In all of the covers there is one main picture. In all four they have one image that is supposed to stand out and be the main focus of the cover. The image is supposed to signify the isolation theme that is presented throughout the book. Isolation is a key part of the book but in hidden ways, so the cover is going to show that isolation in more unique and fun ways.
The covers convey isolation in different ways. The one in the upper left corner is showing the isolation when the memories are slowly going when they are donors are trying to remember who they are under all the medication. Unlike the one next to it with the boat, it is meant to represent the hope of leaving. Though it is unrealistic the hope of escaping is a one person adventure creating isolation there. The grey cover is also meant to represent the process of when the donors are going under medication. The artistic title is madam's gallery and the hope that was brought when discovering the potential purpose it had. The last cover with the faded girl is meant to represent the broken relationships that wore everyone down and how they were only half people. They werehuman lives but weren't really human.
With the boat image the first thought that came to mind was abandonment. The place looked like no one has been there for year yet it has been in great shape. It makes me think of the owners leaving it in the care of a caretaker. The caretaker I think would care and love the place in hopes of the owners coming back while also knowing they will not. The one that has the grey cover brings the word haunted to my mind. It is left behind and abandoned but for a good reason. It seems to have a dark secret attached to it.
The images would make me think the story is a horror or thriller story. I would think the story ends tragically. Now having read it I see how the grey cover is relating to isolation and madam. I see the art is meant to be Tommy's being that is more on the childish side. How it is drawn is showing the story is darker and has many twists and turns. The cover with the boat suggests that there also might be a horror element and that the ending will be more ominous than tragic. After reading it though it is closely linked to the sea city of Norfolk. That is where all things lost are found. So to have that as a cover is fitting. That shows how important holding on is.
The cover with boat is Norfolk being represented. The wide expanse and what is implied throughout the book about Norfolk is what is being shown. Norfolk is the sea city and where all things lost are found and that is shown with the boat and water. That was also where the students all had fantasies about leaving and being able to go. It is through Kathy's viewpoint who is waiting for Tommy to someday come back to her in Norfolk. The other cover Tommy is being portrayed as well as his art. His art is shown as childish and portrayed and this is from Tommy viewpoint.
Hey Sarah! I liked your blog post and thought it was insightful, especially the part about the theme of isolation. That was a new view on the book that I have not heard. An organization criticism I would give is to put the questions you chose above the paragraphs where you talk about them. Good jooob!
ReplyDelete