ReadingTask3

Azi

Reader: 英语2301石希羽
Reading Time: 2025.3.18
Reading Task: P20-P29
This passage describes the experiences of two artificial friends (AFs), Klara and Rosa, who are displayed in a store window. They are instructed to maintain a neutral demeanor and only interact with passers-by who specifically signal to them. The narrative focuses on Klara's observations of children who come to the window, some of whom exhibit sadness or anger, which Klara attributes to their longing for an AF they cannot have. Manager explains that these children are frustrated and lonely due to their inability to possess an AF like Klara or Rosa.
Later, a girl named Josie arrives in a taxi and addresses Klara directly, expressing her admiration and stating that she saw Klara the previous day and had asked her mother to stop specifically to see her again. Josie shares her thoughts on where the sun sets and invites Klara to come live with her, highlighting the contrast between her view and Klara's confined perspective in the store window.
The author uses rich, descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the setting, the characters, and their interactions. This style helps the reader to visualize the scene and feel the emotions of the characters.
The narrative is propelled forward through dialogue, which reveals the characters' personalities, motivations, and emotions. This technique makes the story more engaging and relatable.
The central theme of the passage is the longing for connection and the isolation felt by those who cannot attain it. This is exemplified by the children who come to the window, drawn to the AFs but unable to have them, and by Josie, who expresses a deep desire for Klara to come live with her.
The store window presents an illusion of perfection, with Klara and Rosa embodying idealized versions of companionship. However, the narrative subverts this illusion by revealing the sadness and frustration of those who can only look from the outside.
The passage encourages empathy by highlighting the emotional lives of the characters, particularly the children who are denied the companionship they desire. It prompts the reader to consider the impact of social and economic inequalities on individuals' happiness and well-being.
The story explores the nature of desire, particularly the desire for something unattainable. Klara and Rosa represent a form of desire that is both alluring and out of reach for many, leading to feelings of frustration and sadness.
Overall, the passage is a poignant exploration of longing, isolation, and the human (or artificial) condition. Its vivid writing style, dialogue-driven narrative, and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling read