Answer Sheet Homework

Vanessa Onwuemezi's debut collection is a thrilling and captivating one. The works are not easy to read, having read most of the stories in her Dark Neioghborhood collection, you can see that. Taking readers on a surreal journey to the edge of time, Dark Neighborhood explores themes of love, freedom and alienation through its characters who encounter varying degrees of loss and shame.

For my argumentative essay I chose one of the saddest stories in my opinion. The story Bright Spaces" shows us the story of mental illness and the death of the narrator's brother (life is effectively over, but left unfinished).

“Cat pushes a letter through the door. The letter marked J.H. Ottessa, dead brother of mine. My brother’s bed sheets still warm-sweaty. My brother’s paw prints dented into the doormat. Rainwater falls heavy from the gutter makes me look up, makes me remember what day it is what time it is.”

In my opinion, the main theme of this story is the impact of trauma and loss on individuals and families. Annette's death is a deeply traumatic event that leaves the protagonist and her family shaken, forcing them to struggle with grief and guilt. The depiction of the protagonist's journey to healing is a powerful exploration of how individuals can face and overcome trauma, finding a sense of renewal and growth in the face of loss.

In the novel, Onwuemezi uses various motifs and symbols to convey the themes and messages of the novel. The title "bright spaces" represents hope and the possibility of renewal; it offers a sense of light and possibility in confronting darkness and tragedy.

It seems to me that in this work the author uses one of the main tricks-the use of symbolism, which only emphasize the theme of the novel. Even in the title of the work you can find a hidden meaning. In my opinion, "Bright Spaces" refers to the light and hope that the main character finds when she is in bright, comforting places. The symbol of "the tunnel at the end of which is light" is used to convey the idea of growth, which is possible even in the worst situations.

The author also uses many metaphors in the novel to help readers feel the emotional state of the characters and their experiences. For example, when the author uses the image of the earth to convey feelings of loss and sorrow, and conversely, metaphors about flowers to convey a path to healing.

In conclusion, it is safe to say that the work is not easy to read, because of the author's choice of a certain style of writing. But, the story definitely makes sense, which I liked very much.