Essay Questions

How does the author use the literary device personification in the story ‘Monday or Tuesday’?

Objects and animals take superhuman abilities when they to do what a man does in reality. Virginia Woolf personifies Heron and the bird. For instance, she writes that Heron has a human mind and has a mission to accomplish on earth. Heron is watching over the church, mountains, and lakes. A bird behaves like a human being who has lost his soul, and he decides to do everything possible to ensure that he comprehends the meaning of life. Heron sits next to the fireplace, reflecting on everything that he saw on earth.

What is symbolic about the sky and the fireside, according to the author?

The author reminds readers to appreciate what they have first before looking at what they do not have. There is no single day a man can say that he has enough if he does not appreciate what he has at the moment. The fireside emblems the good things that a man owns but fails to appreciate. For instance, the author indicates that Heron got peace of mind when he sat beside the fireside appreciate what he has gone through. On the other hand, the sky is symbolic because it represents the lost souls of all people.

What is the negative impact of technological improvement as viewed by Heron and the bird?

Heron and the bird have a different view of technological improvement on earth. According to man, technology makes life more comfortable in all aspects. However, Heron and the bird have an opposing view because they see technological improvement as the leading cause of pollution. For instance, as the bird circles to survey the earth, he sees smoke coming from chimneys. The fire chimneys represent environmental pollution and the difficulties that people are going through on the ground.