Ng’s Use of Time in Bone Ng uses time in several ways. First she lays the groundwork in the present, which introduces the reader to the character. It isn’t so much a character development but more of a character breakdown to a partial development. It is almost a cycle but not quite.
She implements this by flashing back in time but she doesn’t do this erratically. It is more of a flashback from a chosen point in a linear manner from the chosen point. She also uses time to answer or clarify reasons why Ona jumped to her death. It is like any tragedy that occurs. First, the people involved are shocked and this usually ends up leading to analyzing the past in search of reasons why tragedy struck, how it could have been prevented, and who is to blame if indeed, anyone is to blame.
Leila finds herself doing the same thing. She knows Ona’s suicide (if it was a suicide) was not a result of drug abuse alone nor was it a freak accident but that there were a number of things, which may have caused this to happen. Even more so, time is used as an introspective of Leila. The events that took place are equally responsible for Leila’s present life as they are Ona’s death. Leila’s last comment states it well.
“Like the old timer’s photos, Leon’s papers and Grandpa Leong’s lost bones, it reminded me to look back, to remember. I was reassured. I knew what I held in my heart would guide me. So I wasn’t worried when I turned that corner, leaving the old blue sign, Salmon Alley, Mah and Leon- everything-back daire.” (pg. 193-194) I think this passage summarizes well, the concept of needing to know where you came from in order to move forward. As in anything we study or live, we must understand or have some sort of knowledge of history before we can be innovative or truly aware of whom we are..
The Essay on Character Analysis Of Macbeth
Macbeth is first presented as a mature man of definitely established character, successful in certain fields of activity, and enjoying an enviable reputation. One must not conclude that all Macbeth's actions are predictable. Macbeth's character is made out of potentialities and the environment, and no one, not even Macbeth, can know all of his inordinate self-love. Macbeth is determined by a ...
