Embracing Your Shadow - Chua Kok Yee

1. We should not chase shadows when we have light. Discuss with close reference to the text. (12m)

Definitions:

• Shadow
• In the context of this story, the "shadows" are desires that cannot be fulfilled
• In a literal sense, there is no way a person can chase or catch a shadow
• Light
• In the context of this story, "light" represents happiness and prosperity

Evidence:

• The author has a very loving family (i.e. light)
• Rose(his wife) has been extremely loving towards him
• She loves that he's a philosopher and a smart-ass
• Luna(his daughter) shares a close bond with him
• They wish each other goodnight, every night

• The author loses his family because of his obsession with the mystery woman (i.e. chasing shadows)
• Rose senses the secret place the mystery woman occupies in the author's heart
• She is unable to tolerate his secret desires anymore and is jealous that the author is unable to love her completely
• After talking to his wife about a possible divorce(due to the author's obsession with a mystery woman), he does not wish his daughter goodnight
• He is indifferent to his current conundrum and does not do anything that will salvage his marriage
• He does not argue with his wife nor protest that he has always been faithful to her
• He sleeps in the guest bedroom as a sign of what's to come(divorce)
• He (almost gladly)accepts that his failing marriage is a testament to his love towards the mysterious woman and dedicates it to her ("My collapsing marriage has removed all doubts, and deepened my conviction. Now, I know you are the true love of my life")

Analysis:

• The author's obsession with the mystery woman probably stems from his inability to appreciate his blessings. In turn, this had led his blessings being turned into curses.
• While the author technically did not do anything wrong(physically cheat on his wife), he did not do what is expected of him either
• He can be described as greedy for wanting more despite already having a beautiful family
• This is why we should not chase shadows. We should appreciate what we have because if we keep wanting more, we will eventually lose all that we have.