"Island of the Blue Dolphins," written by Scott O'Dell, contains various instances of subjective language that reflect the protagonist's feelings, perceptions, and interpretations of her environment. Subjective language often involves personal opinions, emotions, or interpretations rather than objective facts. Here are some examples and explanations of subjective language found in the novel:
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Descriptive Emotions: The protagonist, Karana, often expresses her feelings about her isolation and longing for her family. For instance, when she reflects on her loneliness, the language used conveys her deep sense of sorrow and isolation, which is inherently subjective.
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Nature Descriptions: Karana’s descriptions of the island, such as calling it beautiful or serene, are subjective assessments based on her own experiences and feelings towards the landscape. Phrases like "the sun set in a blaze of orange and pink" evoke emotions and aesthetics rather than stating a factual description.
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Interpreting Experiences: When Karana interacts with animals or reflects on her experiences, her interpretations can be filled with subjective language. For example, when she feels a bond with a wild dog or mourns the loss of another animal, her language conveys her emotional investment in these experiences.
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Personal Reflections: Throughout the narrative, Karana’s thoughts about survival and her role in nature are laced with subjective interpretations. For instance, she might say, "I felt like I was part of the island," which places her personal experience at the forefront rather than providing an objective statement.
These instances of subjective language not only enrich the narrative but also help readers connect with Karana’s inner life and emotional journey as she navigates her challenges. O'Dell uses this language to emphasize themes of loneliness, resilience, and the bond between humans and nature.