“Green Fluorescent Protein”
Extended Metaphor Literary Analysis

This is very exciting. The three scientists who isolated and discovered GFP were awarded the Nobel prize in chemistry in 2008! Lots of symbolic significance here for the short story. Here are links to a video explain GFP and a Washington Post article

1. Start by brainstorming the attributes of Green Fluorescent Protein

  • Extracted from the Pacific Jelly fish
  • Glows fluorescent green
  • Invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen under special lighting conditions (ultraviolet)
  • Seen as “unnatural” by the protesters: it’s messing around with nature/playing God
  • GFP injected into the guinea does not change the animal in any fundamental way (still a guinea pig)
  • Makes the invisible visible in medical practice

2. Decipher which of the above attributes are appropriate to a discussion of the themes/characters of the story.

3. Write a one paragraph composition which connects the attributes of GFP to the attributes of your story using the SNAP strategy (theme, sig of theme, answer the darn question, support, kapow!)

Supporting details: a brief description of GFP; next, extend this initial description to various elements of the plot/theme/character of the story.

For example:

THEME: Change is both essential and potentially catastrophic to the continued growth and development individuals.

SOMETHING ABOUT THEME: Change can allow an individual to explore new horizons and take risks that are impossible in the mundane.

ANSWER THE DARN QUESTION: Jane Smith's "The Uprooting" borrows the simple gardening term to highlight the paradoxical effect of Miriam's move from her childhood home of Winnipeg to Toronto.

SUPPORT: The uprooting of a plant can be traumatic and catastrophic; however, the process of lifting a languishing plant and transferring it to richer soil can also be restorative. Winnipeg is the nutrient-rich soil that Miriam has set firm roots within. The rich nutrient of the love of her family and friends has feed Miriam and she has matured and developed from shoot to plant. Her roots are firmly attached to this soil as Winnipeg has been the only home she's ever known. When her family must leave all that is familiar behind in order to set down new roots in Toronto, Miriam is devastated. Just as a young plant may very well not survive an uprooting and may languish for days after the transplant, Miriam too suffers this traumatic dislocation. The roots that have always been wrapped in the humming richness of the soil is at once glaringly exposed to the harsh sunshine. Likewise, Miriam feels incredibly vulnerable when she must leave Winnipeg. Suddenly, she is ripped from the influence of her neighbourhood and extended family and must face the glare of judgment as an individual, without the influence of family history.KAPOW: Ultimately though, the uprooting of a plant is a testament to its strength. Gardeners will not attempt an uprooting unless the plant is mature and strong enough to withstand the trauma. So too has Miriam's father considered Miriam's readiness for the move to Toronto. Just as a growing plant needs to be transplanted to a larger plot of soil in order to continue to grow, so too will Miriam be able to send out stronger and longer roots in Toronto. Without the close proximity of family and friends, she will have to establish her own plot within the soil of Toronto.....

Criteria

1. Extended metaphor effectively captures the theme of the story

2. Uses language to powerful effect to vividly describe the metaphor

3. Demonstrates a clear understanding of character and theme

4. Style: writing is fluid and voice is convincing