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Unsheltered


A timely novel that explores the human capacity for resiliency and compassion.
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Final Words and Chapter Titles as Transition Points and Thematic Markers

Created: 10/29/18

Replies: 4

Posted Oct. 29, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
sbmohler

Join Date: 10/23/17

Posts: 8

Final Words and Chapter Titles as Transition Points and Thematic Markers

When switching between Willa and Thatcher's storylines, Kingsolver often uses the final phrase of one chapter as the title for the next.

Ex: "Scylla and Charybdis" (71)
"strange companions" (120)
"Gift of the Magi" (251)

How do these tags help us as readers pick up the thread of each narrative once we return to it?

Because each phrase can be read as sign post to the theme of the next storyline, do the tags help us focus on theme or close down the opportunities we have for forming our own opinions of how each storyline is linked?

Can you think of examples where this transition technique worked smoothly and effectively and where you think it might have been too forced?


Posted Nov. 01, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
JLPen77

Join Date: 02/05/16

Posts: 362

RE: Final Words and Chapter Titles as Transition Points and Thematic Markers

I think this poetic device is a subtle reminder that the past and the present are always connected, no matter how much they may appear different. I didn't think it was ever forced. If anything it piqued my interest to see what the connection might be, but it never took over from the larger connections that were being developed through the characters and the bigger questions of the role of science and truth, of our relationship to nature and our right relationship to each other.


Posted Nov. 03, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
MarieA

Join Date: 10/12/11

Posts: 256

RE: Final Words and Chapter Titles as Transition Points and Thematic Markers

An interesting segue from chapter to chapter--a good way to introduce the themes to come.


Posted Nov. 04, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rco

Join Date: 11/04/18

Posts: 40

RE: Final Words and Chapter Titles as Transition Points and Thematic Markers

I thought it was an interesting way to transition between the time periods. I do find as I age that popping back and forth through two totally different time periods and characters is more difficult to process. I will be totally immersed in one storyline and then it ends abruptly and you have to reset your brain to what is going on with the other cast of characters. It did bring the two story lines together in a unique way.


Posted Nov. 05, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Maggie

Join Date: 01/01/16

Posts: 434

RE: Final Words and Chapter Titles as Transition Points and Thematic Markers

I agree with MarieA


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