Themes in Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Themes in Year of Wonders by Geraldine BrooksGERALDINE BROOKS USES A wide of the mark RANGE OF NARRATIVE DEVICES TO PRESENT A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE ON A NUMBER OF THEMES. explain HOW THE NOVELIST DEVELOPS ONE MAJOR THEME. INCORPORATE DIRECT EVIDENCE FROM THE TEXT TO SUPPORT YOUR DISCUSSIONYear of Wonders, scripted by Geraldine Brooks, follows the inspirational tale of the poor widow Anne Frith, and the elicit that ravaged Eyam in 1665, bringing tragedy and chaos into the fragile society. In times of calamity, Brooks explores what is true about adversity and how it brings out the outperform and worst of human nature. She does so by providing readers with a unique narrative structure, various symbolic icons, and a young, perceptive protagonist.According to Brooks, the distressing rapidity at which the Plague is decimating the citizens of Eyam proves how adversity induces the worst of human behaviour. at bottom the carefully established sociocultural setting, the novelist presents us with a wide array of characters to reveal how, in the mettle of explic competent loss, grief and fear, society resorts to appalling behaviour, especially scapegoating. The enraged Lib Hancock, Mary Hadfield and John Gordon, are seen savagely attacking Mem Gowdie and murdering Anys. Their false accusations, claiming that these women were witches, goes on to prove that Eyams midwife healers are the symbols of the human tendency to blame. As the wipeout of the Plague progresses, the author observes how plenty become opportunistic, and acquisitively prey on others and manipulate them in their state of chastisement and suffering. This is undoubtedly evident through the actions of Josiah Bont, who consumed by greed and selfishness, exploits those around him by digging graves and burial the dead for an extremely exorbitant price. By capitalising from loss of others and extorting materials, Josiah is an emblematic character. Furthermore, the narratives climax provides exposure of h ow some people become delusional and begin to claim their own authority, whilst taking advantage of the crisis. Reverend Mompellion appears to confront the Plague with immense courage and an overwhelming sense of responsibility, convincing the villagers to quarantine themselves and see it as God invitation for them to improve. Yet, a proleptic re-reading of his ways and actions illustrate his increasing sense of Christ-likeness, with the power to command God himself Omnipotent God . . . crook down Thine ear to our request, and let Thine eye look upon the miseries of Thy people (pg. 86).Against this backdrop, Brooks asserts that there are those who, in the face of extreme adversity, refuse to let negativity to take hold of them, and instead opt to summon to the situation. With the death of the village midwives, Mem and Anys Gowdie, Anna is called to assist with the delivery of Mary Daniels baby. Through this situation, the author provocativelyhighlights the contrast of life and dea th, as Anna successfully delivers a healthy baby albeit being reluctant at first In that placate of death, they celebrated a life. Soon after, struck by the despair of her empty house, Anna takes the stolen phial of poppy and consumes it, as she held her only when chance of exit from the village and its agonies (pg. 158). However, upon unexpectedly meeting Elinor at the Gowdies cottage, guilt-ridden Anna admits her sin, and throws the remaining poppy into the fire. The writer articulately uses the symbol of the poppy, to exemplify the rejection of slumber, in favour of a life devoted to tending to the suffering, and seeking to gear up a cure for the Plague. In doing so, Anna is also defying the social norms of the time, wherein she learns how to read by studying with Elinor things women of her status would neer achieve. Overall, Brooks astoundingly exposes the tremendous sense of capacity, resilience and altruism demonstrated by Anna and Elinor, all whilst empowering the reade r and endorsing the strength of women.In the end, adversity, as portrayed by Brooks is a predictable and inevitable part of life. subsequently overcoming the numerous hardships and suffering, Anna comes to accept the Plague as a natures way. The natural cycles of birth, growth and death, fundament be associated with the circular narrative structure, which generates tension within the reader. The novel commences in autumn an important symbol, signifying a period of harvest-home and fruition. Contrastingly, it is also a season of death and leaf fall, and a pivotal time wherein the reader comprehends the stories structure. Furthermore, as the Plague begins to subside in Eyam, Anna experiences a major transformation. By the means of her relationship with the Mompellions and her exposure to the extremities brought by the Plague, readers are able to witness the intellectual and emotional growth she undergoes. Through Anna, the author substantiates that humanity can triumph over adver sity through self-sacrifice, love, friendship and optimism, by making the best of her deplorable precondition and looking beyond the preconceptions and misapprehensions of the time. Moreover, Anna escapes the confines of Eyam and begins a new life in Oran stating that it seemed good to me to sever every tie that bound me to my old life. Consequently, under the protection, attained through her marriage with the renowned doctor, Ahmed Bey, and the haven of her hijab, Anna is able to continue her crusade.She becomes a doctor, scholar and mother whose profound compassion and abilities denote her as a womanhood of independence and strength.Year of wonders, examines the diverse responses adversity invokes in people, and the positive and negative responses they exhibit as a result. As the trajectories of the horrendous Plague, afflicts the entire village of Eyam, Anna Frith transpires as an unforeseen healer and heroine, proving that her year of tragedy and tragedy evolved to become a y ear of wonders.