A Comparison between Chemistry and the End of Something

A Comparison between Chemistry and the End of Something

Both in Chemistry and The End of Something authors explain to the

readers how relationships can be essential and also how they can just

break and end in an instance. Both the authors use various techniques

to explain and describe these relationships using different literary

techniques.

At the beginning of Chemistry, Graham Swift describes a very secure

relationship between: the boy, the grandfather and the mother. The boy

is very comfortable with this relationship as he enjoys the company of

both his mother and grandfather. Whereas at the beginning of The End

of Something the relationship between The Horton Bay Mill and the

community is described, the community loved the mill tremendously.

Both these beginnings are very friendly but unfortunately have to

change.

In Chemistry we learn that since the death of the father, the bond

between mother and son has become very strong. We also learn that the

end of relationship can start another, this is shown when the mother

looks at Ralph for comfort after the tragic loss of her husband. The

introduction of Ralph causes a threat to the secure bond between: the

boy, the mother and the grandfather. The mother begins to neglect the,

but the grandfather stays strong and tries to support the boy.

The idea of the end of an era leading to a new one is reflected in The

End of Something. The Mill has always been a major part of the

community in Horton Bay and since it has started to become rundown it

has fallen from the spotlight and is no longer looked upon as a

landmark in the area. And just as the mill ends to start a new era, so

does Marjorie. When Marjorie falls for Nick, she gets someone who has

quite a dark side in that he feels he is always right and very

intolerant of Marjorie. We see this relationship from start to end and

the author uses the characters well to bring the relationship to life.

It seems that Marjorie is always trying to be polite and at the start