Status Updates From Isola

“I took a token of the battle, cutting off one claw. I carried this relic to my cave, and, brushing off dried flowers and dead leaves, I placed it on the keys of my mute instrument, the Virgin’s altar.” She has conquered the spirit of the island, and sacrificed it to her civilized representation of godliness.

About the dead newborn child: “‘He was an angel.’ Damien murmured. But I said, ‘No. He was flesh and blood, and because of that, he starved.’” There’s something so juicy here about humanity, civilization, tradition, and what you lose when you become isolated and in a survival scenario. I am so glad I’m reading this right after IWHNKM and making the connection between that book and LotF. ISOLATION!!!!!

I know the polar bear is part of the story that is taken from the real history/legend, but I love the way the author utilized it for symbolism. There is an imagery pureness in this animal’s white fur, and it may represent the island as a living, untouched, merciless entity. Something that will devour them even in memory or death.