The passage that I find the most beautiful in this novel is the last three pages of chapter one, “Little Seeds”. The passage describes the nature with detail and imagery so that the readers are also in the story. It is one winter night and Patrick is intrigued by the blue moth that keeps on disappearing. “What was a moth doing at this time of a year?” (20) The fact that a moth was flying around during the winter time not only intrigued Patrick but also me who wanted to find out what is the intention of the author of the mysterious bug. The imagery is also vividly portrayed that I am Patrick who is carrying the kerosene light and trying to follow the moth in the darkness.
As Patrick keeps on searching for the moth, repetition of darkness and light is shown as symbolisms in the passage. The Kerosene light to the darkness where moth keeps on disappearing, the moon light to the thickness of clouds, sparks to the dark clothes and etc. The moth, which I believe symbolizes the purpose of life or identity, keeps on disappearing into vagueness and Patrick, the “searcher” with “light of hope”
Then at the last of the passage, Patrick witnesses several skaters that Patrick compares almost as dancers. “speed!” “romance!” “waltzing with his fire…” (22) Such representation of passion and love and Patrick’s strong desire to join one of them shows his later future relationships with Clara and Alice.
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Your finding of the most beautiful passage intrigues me as well. Ondaatje uses this passage as a way to incorporate vivid imagery that invites the reader to be the character. When I was first reading the book I too was questioned by the appearance of the moth. In the end, I realized (as you mentioned) that the moth was a symbol for Patrick's identity. The way the author uses the moth in this story is very important when analyzing the identity that Patrick is "searching" for. The contrast between light and darkness is also important. It's as if where the moth is, the light is and where there's light there's hope and where there's hope, the realization of identity is in the vicinity.
Great thoughts, Heewon and Joyce. In fact, at the end of this scene, Patrick says he will never be the same. The moth has led him to the skaters and, after seeing them, Patrick feels transformed. Perhaps by some truth he has witnessed and understood in the darkness of the night?
I like how you analyze the symbols of the moth and the contrast between darkness and light. It's interesting to see these elements appear so early in the novel and play a vital role in the future. After reading your post, I came to realize that the passage is not only beautiful, but also very imporatant in setting the course of the story.
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