And of Clay Are We Created

by Isabel Allende

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Student Question

Why might Allende have chosen a narrator not at the scene? How would the story change if narrated by Rolf Carle?

Quick answer:

Allende may have chosen Eva as the narrator to provide an unbiased, outsider perspective on the events in "And of Clay We Are Created." As a reporter, Eva can convey the story objectively, unlike Rolf Carle, who becomes personally involved. If Rolf narrated, the story might focus more on factual reporting, lacking the personal revelations and emotional depth that come through Eva's perspective, highlighting Rolf's vulnerabilities and emotional journey.

Expert Answers

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In this question you are being asked to state your opinion about why the author choose to have Eva relate the story's events in “And of Clay We Are Created” by Isabel Allende 

Based on the events on the story, it is my opinion that Allende had the narrator, Eva Luna,take on Rolf’s role as a reporter. When covering a story, it is generally the reporter’s duty to present information in an unbiased manner as if he was looking at it as an outsider. In this case, that is exactly what Eva is, an outsider looking in from the point of view of the public watching the events unfold. Even though she has a different perspective because of her relationship with Rolf, she remains an outsider seeing the action through the transmission at the news center. In the past, Rolf was the master of presenting horrific news stories with a detached attitude. In this story, the author puts Eva in his position as the happenings became very personal to him when he reveals the secrets of his own childhood.

It is my opinion based on the author’s development of the story that it would have been different if Rolf narrated it. Rolf would have remained aloof and visibly untouched by the plight of the little girl buried in clay. Based on his past record as a reporter, the reader would have been privy to the outward details of the story but would not have learned anything personal about Rolf. His narration would be factual and guarded. The reader would know him as the reporter who was able to remain aloof in the face of adversity, instead of the vulnerable man who became physically and emotionally exhausted by purging himself of his feelings about his childhood.

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