Identity is a subject that many spend a lifetime searching for. In Michael Ondaatje’s Running in the Family, Michael himself is on a search to discover his father’s identity. However, the constant occurrences of obstacles offset this journey and ultimately allows Michael to realize that his identity is yet to be discovered. The result of these journeys is the book; Running in the Family. The human nature to get discouraged and a certain mindset being thrown off course, are only some complexities that are explored as the book progresses. Ondaatje exercises complications in this memoir to emphasize the ultimate reality of finding oneself and the realizations that advance. Diction, specifically positive and negative connotations and tone portray
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Michael Ondaatje compares the two settings and faces an inner conflict as he is now having to adjust his day to day life. Associated with Toronto he says, “I had been weeping… exhausted… tense… toward Lake Ontario…” (4) and “…in Toronto are the false maps…” (45). Michael clearly feels the lack of connection and wealth in identity and his family history in Toronto. As he has settled in Toronto he faces a conflict of leaving for Asia. Additionally, returning to Asia will also be a challenge because he would become a foreigner or “Karapotha” (60) when he says, “I am the foreigner. I am the prodigal who hates the foreigner” (61). Ondaatje braves the inner conflict of belonging as he is now lodged between two places. “It was a new winter and I was dreaming of Asia” (4) exemplifies his concluded conflict. He has now ascertained that in Asia he will find what he is looking for. He can not only discern his identity but his familial identity as well. Michael Ondaatje also reassures himself that Asia is the place to go seeing as he mentions the “beetles with white spots that never grew ancient” (63). The use of the term “ancient” displays that vast history in Ceylon. Both Ceylon and Toronto prevent Michael Ondaatje from entrenching or foreboding on his decisions, once again portraying further …show more content…
“It was almost impossible for a couple to do anything without a rumor leaving their shoulders like a flock of messenger pigeons” (36) which implies that all discoveries of his father are stories and those stories may be false or fictional. Those exaggerated accounts and can alter one’s perception of a person and their identity. This led to Ondaatje’s realization that the same situation can happen to him. In the sub section ‘Tabula Asiae’ Michael Ondaatje mentions the “false maps” (45) hanging on his brother’s wall back in Toronto. He claims, “They differ so much, they seem to be translations…growing from mythic shapes into eventual accuracy” (45). This furthers Ondaatje’s realization that from all the stories that he has been told about his father, most can be subjective to a certain perspective and/or have a certain connotation. However, like the “mythic shapes” his perception of his father will grow into a much more realistic image. The blending of genres not only display the complexities that arise from the stories that are told, but also Michael Ondaatje’s realizations about himself as he discovers more about his
Michael Ondaatje compares the two settings and faces an inner conflict as he is now having to adjust his day to day life. Associated with Toronto he says, “I had been weeping… exhausted… tense… toward Lake Ontario…” (4) and “…in Toronto are the false maps…” (45). Michael clearly feels the lack of connection and wealth in identity and his family history in Toronto. As he has settled in Toronto he faces a conflict of leaving for Asia. Additionally, returning to Asia will also be a challenge because he would become a foreigner or “Karapotha” (60) when he says, “I am the foreigner. I am the prodigal who hates the foreigner” (61). Ondaatje braves the inner conflict of belonging as he is now lodged between two places. “It was a new winter and I was dreaming of Asia” (4) exemplifies his concluded conflict. He has now ascertained that in Asia he will find what he is looking for. He can not only discern his identity but his familial identity as well. Michael Ondaatje also reassures himself that Asia is the place to go seeing as he mentions the “beetles with white spots that never grew ancient” (63). The use of the term “ancient” displays that vast history in Ceylon. Both Ceylon and Toronto prevent Michael Ondaatje from entrenching or foreboding on his decisions, once again portraying further …show more content…
“It was almost impossible for a couple to do anything without a rumor leaving their shoulders like a flock of messenger pigeons” (36) which implies that all discoveries of his father are stories and those stories may be false or fictional. Those exaggerated accounts and can alter one’s perception of a person and their identity. This led to Ondaatje’s realization that the same situation can happen to him. In the sub section ‘Tabula Asiae’ Michael Ondaatje mentions the “false maps” (45) hanging on his brother’s wall back in Toronto. He claims, “They differ so much, they seem to be translations…growing from mythic shapes into eventual accuracy” (45). This furthers Ondaatje’s realization that from all the stories that he has been told about his father, most can be subjective to a certain perspective and/or have a certain connotation. However, like the “mythic shapes” his perception of his father will grow into a much more realistic image. The blending of genres not only display the complexities that arise from the stories that are told, but also Michael Ondaatje’s realizations about himself as he discovers more about his