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You Disappearing By Alexandra Kleeman Analysis

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We are accustomed to worldly possessions that cause a reaction within us whenever they go missing. As people grow aware of time and its limit, they begin to fear what they will lose next and how much time is left. Most of us experience loss differently whether it is gradual or quick. In the literary work, “You, Disappearing”, the narrator deals with similar struggles in a world where loss is inevitable. Struggling to cope with a disappearing world the protagonist holds on tightly to the thing she loves most, her lover. This in exchange anchors her mind to reality and helps her deal with the struggles that come with loss. Notably, the author Alexandra Kleeman develops a distinct style that reflects theme by incorporating a conflict, point of …show more content…

Throughout the work the reader can see the two characters gradually drift apart due to their differences in attitudes and beliefs. To illustrate, both the narrator and her lover see this quiet apocalypse as inescapable, but despite of this both characters use different approaches to cope with these disappearances. For the most part, the main character begins to isolate herself and clings to her lover for comfort. This is her way of dealing with fear that comes with loss. On the other hand, her lover strives to continue living a normal life despite the circumstances. He accepts that the world is collapsing into nothing but hopes to add more to a disappearing world. This difference in acceptance is noted by the narrator as well when she states, “There are two kinds of people and one will give up first,” (Kleeman par. 19). In “Bereavemnt in adult life”, doctors believe there is “evidence that losses can foster maturity and personal growth. Losses are not necessarily harmful.” (Parkes, 1998) By this meaning, the reader can see why both characters developed different approaches towards a shared conflict and why one character seems to hold most of the reason. Altogether, by providing an environmental conflict as well as a conflict in attitudes the author is able to advance her theme that loss comes with

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