Critical Essay Main Writing Points

Question 1

Timelines

Answer 1

The novel follows two timelines, one based on the death of Chase Andrews and one about Kya’s life.

Question 2

What themes does Owens utilise

Answer 2

Owens utilises the theme of civilisation versus nature, isolation and survival through the use of characterisation, setting, structure and symbolism. Owens is concerned to show the damaging impact of a life of isolation on human beings

Question 3

How is kya presented to us

Answer 3

Owens presents Kya as isolated from civilised society due to her unconventional upbringing in the marsh

Question 4

What settings are significant in Kya’s life -5

Answer 4

• The marsh is Kya’s home a place where she feels a sense of belonging
• the contrasting settings of Barkley cove and the marsh are used by Owens to represent the theme of civilisation versus nature
• a key setting which holds significance is the fire tower as it is the place where kya gives chase a shell necklace it is also where chases body is found and when he is found owens’ use of dual timeline reveals that the shell necklace is missing from his body
• with regards to chases character it is not just the fire tower thats an important setting kya first observes chase and his group of friends at point beach a neutral location between the town and the marsh
• the climax of the novel takes place at cypress cove a setting in place which is closely linked to point beach,

Question 5

Key symbols of the novel x5

Answer 5

• chase and Kya’s relationship symbolises civilisations commodification of nature
• fire towers symbolises civilisation encroaching on the natural world
• chase represents the hostile attempts to destroy the marsh by nature and humanity
• simultaneously exposes Kya’s incompatibility with civilisation
• ongoing dichotomy between nature and civilisation

Question 6

Reader responses

Answer 6

• sympathetic as something as vast as nature Is described as Kya’s family therefore we see kya as an extension of the marsh
• empathetic towards Kya as she is unable to follow Tate on his adventures
• lack of sensitivity humans have towards nature, sense of guilt as we know kya but the people of the town have a fixed reputation of her
• makes the reader re - evaluate the presence of nature in our lives, as a result the reader feels disappointment at the lack of compassion humans have towards nature