The Arrival by Shaun Tan is an amazing
graphic novel. Although there are no words for readers to read, the author
presents a narrative using environment, actions, and facial expressions. During
the reading I noticed that the book was drawn as if to represent a silent movie
without dialogue. Personally the direction and position of each drawing helps
narrate the story by focusing on key shots. For example, when the man gets off
the boat he is directed into this massive hall. In the images that follow you
can clearly tell the man is being examined. With each examination they would
give him a marking or symbol.
 |
| The examination |
After reading the comic again I noticed a few images that are similar to
or inspired by real life events. In the extreme wide shot we notice a statue of
two people shaking hands. The image represents the Statue of Liberty in New
York Harbor. Another example would be the great hall which is probably the
authors perspective of Ellis Island and immigration customs.
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