angels and blueberries critical essay brainly

Defenestrationism.net

Angels and blueberries.

by Tara Campbell

“Why is the sky blue?” you ask.

Well, it all depends on who’s answering. 

If you ask a grown-up, you’ll probably get an answer about light, and how it bounces off air particles, and how certain wavelengths (i.e. colors) get absorbed, and certain colors (i.e. wavelengths) get kicked back out, and those certain colors/wavelengths (i.e. blue) are the ones that you and I can see. 

If you ask a scientist, you’ll likely get an even more confusing but way more convincing version of that answer.

But if you ask a writer, you’ll get a different answer every time.

One answer, for example, lies with the special properties of blue fingerpaint.   Whenever children use blue paint, tiny particles of it dissolve from their hands into the air and color it blue.   Over time the pigment fades, but as long as there is fingerpainting, there will always be blue sky.

Another answer is related to the blue-eyed creatures at the North and South Poles.   They are always looking up into the sky, and the blue of their eyes reflects back for the whole world to see.   You’ve probably never heard of these polar creatures because they know how to hide from satellites and explorers.   The reflection of their eyes is all we’ll ever see of them.

But the answer I think is true right now concerns angels and blueberries. 

You see, blueberries are the angels’ favorite food.   There’s nothing they like more; and berries are healthy, so it’s a happy coincidence.   The only problem is, angels are sloppy eaters, and they eat pretty much all day. Of course they do other things like play the harp and sing and keep little babies from getting into the bleach under the sink. But they still have lots of time to munch on blueberries—they live forever, after all—so little bits of blueberry wind up all over the sky.

Even worse, some angels don’t like the blueberry skins, so they peel each berry before eating it and toss the skins to the side.   This doesn’t make them blatant litterers, mind you—they know they’ll get around to picking up the skins, just not at that very moment.

So as the day goes on, the angels eat more and more berries; and as the sun goes down, its light reflects through the berry pulp and juice, creating wonderful reds and oranges and yellows.   And still the angels eat, and the sky grows darker and darker with blue skins and bits of berry.   The angels keep on munching until, with the exception of little gaps for the moon and stars, no light can get to the Earth at all.   In fact, there’s not even enough room for the moon most of the time, which is why you only see the whole thing once a month.

In the middle of the night God finally has enough, and she tells the angels they have to start cleaning up their mess.   Of course they start right away, but it’s a big mess and it takes a while.   And as they clean, you can see a little bits of light start to penetrate the layer of blueberry waste.   Dawn begins as they wipe and scrub, and daylight breaks when they finally clear away enough blueberries for the sun to shine on the Earth again. 

The one problem is that blueberry skins stain, and the angels can’t scrub the traces away completely.   Some days they do better, and the sky is light blue.   But on very sunny days you can see the full extent of the staining and the sky is a rich, dark blue.   But God isn’t that concerned about the stains.   She actually thinks they’re pretty, and the renters down on the surface don’t mind, and she’s not planning on moving anytime soon, so it’s not like she has to worry about resale value.   What matters to her is that the angels did their best.

Now, you may wonder what would happen if the angels ever got tired of blueberries.   What would happen if they switched to raspberries?   Would the sky eventually wind up purple?   If they started eating bananas, would the yellow peels turn the blue sky green?   Or if they developed a fondness for lemons, would the juice bleach the color out forever?   And if that happened, would your grandchildren ever believe the sky had once been blue? 

Or would they just think you were a silly writer telling stories about angels and blueberries?

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This is not going to turn out well, short story of the day, flash fiction, angels and blueberries by tara campbell.

“Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” ― G.K. Chesterton

From my blog (I called it an “Online Journal” then), The Daily Epiphany, Wednesday, August 12, 1998 .

Dreams of the South Rim

The last week has been so difficult I keep escaping by thinking about what I want to do for vacation this fall.

I am drawn inexorably toward thoughts of Big Bend. The river, the desert, the mountains. The backpacking, a long uphill hike from The Basin trailhead, up and up until the very world itself ends in a spectacular and remote sheer wall down to the blasted desert almost a mile below.

The South Rim. It may be the best campsite in the world, the most special of special places. I can sit back in my desk chair and close my eyes and….

I see the lava, flowing up from fissures. Liquid heat born in the oven of the earth. It flows, it cools, it forms a layer – a huge cap. The years accelerate and the land all around wears away leaving this dried massive layer behind. Red-Black-Purple rock, shelf, cliff, mountain. Tilted slightly, the edges cracked away forming a huge precipice.

Now I sit on the top edge of this sheer mountain wall, a shotglass of Tequila in my hand. The setting sun glints off the gold liquid. It cost a lot, a price of sweat and weight, of other things left behind, to get this liquor up here. Yet it is a fermented child of the desert agave, it is at home here, the land of spikes and rocks.

The very earth is being eaten by black-purple shadows – crowding the yellow sun from the steepest canyons first, then the shallow arroyos, then the eastern sides of the hills. I toast my shot glass to the last red rays striking the highest spires of rough rock and drain it down.

Night comes quickly, the cloudless sky loses its glow faster here than in the city with its opaque air. The desert night sky is a vacuum, pulling heat upward; I can feel the cold – see the warmth rising – given to the rocks by the sun all day and pulled back by the moon at night.

It is amazingly quiet. The only sound is made by the slight breeze as it moans softly, pouring over the giddy edge.

In the distance, to the south, I see a small cluster of yellow lights. This is the only mark of man visible in the darkness. I feel some kinship and imagine for a moment the people living in that rocky, hardscrabble ranch. Their children play in the Mexican dust. The feeble sounds of a radio would be heard there – too far for TV, no cable reaching there. The lights look weak, yellow, pulsing; they must use a diesel generator.

I pull my pack open and replace the shot glass and the aluminum flask. The night clanks as I assemble my tiny gas stove, my Sierra cup. I pour out some murky water I collected in a plastic bottle from a puddle down in a deep canyon this morning. I strike a match and yellow flames flick from a puddle of fuel until, a Whoosh! of blue flame as it primes and kicks in.

I boil my precious water and drop in a tea bag, squirt in a dollop of honey from a tiny squeeze bottle. The cup’s wire rim is hot on my lip but the bitter tea gives a welcome taste of civilization as I sip the boiled liquid.

“ Buenos Noches ” – “Good Night” I silently say as I tip my cup towards my unknown friends thirty miles to the south, on the other side of the Rio Grande.

And a piece of flash fiction for today:

Angels and Blueberries by Tara Campbell

from Defenestrationism.net

Tara Campbell page

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Posted on Sep 01, 2021

Writing Flash Fiction: 5 Quick Tips for Mini Masterpieces

Though flash fiction is rarely discussed and often poorly defined in the literary world, many groundbreaking writers (such as Margaret Atwood, David Foster Wallace, and H.P. Lovecraft) have dabbled extensively in short short stories.

To follow in their footsteps and master the underdog of creative writing , here are five tips to help you write a masterpiece of a micro-story. 

1. Have a beginning, middle, and end

While there doesn’t have to be a lot going on in a work of flash fiction, it should still have all the mainstays of a story, i.e. a hook, a conflict , and an ending. 

Starting at the flashpoint (the center of the conflict) is a common way to kick off a short short. The middle then adds nuance to the conflict, while the end ties everything together to deliver the central message. Since short shorts are self-contained, not serialized, it’s ill-advised to finish on a cliffhanger. 

Note that these three points don't have to be plot points — they act more like markers, used to reveal crucial information or signal a shift in tone. Since momentum is so important in flash fiction, we recommend mapping out these turning points so you know exactly where your story is moving to and from. 

Example: "As the North Wind Howled" by Yu Hua

This story opens with a man waking up to find a stranger pounding down his door. We don’t know who the man is, where he lives, or what year it is, but a brief conversation with the stranger reveals the story’s central conflict: the man’s friend is dead — but the man has no idea who the dead friend is. He joins the mourners and soon meets his “friend’s” mother, who claims him as her son now her own is dead. This is Yu Hua’s middle point. From here he guides us towards the story’s ending, delivering a deft comment on the oppressive nature of social obligations.

And there you have it: a tight story with a definitive beginning, middle, and end.

2. Throw tangents and excess characters out the window

Since you have so few words to play with, it’s best to keep your micro-story as simple as possible. While we recommend mapping out your beginning, middle, and end, if you have to plan out your whole plot — and write it down in order to remember it — you probably have too much going on. It’s best to be concise and let the mood carry the writing. 

In addition to extraneous plot points, you should cut out any excess characters, unnecessary dialogue, and exposition — and keep in mind that shifts in time or POV will muddy up a story. To put it simply, don’t do too many things at once. Pick one theme, and build on it from the ground up.

Example: "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid

In her story, Kincaid explores what it means to be a young woman through a simple series of instructions. From how to cook and clean to the most appropriate ways to present oneself to men, Kincaid’s almost stream-of-consciousness list ​​potently demonstrates the near-impossible standards that women are expected to meet without any dialogue, side characters, or even any real plot points at all!

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3. Embrace the conventions of the form

Micro-stories are their own unique form and not just short short stories — so it’s important to treat them as such. Operate within the boundaries of the form, and embrace its conventions:

• Intense prose;
• A shining narrative voice;
• A powerful, central image; and
• The amplest meaning in the fewest words.

To best work within the 1,500-word frame, don’t just rework your more extensive ideas to fit the constraints. Flash fiction works are often (though not always) contained to one scene or event, focused on revealing more than what's visible through exquisite prose. A more complex plot initially intended for a short story is therefore unlikely to translate well into this shorter form.

That said, many writers mine their micro-stories from old paragraphs they loved but that didn’t make it into the final draft of a longer piece. Without worrying about the overarching plot of a novel or short story, you can now take the opportunity to spotlight your clever prose. 

Example: "Baby Dolls" by Becky Robison

This super-quick vignette embraces everything that makes fiction’s shortest form unique. It details in poetic prose the circumstances of the narrator’s birth: a costume party that her mother attended dressed as Raggedy Ann. The central image of the doll with red yarn hair is explored so cleverly over the story’s 175 words that by the end, the reader is unsure whether it’s even a costume. 

4. Avoid the temptation to use clichés

As simple and straightforward as flash fiction should be, it should not be boring or hokey, and it should definitely not be clichéd. If you agree that obvious clichés lack impact when used in a short story or novel, imagine how disappointing it is to come across one in a micro-story that’s only a couple of paragraphs long. So make sure your wording is original. And don’t be afraid to experiment with your voice, style, and form!

Another common mistake flash fiction writers make is relying on clichéd settings with ready-made drama, such as funerals or family holidays. Writing 1,000 words will go by in the blink of an eye, so take advantage of the time you’re saving: give your most inventive ideas a thorough trial run and just start again if they don’t take you anywhere. The stakes have never been lower.

Example: "Taylor Swift" by Hugh Behm-Steinberg

This wonderfully weird flash fiction story imagines a world where anyone can order a Taylor Swift clone to their doorstep — or multiple clones if they want to start a Taylor army. Predictably, things take a weird turn (or two) and the story reads almost like Black Mirror meets celeb fanfiction — but in a totally unique way. 

5. Deliver a powerful punchline

Much like a joke, good flash fiction starts with the set-up and ends with the punchline. Surrender the crucial information early on and use what follows to dig deeper. Every sentence should be clear and articulate; if it doesn’t offer some new, distinct detail, it’s unnecessary.

That said, the best flash pieces still encourage the reader to think: to read between the lines, and get a sense of the much bigger story beneath the surface. Often the final line delivers the detail that puts everything into perspective and provides clarity on the rest of the story.

Example: "Angels and Blueberrie s" by Tara Campbell

Throughout this nanotale, the writer offers various romantic explanations for the color of the sky — but ends with the line: Or would they just think you were a silly writer telling stories about angels and blueberries? Though understated, these final words open the reader’s eyes to the message of the story: when we disregard science for 700 words or so, we can enjoy the delightfully endless possibilities of the imagination. 

Now you’ve got some flash fiction pointers, it’s time to experiment. This form is all about giving yourself permission to break the rules and write in shades of gray. And if you like what you come up with, head back to the previous post to find out where to submit flash fiction for publication!

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Sweets for Angels by R.K. Narayan

In Sweets for Angels by R.K. Narayan we have the theme of aspirations, connection, kindness, regret, appearance, friendship, innocence and change. Narrated in the first person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Narayan may be exploring the theme of appearance. Though Kali has the look of somebody who may be prone to be rowdy. The reality is that he is a gentle and kind man who does not wish any harm on others. How kind Kali actually may be is noticeable by his innocent attempt to give the school children some sweets. Though this may be a harmless act. To others Kali is viewed upon as being a kidnapper and somebody who may harm the children. This may be important as it is clear to the reader that Kali is being judged by others simply based upon his appearance. No consideration is being given to the fact that Kali is simple being kind or generous due to the connection he feels he has with the children. If anything Kali aspires to be as clever as the children and regrets he cannot do the simple things that the children can do (like reading and writing).

It is as though through looking at the children Kali not only aspires to be able to read and write and as such improve his life but he may also regret that he has lost out on an education. Knowing that he is employed for his physical abilities rather than his intellect. Though some critics might suggest that Kali has difficulty accepting his place in life the truth may be that Kali like other people dreams of bigger and better things for himself. Something which would be very human. Unfortunately for Kali his appearance lets him down and people rather than seeing a gentle giant see somebody who may be dangerous. Which is very much the case when Kali is tackled by the people in the street. It is also interesting that nobody believes Kali when he tries to explain what he was doing. It is as though the mob or crowd of people who are beating Kali have made up their mind about what Kali’s intentions might have been. If anything the crowd of people appear to be driven by fear and find it easier to believe what they want to believe than let Kali explain himself.

In many ways Kali was not only being nice to the children by giving them sweets but he was rewarding them too for their efforts while in school. Kali could have chosen to keep his extra money for himself but he wanted to share his happiness with the children. Something which some readers might find unusual. However in reality Kali is not a complicated man. He has no hidden agenda nor does he wish to hurt the children. If anything Kali is as innocent as the children themselves. Something that is lost on those in the street who beat and chase Kali. Though at the same time it may be Kali’s innocence that lets him down. He is after all a stranger and parents would recommend to their children to avoid taking things from strangers or talking to strangers. Despite the fact that Kali means no harm to the children. Again he is just somebody who wants to share his own happiness with others. The police though only briefly mentioned in the story may play an important role. Kali is taken to hospital rather than to prison. Which may leave the reader suspecting that the police know that Kali had no bad intentions towards the children.

It is also interesting that Kali’s attitude towards children changes at the end of the story because of the beating he has received. No longer does he look upon children with the innocent eyes that he once had. It is as though he knows that society will misinterpret his acts of kindness and generosity due to the environment of the times. One of the simple joys that Kali had in life has been taken away from him. However it is noticeable that Kuppan and the blind beggar stay by his side. Regardless of what has happened. This may be important as Narayan may be highlighting the importance of friendship particularly among those who may not be as fortunate as others. All three men have two things in common. They are poor and struggling to make a living. Which may leave some readers to suggest that all three men are in some way isolated from mainstream society. The one escape that Kali had is no longer available to him because of societal perceptions. If anything Kali is to remain on the fringes of society though the reality may be that he yearns to be more connected to the world around him.

• Such Perfection by R.K. Narayan
• The Performing Child by R.K. Narayan
• A Snake in the Grass by R.K. Narayan
• The Coachman’s Son by R.K. Narayan
• R.K. Narayan

11 comments

Bring out the pathos of the story?

What do you think kali changed attitude to children

Thank you. If u can please include the other characters also. Anyway thank you for this article

Can you please send me character names to the story and place of the story

Nice work by including the summary of the chapter. Thank you. And if someone needs the characters they are: 1. kali : A daily wager, lives near a brick pyol attached to a locked up deserted house. 2. Kuppan : A rickshaw puller, he is a drunkard 3. Pachai : A beggar who petends to be blind to get more wages 4. School children 5. The public, who beats kali 6. The police team

Please post question and answer based on this chapter

Please point out the conflict of this story!!

Mention about the social condition of the story sweets for angels- the place,time and social condition.

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Essay on Angel

Students are often asked to write an essay on Angel in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Angel

What is an angel.

An angel is a spiritual being. They are found in many religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. People believe angels are God’s messengers. They are pure and good. They do not do any wrong.

What Do Angels Look Like?

Angels are often shown with wings and a halo. The wings show that they can fly. The halo is a sign of their goodness. But, we don’t know their real look. These are just ways to show their special qualities.

What Do Angels Do?

Angels have many jobs. They send messages from God to people. They also protect people. Some people believe that everyone has a guardian angel. This angel keeps them safe.

Angels in Stories

There are many stories about angels. These stories are often about help and hope. In these stories, angels help people in tough times. They give them strength and courage.

Angels are a symbol of goodness. They show us the power of being good and kind. They teach us to have hope and faith. Even if we can’t see them, their stories inspire us.

250 Words Essay on Angel

What are angels.

Angels are often seen as pure and kind beings from the spiritual world. Many people think of them as helpers or messengers from God. They are believed to watch over us, guide us, and sometimes even deliver messages from the divine.

Angels in Different Cultures

Different cultures have their own ideas about angels. In many religions, like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, angels are seen as important figures. They are often shown with wings, shining lights, and halos, symbols of their purity and divinity.

Roles of Angels

Angels are believed to serve many roles. Some people think they are guardians, watching over us and keeping us safe. Others believe they are messengers, bringing us important news from God. There are also stories of angels guiding lost souls to the afterlife.

Angels in Art and Literature

Angels have been a popular subject in art and literature for centuries. They are often shown as beautiful, glowing figures with wings. In literature, they are seen as symbols of hope, love, and divine guidance.

In conclusion, angels are seen as kind, loving beings that watch over us and guide us. They are important figures in many cultures and religions, and they continue to inspire us in art and literature. Whether you believe in them or not, the idea of angels can bring comfort and hope to many people.

Word Count: 250 words.

500 Words Essay on Angel

An angel is a being from the spiritual world. Many cultures and religions believe in angels. They are often seen as messengers from God, helping and guiding humans. Angels are thought to be pure and full of light. They are usually shown with wings and a halo, symbolizing their holy nature.

Beliefs about Angels

Different cultures have unique beliefs about angels. In Christianity, angels are God’s helpers. They deliver messages, protect people, and carry out God’s will. Some famous angels from the Bible are Gabriel and Michael.

In Islam, angels are made of light and can’t do wrong. They follow God’s orders without question. The angel Jibril is very important in Islam. He gave the Quran, the holy book of Islam, to the Prophet Muhammad.

Other religions and cultures also have stories and beliefs about angels. Even people who don’t follow a religion sometimes believe in angels as symbols of goodness and protection.

Angels have a big place in art and literature. They are often shown as beautiful beings with wings and halos. Many famous paintings, like those in the Sistine Chapel, show angels. In literature, angels can be characters or symbols. They might represent goodness, purity, or a message from a higher power.

Angels as Symbols

Angels are powerful symbols. They can stand for many things. As messengers, they symbolize communication and guidance. As protectors, they represent safety and comfort. Their purity and light can symbolize hope and goodness. Because of these meanings, angels are often used in art, stories, and even everyday language to express these ideas.

The Role of Angels Today

Today, many people still believe in angels. Some people feel that angels guide and protect them in their daily lives. Others see angels as a symbol of hope and goodness. Even if they don’t believe in angels as real beings, they might use the idea of angels to express these feelings.

In conclusion, angels are fascinating beings that are part of many cultures and religions. They are powerful symbols of goodness, protection, and guidance. Whether they are seen as real beings or symbols, angels have a big impact on the world. They inspire art, literature, and the way people think about the world. They bring hope and comfort to many people. Angels truly are a special part of human culture and belief.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Animal Shelter
• Essay on Animal Rights
• Essay on Animal Exploitation

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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