Essay 1: Close Reading
Blood Money Anyone with even a modicum of experience with writing has experienced the struggle of formulating an introduction and conclusion for their work. Stronger writers will ensure both the beginning and end add significance to a composition; neglecting to do so will often lead the reader to feel dissatisfied, confused, or critical. Articles are still being written about the controversial ending of the acclaimed television series The Sopranos, despite concluding nine years ago (Evans). Unlike The Sopranos, one does not need over three days total runtime for a conclusion to impact the thoughts of a consumer; similar rigor is found in the authoring of short stories. T.C. Boyle demonstrates his ability to construct a meaningful end in his short story “Caviar.” Utilizing a …show more content…
Perhaps unbeknownst to the reader, the author’s attributed value of life provides only half of a very important theme to be combed from the story. The final passage describes a very distinct image of Nathaniel exaltedly holding valuable caviar. However, better thematic understanding does not arise from the action of holding of caviar, but rather how it was held: “... like a jackpot (92).” This carefully incorporated simile equates the symbolic eggs to substantial monetary gain. Additional detail found the within the same and preceding paragraphs indicate a disregard for life and implication that money is of higher priority. Boyle invokes an image of a casino, a token symbol for money or greed. Preceding this, Nathaniel was cleaving the fish like “Jack the Ripper,” a notorious killer (92). The close proximity of these ideas with in the work suggests an animalistic or frantic clamour for wealth. With this tableau in mind, it can be argued that the reader is better equipped to assess particular moments involving the relationship between life and
Blood Money Anyone with even a modicum of experience with writing has experienced the struggle of formulating an introduction and conclusion for their work. Stronger writers will ensure both the beginning and end add significance to a composition; neglecting to do so will often lead the reader to feel dissatisfied, confused, or critical. Articles are still being written about the controversial ending of the acclaimed television series The Sopranos, despite concluding nine years ago (Evans). Unlike The Sopranos, one does not need over three days total runtime for a conclusion to impact the thoughts of a consumer; similar rigor is found in the authoring of short stories. T.C. Boyle demonstrates his ability to construct a meaningful end in his short story “Caviar.” Utilizing a …show more content…
Perhaps unbeknownst to the reader, the author’s attributed value of life provides only half of a very important theme to be combed from the story. The final passage describes a very distinct image of Nathaniel exaltedly holding valuable caviar. However, better thematic understanding does not arise from the action of holding of caviar, but rather how it was held: “... like a jackpot (92).” This carefully incorporated simile equates the symbolic eggs to substantial monetary gain. Additional detail found the within the same and preceding paragraphs indicate a disregard for life and implication that money is of higher priority. Boyle invokes an image of a casino, a token symbol for money or greed. Preceding this, Nathaniel was cleaving the fish like “Jack the Ripper,” a notorious killer (92). The close proximity of these ideas with in the work suggests an animalistic or frantic clamour for wealth. With this tableau in mind, it can be argued that the reader is better equipped to assess particular moments involving the relationship between life and