Identity In Swallow The Air

“Mary Moon and the stars” written by Janice Galloway is a short story in which the main character Mary is who we “........................” This is due to the techniques the writer has used these include character, setting, language and symbolism. The author has used the appropriate techniques which results in her success.

What would you do if you woke up from being unconscious and realized you didn’t know where you were, how you got there or even who you were, and your brutally injured? All you know is that two men want you dead. You would probably fight for your life, just like Candace Scott (she was known as Cady in the beginning of the book then begins to be known as

You are lucky, Little Bird, for you have wings. But you must learn to master them. Look at the baron’s hawk there on her perch. Just because she doesn’t flap her wings all the time doesn’t mean she can’t fly.”(Cushman 83). Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman is an amazing book that everyone should read. This book is about a 14 year old girl who is being sold by her father to a man who is willing to give money for her. During her beastly fathers hunt, Catherine tries to get away from all of the suitors. All she wants is to marry who she wants. While she is trying to get a plan of marrying anyone she wants, she helps people she goes through lots of experiences. For these experiences she starts being less selfish and self-centered. Some of these experiences include getting a little sister, seeing other people work and how she doesn’t have to, and lastly is being the lord's daughter and not getting a choice of marriage because of it.

“Here Follow Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10th, 1666” by Anne Bradstreet and “To the University of Cambridge, in New England” by Phillis Wheatley

Traditions and heritage are important to be kept. As an immigrated family, culture seems to fade while trying to fit in. Also, when the death of a loved one occurs, it is important for families to help each other cope with grief.

One will eventually come across the day where they are able to figure out who they truly are as a person. A discovery like this will lead to new chapters of life and start new beginnings. Although finding one 's identity can be difficult to understand and accept, it is crucial in life to discover oneself. In the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, a teenage girl, who had to overcome and deal with an awful tragedy, takes readers on the long journey she walked before finding meaning and value in who she is as a person. The journey I was taken on while reading the novel had a beneficial effect on myself, expressed significance to the world about a common topic and showed how the main character gradually changed throughout the story.

Self-discovery is driven by the willingness of individuals to make connections with places and people. This is evident in Tara June Winch 's novel "Swallow the Air" as the protagonist discoveries are seen through her connection with the people and her identity. Similarly, the same can be said for James Cameron 's film "Avatar" as Jake the protagonist discoveries is 'visualised through his connection with the land and how this affects his identity. In both of these texts, we can identify how both Tara June Winch and James Cameron interprets the concept of self-discovery in their text.

It is important for people to overcome the obstacles they are faced with. Obstacles allow us to learn and become successful. In novels a character will often be faced with a problem. Just like a book, everybody has their own story filled with challenges. Recently I have read two novels that deal with sensitive topics and obstacles. Several years ago my grandma had very serious health issues. Each of these examples showcase the fact that it is important for everybody to experience obstacles in their life.

Atticus Finch said “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”(Lee 39). As a result of this quote out main character will change. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee uses the character and characterization of Scout to show how empathy can change someone’s life for the better. Throughout the book Scout changes quite a bit. In the beginning she was very tomboyish choosing to wear overalls instead of dresses, she also liked to beat other kids up. During the middle of the story she began to have a change of heart. She started to hang out with her aunt more and realized it takes a lot of effort. During this time of self discovery she noticed small details about her friends and family. But by the end of the book she starts to see things from others views to give her insight to how others might see things.

Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.”-Thomas Carlyle. In the novel Secret Life of Bees, Lily is a harmless, kind hearted girl who has experienced much in the short life she has lived. The last time Lily has felt kindness, gentleness, and love was when her mother was alive. “People who think dying is the worst thing don’t know a thing about life (2).” Lily is lost in her head, she doesn't know how to stick up for herself. She takes in all the abuse, both mentally and physically from T.Ray and she blames everything on herself. Throughout the novel Lily gains her confidence, bravery and strength by standing up to the challenges she faces throughout experiencing new cultures and way of knowledge.

The passage I chose to close read from We The Animals by Justin Torres comes from the first paragraph of Chapter Four, entitled Seven. The author begins the scene like any other day yet the tone of the author’s writing is of worry. Torres’ tone affected my own mood. I tried to imagine how it would feel to be in the position that the narrator was in. Someone had abused his mother; in this case it was most likely her husband. Yet, the trauma of this chapter is portrayed as something that is nonchalant. Paps, the narrator's father, has just presented his wife’s current health status as something the narrator and his brothers should just brush off. As I read, the narrator would state that “[Paps] said [this], [Paps] told us [that], [Paps] had forbidden us to set foot in [Ma’s] bedroom…” (Torres 12). Paps had clear superiority over the whole family. From my close reading, I came to the conclusion that Paps was the one abusing Ma that is why he never allowed the children to be near her. The more she slept, the less she spoke, and the less “true” information was leaked to the

“The Scarlet Ibis”, is a short story written by James Hurst, which follows two parents not caring enough for their invalid child, leading him to his death. This eminent author allows for the readers to infer, which individual is responsible for Doodle’s death. Many readers choose to believe Brother for Doodle’s death, however, that is truly not the case. Readers choose this innocent person due to the actions he takes during the end of the story but, they do not observe the subtle hints that are added by the author. All the evidence throughout the story blatantly accuses the parents for being responsible for Doodle being deceased. Mama and Daddy both lack responsibility when it comes to raising their children. One example

In the historical fiction novel Fever 1793, the story takes place in Philadelphia in the 1790’s. A Yellow fever epidemic turns the city upside down and forces Matilda to become an independent girl. The author Laurie Halse Anderson makes smart author's craft decisions that emphasize the theme independence and maturity. Foreshadowing and visualization are just two examples the author demonstrated to support the theme. From the beginning to the end of this story, we can see the change in Matilda, the main character. By using foreshadowing and visualization, Laurie Halse Anderson was able to craft a storyline that shows the change in the main character and impacts its readers.

In life difficulties may arise, but an “instructive eye” of a “tender parent” is a push

A romantic relationship between two people can be complicated, and sometimes even a genuine, loving relationship can become burdensome for one if their partner abandons them in times of adversity. In the novel, The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, A man loses the support of his wife and assumes responsibility for his son while in a post-apocalyptic world. The man has a significant relationship with his wife as he is devastated by her death and he gets paranoid when he dreams of her.