Prompt: Listening to the two of us, you’d never believe that we used to get on like a house on fire, that even after we had the kids, occasionally we’d stay up late, just talking. But now that I think of it, a house on fire is a perfect description for what seems to be happening now: these flickering small resentments licking their way up into the wall cavities; this faint, acrid smell of smoke. And suddenly, before you know it, everything threatening to go roaring out of control. Here’s my wife with the hose, running to douse burning embers falling from a sky raining more and more embers on her, battling to save what she’s got. And who am I? The guy who can’t get the firetruck started? The one…turning the creaking tap, knowing the tank is draining empty, the one with the taste of ash in his mouth and all this black and brittle aftermath. (P 86-87) . you will need to use cate kennedys style which is show not tell, lots of methaphors and similies should be used as well. negative tone might be used. but most importantly extended methaphors, short sentences, cyclic plot and an earth sign like water or fire or even air should be used to symbolise the relationship between the husband and wife. the wife isa nurse btw. Form: Narrative Suggestions: 1) Flashback to “better times” scenario first person (narrator) narrative or monologue 2) Explore a moment in which wife recounts/reflects on one of those “fire hose/ember” scenarios The focus should be on the narrator’s recollection of a happier moment in their marriage OR the wife’s recollection of a particularly tough moment she had to deal with. Ideas: confusion / blame / survival / nostalgia/ disconnection/dreaming of another life/love. Form: Narrative Suggestions: 1) Flashback to “better times” scenario first person (narrator) narrative or monologue 2) Explore a moment in which wife recounts/reflects on one of those “fire hose/ember” scenarios. the book is called LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE written by cate kennedy.
