Introduction
In his famous memoir Running in the Family (1984), Michael Ondaatje employs various literary techniques to depict complex issues. Ondaatje’s moving story focuses on his quest to comprehend his family’s history, particularly that of his enigmatic and complex father. A particular paragraph highlights Ondaatje’s use of metaphor and fractured memory. According to Linda Hutcheon’s concept of “both/and thinking” (1993), this analysis is placed in a broader, more complex framework.
Metaphor for Memory and the Complexity of Recollection
Ondaatje uses a metaphor in the paragraph to illustrate how memory is like an incomplete story. As a reflection of how memories, like books, are interpretations and not literal representations of events, the metaphorical “book” is said to be incomplete (Ondaatje, 1984). The warning from his brother, “You can only write it once,” conveys the weight and pressure of faithfully recounting the past while also evoking the idea of memory’s flaws and the singularity of the story.
The metaphor is more evident in Hutcheon’s concept of “both/and thinking” (Hutcheon, 1993). Hutcheon asserts that postmodern philosophy rejects binary thinking in favor of “both/and thinking,” which permits the simultaneous existence of elements that appear to oppose one another. Applying this to Ondaatje’s metaphor makes it possible to see the incomplete book as a metaphor for both the fractured past and the incomplete story written in the present. As a result, “both/and thinking” disentangles the narrative’s underlying dualities and demonstrates how remembering can fabricate both objective and subjective realities.
“Both/And Thinking” and the Paradox of Family and Hope
Ondaatje uses the image of a “stadium of small things” to represent the complex family bond. Love is a powerful constant that endures through uncertainties and ignorance (Ondaatje, 1984). By implying that love may be a trivial collection of inconsequential little gestures and a massive power that ties the family together, this metaphor exemplifies the idea of “both/and thinking.” Thus, Ondaatje’s metaphor skillfully illustrates how love functions in familial ties as a sequence of small acts and a vast force forming and sustaining the family structure.
A wounded child moving a cactus toward the sun is another lovely yet tragic metaphor Ondaatje uses. The contrast between grief and hope is subtle, and this artwork is a moving reminder. This metaphor falls under the umbrella of “both/and thinking,” and it denotes both the acceptance of unpleasant memories and the perseverance of hope in the face of them (Hutcheon, 1993). As a result, Ondaatje discreetly conveys the paradox of life through this emblem, highlighting the resilience inherent in the human spirit and showing how adversity is entwined with aspirations.
The twin roles that Ondaatje’s metaphors play in showing the fractured past and its continuous consequences on the present and future are clarified by Hutcheon’s “both/and thinking” (Hutcheon, 1993). Thus, the concept of “both/and thinking” deepens our comprehension of the themes that Ondaatje explores in his writing. Therefore, it may be argued that using “both/and thinking” provides a conceptual framework for analyzing and appreciating the multi-layered complexity of Ondaatje’s evocative narrative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ondaatje’s Running in the Family illuminates the intricate relationships between memory, comprehension, and love by using metaphor and Hutcheon’s idea of “both/and thinking.” The story acknowledges the coexistence of various experiences and interpretations by presenting a variety of perspectives that exemplify postmodern ideas. Ondaatje provides a nuanced examination of memory and identity by setting these observations in the particulars of his family’s history.
References
Hutcheon, L. (1993). Eruptions of postmodernity: The Postcolonial and the ecological. TSpace Repository. Web.
Ondaatje, M. (1984). Running in the Family. Penguin (Non-Classics).