Exploring Christopher Ondaatje’s Thoughts in Ferry Across the Lake
Explain some of the thoughts and feelings of Christopher Ondaatje in ‘Ferry across the lake’. Christopher Ondaatje expresses many thoughts in ‘Ferry across the lake’. At the beginning his thoughts are focused on the historical aspect to Lake Victoria as he thinks about the scale in which it played a role in the “great exploration of the past”. The quotation ‘This would be a good way to start every morning’ shows that it is the mornings in particular which Christopher thinks are most special. Further on into the text the focus of Christopher Ondaatje’s thoughts change from the tranquillity of nature to his concerns regarding the ferry journey across Lake Victoria.
Ondaatje’s conveys his anxious thoughts to the readers as he discusses with himself the way in which the ferries carry so many people. His knowledge
...of a ferry sinking in previous years causes him to become anxious about the ferry and the risks. Ondaatje expresses his surprise and disbelief at the fact in the ferry was able to cross the lake despite carrying such a heavy weight- the words “I could not believe…” confirm this. Furthermore, the quotation “but somehow the craft stayed afloat” implies Christopher Ondaatje thought the ferry was likely to sink, and is actually amazed that it hasn’t.
The quotation “an idyllic spot” immediately gives the reader an insight to his feelings towards his surroundings. He repeatedly uses positive adjectives such as “beautiful”, “spectacular” and “wonderful” to highlight his feeling of adoration for the Lake and the nature that surrounds it. Poetic language such as “spectacular sunrise” is used in the passage again to reiterate the feelin
of positivity and happiness that Christopher associates with Lake Victoria. However, as we progress further into the text, his feelings begin to change. It moves from a beautiful scene to busy chaos and a disturbance of a very peaceful atmosphere. The way in which Christopher lists colours, buses, petrol tanks, vans, land cruisers and cars highlights just how busy the surroundings are and the words “hot as hell” indicate the chaotic scene isn’t something he likes.
The difference in the language used in the first and second half of the text highlights to the reader Christopher’s feelings towards the two scenes. The positivity of the first part of the passage contrasted to the negativity of the second shows Christopher’s feelings regarding his surroundings; it is clear he prefers the tranquil, beautiful atmosphere he experienced whilst camping on Lake Victoria to the chaotic, busy city scene he is faced with once boarding the ferry across the lake.
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