Deep Dive
What is the central theme of Elif Shafak's novel 'There Are Rivers in the Sky'?
The novel explores the interconnectedness of history, culture, and nature through the stories of three characters from different eras, connected by two rivers (the Tigris and the Thames) and the ancient Epic of Gilgamesh. It delves into themes of intergenerational trauma, global inequalities, and the impact of climate change on fragile ecosystems.
How does Elif Shafak use the Epic of Gilgamesh in her novel?
The Epic of Gilgamesh serves as a recurring motif that connects the characters across different time periods. It highlights the fragility of historical narratives and raises questions about who gets to tell history. The novel also plays with two different endings of the poem, emphasizing the role of gender in storytelling and historical interpretation.
What role do museums play in 'There Are Rivers in the Sky'?
Museums are portrayed as institutions that not only preserve history but also actively shape it by deciding what is worth remembering and what is forgotten. The novel critiques the role of museums in cultural appropriation, particularly through the character of Arthur, who works at the British Museum and grapples with the ethical implications of preserving artifacts taken from other cultures.
How does the novel address the Yazidi genocide?
The novel sensitively portrays the Yazidi genocide through the character of Noreen, a young Yazidi girl who experiences the horrors of ISIS's campaign against her people. It highlights the intergenerational trauma faced by Yazidi women, the destruction of cultural memory, and the ongoing reality of women still missing and held in captivity.
What is the concept of 'aquatic memory' in the novel?
Aquatic memory is a theory proposed by one of the characters, suggesting that water retains a memory of the substances it has contained, even after being purified. This concept metaphorically ties into the novel's themes of interconnectedness and the enduring impact of history, as the same drop of water connects the characters across time and space.
How does the novel explore the theme of immigration and identity?
Through the character of Zalika, a hydrologist from a migrant background, the novel examines the challenges of assimilation and identity. Zalika struggles with the expectations placed on her as an immigrant, balancing her cultural heritage with her life in the UK. Her journey reflects broader questions about belonging, cultural memory, and the pressures faced by immigrants to conform while retaining their identity.
What is the significance of the rivers in the novel?
Rivers serve as both literal and metaphorical connectors in the novel, linking characters across different eras and geographies. They symbolize the flow of history, the impact of human actions on nature, and the resilience of ecosystems. The novel also highlights the hidden rivers beneath cities, reflecting the buried histories and memories that continue to shape the present.
How does the novel handle the theme of intergenerational trauma?
The novel portrays intergenerational trauma through the experiences of the Yazidi women, who endure repeated cycles of violence and dispossession. It emphasizes the transmission of cultural memory through oral storytelling and the enduring impact of historical injustices on subsequent generations. The phrase 'the tree remembers what the axe forgets' encapsulates this theme, highlighting how trauma persists long after the oppressors have moved on.
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