The story Early Inklings but John updik How does the last line reinforce the meaning of the pun?
Last line contains
This was my element, ink on paper.
The word "inkling" has a double meaning here.
http://www.answers.com/inkling
This is the dictionary meaning.
What do you think, considering those last 3 words, the other meaning is?
The last line of the story "Early Inklings" by John Updike is "This was my element, ink on paper." This line reinforces the meaning of the pun by emphasizing the protagonist's love and affinity for writing, specifically using ink on paper.
Throughout the story, there is a pun that links the narrator's artistic inclination toward ink with his romantic interest in a woman named Martha Ingle. The pun lies in the similarity between the word "inkling" (meaning a slight indication or hint) and "Ingle." By using the phrase "This was my element, ink on paper," the narrator is implying that his true passion and comfort lie in the act of writing, which involves using ink on paper.
This reinforces the meaning of the pun as it suggests that the narrator's true affinity lies in expressing himself through writing, rather than solely in his interest in Martha Ingle. It highlights the narrator's dedication to his craft and implies that his artistic pursuits are what truly fulfill him, aligning with the theme of following one's passions and finding fulfillment in one's element.
To understand how the last line reinforces the meaning of the pun in the story "Early Inklings" by John Updike, we need to analyze the symbolism behind the phrase "This was my element, ink on paper."
The pun in the story's title, "Early Inklings," suggests a connection to both the literal meaning of ink as a substance used for writing and the figurative meaning of 'early inklings' as the first signs or indications of something. This play on words sets the tone for the story's exploration of creativity and the artistic process.
In the context of the last line, when the narrator states, "This was my element, ink on paper," they are implying that their true talent and passion lie in writing and the act of putting their thoughts into words. The word "element" signifies their natural environment or sphere of expertise.
By emphasizing their affinity for ink on paper, the narrator solidifies the significance of the pun in the story's title. It reinforces the idea that their initial inklings or creative impulses find their fullest expression through writing. Through this wordplay, the story suggests that the narrator feels most connected to their artistic calling when they are able to channel their ideas into words on the page.
Ultimately, the last line serves to reinforce the overarching theme of the story, highlighting the narrator's deep-rooted connection to the act of writing and the power of creative expression.