Examine Michael Ondaatje’s representation of class and labour in ‘The Bridge’.

Michael Ondaatje employs a variety of methods in his portrayal of class and labour in ‘The Bridge’, and there are several recurring themes throughout the chapter. The imagery used by Ondaatje reflects the harsh work conditions which the labourers endure and the use of contrast further endears them to us. The descriptive nature of ‘The Bridge’ enables a detailed representation of class and labour, which leaves a strong visual impression upon the reader. In my essay I will discuss some of the themes which occur within the chapter and analyse some of the methods used by Ondaatje in his representation of class and labour.

Ondaatje makes clear from the beginning of the chapter that the labourers’ work is hard and often dangerous. The bridge that the labourers are building is personified when Ondaatje says that Harris’ “first child” had “already become a murderer” (page 31). This has the effect of empowering the bridge and also reveals the dangerous nature of the work....