Commentary on Lorna Sage’s Bad Blood Essay - 835 Words

Commentary on Lorna Sage’s Bad Blood This passage, consisting of three paragraphs, out of Lorna Sage’s Bad Blood, is presented by an all-knowing first-person narrator. It revolves around a young girl’s, the narrator’s, school life and childhood experiences. It follows the evolution of a friendship between the narrator and her dear friend, or shall we say her â€Å"sworn enemy†(l 11), who is first introduced in the second paragraph, â€Å"Gail†¦had hair in ringlets, green-hazel eyes and pale, clear, slightly olive skin stretched tight and shiny over her muscles†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (ll 11-13). The narrator first encounters Gail by having â€Å"fierce contests in the yard, duels almost†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (l 8) against her. At this point the†¦show more content†¦Gail’s ascendancy is further demonstrated at the beginning of the third paragraph, â€Å"Once she’d thoroughly trounced me in public, Gail ignored me and held court in her own corner every playtime.† (ll 21-22). This also represents Gail’s physical advantage and her independent ability of holding court in her â€Å"own corner†. Regardless of their conflicts, however, the narrator seems to admire Gail, which further demonstrates the idea of Gail’s supremacy; describing her as, â€Å"wiry and graceful† (l 19) and â€Å"she was so physically confident, in charge of her body even when she was five.†(ll 14-15). The narrator’s reverence is emphasized through the use of words such as â€Å"so† and â€Å"even† highlighting that it is unusual and extraordinary of a child of five to be â€Å"so† physically confident. The narrator is not the only one who looks up to Gail, â€Å"Other little girls might admire the ringlets and the dresses with smocking on the yokes, and the white socks that stayed up†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (ll 22-24). In the second paragraph we read that the narrator eventually becomes friends with Gail, â€Å"In fact, she did become my very best friend, years later,† (ll 9-10). Instead of constantly arguing and fighting with each other they; â€Å"went round holding hands painfully fast and giggling together hysterically,† (ll 10-11). This could portray the contrast between expressing friendship when young and