Question

Discovering meaning of this essay depends on discovering a thread of associations . (look at the tea cup )

Answer 1

Answer:

“Look at a Teacup” is not an essay on any ordinary teacup but a teacup that has a special historical significance by virtue of its presence in a critical moment in the history of humankind. No wonder, understanding the meaning of the essay on such a teacup, hence, demand s an awareness of any existent thread of associations--associations between seemingly disparate elements.  

While on the surface, one may not see much significance in the description of the teacup or the discussion of the issues such as marriage, family and sexuality, the essay actually uses the same subjects to make a significant observation. For instance, it is through the teacup that the essay explores the history of a fallen nation, its people’s lives (including that of Hampl’s mother’s), their artistic creativity, and ghastly devastation caused by the Second World War. In addition, the issues such as marriage, family and sexuality also serve to offer the author’s own divergent notions of such issues. In discussing marriage, the essay lets us know how Hampl considers it secondary to her writing career following her disillusionment with the overly-indulgent conventional marriage, and the modern “relationships” that seem to substitute for the traditional “marriage.” In the same vein, the essay touches upon the issue of family and offers a radical perception of considering it unimportant as opposed to industry or work. Further, the essay also, in referring to women from two different generations, reflects on their disparate roles with a tacit criticism of one and emphatic advocacy of another. In other words, Hampl’s political interest in digging up history to find answers is lauded by the essay. All such observations would barely be possible if one were to overlook the relationship among the issues.

Explanation: