“And of Clay Are We Created” critical analysis essay
In “And of Clay We are Created” by Isabel Allende, Rolf Carle is a protagonist who undergoes significant changes. The author shows Rolf’s development through his concern for society, and to a concern for Azucena, eventually unwrapping to his heart. With the help of Azucena he was able to confront his omitted past. In the start, Rolf attempts to drown his past by working as a reporter. In “And of Clay We are Created” we find Azuceana imprisoned by clay having to tread water. As Rolf watched, he stood with “…a microphone in his hand in the midst of bedlam of lost children, wounded survivor and corps and devastation in a calm voice” (pg. 320) we find Rolf unable to comprehend the panic that is happening before his eyes. Rolf was avoiding his past distancing himself from his fears, this changed with the introduction of Azuceana. Azuceana is the key for unlocking Rolfs mind to his past. The author displays the emotional connection between Rolf and Azuceana through Rolf’s wife. Look for example at the way Rolf, “…could no longer look at this girl through a lens any longer” (pg. ). Rolf’s dreadful past connects him to Azuceans imprisonment in clay. Rolf was trapped in the emotional pains that his past brought to him. As time passed day and night, Azuceana and Rolf grew weary; Rolf started to let his mind wonder even deeper to the connection between him and Azuceana. Rolf begins to acknowledge his frightful past, this pushes Rolf into a shocked state. Rolf comes to realize that “…there, beside that hell hole of mud, it was impossible for Rolf to flee from himself any longer”. Rolf comes to a sad realization that his inner sorrow had caught up to him changing Rolf from his once confident composure. The story ends with Rolf giving up his profession as a reporter pondering on the shocking revelation on what beholds his future. Through Azucena, Rolf