Every book has its main character, and there is always something about that main character that sticks with us. In this case, the characteristic that captured my attention was David’s eyes.
Everybody just saw him as a beggar-like 12-year old boy, with dark hair and unusual grey eyes with a hint of green, but he is much more than just an unusual boy. It’s not that his eyes are strange by colour, but by all the visions he’s seen, that make him seem much more mature than his age. The eyes are the mirror of the soul.
In this picture, there is a boy lying in the long grass in the night, who represents David to me in so many ways.
Anne Holm portraits David not as desperate or scared, but as a courageous and confident boy. When escaping from the camp, he is afraid, but does not show it or panic. To him it is better to be shot while crossing the fence than living in a death camp. It also shows the conditions David has to live through for his fight to freedom. David’s life in the camp helped him build his strong personality and as it was mentioned in the book, he would always look straight in one’s eyes regardless how powerful the person was.
He never acted as the poor boy he was; and he would never accept mercy, as he had too much pride. He would only accept well earned money from someone he had liked. He would be very humble and sincere when a good deed has been done. A smile on his face would only appear when speaking to Maria. But even then, that smile covered many of his wounds and made it appear sorrowful.
Whether he is lying on the damp ground, traveling in the harsh winter, being invited in a home or talking to someone, David’s expression is always that bleak, dreary look. His intelligence and experience help him survive the harsh conditions like back in the camp. David in the picture below is calm but always alert for any sudden noises or movement, the same way I see him.
I like your view of David from the side of the by passers such as the Italian civilians or the man who picked David up at the Switzerland-Germany border. I also like how you were able to describe David and his emotions in a soft and moving way. It isn't the most positive post I've seen, but it is one of the most detailed (after all, David was slightly negative.)
ReplyDeleteThere is not too much to criticize on except that you should increase the tempo of your writing; sometimes it feels that it is flowing along too slowly. But the grammar and spelling is mostly in check and overall it is very detailed. I'd like to put a lot of emphasis on the level of detail you have in your blog, it makes it seem very advanced although not necessarily inviting, it does give the reader of your articles a lot of information on how you perceive David. Well done.
~D-Major 7H
You have captured the essence of David (his strong sense of self) in your reflection. I think your words hit the mark better than the picture of David does, although there is something intense and alive in his eyes.
ReplyDeleteMrs. B.