This representation of Turtle Island is of the danger surrounding the attempted escape by Kien and the inversion of the image of the protectiveness of a turtle’s shell. First off, there are four symbols of a skull and cross representing the four dangers explained to Kien as they approach the island to catch the next boat. Starting from the bottom of the representation, the first two skulls are in the ocean and on the beach. The frigid waters and patrolling Communist boats, respectfully, are the biggest dangers leading up and away from the island refuge. While Kien is not caught by a Communist patrol, he is forced to escape the tragedies of the island by swimming to shore. Mrs. Dang is claimed by the icy depths however. The next skull is the ring of trees above the beaches and the stick figure with an axe wandering. This representation is about the looming danger of being discovered by illegal lumberjacks who would possibly kill the discovered, in fact one does end up killing several escapees before Kien escapes, in order to not be discovered by the Communist government. The last skull is outside of a fortress hanging the flags of the South Vietnamese Government. While there is no description of where the rebels reside, the remnants of the old government are known to hold the top of the island against Communist incursion, killing all those who would trespass on their small territory.
By Patrick T.
By Patrick T.
Hi Patrick! I love your interpretation of Turtle Island! I think one of the things you really captured well is the sense of the island being a no-man's land (lots of open water and blank space) that is at once terrifying (all of the dangers) and inspiring (all of the bright colors) in that it serves as a potential portal for escapees. When reading I was really struck by the tragedy associated with such an island - so many people died in just Kien's group; how many more have died there that will never be recorded or remembered? This island also represents so much hope for Kien, who dreamed of allowing the ocean to carry him (like a turtle!) to a new life. Reading about Kien being dragged back to Vietnam, and punishment in the "re-education" camp, was one of the most challenging parts for me to get through. I wanted nothing more than to see him freed!
ReplyDeleteBrittany K.
Patrick, this picture is incredible. You really outdid yourself especially in the way that you described the dangers that the island provided. Not only were you able to illustrate it in such a way that the viewer is able to feel the isolation that is associated to the island. This part of the memoir was perhaps one of my favorite parts, but also was one of the most heartbreaking. Part of me really wanted him to escape and start his new life in America, but instead it ended him in a work camo and Mrs. Dang dead. Overall, Patrick great job and awesome picture.
ReplyDeleteBy Steve
Although the skulls signify more than a reader may allude to, there is also the significance of symbolism in the turtle within itself on Turtle Island. A turtle symbolizes an innocent energy. Kien enters the Island with the boat people unware of what is happening as well as not aware in how to handle the soldiers or lumberjack people. His innocence captivates the island as he is later captured and even before when he witnesses the couple during their sexual actions. Kien’s innocence is most significant than the camps and the danger awaiting him because it plays a deeper role in context in terms of his identity compared to the world surrounding him that he is still not unaware of knowing.
ReplyDeleteBy: Sarah R.
I think that you made some insightful points in regards to the significance of the turtle imagery as well as the use of the skull and cross bones. I originally did not understand why the island would be referred to as Turtle Island, but after further thought it became apparent that the name of the island was representative of their fragile situation. Like a turtle's shell, the island offers protection, but is still venerable to outside dangers and once the group leaves the protection of the island they lose their figurative protective shell.
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