In my personal analysis of ‘At Land’, the waves symbolize Maya being pulled away from her own life. When she wakes up on the beach again, it signifies an opportunity to start fresh, similar to how water represents a new beginning. The reverse motion of the waves gives the impression of a carpet, symbolizing Maya’s privilege to start anew. As Maya climbs the rocks on the beach, the shift from nature to civilization mirrors a transition in our own lives – when we move from childhood to entering society. However, we can observe from Maya’s position that there is a moment in between – the teenage years – where we are caught in between both scenarios.
At the top of the table, we catch a glimpse of her inquisitive gaze, as though everything she sees is novel and she is about to explore this realm. Simultaneously, as she crawls across the table, scenes of her traversing through bushes are interspersed, symbolizing her lack of awareness of this new world as an adult. The individuals at the table show indifference towards her presence, almost as if she is invisible. This is due to her not yet being integrated into society. Once she reaches the opposite side of the table, her transition into the adult world is finalized.
The chess piece first appears as a symbol of the start of the social game. The initial controller of the chess game represents the father figure, who governs our position in the world until we reach adulthood. When she arrives at the board, she transitions from being a mere spectator, as she was in childhood, to actively participating in the game. The pieces move autonomously, indicating that we never truly have complete control over our roles and how society perceives us. The social game persists even if we attempt to detach ourselves from it.
The act of attempting to grasp a chess piece, only to have it slip from the board, mirrors her quest for self-identity that remains elusive. Once more, she finds herself amidst the untamed wilderness. However, on this occasion, she navigates through jagged rocks in her pursuit of the chess piece. This moment symbolizes her uncertainty about whether reverting back to childhood would be preferable. Regrettably, such a return is impossible. As she embraces her role and persistently searches for the chess piece, she becomes accompanied by a man – a clear indication of her complete entanglement in the adult world.
When Maya begins walking with the man, who changes 4 times, it symbolizes the journey of love. As we transition into adulthood, our primary relationships are often with members of the opposite sex. Maya illustrates this commitment as they walk together along a road. Upon reaching the house, it signifies the end of the love relationship. The man lying in bed represents love. Despite being awake, he remains fully attentive to Maya. This reflects the aftermath of a breakup; even though the relationship is over, memories and perceptions of each other still linger vividly.
The woman’s return to the beach from the mountain feels like a return to her roots, a step away from societal obligations. It is reminiscent of old age, a time where we shed our roles and social responsibilities. Seeing the women playing chess, she realizes that true self-acceptance and control only come at the end of our journey. However, it becomes clear that this knowledge doesn’t necessarily bring joy or excitement; instead, the women exude a sense of tranquility and peace.
For me, the chess pieces symbolize the ancestral connections Maya has with her family, evoking strong emotions within her. This realization occurs later in life when we grasp our origins and purpose. Acquiring the chess piece signifies Maya’s comprehension of her societal position, although it becomes less consequential. Having already experienced life, what truly matters is her journey through various stages culminating in her running along the beach – her ultimate fate.
