In "The summer people" by Shirley Jackson.
What is the stories point of view? For which Character(s) does the narrator give us insights into the mind? Give an example of this. Explain the symbolism of the gathering storm and how it helps us interpret the ending of the story?
Please refer to the later post, which I saw first, on the same subject.
Sra
To determine the point of view in a story, we need to analyze the narrator's perspective and their level of involvement in the events. In "The Summer People" by Shirley Jackson, the story is told from a third-person limited point of view. This means that the narrator is not directly involved in the story but has access to the thoughts and feelings of a specific character.
In this case, the narrator gives insights into the mind of the character Mrs. Foster, an elderly woman who visits a rural vacation spot. We see into Mrs. Foster's thoughts, concerns, and motivations throughout the story. For example, the narrator shows us Mrs. Foster's frustration and desperation when she contemplates the consequences of not adhering to the rules set by the locals: "Mrs. Foster was determined to leave, of course, the minute it got dark, but she thought how forlorn the house would look in the storm, and how quickly her wonderful tan would fade."
Now, let's discuss the symbolism of the gathering storm and its interpretation of the ending. In the story, the gathering storm represents a turning point or impending crisis. It can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the forces that will disrupt the tranquility of the vacation spot and the lives of the characters.
As the storm approaches, the tension in the story rises, and we see Mrs. Foster's increasing anxiety. The storm reflects the growing conflict between the local people and Mrs. Foster. It symbolizes the resistance she faces as she tries to extend her stay beyond the agreed-upon term.
The storm also helps us interpret the ending of the story. As Mrs. Foster contemplates leaving, the storm intensifies, and the local people become more hostile. It becomes evident that their offer of friendship and hospitality was merely a superficial gesture, and they have an ulterior motive for wanting her to leave. The storm acts as a catalyst for exposing the underlying darkness and manipulation at play. It emphasizes the power dynamic between the summer people and the locals, ultimately leading to a problematic resolution.
By understanding the symbolism of the gathering storm, we can better interpret the ending as a clash between Mrs. Foster's desire to remain and the forces that seek to remove her, highlighting themes of control, submission, and the consequences of trespassing boundaries.