Should Taoyu have jumped off of the diving board?
One of the discussion questions that we debated during class when discussing the short story “Vaulting at Sea” was the question “Should Taoyu have jumped off of the diving board?” My initial thoughts during the class period was that he should have finished the stunt, but upon further reflection of the different arguments presented, I began to resonate with a variety of views. I wanted to holistically analyze all possible aspects and opinions of this question to understand more of why Taoyu decided to make his ultimate decision.
My first opinions mostly stemmed from the large effect that he projected on himself and others upon deciding to not jump off the board. In particular, his decision ruined any chance his partner Hai had of winning in the Olympics, a feat they were predicted to achieve. All the years of training and hard work to lead to these platform moments like the Olympics were taken away in a single instant. Because synchronized diving is so heavily dependent on the precision by you and your partner, a lack of effort from one person can cause the team to suffer greatly. This was one of the biggest aspects as to why I thought he should’ve jumped, as I thought that it was pretty unfair for all of Hai’s hard work to not be recognized because of Taoyu’s decision. Later parts of the story signify unclearness as to whether Hai is able to succeed with a new partner, further adding to the unfortunateness. Additionally, I feel like the fact that this one simple action completely changed the trajectory of his life was a decision that could have been more carefully approached.
Arguments that Taoyu made the right decision also have validity to them. His decision was in a sense the first time that he was able to make an impactful decision for himself and choose his pathway without any external influence, something he had never been able to do before. It was his parents' decision to send him to the training school, and the harsh repetitiveness of training for years was forced upon him. It’s not clearly specified throughout the story as to whether this was ever the career he wanted. The decision not to jump was the biggest way he could make a statement to others and regain a part of his life that had no control over, something that I find commemorable.
Understanding the multiple different aspects of the argument is crucial towards forming opinions on whether Taoyu should have finished his career with his decision to not jump off of the diving board. I don’t think that I can come to a definitive conclusion, as I agree with both sides of opinions. I am curious as to what others think about this major decision and the reasoning behind their opinion; so feel free to share.
Hi Maddide! Coming here after reading Kai's alternate ending has made me think a lot about this. I agree with Kai's analysis that had he jumped, it would noto have been to the level he wanted, due to his mind swimming with thoughts about Hai and his future. Diving is by nature a precision sport, and clarity of mind is needed to dive well. I think because of his already disturbed mental state, not jumping was the best option for him by far.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read the story, I had originally agreed with Taoyu's choice of not jumping, but like you, I also found the idea that Taoyu should have jumped convincing after our class discussion. I, too, have not completely decided which would have been the best option for the future of Taoyu, but I think having Taoyu not jump does create a more powerful ending. There is kind of an ironic sense to the ending because throughout the story, Taoyu keeps his feelings towards Hai inside, and so he maintains his relationship with Hai through his "inaction" (of not telling Hai how he really feels). However, in the ending, it is his inaction that both literally and metaphorically separates him from Hai, which seems quite significant. I enjoyed reading your post!
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