Light Thoughts: Northern Lights
In The Golden Compass, Philip Pullman has the main character, Lyra, become very interested in the Northern Lights. In the beginning chapters she was mystified and full of awe over them and when she first saw them she was ecstatic. “At once she saw that something strange was happening in the sky… “The Aurora!” Her wonder was so strong that she had to clutch the rail to keep from falling.”
The lights represent a higher power. It is mysterious and enticing most like the character in the book, Mrs. Coulter. The lights are always watching once she crosses the threshold into the North. They are very spiritual in good but evil way. Later on in the book series I think the importance of the lights will be the main point in the story line. Lyra’s future interactions with them will tell us whose side they are on.
Even once Lyra saw the aurora, she was in utter shock, for she did not believe her eyes. The perplexity of colors and movements were even compared to Heaven. The Aurora symbolizes the journey that Lyra has embarked on. After this quote Lyra goes on to talk about the size and the amazement of the lights. She is mystified and almost looks up to the lights as a role model.
Pullman creates this mystery behind the Lights to keep Lyra childlike. With the more knowledge she gained back with Mrs. Coulter the older she seemed to become. The constant curiosity kept the real Lyra intact. As Lyra grows older the magic of the lights will fade.
The lights in this novel define childhood. Pulllman creates a parallel between the two using characteristics and hidden meanings. Lyra is now amazed by the Aurora but what will happen in the future.
PROPOSITION: Curiosity may kill the old cat but a young kitten still has nine lives.
