Crossing: Fiction and Son Essay Example

quote, "When the first car appeared he could see it from a long way off, dragging a cloud of mist like a parachute [...]", (p. 2, l. 1-2).

A cloud of mist is compared to a parachute by Slouka, emphasizing how a car cannot drag it. Similarly, Slouka vividly describes how his body feels by saying that a muscle in his shoulder is jerking like a poisoned animal. Additionally, he portrays the river's desire to be whole and unbroken while wanting him to be gone, using the imagery of a hypnotized potter smoothing out its sides like thick-walled jade.

The use of imagery in Slouka's writing allows the reader to visualize the sensation of his muscles. Another technique employed by Slouka is the use of dynamic verbs, which convey action and change over an extended period of time. For example, he writes, "He breathed, feeling his heart thashing in his ribs" (p. 4, l. 117). Another instance is when he describes how the protagonist and his father worked together before the father crawled into the tent to lay out the sleeping bag (p. 3-4, l. 76-77). By utilizing these dynamic verbs, the story becomes more vivid and immediate for the reader.

The narrator in Slouka's story uses spoken language to convey frustration. For example, he exclaims, "One stupid fucking move, and your son on your back?" (p. 5, l. 138). Another instance is when he says, "My God, all his other fuckups were just preparations for this" (p. 5, l. 135-136). These words highlight the main character's frustration, as he doesn't use such language in everyday situations. The story takes place near

a river in nature and features peculiar word choices.

The river poses many obstacles for the protagonist as he makes his final crossing, symbolizing the bond between a father and son. The main character seeks to stay connected with his son after separating from the mother, so he takes him on a nature trip traditionally associated with men. This idea is frequently portrayed in movies, where fathers take their kids fishing to bond. Participating in outdoor activities in the wilderness allows men to reconnect with their masculine identity and honor ancestral customs.

The story focuses solely on the conflict between man and nature without any advanced technology. The setting is crucial as it highlights a father's attempt to bond with his son using traditional methods, by challenging nature. The main themes of this short story include the conflict between man and nature, bonding, the concept of one shot, and love. Particularly prominent in the story is the conflict between man and nature as it unfolds during a wilderness trip where father and son aim to challenge nature, ultimately bringing them closer together.

Another main theme is the bond between the characters. The purpose of the two going to the river is to strengthen their bond, especially since their family is breaking apart. The third theme is the idea of having only one opportunity. The father believes that he has only one chance to connect with his son. As he was about to fall while crossing the river, he exclaimed, “My God, all his other mistakes were just preparations for this”. The father acknowledges that he has made numerous mistakes in the past,

making this moment crucial for him to make things right with his son.

The primary focus of this short story centers around love, as the protagonist goes to great extents due to his affection for his son and their shared future. The story serves as an analysis of the aftermath of a divorce, emphasizing the damage it can inflict upon a family and underscoring the necessity for parents to establish a positive bond with their child. The natural surroundings serve as a representation of the typical occurrence wherein fathers and sons embark on journeys to foster connections in a predominantly masculine environment.