Introduction
In Ann Beattie’s short story Snow, the reader is transported to a winter setting where the narrator reminisces about a particular winter spent with a loved one in a new house in the countryside. The story is filled with vivid imagery and reflective moments that capture the essence of fleeting memories and the impact of time on relationships. Personally, this “literary experience” left me with nostalgia and an appreciation for the power of simple yet evocative storytelling. It serves as a reminder that life comprises moments and symbols and that even the most minor details can hold significant meaning. Specific literary elements in Snow, such as symbolism and imagery, are employed to meticulously craft and convey the overarching theme that life’s beauty lies in ephemeral moments and that these moments can profoundly affect the narrative of our existence.
Summary
Snow by Ann Beattie is a contemplative short story that revolves around the recollections of a winter experience shared by a couple in their new countryside home. The plot centers on the couple’s early days in the house, where they do simple tasks like scraping layers of old wallpaper and painting the walls. The story also delves into the significance of their new life in the countryside, attracting numerous visitors who gather around the fireplace, sharing extraordinary anecdotes and stories.
Literary Techniques
Imagery
The narrative unfolds through the lens of the narrator, who reminisces about this particular winter and its associated emotions. The story moves between moments in the house and outside, notably focusing on the imagery of snow, the chipmunk’s sudden visit, and the covered pool in the neighbor’s yard. These elements represent life’s fleeting essence, underscoring moments’ ephemerality and memories’ impermanence.
As the narrative unfolds, it gradually directs its focus toward the ceaseless flow of time and the preservation of memories (Skwiot & Clugston, 2019). The story achieves a sense of closure when the narrator revisits the house following a friend’s demise, only to find it devoid of snow and, by extension, bereft of the treasured memories associated with that specific winter. The narrative movingly conveys the notion that even seemingly inconsequential moments can exert a lasting influence on the ever-evolving tale of life.
Symbolism
Firstly, symbolism in “Snow” is a cornerstone of its thematic exploration. The chipmunk’s sudden appearance and swift departure serve as a powerful symbol of the transient nature of moments. As the chipmunk swiftly moves through the living room, darting out the door, it serves as a poignant reflection of life’s rapid pace, leaving only fleeting, vibrant memories behind it. The chipmunk’s journey mirrors the transitory nature of life’s opportunities, leaving a profound mark on the narrator.
Similarly, the pool concealed by a black plastic cover in the neighbor’s yard symbolizes life’s inevitable conclusion and the gradual obscuring of memories over time: “The pool covered with black plastic… It had rained, and as the rain fell, the cover collected more and more water until it finally spilled onto the concrete” (Beattie, 1983). This illustrates how cherished memories can be concealed and forgotten, only to resurface under certain circumstances. These symbols elegantly encapsulate the idea that existence comprises a series of brief moments, each carrying its unique significance.
The Contribution of the Literary Techniques to the Overall Theme
Furthermore, the significance of imagery in advancing the story’s thematic depth cannot be overstated, as it masterfully crafts vibrant visual depictions of the environment and emotions. For instance, the portrayals of the snow, moon, and snowplow subtly reference the passage of time and the transitions of seasons (Skwiot & Clugston, 2019). Notably, the symbol of snow vividly embodies the transient essence of life and love, leaving an indelible mark on the narrative.
“Even now, saying ‘snow,’ my lips move so that they kiss the air,” this imagery not only illustrates the snow’s beauty but also emphasizes the intimate connection between the narrator’s memory and the idea of snow, showing how the snow is forever etched in their mind (Beattie, 1983). The act of “kissing the air” conveys a sense of tenderness, as if the memory of snow is a cherished and unending affection. This imagery underlines the idea that life’s beauty is often found in these momentary experiences preserved in our memories and continues to influence our lives.
Continuing this analysis, the story highlights the profound impact of these literary elements by guiding the reader through the narrative’s temporal and emotional shifts. It intertwines symbolism and imagery to showcase the ephemerality of life and the indelible marks left by fleeting moments. The chipmunk’s quick passage through the house and the covered pool symbolizes the hidden treasures of memory, which are sometimes obscured by time but can resurface and affect our present (Rackin, 2022). These symbols and the vivid imagery of snow and the tireless snowplow invite readers to contemplate the enduring power of transient experiences.
Conclusion
In summary, Ann Beattie adeptly utilizes the tools of symbolism and imagery within Snow to craft a narrative emphasizing the theme of transience. Through these deliberate literary techniques, the story conveys that existence is a sequence of transient instances, and even the most unassuming particulars can harbor profound significance within the broader narrative. Beattie’s skilled implementation of symbolism and imagery evokes sentiment and contemplation, creating an enduring resonance of the story’s themes and the evanescent quality of human encounters and life experiences. The narrative beautifully underscores the idea that life’s allure often lies in those fleeting moments that leave an enduring impact, akin to the recollection of a wintry landscape.
References
Beattie, A. (1983). SNOW. Vanity Fair | the Complete Archive. Web.
Skwiot, E., & Clugston, R. W. (2019). Journey into literature (3rd ed.). Bridgepoint Education.
Rackin, E. (2022). Crafting poems and stories. Broadview Press.