In the short story, “Until Gwen” by Dennis Lehane, it starts off with the main character named Bobby who is getting picked up by his father from prison with a stolen Dodge Neon. His father wasn’t alone, he brought himself a company and it was a hooker named Mandy. We got a sense of who his father was, a “professional thief, a consummate con man” (647). We don’t know why he was in prison until the rest of the story slowly reveals the flashbacks he has with his girlfriend Gwen and the incident prior of going to jail. Bobby has no sense of who he is or where he is from because there no proof of record of him such as a birth certificate. After meeting Gwen, his life has changed and felt the sense of belonging into the world he is living in. Bobby’s …show more content…
Before meeting Gwen, he didn’t have a sense of identity. He has asked his father numerous of times about where he was born but his father kept changing the name of the places. Bobby’s mother died when he was young and he didn’t have her around to ask her these questions. Bobby really didn’t know who he was all his life. Even when he was taking in to prison, “[he’s] been documented, but even they’d had to make it up, take your name as much on faith as you. You have no social security number or birth certificate, no passport. You’ve never held a job” (651). Bobby feels that he doesn’t exist in this world and there’s no track of him on where he was born. How can someone live half of his life not knowing his real name is? His identity was living with his father’s identity by telling Bobby what to do when it comes to committing crimes. He doesn’t know what other things he could have done because this is all he knew. Bobby didn’t choose this life even though he was grown enough to make his own decisions. He felt that this is where he belongs and nowhere …show more content…
Throughout the story, as a reader, the main characters name was not mentioned till the middle of the story when Gwen says, “‘I can’t help it, Bobby. Jesus’” (654). Bobby has heard his name like the very first time and he liked it. Not only because Gwen said it but how “[he] loved hearing her say it” (654). Bobby may not be his real name because it didn’t mention him denying his name. Bobby loves Gwen and how it changed his life meeting her. She has given him a purpose in life and with her, he feels he has an identity. He felt he does belong into this world. Before she has said his name, she says to Bobby, “’you don’t have anyone to tell you who you are, so you don’t need anyone to tell you. You just are who you are. You’re beautiful’” (651). Gwen didn’t need to know where he came from because she loved him for who he is. She didn’t need to define him and having a Social Security number is not defining who you are. She has taught him how to live his life without the pressure of knowing where you came from. While Bobby was in prison, he knew that something will happen with Gwen. He knew his father too well and what he is capable of. All through the story was his memories with her and how much needed her in his life. Without her, he is no one. “Until Gwen, you had no idea who you were. None. During Gwen, you knew. After Gwen, you’re back to wondering” (656). He has lost his full identity and it was all because
The book Blind, written by Rachel DeWoskin, is about a highschool sophomore named Emma, who went blind after being struck in the face with a firework. When she first lost her sight, Emma was placed in a hospital for over 2 months, and once she was released, she could finally go home again. DeWoskin uses the characterization of Emma throughout the beginning of the text to help the reader understand the character’s struggle more. Especially in the first few chapters, it was difficult for Emma to adapt to a world without sight. For instance, DeWoskin writes, “And sat down, numb, on our gold couch. And tried to open my eyes, rocked, counted my legs and arms and fingers. I didn’t cry. Or talk” (DeWoskin 44). As a result of losing a very important scent, she’s started to act differently from a person with sight.
The novel “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith is a both significant and interesting novel for its fascinating story of Francie Nolan’s physical and emotional growth. To begin, young Francie lets the reader understand that even through poverty, it is important to enjoy the little things in life, to value life itself even when it is evidently polluted by greed. Secondly, as Francie grows up, her fall from innocence during her conflicts in life causes her not to be jaded with the world but to become stronger. Growing up is filled with both joy and acrimony, and Francie Nolan’s life is a great example of how a young woman should grow up to be.
In the book Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, Melinda is entering high school completely alone. She has no friends and she has no one to turn to, even the people she doesn’t know hate her. All of this is happening to Melinda because she called the cops at an end of summer party and no one even bothered to ask her why. Something terrible happened that night at the party and memories of the event terrify and haunt her. There’s something about that night that she tries to forget, something she tries to not remember. Throughout the book you see ways Melinda is coping with her trauma. In the process of it all her nightmare, Andy Evans, comes and attacks her again, but this time Melinda isn’t so quiet about it. By the end of the book, Melinda uncovers her secret that has been trapped in her thoughts. Anderson develops a theme that if something traumatic
...ath; it is that child’s choice on which road. It is with the forces of family, friends, media, and school that influence a child’s identity. In the words of Amiri Baraka “It is in knowing your history and where you come from, is what determines who you are” meaning your heritage is a reflection of your identity. In Alice Walker’s stories, she illustrates the importance of knowing your heritage through the character of the mother. Kincaid also gave way to the daughter knowing her heritage, by her mother giving her life challenges that she dealt with at her age, thereby guiding her daughter into not making the same mistakes as she had. Both works of literature helps readers understand that a person's state of mind is full of thoughts about who they are and what they want to be. People can try to modify their identity as much as they want, but that can never change.
A character that was admirable in the novel “we all fall down” is John. John is the father of Will who is the main character, they spend nearly the entire story together looking for a way out of the world trade center during the 9/11 attacks. During the story you learn that John is very smart, brave, and respected. These are all characteristics which play a crucial role in saving lives such as his co-workers and a random lady they find on the way named ting, but mainly in the ending John and Will successfully escape.
The writer has made every effort to show that the story is portraying an African American family, by simply choosing the last name ‘Johnson’ to be feature in the story. Walker didn’t choose the last name of Winchester or Cadbury; Walker chose Johnson so it could be link back to family of African-American descent. However, Johnson, although solid and strong, speaks to the heart of black culture. Walker makes the point in the writing by saying, “Who ever knew a Johnson with a quick tongue? Who can even imagine me looking a strange white man in the eye?” (Walker 417) In the time frame of Walker’s writings it was known that black people were to be seen and not heard; to blend with the crowd and not to lead. Education led to Dee to broaden her horizons and gave her strength to create a new path for herself. A major change came with her name. She believes that “Dee” was statement of oppression. A delegation set by the force that held her people down. Walker expresses pride that despite this mentality, her daughter Dee had gone out in the world and made her voice be heard. Dee changes her name to fit her African heritage Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo, which give her a sense of connection with her family’s history. “She is dead, “Wangero said. “ I couldn’t bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me.”(Walker 420) This is a pivotal movement that showcase the strength and independence that runs in black
Brooks was the first child of David and Keziah Brooks. She was born on June 7, 1917 in Topeka, Kansas. Brooks wrote her first poem when she was 13 years old and was published in the children’s. Moreover she was the first black author to win the Pulitzer prize. magazine. In 1938 she was married to Henry Blakely and had two children. After a long battle of cancer Brooks died in December 3, 2000.
When my mom asked if I wanted to see this year’s Lakeside musical, I honestly was a bit unwilling. It’s not that I didn’t want to support my two or three friends up on stage and in the crew; I just don’t have a very good track record with high school performances. I’m a critic: I have always been very critical of myself, and very critical of others. I unwittingly judge the actors onstage, and end up feeling guilty because I probably could have done no better. On top of this warped superiority/inferiority was the nature of the musical they were performing; all throughout third grade I had been obsessed with the movie-musical Hairspray. I knew all the songs, most of the lines, and wasn’t sure if anyone could top Queen Latifah. But I was mistaken.
Mama has been mentally abusing Bobby since he was a young boy. She is the main antagonist behind all of his problems in life. I believe that she even cause him to become mentally handicapped due to being too overbearing. She did not let him go to school, or have friends. She “homeschooled” him so that she could make sure that he had to rely on her the rest of his life. Mama was afraid of being alone after her husband left her and took all of their money when he was pregnant with Bobby. She lied constantly to him, even about what happened to his father. Mama told Bobby that he died in the desert due to dehydration. He was 31 years old and had the IQ of a five year old. She had the audacity to tell him false stories whenever he asked her questions to only find out everything he knows is a lie when he goes to college. Bobby goes to college and plays football behind her back. I think it is sad that Bobby found his calling in the world and something he is passionate about and he has to hide it from the one person that is supposed to always be there for him. Coach Red Beaulieu gave Bobby the job as his team’s waterboy when he was very young. Throughout the years, he constantly picked on Bobby and turned his head when the players picked on him. Being a waterboy was the only out Bobby had away from his insane mother and the coach took his away from him. The coach fired Bobby
The intricate plot of this story gives the reader a close look at Bobby’s life. Fifteen-year-old Bobby Phillips, the main character of this story, is brave, daring, and persistent, three qualities that keep him trying to find solutions to his problems. Bobby has many troubles such as becoming invisible and not knowing how to get back, having a secret life, and having no connection with his parents. Being in Chicago gives Bobby an additional s...
Alice Walker has distilled some of the most controversial literature of her time. Her work has been the foundation for many colored writer's ambitions as well as many others. Her work has stroked passion and evoked a copious amount of different emotion among not only Americans but people around the world. Her story The Color Purple is a prime example of the essence of her persona and the messages she tried to portray. Walkers ideas embedded into this story great strike the souls of Americans, even to the point where this story is being banned from high schools around the country. Jacqueline Bobo states in her book, “This analysis will show
Seventeen-year old Patrick Farquhar in Flight #116 is Down by Caroline B. Cooney takes on a challenge to prove himself in a real emergency. Patrick Farquhar is described as determined, confident, and a hero.
Morrie Schwartz knew he only had a few months to live after getting diagnosed with ALS. But instead of mourning and drowning in his own self pity, he decided to share his knowledge and experiences that he’s gained throughout his life, and inspire others. The novel Tuesdays with Morrie shows that Morrie Schwartz rejects some of the socially acceptable practices of popular culture. Morrie illustrates his nonconformist approach to living and dying by forgiving, accepting, and loving. On the contrary, Morrie says the popular culture is founded on greed, selfishness, and superficiality.
Analysis of The Mother by Gwendolyn Brooks. For this assignment, I chose the poem "The Mother" by Gwendolyn Brooks. This poem is generally about abortion and the feelings a mother has. It's about the remembrance of the children aborted and the little things children do that the mother will miss.
The bildungsroman, Little Women, written by Louisa May Alcott portrays a group of sisters growing up together in Concord, Massachusetts in the mid nineteenth century. Throughout the novel the reader watches as each of the March sisters grow in their own ways. Meg and Amy both transform from people who care so strongly about how others view them into people more concerned with themselves and their personalities, than what others think of them.