If life was an arc of light that began in darkness, ended in darkness, the first part of his life had happened in ordinary glare. Here it was as though hehad found a polarized lens that deepened and intensified all seen through it.
In Annie Proulx's "The Shipping News," the protagonist reflects on the progression of his life, likening it to a light arc that transitions from darkness to darkness. The initial stages of his existence are described as illuminated by an "ordinary glare," suggesting a mundane and unremarkable life. This metaphor underscores a sense of dissatisfaction and lack of depth in his experiences. As the narrative evolves, the character experiences a profound shift,...