And of Clay Are We Created

by Isabel Allende

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How is Carle's interaction with Azucena changing him in "And of Clay Are We Created"?

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In the beginning, Carle personally covers all things that happen to Acuzena. He films the people who find her and the first people who try to rescue her. Eventually, he puts aside his gear to join in on the rescue efforts. He wades into the mud and ties a rope under Acuzena's arms, to be used to pull her out. Since her feet are trapped in the mud, the volunteers are unable to pull her out of the mud using the rope. Still, Carle does not give up. He reassures Acuzena that they would do everything in their power to get her out of the mud. He tries everything he can to free the girl’s legs from the mud but fails. Finally, he puts a tire under her arms to support her body and resolves to get a pump to be used to drain the water around her to enable him to move the debris surrounding her feet. The pump takes forever to arrive. Carle is wearied by the long wait. He looks very tired. The text states that he has “dark circles under his eyes” and a “growth of beard.” He is so tired and consumed by the rescue activities that he even stops filming happenings around him. He does not leave Acuzena’s side throughout the ordeal. He tells her encouraging stories to cheer her up. He even feeds her. On the second night by her side, Carle is reminded of the horrors he has gone through in his life. He remembers the war in Europe and the time he spent in the concentration camp. He remembers all those things that he has tried to forget. He realizes that he has used his work to hide his biggest fears: “that all his exploits as a reporter, the feats that have won him such recognition and fame, were merely an attempt to keep his most ancient fears at bay.” He cries for himself, for his pain.

In trying to rescue Acuzena, Carle discovers himself. He had wanted to offer her a shoulder to lean on, however, it is Acuzena who ends up consoling him. Finally, on the third night, Acuzena dies and Carle removes the tire from under her arms.

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