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Walter Van Tilburg Clark’s The Portable Phonograph Essay

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Walter Van Tilburg Clark’s “The Portable Phonograph,”

In Walter Van Tilburg Clark’s “The Portable Phonograph,” the author makes setting play a major role in understanding the action of the characters within the story. Clark, a writer and an English Professor, lived from 1909 to 1971. During that time, he lived through both World Wars at a relatively young age, which may have influenced this story. Clark has excellent use of setting to make the atmosphere needed and set the proper mood, so this story is credible. To accomplish this, Clark orients the reader to a unique place and time by use of the physical setting and human possessions, and uses symbolism to create a mood that gives the reader insight to how the characters must feel in …show more content…

Clark’s additional description of “frozen mud” and “weed grown cavities,” show that the scene takes place months after the battle here has ended. Not only does the written word describe the scene, but also that fact that never once does Clark mention a solider, equipment or emplacements, insists the prairie is now behind the lines. There are still explosions in the distance, and the four men must continue to live in fear of a returning battle.

Time is not only shown by imagery of the surroundings on the prairie, but is equally conveyed by the few objects that the Doctor, the dweller of the cell, possesses. What few items he has, would all be considered antiques in this day. In combination with the type of war that was fought, this leads the reader to believe that the story takes place between the First World War and the 1950’s. Burlap and canvas are materials that are very rarely used in today’s society, but was very common before the days of nylon and plastic. Burlap is the doctor’s choice for wrapping his books, and canvas, his door. In a land where seemingly very little has survived the battle, the Doctor manages to scrounge this army surplus. His protection at the end of the story is a lead pipe, nearly impossible to find today, but common in the early 20th century. Even the most important item, the portable phonograph, helps to date

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