prompt #5

             In literature, weather can more subtly and concisely convey themes and messages the author wants to get across to the audience. For example, Foster argues rain can be cleansing, a character strolling through the rain has perhaps had a mental transformation or epiphany which will affect his subsequent actions. Instead of being so forthright about it, the author can seamlessly insert this message with the element of weather that fits into the story, and keeps the artistic element that makes the literature possible.  Not only is weather a translation of what is happening within a character, but is used in a more literal, conventional way to physically limit characters to allow for the plot. For example, the author wants a character to perish in an auto accident, so, the author may use fog to signify and justify the character’s death. Weather is a versatile literary element, and should, in simple terms, be considered an appropriate catalyst for whatever the author wishes to happen, or indicate to the audience.

                Prior to reading chapter 10, I never considered the full implications of weather in literature aside from the basic “dark and stormy night” cliché discussed by Foster. Until reading this book, I often forgot that in literature everything the author writes means something. I have trouble making that connection, especially with weather. In my day to day life, weather is a random event which is in no way connected to how my story will unfold. But for a character in a novel, it will signify something, and often we must dig deeper than we might imagine. For example, in my favorite novel, The Things They Carried, there is a point when a soldier, Lavender, is shot and killed. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross feels as though Lavender’s death is his fault, because he was too busy daydreaming about a girl back home. The morning after Lavender’s death, Cross sits in his foxhole, burning pictures and letters from the girl, Martha. As this happens, it is raining. But it’s Vietnam, it rains all the time. Yes Lavender has died, and perhaps the rain is to show how gloomy the situation is. However, I could look further, and find the rain represents the burden of leadership placed on Lieutenant Cross, the rain serving as a reminder, beating away at the back of his head, reminding him of his purpose, keeping him alert. In this case, a simple detail such as the weather has stirred itself up with the plot to evoke a response from the audience, and the implications of Cross’ actions, and his future as a character.