An
Enlightening Analysis of The Willow and the Storm
Mitchell Masuda, the author of The Willow and the
Storm utilizes a combination of
diction, imagery and his own personal experiences to express the importance of
patience as a virtue. Masuda chooses specific words to create a sense of humor
that maintains the readers interest. However, the words also augment the somber
and reflective tone found in the last half of the short story. The addition of
events that were based on occurrences in Masuda’s life makes the story more
authentic and believable. Masuda’s visual imagery makes these events very
realistic. Each literary element contributes to the context of the story that
concludes with the maxim embodied in a quote.
In
the third paragraph of The Willow and the Storm, Masuda utilizes uncommon and amusing words and
phrases to lighten the atmosphere while doing the opposite in the fifth
paragraph, conveying a somber tone. In the last paragraph, Masuda also uses
specific words to express the feeling of contemplation enjoyed by the narrator.
In the third paragraph, the narrator mentions that his breakfast was not
settling down and situates that tragedy on the same degree of seriousness as a
class IV rapid. The comparison is humorous because a mere stomachache would not
be near as serious as a dangerous whitewater rapid. Masuda also emphasizes the
closest bathroom as a "bright blue porta-potty." The fact that the
narrator is looking forward to seeing a restroom is a very entertaining
thought. In the fifth paragraph, the combination of "tremendous" and
"dash" in the same sentence emphasizes the power of the river as well
as the hazardous situation that the narrator enters. In the next sentence,
"submerged" is an active participle and again demonstrates the power
of the river. There are several words in the last paragraph that accentuate the
reflective tone. The word "trial" in the second sentence brings out
the fact that the narrator underwent an ordeal, not a mere accident.
"Yielding" in the fourth sentence allows the reader to realize that
the narrator did not struggle uselessly, but surrendered as much of his power
as was necessary. The most important individual word in the last paragraph is
"wisteria." It alludes to Masuda’s religion, Buddhism, in which the
wisteria crest hung over Buddha, or the enlightened one. Thus Masuda gives the
impression that the narrator has undergone a truly enlightening experience.
Aside
from the allusion in the last paragraph, Masuda fuses some of his own memories
with fiction to allow readers to relate to the story. The incident mentioned in
the story is actually a dramatization of one of Masuda’s whitewater rafting
experiences. Masuda uses that incident in conjunction with his many backpacking
trips to produce humor with regards to needing a restroom. He is no stranger to
the decision of either waiting for hours or using a bush. The finale of the
story is most likely taken from Masuda’s passion for running and the euphoric
feeling that is gained from finishing a race. While racing, Masuda frequently
reflects on past experiences and more often that not grasps a new conclusion by
the time he reaches the finish line.
There
are many instances when Masuda uses an image to augment the current setting.
The first image is in the third paragraph when the "deep, ominous
chuckle" of a large rapid is heard. Also in the paragraph, Brad’s scream
is described as "bloodcurdling" and "hair-raising." In the
fifth paragraph, the sunlight is depicted as being "brilliant and golden."
The river is also described as having "roiling waters" as well as
"blessed calm water." The last image in the story is of a willow
bending over in a storm. It allows itself to be bent very far and in doing so
prevents itself from wasting energy struggling against an overwhelming force.
This
image and the quote that corresponds to it contain the lesson encompassed in
the story. In The Willow and the Storm author Mitchell Masuda employs many different techniques and literary
elements to intensify the story before its climax. Each element combines with
another to lead to the significance of the story. Patience is a virtue that can
overcome any obstacle. Those who have patience are those who are enlightened.
Writer’s Reflection
No question about it, writing this analysis was the
extreme limit of strange. However, this is probably the most accurate analysis
of a story I have ever written. It must be because I personally now the author.
This was a great experience because I was able to reflect on exactly what I
meant in specific sentences. Writing this was also an enjoyable experience
because I could explain every little detail and why I included it in the story.
However, this is by no means a thorough analysis. I do feel that I had more fun
writing this than I did writing any other analysis.