The Lamp at Noon

In the short story” the lamp at noon” Sinclair Ross is trying to develop that idea that sometimes in life individuals are often driven mad by their geographical isolation. A young couples dreams of happiness after are torn apart by the horrendous elements of nature and by lack of communication to cope with the changing condition. First of all the author Sinclair Ross uses to convey the idea of isolation is through the horrendous setting. The setting was described in a very detail manner creating imagery that helps focus of how isolated the couples felt.

The author develops the setting by using personification, for example…”Demented wind fled kneeling past the house; a wall through the eaves that died every minute or two”. This statement is given the reader the mood of the setting, a dark, dreary, somewhat ugly, and depressing scene. The change in weather reflects how the characters are feeling. Paul and Ellen both feel upset, depressed, and dark especially about their relationship too. As the story progress, the change in weather effects the character moods a little more directly.

The setting in this short story is critical element in the story, without it, the plot would be kind of dull, because it gives the reader an idea of the time and place in the story’s plot ,which help the reader focus of how isolated the characters feels. Second way that the author help defined the character is by using characterization. Sinclair used outstanding description for the two main characters. This is because they could both relate fairly, easily, and realistically. Ellen’s strong feeling which revolve around the idea of a better, healthier and even a little more “rewarding” life are nicely depicted.

The reality of her hopes, however, is that the thing’s she wants and needs most are unattainable, which links to how isolated she feels. Ellen feels if she doesn’t acquire these glamorous items, she gets depressed. Ellen just sits and waits for a better opportunity, and her husband to come safe and sound to comfort her with love and affection as shown in this quote…”please stay… I m so caged if I could only break away and run. See I stand like this all day. I can’t relax. My throat so tight it aches.

From this quote, you can already tell how the characters feel and how Ellen way of describing the way she feels portrayed an accustomed to the finer things in life, but also that she needs love and care from her husband to replace that need. Now Paul on the other side, a rugged, strong, pride farmer is a touch stronger and make more persistent for success compared to Ellen. He struggles to keep his land and livestock alive and booming. He was quite determined in staying and trying, and waiting for the land to get better, as well as lots of rain to feed them.

There was a constant motion of his feeling for rain and better crops the following year. “Well have crops again… good crops. The land will come back, it’s worth waiting for”. The pride Paul has for his land, the hope he keeps for progression of his land success, and the strength, physical and emotional he has is great example. Since he is the only one who feels this way between himself and Ellen, he is “isolated”, as well. Characters, their feeling and actions described a vital role in the contribution towards how they feel about the land.

They both individually isolated themselves, as well as isolated together from society because of the phenomena that’s happening. Last, but not least the author uses symbolism. This is meaningful it spread out through the story. The author uses one symbol the help the reader realized how import it truly is. The author uses the lamp, the fact that it is lit at noon show’s that it is constantly dark, and foggy from all the storm, which symbolizes hope and faith the couple has for each other, for a better life, and for their child. The lamp is a very important element in story.

Ellen also points out the lamps role”… desert. The lamp lit at noon…” this quote shows the lingering thread of hope and faith left among the two, away to deal with isolation. Ellen’s sign of fear shows the weakness and defeat which slowly bottles up and explodes in anger later on leaving the house and taking the baby knowing that the bay would not survived. In conclusion, the author ways how not be act with isolation setting beside you, and has done a good job of it. This was created by the characters mood and symbolism that help contribute the way the couple felt about been isolated.