The Detriment of Freedom Juliet Li 10th Grade

People take freedom for granted, on many levels, but have they ever questioned whether freedom is bliss, or a curse? The Lamp at Noon illustrates the protagonist, Ellen’s internal conflicts about fleeing the dust-ridden, barren, prairie farm during the Great Depression, longing for freedom. All in fear for her baby’s well-being, she makes multiple proposals to her husband, Paul, regarding abandoning the farm and moving to the city with her father. Paul hardens, and refuses her offers. Meanwhile, their baby’s health falters and is a risk of dust asphyxiation. Ellen desperately seeks paths to protect their child, and ultimately runs away from the farm on foot with the baby. Paul finds her subsequent to the death of their son, huddled in the sand. With all hope lost, Paul prays for a better tomorrow. Sinclair Ross demonstrates the theme that the tempting freedom may not be the ideal choice through his usage of setting, foreshadowing, as well as his diction. Ross sets the stage for a desaturated story depicting of a conflicted couple longing to escape the barren Prairies during the 1930s Dust Bowls.

The hideous sand storms of the Prairies during the Great Depression plays an essential role in the plot and the theme. It is the...