The description of the "old colonial plantation-house half in ruin" foreshadows the plot through symbolism within the introduction. The symbolism of indigo fields in itself portrays a dark image in the profession once profiting for the family years before. George Washington Cable really makes an effort to draw out descriptive imagery with dark words such as "heavy" describing the cypruss, "dark, weather-beaten roof," and "murky" bayou. He makes a point to go into great depth describing the atmosphere because Louisiana itself has a mysterious intrigue about it. Like the mysterious bayou, land, and house, the characters living inside share similar characteristics. No one in the community is quite sure what goes on inside the house, but instead of trying to make sense of the elements, they are quick to become defensive and act out against those of intrigue. Cable does a wonderful job painting a dark picture to accompany a dark narrative.
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I too, noticed how Cable uses heavy imagery to describe the house to the reader. I think he does this so the reader can almost see where the people of the town are coming from and the way they act out against Poquelin.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think the dark imagery almost creates sympathy with the towns people because it becomes easy to understand why there would be some superstitions following the house and those who lived there.
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