Janet Frame And The Elephant Analysis

Change is an inevitable force in which nothing stays still – life is in constant motion and we are changing right along with it – whether it is in reality or fiction, change is an ever-occurring element. In light of this, looking at fictional pieces, The Bath, by Janet Frame and The Elephant, by Raymond Carver, we can see change at work and its effects on the narrator’s lives. Whether it is in their physical or mental well-being or their current situation, it is unstoppable but not uncontrollable.

In ‘Bath ‘by Janet Frame, Mrs Harroway the narrator is undergoing changes, where she is gradually losing the ability to perform easy tasks, such as the mundane chore of having a bath. These changes are important as they convey the idea that old age can bring a loss of competence and hope for some. “She walked

Walking along the road, he is stretching out his arms as in his dream of childhood, until George, a work mate offers him a ride – they go off to an unknown distance, at full speed, “he had it floored and we were going flat out”. This fast speed symbolises his breaking point – he finally has changed his mind at how he approaches his role, his family, and his life. He approaches it in a carefree manner and has let go – money is no longer important. Due to the change and deterioration of the American economy at the time, people became more reliant on the man. Although he could have said no, he had obligations left right and centre, so this change on his role was somewhat uncontrollable. After his dream, a change occurred again – showing that change happens all the time, how he reacted to this dream however was his decision, he got to decide whether or not he would take on his father’s role, or whether he would abandon post and view life in the same miserable