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Mr Van Gogh Owen Marshall Analysis

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In what ways does Owen Marshall influence the attitudes of the reader to the issues he presents in “Mr. Van Gogh”? Owen Marshall’s Mr. Van Gogh is a story set in a small town in which the differences between individuals are harshly judged. The story delves into the marginalisation of individuals who are different, using various language features, such as symbolism, cliches and imagery, and the different perspectives of the town’s people. By understanding the thoughts and actions of the characters, he is able to subtly influence the thoughts and attitudes of the readers toward the various issues addressed, such as small town mentality and marginalisation. Marshall suggests that every society has a Mr. Van Gogh, and they will always be cast …show more content…

Van Gogh and the townspeople. Marshall’s Mr. Van Gogh is described as wearing “old fashioned clothes” and a tattered coat “with concealed buttonholes”, his hair is “in tresses”, he also maintain a good personal hygiene. The narrator of the story described his appearance as a “careworn lion”. Therefore, the readers are able to empathize with Mr. Van Gogh due to his stressed and worried appearance, suggesting the readers to think about what happened that causes the worried expression that he wears everyday. The demolition of the old house of Mr. Van Gogh is described as “walls stretched and tore” as if it was made of “fabric”, providing a image of what Mr. Van Gogh house was like during the demolition, adding to the depressed atmosphere. The imagery used in this story provide a dramatic comparison between Mr. Van Gogh to the townspeople, allowing the reader to understand the issue of marginalisation and rejection by providing someone with which they can sympathize. Along with sympathy, the readers gain more insight as to what marginalisation would be like. Marshall attempts to influence the reader 's’ attitude by using Mr. Van Gogh as an example and embedded his own thoughts and attitudes towards marginalisation within the story, causing the readers to unknowingly agree with

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