The Prodigal Flashcards
He is living in filthy conditions yet seems content with them. Metaphor
The floor was rotten; the sty
was plastered halfway up with glass-smooth dung.
Has good relationship with the pigs. Even the grotesque female pig that ate its young. Pigs appear to be his family and welcome him to their filthy home
the pigs’ eyes followed him, a cheerful stare -
even to the sow that always ate her young
Not even bothering to hide the fact that he has a drinking problem. Possibly trying to drink away the sorrows that led him to this situation. Or a metaphor for Bishop as she too had a drinking problem
mornings after drinking bouts
he hid the pints behind a two-by-four
He found comfort in the barn, surrounded by mud and dirt
the burning puddles seemed to reassure.
He is voluntarily putting himself through this life. He is not ready to face the demons in the outside world and needs more time to prepare
he thought he almost might endure
his exile yet another year or more.
Hope begins to shine through. A new perspective with light at the end of the tunnel. Change in tone.
But evenings the first star came to warn.
Even the animals had their own proper homes with someone to care for them but the prodigal didn’t. He was isolated.
shut the cows and horses in the barn beneath their overhanging clouds of hay
He feels safe in the light but secludes himself to the dark. Striking imagery. Metaphor for 2x2 and not being alone. Alliteration
faint forked lightnings, catching light,
safe and companionable as in the Ark.
The pigs are at home and have each other, unlike him who has nothing
The pigs stuck out their little feet and snored.
The hope seems to be dying. The prodigal is alone, sad and pathetic in his own company. Simile.
The lantern - like the sun, going away -
Moment of epiphany. Recognition of his isolation hits him. The bat being a metaphor for himself. Accepts the fact that possibly some things are out of his control.
he felt the bats’ uncertain staggering flight,
his shuddering insights, beyond his control
Prodigal finally makes the decision to to return home but it’s not an easy decision. Home seems to be a last resort for him but there is hope in the fact that he has completed his exile and will finally face his demons
But it took him a long time
finally to make his mind up to go home.
