The following line;
“…Partly protected from a strong, gusty wind,” indicates that something else is going to happen. By describing this rather unstable, turbulent weather, Ian McEwan sets the scene. Throughout the opening chapter the weather plays a vital role.
“ Our plan had been to picnic right out on the end where the view was best, but the wind was too strong by now.”
As the readers, we later realise that this menacing and controlling weather, which is described as being an uncontrollable force, seals the fate of what happens. The wind is a constant feature that symbolises the danger that lies ahead.
“The wind renewed its rage in the treetops just before I felt its force on my back. Then it struck the balloon which ceased its innocent comical wagging and was suddenly stilled.”
This line reflects and emphasises the ruthlessness and sense of danger the wind brings and hints to the readers that something horrific is shortly about to take place.
For most of the first chapter, Ian McEwan has got the readers drawn in as he very successfully builds up suspense to the main event. The writer hints several times throughout the first chapter that this ‘mysterious’ event is one that has had a great impact on his life.
“This was the last time that I understood anything clearly at all.”
This adds to the curiousity of the readers making them want to read on more to find out what exactly has had this much affect on an individual. Again, the writer does this very effectively by teasing the readers and withholding vital information.
“ I was running towards it.” “I ran faster.”
The length of a sentence can affect the style of writing and pace and this in turn has an impact on the mood of the reader. He uses short sentences on many occasions to create a sense of excitement.
“It marked the beginning and, of course, an end. At that moment a chapter, no, a whole stage of my life closed.”
These flashbacks that Ian McEwan refers to teases the reader because he is telling us something retrospectively about an account on something which we are not yet aware of. This therefore creates a lot of anxiety and interest and instantly makes the reader want to read on further.
Ian McEwan also uses various language devices and hints to lead up to what the eventual outcomes are. Jed Parry is another significant character in this novel and is mentioned on numerous occasions throughout the first chapter, although we are not sure why as yet.
“…rushing towards each other like lovers…”
The writer uses an unusual simile here when describing Joe and Jed parry’s first acquaintance. McEwan has got the readers asking themselves, why like lovers? Again this slight hint of what actually happens later on in the novel gets the readers questioning and interested further. He also uses an oxymoron when saying how Clarrisa describes him.
“…She laughed and said that I was the worlds most complicated simpleton.”
The oxymoron helps to emphasise this particular point because of the contradiction of the two words. Also by using such language devices throughout the novel, the writer keeps his writing interesting and keeps the readers enthralled.
As he builds up the tension to this mysterious event, he gives the readers a Birdseye view of what’s happening from the buzzard’s perspective. This is very effective because the readers can look down on the situation and get a better image of what’s happening.
The idea of an event so overwhelming is present throughout the opening chapter as McEwan successfully uses various ways to build up tension and curiosity. Such an example is reflected through the line,
“The transformation was absolute.”
To conclude, throughout the opening chapter Ian McEwan has used various techniques to captivate the reader’s interest. The most clever and effective way in which he has done this is by withholding vital information. He has deliberately done this to engage and draw in the readers. Therefore he has created a craving for the readers through the opening chapter to the extent that the only way they are to be satisfied is to complete the novel.