In the Book "The English Patient".How does the landscape of the novel--the Villa San Girolamo, the country around it, and the boundary between the two--reflect the inner lives of its inhabitants? Why do you think that Ondaatje has chosen Tuscany as the setting for his story? What significance do other landscapes, like the desert and the English countryside, hold for the story and its characters?
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Since this book also refers to Rudyard Kipling's "Kim" you might want to read that as well for some comparisons. The following site will give you a great deal of information on "The English Patient."
SparkNotes: The English Patient http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/englishpatient/
The setting is like the "back drop" of a play or the "back ground" of a painting!
The landscape of the novel "The English Patient" plays a significant role in reflecting the inner lives of its inhabitants. The Villa San Girolamo, situated in the Tuscan countryside, represents a sense of isolation, tranquility, and decay. The villa is described as a place frozen in time, mirroring the characters' stagnant lives and the emotional toll of the war. It serves as a physical manifestation of their emotional states.
Tuscany itself holds symbolic significance as a setting choice. Ondaatje may have chosen Tuscany because of its rich cultural history, artistic heritage, and its association with beauty and elegance. It contrasts with the destructive impact of the war and provides a stark juxtaposition to the violence and chaos experienced by the characters. Tuscany represents a refuge and a respite from the turmoil of war, allowing the characters to find solace and healing.
Other landscapes, such as the desert and the English countryside, also hold significance in the story and for the characters. The desert, where the English patient's plane crashes, becomes a metaphorical space of transformation and self-discovery. It represents a harsh setting that strips away superficial identities and helps the characters confront their deepest fears and desires. The arid and vast landscape reflects the characters' emotional barrenness and their search for redemption.
The English countryside, particularly the scenes involving Hana and Caravaggio, provides a contrast to the war and the villa. It represents a sense of familiarity, nostalgia, and safety. The lushness and tranquility of the countryside create an idyllic backdrop for the characters' relationships and offer them a temporary escape from the war's horrors.
By carefully choosing these diverse landscapes, Ondaatje uses them as a means to explore the emotional states of his characters and to highlight the impact of their experiences. The settings are not merely backdrops but are integral components of the story, reflecting the characters' inner lives and aiding in their development.