Armstrong Sperry
Dive into the captivating world of “Call It Courage” by Armstrong Sperry, a timeless adventure that enthralls readers with its rich storytelling and masterful use of literary devices. Set against the backdrop of the Polynesian islands, Sperry weaves a tale of courage, self-discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit. Through vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and the artful blend of prose and poetry, the author takes readers on a journey of resilience and transformation. As Mafatu, the young protagonist, embarks on a perilous quest, the novel explores themes of fear, bravery, and the deep connection between nature and the human soul. With Sperry’s skillful storytelling, readers are transported to a world of adventure, where they witness the transformative power of courage in the face of adversity.
Themes 📚
- Courage and Bravery: The novel centers around the theme of courage, as Mafatu, the young protagonist, confronts his deepest fears and demonstrates bravery in the face of adversity. It explores the transformative power of courage and the overcoming of one’s limitations.
- Self-Discovery and Personal Growth: The theme of self-discovery is prominent as Mafatu embarks on a journey of self-realization and growth. Through his experiences, he learns about his inner strength, resilience, and the importance of embracing one’s true identity.
- Fear and Overcoming Challenges: The theme of fear is explored as Mafatu confronts his deep-rooted fears, particularly his fear of the ocean. The novel delves into the process of overcoming challenges, both physical and emotional, and the triumph that comes with facing and conquering fear.
- Connection with Nature: The novel highlights the deep connection between humans and the natural world. It emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding nature, as Mafatu learns valuable lessons from the ocean and the creatures he encounters during his journey.
- Cultural Identity and Belonging: The theme of cultural identity is explored as Mafatu navigates his Polynesian heritage. He grapples with a sense of belonging and acceptance, questioning his place within his community and seeking to reconcile his personal experiences with cultural expectations.
- Perseverance and Resilience: The theme of perseverance is evident as Mafatu faces numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his journey. The novel highlights the importance of resilience, determination, and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽
- Imagery: Sperry employs vivid imagery to paint a rich picture of the Polynesian islands, the ocean, and the characters’ experiences. This creates a sensory experience for the reader, making the story come alive.
- Symbolism: Symbolism is utilized throughout the novel, such as the shark representing fear and danger, the sea as a symbol of both challenge and opportunity, and the canoe symbolizing resilience and freedom.
- Foreshadowing: Sperry incorporates foreshadowing to hint at future events, creating anticipation and suspense. For example, early references to the sea foreshadow Mafatu’s eventual confrontation with his fear.
- Personification: The author employs personification by giving human attributes to non-human elements. The ocean, for instance, is personified as a living force, creating a deeper connection between Mafatu and his surroundings.
- Metaphor: Metaphorical language is used to convey complex ideas and emotions. For example, Mafatu’s journey can be seen as a metaphor for personal growth and transformation.
- Repetition: Sperry utilizes repetition of certain phrases or motifs to create rhythm and emphasize key themes. It adds a musical quality to the prose and reinforces important ideas throughout the story.
- Flashbacks: Flashbacks are used to provide insight into Mafatu’s past experiences, revealing his fears and the events that have shaped him. They deepen the reader’s understanding of the character and add depth to the narrative.
- Alliteration: The author employs alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, to create a lyrical quality to the writing. This adds a pleasing rhythm and enhances the storytelling.
- Onomatopoeia: Onomatopoeic words, which imitate sounds, are used to evoke vivid sensory experiences. For example, the sound of crashing waves is conveyed through words like “roar” and “crash.”
- Suspense: Sperry incorporates suspense, building tension and anticipation throughout the story. The reader is kept engaged and eager to discover the outcome of Mafatu’s journey.
Examples of Literary Devices 📋
1. Symbolism
Symbolism is a significant element in this novel, where objects or elements represent larger concepts or ideas.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mafatu’s name | His name, which means “Stout Heart,” is symbolic of his inner strength and the courage he must discover within himself throughout the story. |
| The sea | The sea is a symbol of both fear and freedom for Mafatu. It represents the danger that took his mother’s life, but also the path to his eventual independence and bravery. |
| The sacred octopus | The battle with the sacred octopus is symbolic of Mafatu’s struggle with his fears, with his eventual victory indicating his triumph over them. |
Foreshadowing is used to hint at events that will happen later in the plot.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mafatu’s early confrontation with the sea | This initial encounter sets up the later challenge Mafatu will face when he decides to sail alone across the ocean. |
| The fear of the Sea God Moana | The repeated reference to the Sea God hints at the eventual confrontation Mafatu will have with his fears. |
| Mafatu’s feelings of isolation | His feelings of being different and outcast foreshadow his eventual decision to leave his home island. |
3. Coming-of-Age Theme
The book is essentially a coming-of-age story where the main character experiences growth and maturity.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mafatu leaving the island | His decision to leave his home represents the first major step in his journey towards self-discovery and growth. |
| Overcoming various challenges | Each challenge Mafatu overcomes on his journey is a step towards maturity and independence. |
| Return to the island | Mafatu’s return home, no longer fearful, marks the end of his transition from boy to man. |
FAQs 💭
1. How does imagery enhance the reading experience?
Imagery in the novel vividly depicts the Polynesian islands, the ocean, and the characters’ experiences, creating a sensory experience for the reader and making the story come alive.
2. What are some examples of symbolism in the story?
There are several symbols in the novel, such as the shark representing fear and danger, the sea symbolizing both challenge and opportunity, and the canoe symbolizing resilience and freedom.
3. How does foreshadowing contribute to the narrative?
Foreshadowing creates anticipation and suspense by hinting at future events. It keeps the reader engaged and adds depth to the storytelling, building anticipation for what is to come.
4. Can you provide an example of personification in the book?
Certainly! Personification is used when the author gives human attributes to non-human elements, like the ocean being portrayed as a living force with its own personality and intentions.
5. How does metaphor add depth to the story?
6. What is the significance of repetition in the novel?
Repetition of certain phrases or motifs creates rhythm, reinforces key themes, and adds a musical quality to the prose. It helps to emphasize important ideas and create a cohesive narrative.
7. How do flashbacks contribute to the reader’s understanding?
Flashbacks provide insight into Mafatu’s past experiences, revealing his fears and the events that have shaped him. They deepen the reader’s understanding of his character and motivations.
8. How does alliteration enhance the storytelling?
Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, adds a lyrical quality to the writing. It creates a pleasing rhythm, enhances the storytelling, and adds an additional layer of artistry to the narrative.