There is a number of brilliant writers whose genius helps them create truly amazing writings that rarely leave the readers indifferent. One of such masterpieces is the story titled “The far and the near” by Thomas Wolfe. While reading this short text, one can feel various emotions and start thinking about those questions and ideas that he or she has never considered before. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the mood of Wolfe’s story and those claims that the author has put in the text.
To begin with, it is fair to mention that the writer’s claim is stated relatively clear. Unfortunately, not everything that seems to be beautiful and perfect actually appears to be exactly like this. When something is far, it may be better to leave it there and never get a closer look so that not to spoil the impression. The small house and the two waving women were the personification of hope, “something beautiful and enduring, something beyond all change and ruin, and something that would always be the same” (Wolfe). However, when near, the women appeared to be suspicious, harsh, unwelcoming, and even hostile (Wolfe). It is impossible to guess whether someone or something is as pretty inside as it is outside, and sometimes it may be better to remain unknowing but hopeful than learn and break one’s heart.
The mood of “The far and the near” is also quite clear. Somber hope appears to contrasts sharply with enthusiastic imagery and a series of unanswered questions (Wolfe). First, the story may seem to be happy since there is a man who has a sincere and kind tradition that gives him hope. However, line by line, the mood changes and becomes darker, gloomier, and more desperate, and the readers begin to feel that the old engineer is confused. He experiences “bitter loss and grief” by realizing that everything he thought about the two waving women is wrong, and their image breaks into thousand pieces (Wolfe). It may seem strange, but the readers understand why the engineer feels that all hope, bravery, sincerity, joy, and kindness of this world are disappearing, and the mood of the story becomes desperate.
References
Wolfe, Thomas. “The Far and the Near.” Panther Country, Web.