How does Thomas's narrative style in "States of Motion" reflect the characters' inner turmoil and external circumstances?

Laura Hulthen Thomas's narrative style in "States of Motion" effectively reflects the characters' inner turmoil and external circumstances through her use of vivid imagery, stream-of-consciousness prose, and the juxtaposition of past and present. Her narrative style is characterized by a fluidity that mirrors the characters' emotional states, often shifting between moments of clarity and confusion, happiness and despair.

For instance, in "The Warding Charm," Thomas employs vivid imagery to convey Emily's internal struggle. The description of the ants streaming over her feet and her attempt to trap them symbolizes her desire to control her situation and the chaos around her. This imagery is juxtaposed with the external circumstances of her father's return and her mother's illness, highlighting the complexity of her emotional response to these events.

Similarly, in "State of Motion," Thomas uses stream-of-consciousness prose to capture the character's inner turmoil. The fragmented sentences and the lack of punctuation mimic the character's racing thoughts and the disjointed nature of her reality. This narrative technique effectively conveys the character's struggle with memory, identity, and the passage of time, all of which are external circumstances that contribute to her internal turmoil.

Furthermore, Thomas often juxtaposes past and present, creating a narrative that reflects the characters' complex relationships with their past and their struggle to navigate the present. In "Lab Will Care," the character Emily's past as a scientist is contrasted with her current role as a lab manager, illustrating her internal conflict between her past aspirations and her current responsibilities. This juxtaposition highlights the external circumstances that have shaped her life and her struggle to find meaning in her current situation.

In conclusion, Laura Hulthen Thomas's narrative style in "States of Motion" reflects the characters' inner turmoil and external circumstances through vivid imagery, stream-of-consciousness prose, and the juxtaposition of past and present. These techniques create a rich and nuanced portrayal of the characters' emotional landscapes and the challenges they face in their lives.