Claudia's Mother In Moon Tiger

In the excerpt from the novel Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively, a brother and sister are climbing up a rock face to search for fossils. The children’s mother is watching from afar. Lively illustrates the complex relationship between brother, sister and mother through powerful literary devices. The excerpt is split into three different point of views. The mother’s, the sister Claudia’s, and the brother Gordon’s. Through separation, the reader is able to tell the feelings and thoughts of each character. This helps the reader understand the thoughts behind the dialogue and actions. In Claudia’s point of view, she is tripped by Gordon while climbing. The reader can see how Claudia feels about Gordon being in her way and how she came to fall in the first place. “His leg is in her way- it thrashes, she thrust.” This elaborates on why Claudia feels that Gordon shoved her first and not the other way around. In Gordon’s point of view, “he can feel her getting closer’ and he reacts by putting his food out and trips her. This act causes “[Claudia’s] hot infuriating limbs” to become mixed up with his. Through the thoughts of Gordon, the reader is able to see how Gordon views Claudia which is essences is the same way Claudia feels about Gordon. Gordon doesn’t want Claudia on his spot on the rock face so he pushes …show more content…
Even though the mother is disappointed and embarrassed by her children, she still cares for the children like a mother should. “Even amid the commotion… Edith Hampton can marvel at the furious tenacity of her children.” Through this description of the thoughts of the mother, the reader can infer that the mother is disappointed yet amazed at the fact her children could still be fighting after what has happened. The mother may feel disappointed and embarrassed by her children but she still continues to love and be amazed by