Pg 20 Assignment 1

I have admired Michael Cunningham's novel, The Hours, since I read it for the first time last year.  The story was full of intense imagery, themes that made the reader consider his or her life in light of the characters' lives, and a style that showed how effective certain elements of style can be.  This was the first piece I read with a seasoned, attentive eye for analysis and interpretation.  I saw for the first time how syntax could convey certain things to the reader, such as a complicated sentence showing the complicated nature of the scene being portrayed.  I observed long descriptions of the atmosphere in a certain conversation conveying the long literal pause in dialogue.  The symbolism Cunningham used was also inspiring.  I remember being blown away when I would finally discover a possible meaning for the flowers as a motif.  I liked the story because it begged serious questions, such as whether certain lifestyles have meaning or whether it is better to be a free lover or a devoted spouse.  The characters were all very real.  I believe Michael Cunningham achieved this by giving each of his characters a fatal outer flaw and a relate-able inner self.

I value the art in literature and the way that many people can master how to tell a story within a story.  A poet is able to conduct an entire commentary on her native people by writing about different types of guavas.  Michael Cunningham was able to weave an underlying story with Clarissa, Virginia, and Lauren.