ignorance is bliss

"Lyra wandered away on her own, and went to the reedy bank to sit and throw mud into the water. She knew one thing: she was not pleased or proud to be able to read the alethiometer-she was afraid" (109). Lyra, being a small child has no idea what power she possesses or what is in store for her. It is no accident that she was given the alethiometer by the processor at Oxford. As she continues with the childish act of throwing mud she begins thinking about ideas and technology way beyond her once-childish mind. Like all humans, Lyra is beginning to realize that growing up is inevitable. William Blake's innocence experience is something that comes to mind when I read these lines. With the alethiometer Lyra begins to question authority with more confidence. Soon she realizes that size doesn't neccesarily constitute power. Although she is a growing girl, Lyra still has quite an influence on many people around her. She is successful in leading the Gyptians North, and greatly responsible for Iorek's reign as polar bear king. Although her friend is lost, Lyra realizes that in life mistakes will be made, LARGE and small. She must take the death of her friend in her memories and live her life with that painful mistake made forever. Although she lost one friend, she saved tons of other children, and is one step closer to finding out what her father, Lord Asriel is up to. Nobdody can figure it out-not even the witches! Something tells me Lyra will overcome her ignorance of her father's intentions, and might just be there in case his intentions are anything but good.