Choi Post 1

I believe the author follows the hurricane through the islands in order to describe how immense its strength is and to show the catastrophe one can bring. Throughout the description on pages 34 and 35, the author portrays the destruction of houses, boats, and almost everything that lay in the way of the hurricane. On page 34, he also briefly tells that animals would foresee the hurricane and avoid it in any way possible, showing that the creatures already know of the terrible power. The reader can only hope that what was described when the hurricane was approaching will not happen to Juan and Raúl.

Previous to this part of the story, the characters had not experienced the treachery that nature can bring. However, this section gives the reader an idea that this disaster will approach Juan and most likely hinder his journey. While the hurricane did not physically injure Juan or Raúl too much, it did stop slow them by scattering their paddles and deflating one of the inner tubes.

This vivid description installs a disastrous image into the reader’s mind and helps show the dangers that the sea can bring. The author did a wonderful job of implementing fear and awe into the reader simultaneously.