The Crystal Cave Essay, Research Paper
If the name Merlin were spoken, many would immediately connect the name to the legendary magician that served King Arthur. Many variations of this legendary magician have been passed down through the ages, but only one makes the reader connect with Merlin as a man and not just a magician. In the book The Crystal Cave Mary Stewart makes the reader see that Merlin is not just a magician, he is first and foremost a man. Throughout the book the author sucks the reader in to the life of this man, and using imagery and characterization makes him feel that he is actually there watching the life of Merlin unravel.
From the very first page of The Crystal Cave the reader is transported into the book with the use of imagery; Mary Stewart almost forces him to connect with the characters and the surroundings of this book. ? With the coming of the dusk the rain stopped, but a mist had risen, creeping knee-high through the trees so that they stood like ghosts, and the grazing horse floated like a swan.?(The Crystal Cave pg. 2) Mary Stewart describes this scene so well that the reader can actually see the mist rising up the trees and into the forest. When describing the fight scenes where Ambrosius, Merlin?s father, is trying to gain the title of High King, she uses enough detail to get the point across, without making the scene gory and bloody as so many things are in today?s world. ?Everywhere men were fighting in small groups, or even singly and hand to hand. The noise, the clash and shouting, even the smell of sweat and blood mingled?(Crystal Cave pg.373.) The reader can almost smell the sweat and blood mingling on the battlefield, like being there without the danger. In this novel Stewart also mixes together imagery and characterization when she is showing the reader what Merlin sees in the crystal cave when he first learns he has the ?sight?. This is the beginning of the author?s trial to get the reader inside the brain of Merlin as he begins to use his power. ? Though the place was cold, the men worked naked save for loincloths, and the sweat ran over their backs as they hacked over the rock-face, steady ceaseless tapping blows that?s made no noise, but you could see the muscles clench and jar under the torch lit sweat.?(Crystal Cave pg 66) The reader is put inside of Merlin?s brain, seeing what he sees, what he thinks, and how he responds to the reaction of others toward him.
Throughout this novel Mary Stewart helps the reader connect with Merlin by characterization. She presents his actions, words, thoughts, and feelings as a way for the reader to see what is really going on behind the mask of this legendary magician. The visions that Merlin has are so clearly represented to the reader that he is inside Merlin?s head as they are going on.? The bull whirled, and charged again. The man waited without moving, his feet planted slightly apart, his posture casual, almost disdainful. As the bull reached him he seemed to sway aside, lightly, like a dancer. The bull went by him so close that I saw a horn spear the swirling cloak?(Crystal Cave pg.142) The reader begins to see the true power Merlin has, not that as a spell caster, but that of a prophet. Although Merlin has power, he is not arrogant, he lives day to day as a man. He thinks not himself better than most men, but equal. In the instance of his father Ambrious or his uncle Uther, Merlin treats them with respect telling them that whenever they needed him he would be there. In the light of his father?s death Merlin makes a vow to himself and others,? I will deck his grave with nothing less then the light itself.?(Crystal Cave pg. 442) The reader is shown here that Merlin had great respect for his father, and even though it was deemed impossible by others he made his vow become a reality. The way other reacted toward Merlin and his power is a big part of this story, throughout this novel the reader can see the changes of attitude toward Merlin as he grows. The young Merlin was thought of as a ?bastard? because he had no father. ?. Keep your bastard out of my sight! Now that your brother?s home, we?ll find a man that will take the pair of you from under my feet.?(Crystal Cave pg.7) Merlin is constantly ridiculed for what he had no control over, but he doesn?t care, he likes to be alone and in the darkness. As Merlin grows older the attitudes toward him change as he begins to use his power. People as a whole begin to pressure him to tell them their fortunes, futures, etc. Ambrosius is one of the many, ?What do you see in the fire, Merlin the prophet?? ? Nothing but dead men roasting.?? Then look and see something for me, Merlin. Where has Octa gone? (Crystal Cave pg.379) Merlin?s power does not come on command and few realize this fact, and so Merlin is constantly pushed to see into the future, though he cannot on will. The characterization of this character makes the reader realize Merlin is so much more than a man of power, he is a man with thoughts, and feelings also.
The legend of the great Merlin has been known through the ages by many, but what those stories do not share with us is that Merlin is more than a magician he is a man, also. Mary Stewart uses imagery and characterization to make the story come alive in the reader?s mind as if they are actually there with Merlin as he sees, thinks, and acts throughout this novel. The Crystal Cave is an exciting, riveting novel that will be remembered for years to come.
327
Другие работы по теме:
The Allegory Of The Cave By Plato
Essay, Research Paper Plato was born 427 B.C. and died 347 B.C. He was a pupil under Socrates. During his studies, Plato wrote the Dialogues, which are a collection of Socrates’ teachings. One of the parables included in the Dialogues is “The Allegory of the Cave”. “The Allegory…” symbolizes man’s struggle to reach understanding and enlightenment.
The Clan Of The Cave Bear Essay
, Research Paper The Clan of the Cave Bear starts out with a naked girl named Ayla swimming in a river. After that an earthquake occurs and she is surprised because she had never experienced one before. The earthquake kept on going, and she became even more frightened. She cried for her mother, but she was alone.
The Cave Essay Research Paper Notes on
The Cave Essay, Research Paper Notes on ?The Cave? author- Jean McCord George- Bum who lived in a cave and made statues Charles- Main char. Charles was running when he saw a cave. He stopped and
Cinematic Aspects Of Cave Art Essay Research
Paper Kristine McCarthy October 1, 2000 Cinematic Aspects of Cave Art by Edward Watchel I think Watchel formed a very good, accurate arguement in saying that cave paintings are cinematic.
Tom Sawyer Essay Research Paper This story
Tom Sawyer Essay, Research Paper This story takes place in St. Petersburg, Missouri, in the mid-1800’s. The main problem in this story is the many ways which Tom tries to avoid Injun Joe because as a witness to the murder of Dr. Robinson, Injun Joe is trying to kill Tom. Tom also has to deal with being punished on a Saturday when he could be out playing.
My Poetical Side Essay Research Paper I
My Poetical Side Essay, Research Paper I just thought I?d unleash My poetical side. ?Cause in everyday life I live to hide. Need something of freedom From time-to-time.
The Waterfall Essay Research Paper It was
The Waterfall Essay, Research Paper It was in June. I was on a School Geography Field Trip to Thailand.I was separated from my teachers and classmates while we were visiting a rice farm in the ouskirts of Bangkok. Soon I found myself alone in a strange foreign land.
Israel Essay Research Paper Teams of archaeologists
Israel Essay, Research Paper Teams of archaeologists were excavating in Israel when they came upon a cave. Written across the wall of the cave were the following symbols, in this order of appearance: A woman, a donkey, a shovel, a fish and a Star of David.
Cave Art Essay Research Paper At thefoot
Cave Art Essay, Research Paper At the foot of a cliff in the Ard?che Gorges, in south-eastern France, amateur speleologists discovered the world’s oldest painted prehistoric cave. Discovered
The Crystal Cave Essay Research Paper People
The Crystal Cave Essay, Research Paper People or events that appear very briefly in life may have dramatic effects on the lives of people they touch upon. Basketball coaches from the junior high school level often influence their athletes to take up playing basketball in their high school career. Dying friends often compel people to conduct research and dedicate their lives to the study of medicine.
Waterford Crystal A Case Analysis Essay Research
111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
Huck Finn Essay Research Paper Setting 2
Huck Finn Essay, Research Paper Setting : A rainy night, Jim and Huck find a cave to stay in for the night. Jim caught some fish for dinner. Huck: Gee Jim, dis fish be tastin mighty fine.
Plato Essay Research Paper Plato
Plato Essay, Research Paper Plato’s theory of knowledge is found in the Republic, particularly in his discussion of the image about the myth of the cave. Plato distinguishes between two levels of awareness:
Letting Go Essay Research Paper
“Why do you want to go to a school that is so far away from home?” Megan asked her best friend Crystal. “Because Megan,” Crystal began, “I need a new atmosphere. Living in the same town my entire life has gotten boring, and I think that I just need a change of scenery. I honestly do not exactly like living here.
The Crystal Cave Essay Research Paper The
The Crystal Cave Essay, Research Paper The Crystal Cave, by Mary Stewart, is a story in the first person, whereas an elderly Merlin tells of his coming of age. The novel began in medieval Wales in the kingdom of Maridunum. The story then moves to Brittany, or Lesser Britain. He then comes back to Wales, then, the rest of Greater Britain, ending up in Cornwall.
The Relationship Of Allegory Of The Cave
As Compared To Learning And Education Essay, Research Paper The relationship of “Allegory of the Cave” to learning and education. The “Allegory of the Cave” is Plato’s attempt to explain the relationship between knowledge and ignorance. Starting with the image of men in fetters that limit their movement and force them to look only ahead, this is the idea that all men and women are bound by the limits of their ignorance.
Plato And The Cave Essay Research Paper
Plato and the cave After reading Plato?s cave several times, I learned that every time I read it I gained a completely different interpretation. You can relate all of the different symbols to any aspect of life, and still have a clear understanding of what Plato is talking about. My first interpretation of the cave was, the world as the cave.
Huckleberry Finn Essay Research Paper Huck and
Huckleberry Finn Essay, Research Paper Huck and Jim both have seen money differently because Huck is white and has a chance in like and can make it. Jim was a slave and really couldn?t make money. Huck had a lot of money but didn?t spend it that easily ?Oher a hundred and fifty dollars. Quite a fortune for you?(p.12). huck and Tom were in a cave and found six thousand dollars that robbers left there.
Allegory Of A Cave Essay Research Paper
Lisa Ann Haney Philosophy 101 Allegory of the Cave Paper #2 Is our perception of this world true or is it merely a reflection or shadow of the real world? Can knowledge be passed from teacher to student or must each student travel his own path to enlightenment? Are the enlightened responsible to the rest of society? Are they the only people qualified to run society as a whole? These are the questions that plagued Plato and resulted in his famous portion of The Republic entitled Allegory of the Cave.
Allegory Of The Cave Analysis Essay Research
Paper In Plato?s "The Allegory of the Cave," he suggests that there are two different forms of vision, a "mind?s eye" and a "bodily eye." The "bodily eye" is a metaphor for the senses. While inside the cave, the prisoners function only with this eye. The "mind?s eye" is a higher level of thinking, and is mobilized only when the prisoner is released into the outside world.
Caves Essay Research Paper Formations and Types
Caves Essay, Research Paper Formations and Types of caves A cave is a chamber beneath the surface of the earth or in the side of a hill, cliff, or mountain. Caves vary in size and shape, and many have large openings to the surface. There are many types of caves, such as: ice caves, solution, wind, gravity-slip-block caves, fissure or rift, talus, sea, and lava tube caves.
Canto Of Pope Essay Research Paper In
Canto Of Pope Essay, Research Paper In this Canto, Pope describes the satirical decent of Umbriel into “underworld” as the last literary convention of epic poetry that Pope uses.
The Allegory Of The
Cave Essay, Research Paper The Allegory of the Cave Plato gives rise to an interesting thought in The Allegory of the Cave . He suggest that people are to trusting in an unreliable society. Though he wrote this many years ago, it still applies today. It is ironic that people are willing to believe what the are told to be true, rather than search for the actual truth.
Modern Plato
’s Cave Essay, Research Paper In the Allegory of the Den written by Plato. In his writing he explains human beings live in an underground den, here they have been from their childhood, and have
Treasure Essay Research Paper The stockade is
Treasure Essay, Research Paper The stockade is now in the hands of Silver and his mates. Jim is captured and is given the choice to join them. When he refuses the pirates want to kill him but Silver talks them out of it. Silver tells Jim that the Doctor has given him and map and also abandoned the stockade in exchange for being allowed to go free.
Socrates The Cave Essay Research Paper The
Socrates` The Cave Essay, Research Paper The cave I think that the idea of the cave and one man breaking lose from the chains is a good representation of the select few in the world. It takes great courage to break away from the group and venture out on your own. Once you find what you are looking for do you have a choice of weather or not you should go back to the group? If you found the one thing that could explain all of life?s mysteries would you keep it all to you?re self or would you want to share it with the world? Personally I would have to share it with at least one person.
Plato Vs Nietzche- The Nature Of
Good Essay, Research Paper Plato Vs. Nietzsche: The Nature of Good Plato and Nietzsche have opposing views on the nature of good. Plato, as demonstrated in the “The Cave” and “Apology,” believes that Good is absolute. This means that he is of the opinion that there is one perfect version of Good for all people, whether they are rich or poor, powerful or weak.
Odysseus Essay Research Paper OdysseusOdysseus is without
Odysseus Essay, Research Paper Odysseus Odysseus is without a doubt an epic hero. He goes on a perilous journey even though not by his choice. He saves his comrades from great evils. He is considered to be a great military tactician and he is known around the world as a great man. All of those qualities and feats make Odysseus an epic hero!
Polyphemus Essay Research Paper Polyphemus according to
Polyphemus Essay, Research Paper Polyphemus according to Greek mythology was the son of Poseidon and the nymph-thoosa. In all of my research on Polyphemus I have found that he has no powers, nor does he have symbols. But besides his enormous size and his herding of goats and sheep.
A Dream Of An Angel Essay Research
Paper Heaven’s light shines in the sky Crystal tears fall from my eyes. An illusion of an angel is infront of me His angelic features in my memory. Skin so soft I would love to touch
Theory Of Dimensions Essay Research Paper PhilosophyDavid
Theory Of Dimensions Essay, Research Paper Philosophy David Doriot December 8,2000 The theory of Dimensions In Plato?s? The Allegory of the Cave, allows a person to realize that which they already know. The situation in the cave is dark and gloomy, a place no one would ever want to go. However, the reality is that some people are at a point in their lives where that is where they are, in their own self-made ?cave?.
Antigone Essay Essay Research Paper This paper
Antigone Essay Essay, Research Paper This paper is an essay on Antigone. The story Antigone is a great Greek tragedy. Sophocles, an ancient Greek playwright, is the author of the story. It is a great story. It is known throughout the world. This essay is going to trace the character of Antigone through the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Early Childhood Development Essay Research Paper Child
Early Childhood Development Essay, Research Paper Child Observation The child that I chose for my observation is a two-year-old; Caucasian, female named Crystal. While observing her in a private facility, I was able to determine if she is behind, right on target, or even advanced in many areas of development.