How does the author employ characters and plot within the novel Dragonwings to convey and explore a specific theme? Provide evidence from the beginning, middle, and end of the story to support your analysis.
To analyze how the author employs characters and plot within the novel Dragonwings to convey and explore a specific theme, we first need to understand the theme itself. In this case, it would be helpful to identify the major themes present in Dragonwings, such as perseverance, cultural identity, and the pursuit of dreams. Let's focus on the theme of perseverance for this analysis.
At the beginning of Dragonwings, the author introduces us to the main character, Moon Shadow, a young Chinese boy who comes to San Francisco to live with his father, Windrider. Through Moon Shadow's experiences, we see the hardships faced by Chinese immigrants in America at that time. Moon Shadow's determination to adapt and overcome these challenges sets the stage for the theme of perseverance.
In the middle of the story, Moon Shadow and Windrider face numerous obstacles as they try to build a flying machine. They encounter skepticism from others, financial difficulties, and even threats from enemies. However, despite these setbacks, they remain steadfast and continue to work on their dream. This demonstrates their unwavering perseverance.
Furthermore, the author employs other characters to support the theme of perseverance. For example, Black Dog, a fellow immigrant, initially appears as a menacing antagonist. However, as the story progresses, we discover that he, too, embodies the theme of perseverance. Black Dog refuses to let his past mistakes define him and instead strives for redemption.
Finally, in the end of Dragonwings, the climax of the story revolves around the successful flight of Windrider's homemade airplane. This achievement represents the culmination of the characters' perseverance and their ability to overcome adversity. The flight acts as a metaphor for the characters' hopes and aspirations, emphasizing the theme of perseverance in the face of hardship.
To support this analysis, you could reference specific scenes or events from the beginning, middle, and end of Dragonwings that highlight the characters' perseverance and how it contributes to the exploration of the theme. For example, you could mention Moon Shadow's determination to learn English at the beginning, the numerous obstacles they face during the construction of the airplane in the middle, and the triumphant flight in the end.
By examining the characters' actions and the events of the novel, we can explore how the author employs characters and plot to convey and explore the theme of perseverance throughout Dragonwings.