The Autobiographical Novel 'Blankets' By Craig Thompson
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In the autobiographical novel Blankets by Craig Thompson the author depicts growing up with a religious family in the state of Wisconsin. We are witness to two primary tales: one about Craig’s first love, and the other an evolution of Craig coming to terms with his religious beliefs. The story is described through words and images, or, more precisely, artwork. Through this artwork manipulations of reality can be noted, especially when we see shadow. Real life shadows are direct representations of the objects that create them. Light drapes around an object, and is halted behind it creating a lack of illumination that defines shade. Thomson’s shadows are not necessarily limited to the form of the original object. In fact, in Blankets Thompson argues his belief in God’s acceptance of Craig and Raina’s relationship with the help of contrast and shadow. He uses them to insinuate other meanings, concepts, settings, and moods that assist in illustrating the way Craig feels about his relationship with Raina and with…show more content… In this scene, the background is totally black, and now they are surrounded by light. Craig takes note of the static in the air following the snowflakes, and the flakes are shown to give off their own light, a spark of electricity (249). This contrast, the electricity, can be seen as a representation of the spark between them. They are about to kiss, and the connection is visible, the electricity between them is combating the darkness. We can also take note that they remain inside their snow angels the entire scene, and that the snow angels are depicted as completely white, and unscathed by shadow. The meaning attached to this is how Thompson is combating the idea that what they are doing is wrong in the eyes of God. Angels are heavenly, a sign that God approves. Their molds are still pure, and their kiss is as