"A book should be like an ice-axe breaking the frozen sea within"- Franz Kafka

Kafka; in a simile, links a book to a weapon. The image of an ‘ice-axe’ gives the impression of a sturdy weapon, to be able to break ‘The frozen sea within us’, perhaps your emotions, believes and thoughts. A sea is flowing and smooth, but when it’s frozen, it’s hard and stubborn, sometimes like your thoughts and emotions. But a book is strong and effective enough to be able to break that. A book symbolizes information, knowledge and escape. When Kafka used the word ‘breaking’ it seemed as the book is not breaking but changing your ideas, thoughts and emotions. It can open your mind to different things, other than your own opinion. You can also learn from books. When Kafka says that a book ‘should’ be like an ice-axe it shows that a book is not strong enough to open your mind yet, people are still so absorbed with there own believes and prejudices that they do not give in too change.

When you start to open your mind and accept change, the frozen sea within, will start to melt. I use to be stuck in reality, so I hardly ever read. But all that changed in 7^th grade when my friends introduced me to the Twilight Saga. As I read on I became more and more aware of the different believes around me, and that there can be things beyond reality. I started using my imagination more and accepted change. I clung on to the book ended up finishing the whole series. The Twilight saga helped me escape, and melted the frozen sea within me.

I chose a picture of a bird flying in the sunrise because to me flying is a symbol of escape and freedom. And sunrise reminds me of a new start, a new beginning. When you put the two together you have escaped and are ready for a new start. You could have escaped from arrogance or stubbornness, which ever, doesn’t matter what, what matters is that you are ready for change and a new start.