Does not show his feelings and affections. -He does not spell out his feelings. Gabriella Gabriella plans to break her commitment and may leave him (they may separate which will result in loss of faith and loss of love for Liam). Gabriella feels – Liam will be a great burden (wounded Liam). Gabriella thought- just to stay for the rest of the afternoon.Gabriella/Liam -Two different persons having two different characters. – In the beginning Gabriella is very much committed to Liam and their relation. -She always finds a way so that they can be together. -She takes care of him and always worries about uncertainty in their commitment. But at the end -She sees his distorted face. -She charges and backs off from the commitment (even if she knew that his condition is due to his love towards her). -He sacrifices his life for her. Gabriella cannot be trusted. -When Liam-strong, healthy, smart and capable-she seems to be committed. But after the accident-she sees the distorted face and she awares the uselessness of Liam, she breaks the commitment. -When Liam is really in need of her care and support, she backs off. Bluffing Gabriella -She hides her egg sandwiches to make Liam. -Gabriella throws away the cleaning solution given by Liam-another example. -Gabriella getting angry and running away from Jasper park-example of bluffing. By P. Baburaj, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of English, Sherubtse college, Bhutan -Gabriella’s story of waiting outside the room in hospital for three weeks. -Gabriella stretches her lips when she sees the wound- another example of bluffing. Though Gabriella cannot stand and she sees Liam’s horrific scared face, she sits there and smiles. -May be in heart of heart she might have expected Liam to come forward and save her from the Grizzly. But he runs away without telling even a word. Liam The food items Liam carries and hides. Liam’s bluffing to the teenagers-telling the story of Grizzly and elk carcass. He says the reasons for his running away-he said just to save her life but he wanted to save his life only. By P. Baburaj, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of English, Sherubtse college, Bhutan **************************************