The Sun is Also a Star

Literary Device: Metaphor
“I know now: it’s definitely a Sign, and I’m serious about blowing with the wind today. I want to know where it leads” (Yoon 49). When Daniel says he is “blowing with the wind today”, we can easily assume that he believes that whatever is going to happen is inevitable, so why try to stop it. Through the usage of a metaphor, Yoon is able to convey the message that Daniel is simply going with the flow and praying it has the results he wants, however, he is still willing to accept anything that happens.

Quote #1 and Analysis:
Near the end of his chapter, the conductor says “that, though your earthly life may be hard, there’s a better place in your future, and God has a plan to get you there” (Yoon 47). As I was reading this novel, I wondered why he would even be significant enough to have a chapter in the story. However, after looking carefully at the themes introduced through his arrival, it is evident that a chapter for the conductor was crucial to have a better understanding of the novel. Fate ties into almost every chapter of the novel with constant references to “god’s plan” and “destiny”. The author wants you to understand how even when you think everything is going wrong, it’s all a part of a deliberate plan that's already in place.

Quote #2 and Analysis:
As Daniel searches for Natasha at Attorney FitzGerald’s office, he says “just over an hour until my Date with Destiny” (205) while looking at his watch. Daniel describes his interview for Yale as his “destiny” because even though he might not want it, it is inevitable. As seen through his actions, he is willing to do anything but go to the Yale interview, even if that means leaving it for a girl he only met that morning. He has a firm belief that no matter what happens, he will always be stuck pursuing a career as a doctor. Even though he understands that becoming a doctor is what is best for him financially, thus calling it his “destiny”, he doesn't have any passion for it.

Personal Reflection and Connection:
Just like most characters in the novel, I believe in fate and destiny. Even when we might think that everything is going wrong, it’s simply a small stop to getting where we are supposed to be in our lives. Daniel and Natasha were meant to meet each other, if not in the morning, they would have met at Attorney FitzGerald’s office. I believe in there being specific main encounters or situations in our life that are meant to happen, the only differences are the small decisions that determine how we get to that point. Personally, I loved the Sun is Also a Star! I loved the author’s style of writing and how she helped the readers understand the general environment through the incorporation of different perspectives.After reading, I have a much better understanding of how I perceive love and the universe itself.

Literary Device // Metaphor
“We’re kindling amid lightning strikes. A lit match and dry wood. Fire Danger signs and a forest waiting to be burned” // The comparison emphasizes the instant chemistry the two feel in the moment.

Literary Device // Imagery
“Sunlight filters through her hair, making it look like a kind of halo around her head. A thousand emotions pass over her face. Her eyes are black and wide, with long lashes. … Right now they’re dull, but I know exactly what they would look like bright and laughing” /// The imagery helps readers see Natasha through Daniel’s eyes, thus helping them further understand the depth of his emotions better.

Quote #1
“We’re meant to walk through this world together. I see it in her eyes. We are meant to be” /// In this moment, Daniel has never been more sure of the fact that they both are meant to be. His assurance of their love carries through, throughout the entire story and his unrelenting determination contribute largely towards the build-up of the theme of love throughout the text.

Quote #2
“He’s made up his mind about what he wants, and what he wants is me. I get the feeling he can be determined and patient. I almost admire him for it” /// This is yet another example of Daniel's steadfast belief in the love present and shared between Natasha and him. Natasha also admits to warming up to him, and his personality here. This could be considered the starting point of their budding relationship.

Personal Connections
After reading this text, I’ve become a lot more perceptive of the lives that others lead, constantly reminding myself that just as others are a part of my story, they have their own stories of which I am a small part. It has shifted the way I see any interaction substantially, but in the best way possible because now I feel as if I’m able to see a bit broader of a picture. It also helps me remember that more often than not, whatever is projected on me has less to do with myself, and more to do with the pages of their stories and what’s happening in the parts I don’t know of.

Literary Device: Imagery "“It would take them a long time. Longer for my dad. I don’t think they’d have come to our wedding.” A picture of that future day floats up in Natasha’s mind. She sees an ocean. Daniel handsome in his tuxedo. Her hand on his face wiping away at the sadness at his parent’s absence. The joy on his face when she finally says I do" (260).

Quote 1: ““Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find the most disturbing, and why?”
“My dad.”
Daniel notes that it's the first time Natasha called him dad instead of father.
“Why?” he asks.
“Because he’s not done yet. What about you?”
“Yours,” he says.
“I’m not your family, though.”
“Yes you are,” he says, thinking about what Natasha said earlier about multiverses.
(...)
“I love you, Daniel,” she at last” (Yoon 262).

Analysis:
This quote shows the evolution of Natasha and Daniel’s relationship. Daniel’s feelings for Natasha had gotten so strong that he began to consider her as family. The same occurred with Natasha as she reveals that she loves Daniel. It shows how family isn’t about having a blood relation with another person, it's more so a loyal relationship with someone where you feel safe, accepted enough to be your true self around and loved.

Quote 2:
"My mom’s crying now. Peter walks into her arms for a hug. My father goes to them both, and my mom accepts him. As one, they turn to look at me and gesture for me to join them. I turn to Daniel first. He hugs me so tightly, it’s like we’re saying goodbye already” (259).

Analysis:
This quote occurs in the story after Natasha confronts her dad on how he had previously blamed his family for not being able to achieve his career aspirations. It shows the members of her family displaying forgiveness and reuniting with one another after experiencing major events that damaged the health of their relationship. Here, the concept of family was presented in a way that signifies how family is forever and through communication, acceptance and forgiveness, people are able to overcome challenges they face in their relationship.

Personal reflection / Connection:
In terms of a personal connection, I have an extremely small immediate family, so I like giving the title of family members to friends who I have known for a long time. And reading about how Daniel considered Natasha as family at the end of the novel made me really happy because it reminded me that it doesn't matter what you are born with or who you are related to, a family is something that can be created with the people you meet along the way in life and it’s more about having a supportive and healthy relationship as opposed to the same blood.

Personal reflection / Connection:
I really enjoyed reading the Sun is Also a Star. It integrated deep and meaningful topics within the lives of the main characters, which really allowed them to be placed in vulnerable situations, mature, and grow as people.