"The buffalo was of medium size, but boasted an exceptionally long tail, which swung vigorously from side to side as though determined to splatter its timid, inexperienced master with as much filth as possible. For all his efforts to dodge the relentless lashes, one split second of inattention was enough for Four-Eyes to receive a blow to the face from the buffalo's tail, which sent his spectacles hurtling through the air. " (47)
"The slaughter was disguised by an accident; the perpetrator claimed that the beast had lost its footing on a tight bend and had plunged head first down a cliff...The buffalo was still alive. I will never forget how affected I was by its long drawn-out plaintive bellows." (93)
Sijie uses the symbol of the buffalo to demonstrate the effect of the village has had on Four Eyes, both physically and mentally. To Four Eyes, it represents how poor and inept the village is, and his resistance change. When the buffalo knocks off his glasses, it represents how the village is beginning to change its world view.
I like this, especially how you included Four Eyes' glasses in the overarching the metaphor.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the significance of the tail that Four-Eyes is rewarded and takes with him home? How does the buffalo function as a symbol in relation to the two boys?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed hearing you incite on the wiles of the buffalo within the book. It was interesting to hear that such a beast could have such a profound effect on the meaning of the book. Your details on the poorness of the village and the changing of their world view was very thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the significance of the buffalo tail in the book? Eating the buffalo blood was like a coming of age for Four-Eyes. It represented his new life in the city and his bright future.
DeleteWhat was the significance of the buffalo tail in the book? Eating the buffalo blood was like a coming of age for Four-Eyes. It represented his new life in the city and his bright future.
Delete*insights
DeleteWhat kind of world view does Four Eyes have after the experience?
ReplyDeleteI can see how Coming of Age can be connected to someone changing their world view, especially for someone who is resistant to change.
When the buffalo knocks Four-Eye's glasses off his face, it is mentioned that it represents how the village began to change his world view, which shows his growth of maturity and knowledge of his surroundings.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed how you explained how the buffalo had both mental and physical effects to Four-eyes, but how exactly was Four-Eyes influenced by the buffalo, how did he change?
ReplyDeleteI like how four eyes is in the overall message of this metaphor.
ReplyDeleteWhen one comes into age, their perspective on live often changes similarly to how Four Eyes and the rest of the village had their world view change. I really enjoy that connection.
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned that when his world view changed when his glasses were knocked off.
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned that when his world view changed when his glasses were knocked off.
ReplyDelete