Second Reflection on THE ENGLISH PATIENT

In the novel “The English Patient”, a wartime story is depicted by Anthony Minghella’s use of a complex narrative system. The settings are directly conveyed to the readers from the points of view of several different characters. In addition, the deficiency of dialogue provides the readers ample room for imagination. Even though, I have only read through the beginning of the novel, I am already overwhelmed with incessant imageries delivered by the author’s elaborated language.

The uneasiness of wartime atmosphere is directly delivered to me by the description of the villa and the dessert, which suddenly reminds me of isolation. Moreover, the lack of conversation and the barrenness of land successfully demonstrate the grief, uncertainty, and insecurity brought by a drastic war. It is surprising how an emotionally intricate story, which depicts a combination of hatred and love, could be carried out in such placid and phlegmatic language.

All in all, just by reading the first few pages, I am already encircled by the typical oppressive war atmosphere. Certainly, I cannot wait to get back to the novel and explore further more into the story.