High Tide in Tucson Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

High Tide in Tucson Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

“Creation Myth” - “Creation Stories”

Kingsolver explains, "I pass through at least half-a-dozen neighbourhood that distinguish themselves one from the other by architecture and language and even especially creation myth. First among them is the neighbourhood of Jackrabbits and saguaros, who imperiously tolerate my home, though I can't speak their language or quite understand their myths." The distinct creation myths which are believed in the neighbourhoods affirm that the predominant inhabitants are Natives who hold onto their oral traditions regarding their creation. The myths are contributory to preserving the Native culture and beliefs.

“Female Power” - “Making Peace”

Kingsolver elucidates, “ If we can divide religion from relics, it seems pretty clear that up to this point human societies stood most in awe of female power: the pregnant Venus of Willendorf; the woman with the Horn carved on a cliff in Dordogne, France; the fecund clay figurines that preclassical Mexicans buried with their dead.” Kingsolver demonstrates that females are not an absolute feeble sex sing historical and cultural relics. Females have been contributory in the endurance of the human race.

Crab - "High Tide In Tucson"

Kingsolver narrates, "A hermit crab lives in my house. Here in the desert he's hiding out from local animal ordinances, at minimum, and maybe even the international laws of native-species transport. For sure, he's an outlaw against nature." The crab is basically domesticated; hence, it resides in an artificial setting which is analogous to its natural habitat. Kingsolver studies the mannerism of the crab since they reside in the same house.

Shells - "High Tide In Tucson"

Kingsolver recounts, "I collected shells (in Bahama). Spiky murexes, smooth purple moon shells, ancient-looking whelks sand-blasted by the tide--I tucked them in the pockets of my shirt and shorts until my lumpy, suspect hemlines gave me away, like a refugee smuggling the family fortune." The collection of shells results in the transportation of the crab (as a 'stowaway') to Kingsolver's home. The shells conceal the crab that it is not noticed until Kingsolver gets home. The assorted shells affirm that Kingsolver appreciates marine life.

"Internal clocks" - "High Tide In Tucson"

Kingsolver recalls, "Years ago when I was a graduate student of animal behavior, I passed my days reading about the likes of animals' internal clocks. Temperature, photoperiod, the rise and fall of hormones—all these influences have been teased apart like so many threads from the rope that pulls every creature to its regulated destiny." The clocks enable animals to govern their bodies which increases their chances of survival. Kingsolver's knowledge regarding the clocks influences her treatment of the crab. Not all people would be fascinated by a scary crab; Kingsolver is passionate about the crab notwithstanding its appearance.

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