What is Liesl's viewpoint in "A Letter from the Atlantic"?
She misses her life and her friends in Germany and feels apprehensive about what awaits her in New York.
Liesl's Journey on the SS Frisia
Liesl's Emotional Journey
In the letter from the Atlantic, Liesl expresses a mix of emotions as she writes to her friend, Hannah. Initially excited about the journey on the SS Frisia, Liesl finds herself surrounded by the vast ocean, feeling a sense of calm but also a pit in her stomach when she thinks about the life waiting for her in New York. This juxtaposition of feelings highlights Liesl's inner conflict and uncertainty about the future.
Yearning for Home
Throughout the letter, Liesl reminisces about her life in Germany, missing her friends, the familiar sights and sounds of Hamburg. She longs for the canals of the Speicherstadt, the bells of St. Michael's Church, and the fresh Brötchen from the corner bakery. This sense of nostalgia and longing for home underscores Liesl's attachment to her German roots and her apprehension about leaving it all behind.
Struggles with Identity
As she interacts with fellow passengers from different countries, Liesl grapples with the language barrier and the cultural differences onboard the ship. She practices English phrases while holding onto her German identity, fearing that the English language may displace the comfort of her mother tongue. This struggle with identity and belonging adds another layer to Liesl's emotional journey on the sea.
Anticipation for the Unknown
Despite her reservations and yearning for home, Liesl looks forward to the new chapter ahead, symbolized by her nearing arrival at Ellis Island. The anticipation of the unknown and the prospect of starting afresh in New York represent a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainties of her journey. Liesl's mix of emotions, from missing her past life to embracing the future, encapsulates the complexity of her viewpoint in "A Letter from the Atlantic."
In conclusion, Liesl's viewpoint in the letter reflects a blend of nostalgia, apprehension, and anticipation as she navigates the waters of change and transitions from one home to another.