The Idea Of Perfection Kate Grenville Summary

The extract from Kate Grenville’s “The Idea of Perfection” is one that focuses on a particular bridge, located over Cascade Rivulet, probably in the outskirts of their town. In this passage, the extensive use of descriptive language is clear; the main character picks up many details of the bridge and its surroundings as she explores it. A thematic point in this extract is linked with the title, “The Idea of Perfection”, where through the tranquil style in which this extract is written, we get an idea that his bridge, though it looks simple, is in its own way, an idea of perfection.
The setting is central to this passage, it revolves around a bridge, above a river called Cascade Rivulet, lying downhill. A flat paddock with cows beside the bridge
In the second paragraph, for instance, she “laughed aloud” when she sees that “someone had tied a stone” under a sign which reads “Hanging Rock”. However, in the third paragraph, we are told that “It was not really all that funny”. This instance emphasises that the main character has a somewhat “bubbly” nature, and emotions in her can be triggered very easily. This nature explains how the main character can pick up many details in the setting that others look past upon, for example; “Where a band of sun cast a slice of black shadow, the water was dark and secretive.”
The tone of voice in this passage is tranquil and elegant. This is especially reflected on the bridge, the central object in the passage. From its physical appearance above: the main character describes it as “a humble little thing, the bend giving it an apologetic look”. The words “humble” and “apologetic” personifies the bridge; as readers we get the idea that the bridge looks timid, yet contains a form of elegance and beauty. In the latter part of the passage this is explored more in detail, especially through the use of contrast, where we follow the main character underneath the