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surreal escape book excerpt review analysis
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
Page 97 Review
Book Review: A Glimpse into a Surreal World
This excerpt transports us to a disorienting reality, a “terrible fever dream that just keeps going.” The protagonist finds solace in small comforts amidst unsettling circumstances, creating a powerful contrast between the mundane and the bizarre.
A Moment of Respite
The initial relief the protagonist experiences after the departure of Proserpina and Vitus highlights the isolating nature of their situation. “I’m relieved they’re gone and welcome my white-curtained privacy.” This brief moment of solitude allows for introspection and a temporary escape from the surrounding chaos.
Surreal Imagery and Disturbing Details
The passage is filled with unsettling imagery: “The chemical shower, my bizarre prep team, looking at my bald legs as I await a man who secures his pants with a live reptile.” These details create a sense of unease and emphasize the surreal nature of the protagonist’s experience.
The combination of the clinical (“chemical shower”) with the absurd (“man who secures his pants with a live reptile”) is particularly effective.
The Necklace: A Tangible Link to the Past
The snake-to-bird necklace serves as a tangible link to a happier past. “My fingers find the snake head at my neck and trace the scales transforming into feathers and then the bird’s pointed beak.” This action is more than just a physical touch; it’s a journey back in time, a desperate attempt to reconnect with a sense of normalcy and joy.
A Memory of Innocence: Lenore Dove and the Raven
The memory of Lenore Dove in the woods provides a stark contrast to the present reality. “I travel back to an overcast day, deep in the woods, a patch of trees we call ours, arms around Lenore Dove, night falling, neither of us caring.
On a nearby branch perches a handsome blackbird.” This scene is filled with warmth and a sense of carefree innocence, highlighting the protagonist’s longing for a simpler time.
The Raven’s Significance
The conversation about the raven adds another layer of depth to the passage. “‘That’s a raven.
The bird from my name poem,’ she says softly. ‘It’s the biggest songbird there is.’” Lenore’s connection to the raven through her “name poem” suggests a deeper, perhaps symbolic, relationship.
The raven’s intelligence, as described by Lenore (“‘She is.
She’s smart as a whip, too.
Did you know they use logic to solve things?’”), could represent resourcefulness and survival, qualities that may be crucial in the protagonist’s current situation.
Themes of Loss and Yearning
Overall, this excerpt explores themes of loss, yearning, and the search for solace in a world turned upside down.
The juxtaposition of the surreal present and the idyllic past creates a poignant sense of longing, while the tangible connection to Lenore through the necklace and memory offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.
The final line, “‘Got me beat there,’ I have to admit,” hints at the protagonist’s own self-awareness and perhaps a sense of inadequacy in the face of the challenges ahead.
A Pocket of Comfort
The mention of “Proserpina’s pocket that I’m not too proud to accept” at the very beginning indicates a reliance on others, even if reluctantly.
It’s a small act of kindness in a seemingly uncaring world.
The sweetness it provides, reminiscent of “happier days,” highlights the importance of finding comfort in small things during times of hardship.
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