This story offered a more heartwarming and emotional narrative than we’ve been reading in Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel. Ethan Canin gave us a beautiful story about an older man looking back on his life and contemplating death.Our narrator seems to be worried about the looming presence of death.He looks out into his yard and contemplates whether or not to cut down a tree.He is worried that if he cuts it down and plants a new one he won’t be alive to see it grow. During this moment he starts to wonder if he’ll leave a legacy in the world like the tree. Its a heart breaking sentiment as he looks back on his life and realizes he didn’t make the impact he wanted to. Despite his years of research and his contributions to science, he still feels as if he’s been stagnant in life. He wants more out of life. He is yearning to leave something behind and create a lasting effect before he no longer can. You find yourself longing for this man. It brings out a deep feeling of nostalgia and even if I can’t entirely relate to the feeling of being older and fearing death, it still brings out the soft feeling of craving for an impact. It makes you think about whether you have made a contribution or if you’re happy with how your life has been.
In the end the narrator realizes that he has made a difference. He contributed to nature and taught people about the stars. Even though his impact wasn’t world wide or long lasting in history, it was his. It’s an extremely sweet sentiment and your heart feels so content with his realization. It is such a fulfilling revelation and you find a huge sense of satisfaction in the ending. Ethan Canin puts a delicate touch on writing and created a beautiful piece full of nostalgia and self realization.
“Emperor of the air”
Apr 2nd, 2021 by leggy