“The Aquatic Uncle” (Izzy)

When reading “The Aquatic Uncle” by Calvino, I was most drawn I the theme of alienation. It is clear that Qfwfq, a young creature of the sea does not want to transform into a land creature. He instead wants to stay as a creature of the sea and live in water. Despite what he believes, he follows the rest of the family to the dry land and learns how to rotate his fins to use as paws. The only fish who stays in the water is Qfwfq’s ungce, N’ba N’ga. In the process he becomes alienated from those around him. His entire family left to go on land without him. This theme of alienation is very prevalent theme in our society today. We can all think of a time in which we have been alienated and relate to N’ba N’ga. Calvino draws from human issues in “The Aquatic Uncle” which enriches the store, making it relatable for readers just by giving emotions to these creatures. I was most surprised by the ending. When reading “The Aquatic Uncle”, I did not expect LII to leave behind everything to go and live with N’ba N’ga in the water. This demonstrates her strength and bravery for her to follow her heart and be with N’ba N’ga. When LII decided to go back to the sea she was told “Why, you’re crazy! Nobody can turn back!”. She was not encouraged to leave her family and friends behind but did so anyway. This was a difficult life changing decision that she had to make. This is another theme that we can relate to. We have all made life changing decisions and understand how difficult it can be.  It is admirable that despite what everyone thought, LII stayed true to her love and left to be with N’ba N’ga. The theme that Calvino uses of alienation and making life-changing decisions resonated the most with me.

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