The animated graphic novel "The Boat" that was created in 2015 by SBS and Matt Huynh tells the story of 16-year-old Mai who is a Vietnamese refugee at the end of the Vietnam War. It is based on the short story The Boat by Nam Le. The reader follows her as she is escaping the country by a boat towards Australia. As The Boat belongs to the category of digital literature, the story is enhanced with audiovisual content. This paper aims to analyze the story in order to either validate or negate the thesis whether the actual boat in The Boat is metaphorically paralleling the emotional turmoil a refugee is experiencing when escaping their country.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Digital Literature
2.1. Definition of Digital Literature
2.2. Chances of Digital Literature in the EFL Classroom
3. The Boat by SBS
3.1. Summary
3.2. Text Analysis
3.3. Aspects of Cultural Learning
3.4. Implications for the EFL Classroom
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to investigate whether the physical boat in the animated graphic novel The Boat functions as a metaphor for the emotional turmoil experienced by refugees. By analyzing the interplay of audiovisual elements and narrative structure, the work explores how digital literature can be effectively utilized in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom to foster empathy and cultural understanding.
- Analysis of metaphorical parallels between the boat and the protagonist's emotional state.
- Exploration of the unique characteristics and pedagogical value of digital literature.
- Integration of historical and socio-political context regarding the Vietnam War and migration.
- Practical implications for implementing digital narratives in the EFL curriculum.
Excerpt from the Book
Text Analysis
The graphic novel starts by describing the boat and the raging storm first, attributing it and it’s condition a great amount of importance. “This crosswind surged in, filtering through the apertures in the rotten wood, wounding like a chorus of low moans.” (line 3f.). Aperture is a term used in photography as it is a part of the camera that controls the light and focus of the picture. The usage of this term confirms that the boat is metaphorically paralleling the emotional state of the main character Mai. It alludes to the idea of a viewer of the photograph. These apertures describe the holes in the boat, therefore the state of vulnerability Mai is in as she is still conflicted about her journey. This conflict is visualized by the boat, text and pictures that keep suddenly shifting from left to right. This imagery is further accompanied by crashes of thunder. There is also the possibility of her becoming further emotionally affected as the holes provide further entry points for water and wind which serve as symbols for emotional pain. The theme of water causing pain keeps occurring throughout the story. “[…] all she saw was a wall of black green water bearing down.” (line 5f.). The description of ‘bearing down’ is a verb phrase that can not only relate to actual waves but also to emotions when they become too overwhelming. This mirroring image of emotional vulnerability and the ocean signifies how bleak Mai’s current circumstances are as she is facing the same situation internally as well as externally.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the thesis regarding the metaphorical usage of the boat in the story and explains the methodological approach to the analysis.
2. Digital Literature: This section provides a foundational definition of digital literature and discusses its potential benefits for students in the EFL classroom.
3. The Boat by SBS: This chapter introduces the primary text, provides a narrative summary, performs a detailed metaphorical analysis, and discusses cultural and pedagogical implications.
4. Conclusion: The concluding chapter synthesizes the analytical findings and reinforces the validity of the thesis regarding the boat's metaphorical role.
Keywords
Digital literature, The Boat, Matt Huynh, Vietnam War, refugee, metaphorical analysis, graphic novel, EFL classroom, audiovisual content, migration, emotional turmoil, cultural learning, narrative, identity, pedagogy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the animated graphic novel The Boat to determine if the boat itself serves as a metaphor for the psychological distress experienced by a young Vietnamese refugee.
What are the central thematic areas?
The core themes include the historical context of the Vietnam War, the experience of migration and refugees, and the innovative integration of digital media in literary studies.
What is the main research question?
The study asks whether the physical condition and environmental impact on the boat in the story metaphorically parallel the emotional turmoil of the protagonist, Mai.
Which methodology is employed in this research?
The author uses a qualitative, analytical approach, examining the text, imagery, and audiovisual components of the digital work to identify metaphorical patterns.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the definition of digital literature, a summary and detailed analysis of The Boat, the cultural context of the Vietnam War, and practical classroom teaching strategies.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include digital literature, refugees, metaphorical analysis, Vietnam War, graphic novels, and EFL classroom strategies.
How does the author define digital literature?
The author defines it as literature that is 'digitally born,' necessitating a computer for consumption and characterized by features like interactivity, intermediality, and integrated audiovisual content.
Why is this text considered appropriate for an EFL classroom?
It is suggested that digital literature can increase student interest in reading for pleasure and help bridge the gap between traditional literary studies and the media-savvy nature of current students.
What specific role does the 'storm' play in the narrative analysis?
The storm acts as a catalyst for the protagonist's realization of her circumstances and symbolizes the traumatic transition from her past life to an uncertain, often bleak future.
- Quote paper
- Hannah Koch (Author), 2019, The Boat. Metaphorical Usage of a Boat in a Work of Digital Literature, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1027142
