The Eye of the Hurricane: Character: Miriam
The Eye of the Hurricane: Character: Miriam
Overview:
- “The Eye of the Hurricane” features Miriam as a pivotal character driving the essential themes of the story.
The Character of Miriam:
- Miriam is the protagonist’s former lover, depicted as a free-spirited woman who is defiant of societal constraints.
- Her character exhibits an inner conflict between her desire for freedom and her sense of duty towards societal norms.
- She is seen, through the protagonist’s eyes, as an emblematic figure of lost youth and cherished memories.
Key Aspects of Miriam’s Character
Independence and Defiance
- Miriam’s character is imbued with a strong sense of individuality and independence, often characterized by her defiance to conform to societal expectations.
- Her daring decision to leave Orkney for the wider world showcases her thirst for a liberated life.
Emotional Complexity
- Miriam’s character exhibits emotional profundity, through her conflicting desires and her unresolved feelings for the protagonist.
- Her letters reveal a struggle to reconcile her desire for independence with the pull of her affection for home and her former lover.
Sense of Nostalgia and Regret
- Miriam is potrayed with a certain sense of nostalgia and regret, hinting at the loss of her youthful dreams and the unfulfilled desires of her past.
Techniques and Effects
- Mackay Brown utilises a series of flashbacks and written letters to construct Miriam’s character, making the reader engage empathetically with her struggle.
- The writer’s depiction of Miriam’s contrasting emotions effectively communicates the complex dynamics of freedom versus societal expectations.
Quotes and Analysis
- “Like a bird she had flown away…” – This metaphor reinforces Miriam’s desire for freedom and her refusal to be confined by the expectations of her small-town life.
- “She was a phantom of all his yesterdays.” - The use of the word ‘phantom’ illustrates the protagonist’s nostalgic longing for Miriam and their lost past. It also suggests Miriam’s lingering presence in his life despite her physical absence.