What is the significance of setting described in chapter 1 of 'Birdsong'?
What is the significance of the setting described in chapter 1 of ‘Birdsong’?
In the first chapter of ‘Birdsong’, Faulks uses setting particularly to foreshadow coming events, and in some way, prepare the reader for the story about to evolve, be it the love affair between Stephen and Isabelle, or the conflict of world war one.
At the beginning of this chapter, we are confronted with a sense of normalcy, the ‘wagons’, ‘tanneries’ and ‘mills’ demonstrate the quiet, undisturbed life of those living in Amiens. However, these simplistic images are contrasted with the evident affluence of some of the residents, ‘substantial gardens’, highlights the grandeur of the setting. The repetition of ‘substantial’ used to describe both the gardens and the characteristics of Azaire reiterate the stability of the lives of the people of Amiens. This is somewhat ironic, as the readers know that this idea of constancy will soon be destroyed.
The contrasting descriptions of the gardens reflect the relationships between the people in Amiens, the ‘wild, overgrown look’ and ‘bursting hedges’ contrasts the fact that they are ‘squared off and apportioned with civic precision’. The adjectives, ‘wild’ and ‘bursting’ could perhaps be representative of Stephen and Isabelle’s love affair which develops throughout the book, their love is incomprehensible and confusing not only for themselves but for their family and friends. The word ‘bursting’ might be referencing Stephen’s endless desire and love for Isabelle, whilst ‘squared off’ highlights the private and undisturbed lifestyle of the Azaire family before the arrival of Stephen, furthermore, this also reflects the entrenched views at the dinner later in the chapter. Isabelle has been trapped within these moral guidelines, but when she meets Stephen she is able to break the barriers created by the society and find her true-self.
Faulks uses vivid imagery as a literary device to describe the pre-war river Somme and the surrounding area, it
In the first chapter of ‘Birdsong’, Faulks uses setting particularly to foreshadow coming events, and in some way, prepare the reader for the story about to evolve, be it the love affair between Stephen and Isabelle, or the conflict of world war one.
At the beginning of this chapter, we are confronted with a sense of normalcy, the ‘wagons’, ‘tanneries’ and ‘mills’ demonstrate the quiet, undisturbed life of those living in Amiens. However, these simplistic images are contrasted with the evident affluence of some of the residents, ‘substantial gardens’, highlights the grandeur of the setting. The repetition of ‘substantial’ used to describe both the gardens and the characteristics of Azaire reiterate the stability of the lives of the people of Amiens. This is somewhat ironic, as the readers know that this idea of constancy will soon be destroyed.
The contrasting descriptions of the gardens reflect the relationships between the people in Amiens, the ‘wild, overgrown look’ and ‘bursting hedges’ contrasts the fact that they are ‘squared off and apportioned with civic precision’. The adjectives, ‘wild’ and ‘bursting’ could perhaps be representative of Stephen and Isabelle’s love affair which develops throughout the book, their love is incomprehensible and confusing not only for themselves but for their family and friends. The word ‘bursting’ might be referencing Stephen’s endless desire and love for Isabelle, whilst ‘squared off’ highlights the private and undisturbed lifestyle of the Azaire family before the arrival of Stephen, furthermore, this also reflects the entrenched views at the dinner later in the chapter. Isabelle has been trapped within these moral guidelines, but when she meets Stephen she is able to break the barriers created by the society and find her true-self.
Faulks uses vivid imagery as a literary device to describe the pre-war river Somme and the surrounding area, it