Larry's Party
All good authors use a variety of writing techniques to create unique and imaginative stories. Most often when an author takes a particular perspective it allows the reader a certain amount of insight. Another useful technique is flashbacks, which allow the reader to become more aware of the story line. A very effective method of writing is to use metaphors to create a sense of symbolism. Through the techniques of perspective, metaphors and flashbacks, Carol Shields develops plot, character and symbolism. The utilization of flashbacks allows the reader to follow the development of the plot. Throughout the book, the author uses the technique of flashbacks and flash-forwards to develop a unique way of narrating the story. This is used to fill in points of uncertainty that the reader may have. To fully develop the plot, an author must ensure that the reader understands what is going on. Carol Shields uses this technique in Larry's Party, allowing the reader to understand the plot to its full potential. The author uses this technique when describing the birth of Larry's son. In the story one of the major events of his life occurs "off-screen". Larry's son, Ryan, is born between chapters and is something that the reader just accepts. I
n a later chapter, the story unfolds backwards from the boy's adolescence to the discovery of his wife, Dorrie's, pregnancy. The first time his son is introduced, Larry says, "Ryan at six was underweight. He was a picky eater (Carol Shields, Larry's Party. Page 194)." He then goes on to describe his son's life, back to the day he was born. As the story goes on, characters are reintroduced and events are retold. This is done because as time goes on, Larry learns more about himself and about life. Each time events are repeated they are retold with a sharper emotional insight. The reader grows with Larry, thus leaning, growing and evolving as he does. After his divorces, Larry is bitter and angry with his wives. As time goes on he realizes how important life and family are to him. He becomes more aware of the world and through flashbacks we see how he changes. He thinks about himself now and again how he was years ago. He remembers, "That stumbling being who knows now that every single day something is taken him and that one day it will be too much? Some twenty years ago it was different (Shields, p. 331)." The author allows the reader to become involved in Larry's relationships as they evolve, leading them to become more immersed in the unfolding story. Through flashbacks we learn what Larry's priorities are changing with the times. In his earlier years he is concerned mainly will his job at the flower shop and with his soon-to-be wife, Dorrie. As Larry ages, his prerogatives turn to his son and less from his career. Although through the majority of the story the reader hears little of Ryan, as flashbacks occur they discover Larry's growing concern for his son. Years after his son is born, we hear nothing of Ryan until Larry recalls how he felt
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Approximate Word count = 1182
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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