The Arrival by Shaun Tan In Depth Analysis

Summary

In this video, the creator analyzes Sean Tan's graphic novel 'The Arrival,' focusing on its themes of immigration and adaptation. The story follows a man who flees his homeland due to a giant creature, symbolizing fear and change, and his experiences in a foreign land with different cultures, food, and language. The video highlights Tan's use of symbolism, color, and fictional elements to depict the protagonist's emotional journey, struggles, and eventual integration. The reviewer appreciates the novel’s message of hope and acceptance, especially for immigrants, making it a timeless, universal story.

Takeaways

• 🎨 'The Arrival' by Shaun Tan is a graphic novel that uses allegory to depict the immigration experience.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The story revolves around a man who leaves his family behind due to a mysterious creature, representing the reasons and emotions tied to immigration.
• 🐉 Monsters in the novel symbolize the unknown and unfamiliar aspects of a new culture, as well as the challenges faced by immigrants.
• 🚢 Chapter 2 focuses on the protagonist's journey to an unnamed country, highlighting the hardships of immigration similar to real-life experiences.
• 🌍 The protagonist struggles with the cultural differences in the new country, including language, food, and even the animals.
• 🗺️ Despite having a map, the protagonist often asks for directions, leading to friendships and shared experiences with other immigrants.
• 👥 The novel emphasizes the backstories of side characters, each with their own reasons for leaving their home countries.
• 🟡 The use of color, particularly yellow, is significant in the novel, contrasting with grays and blacks to symbolize happiness and warmth.
• 🌆 The creation of a fake culture in the novel helps readers of any ethnicity empathize with the protagonist's experience.
• 🏡 The ending of the novel is positive, showing the protagonist and his family fully integrating into the new culture and helping new immigrants.

Q & A

What is the main theme of 'The Arrival' by Shaun Tan?

The main theme of 'The Arrival' is immigration, focusing on the emotional and cultural struggles immigrants face when adjusting to a new country.

How does the author use monsters in the story?

Monsters in 'The Arrival' symbolize various challenges, fears, and emotions that immigrants face. For example, a creature at the start represents the danger or issue causing the protagonist to flee, while other monsters symbolize the unknown and the unfamiliar.

What role does the new pet play in the story?

The protagonist's new pet symbolizes his gradual adaptation to the unfamiliar culture of the new country. Initially, he is unsure about the creature, but over time, he becomes comfortable with it, reflecting his growing sense of belonging.

What is the significance of the ship journey in the novel?

The crowded ship journey represents the hardships of immigration, with harsh weather and difficult conditions highlighting the struggles immigrants endure to reach a new country.

How does the protagonist navigate the new city?

The protagonist struggles to navigate the new city, relying on a map and asking random strangers for directions. His interactions lead him to form friendships with fellow immigrants, who share their experiences with him.

What role do the side characters play in the story?

Side characters in 'The Arrival' provide important backstories that reflect various immigrant experiences, such as escaping slave labor or oppressive governments. These characters help the protagonist realize he is not alone in his journey.

How is color, particularly yellow, used in the graphic novel?

The color yellow is used to convey warmth, happiness, and hope in the story. It contrasts with the gray tones used in more depressing scenes, helping to create emotional depth and emphasize key moments.

What is the significance of the war flashback scene?

The war flashback scene uses yellow to symbolize the soldiers' initial optimism before the war, which fades to gray as the reality of conflict sets in. It illustrates the harsh transition from hope to devastation.

How does Shaun Tan's creation of a fictional culture enhance the story?

By creating a fictional culture with unique creatures, food, and language, Shaun Tan makes the experience of immigration feel more universal. This helps readers of any background relate to the protagonist's journey of adaptation.

How does the ending of 'The Arrival' reflect the protagonist's journey?

The ending shows the protagonist fully integrated into his new culture, symbolized by him playing a local game with others. The arrival of his family and their eventual adaptation highlights the theme of building a new life while cherishing old connections.