Stranger than Metaficition

Doris Lessing’s story, “How I Finally Lost My Heart” The experimental literary techniques used in this story fall under categories like, Surrealism and Metafiction; her reluctant quest of giving her heart away whether meaning for good or to the Mr. right. The metaphors of hear quest only makes it more obvious that heartbroken from the search for true love is the "real" subject of this story. The narrator goes through a series of past lovers, thinking back on if she has ever lived at all. She recalls two serious loves, taking their identity away and labeling them as A and B. The third serious love was short lived almost considered a potential serious love labeling it C. Since she has made apparent is on the search or hopeless upon this search for true love, she just wanted to give up and give her heart away. I think she also points out how there are many different kinds of love, like the love she poses for her father and brother, which is more profound but different than what she is looking for. The harsh point being proved was the narrator seems how to find it easier getting having someone else trying to take care of heart then taking responsibility her own heart by finding love within herself and curing her own heart broken problems. It goes with that expression, "You can’t love someone else, until you love yourself first". Octavio Paz’s story, “My Life with the Wave” The experimental literary techniques used in this story fall under categories like, Surrealism and Metafiction; they very apparent throughout the story, like for example, "The Wave" its easier to talk about the downfall of falling in love making love the "Real" object of the story. Humanity and the nature of the human is challenged with a vixen-like wave of seduces the character all the way up to the alter. “The Wave” becomes bored wanting more and searching for it in other places but her marriage. There is a lot of signals that she goes through waves of emotions on a drastic levels like Bipolar or in other words Manic depression. Her waves of emotions are similar to the highs (mania) and the Lows (depression) that a person with the mental illness of manic depression would usually go through. This story gives a perspective of how not all relationships are picture perfect and cook cutter but something sometimes needs to be worked on and worked out together as a partnership; unfortunately these kinks that need to be worked on can sometimes feel impossible to resolve and can tear a relationships apart.The jealousy drives the character to get rid of the wave, which leaves him with a broken heart. This is an example of our human nature to fall in love even if its too healthy or the best choice for us. The nature of being in a toxic relationship and having no choice but to end it even if he really loved "The Wave", he had to get rid of her for his own sake. He couldn’t handle the strenuous emotional baggage the wave carried with her.

Re: Stranger than Metaficition
by Jivan Muradian - Saturday, December 1, 2012, 06:58 PM

Although the surreal nature of "My Life with the Wave," is apparent from the get-go, Lessing's "How I Finally Lost My Heart," hides this from the reader until the end of the story. I feel as though it accentuates the meaning behind the experiences and does a lot to portray the true feeling of heartbreak suffered by the female character. Very nice work, Alissa.

Re: Stranger than Metaficition
by Madison Spielvogel - Saturday, December 1, 2012, 07:17 PM

Great work on both stories. My favorite of your two was the analysis on "My Life with the Wave". I like how you point out the emotion levels. Great job

Re: Stranger than Metaficition
by Yajaira Lopez - Saturday, December 1, 2012, 08:39 PM

Alissa, you did a good job on how surrealism and metafiction was used in both stories. I found your analysis of "My Life with the Wave" interesting because you made many good points of the story. You helped me understand the story and the feelings of the man more than before.