What Impression Does Charles Frazier Create Of Ada In Chapter 2 Of Cold Mountain Essay Example
At the start of Cold Mountain, both main characters are depicted as being isolated. In the military hospital, Inman is surrounded by people, yet there is little interaction or conversation, and Frazier quickly reveals how disconnected Inman truly feels. The opening pages of the book concentrate solely on Inman's inner thoughts and feelings, with the first chapter ending on a note where he writes to an unknown recipient, informing them of his homecoming.
It appears as though there is an effort to break down his isolation and seek out contact, which is also reflected in the portrayal of Ada Monroe as an isolated figure. The initial depiction of Ada shows her writing a letter, which is a solitary and quiet activity similar to Inman's letter writing. Although the letter's recipient is initially unknown, it is likely addressed to Inman based
...on its contents. Inman's letter to a lost love reveals his desire to return to her, while Ada suggests that they have been separated for an extended period due to war.
Both letters reflect a desire to be in the presence of another individual. Charles Frazier successfully establishes a connection between Ada and the loneliness encompassing Inman. Frazier employs various methods to demonstrate Ada's seclusion. Initially, it is mentioned that she has been alone since her father's demise. Her solution is to avoid reality and immerse herself in literature, while also using books to cope with her father's passing through habitual reading, as it was a significant aspect of her upbringing.
Ada uses escapism to avoid dealing with her reality while Inman finds solace in books, avoiding social interaction with others in the hospital. During he
journey to Cold Mountain, Ada appears alone despite her companion, Monroe. Due to her sheltered life, she has a limited perspective and feels isolated in her exploration of new surroundings.
Ada has limited experience with nature, having only encountered mountains twice before. While knowledgeable about nature through books, she lacked firsthand experience. Her recent journey with her father was a mix of fear and excitement, as she was both scared and in awe of the surroundings, but also thrilled for the opportunity to adventure and improve her father's health. Additionally, Frazier includes flashbacks in the journey extract to further shape the reader's understanding of Ada.
The text highlights Ada's love and devotion to her father, which stemmed from losing her mother at a young age. Despite their differences, Ada and Ruby can bond over growing up motherless. However, Ada is portrayed as a highly educated upper-class woman who lacks practical skills necessary for surviving on Cold Mountain. Without her father's financial support, Ada is stranded and too proud to ask for help due to her shallow upbringing. This is evident when she initially judges Ruby based on appearance and cannot comprehend why someone would work without standard payment.
Despite mourning the death of her father, she is unproductive and fails to help herself in any way. Other people would either request assistance or take action to survive, but she sulks and does nothing. It is speculated that Ruby's arrival at the end of the chapter may inspire her to have a desire to assist herself.
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