The novel ‘Looking for Alibrandi’ centres on Josie, her experiences and growing up. The novel also focusses largely on Josie’s relationships with her family, her friends, John Barton and Jacob Coote. Melina Marchetta explores various themes in ‘Looking for Alibrandi’ through dialogue, actions, reactions and relationships. Marchetta extensively explores the themes of family, tradition and culture/identity using different relationship, reactions, actions and dialogue. Throughout the novel, the theme of tradition is shown thoroughly using relationships, actions, reactions and dialogue. Tradition is hugely important in this novel, as it is a big part of both John’s and Josie’s lives. Marchetta compares two different reactions to tradition, and …show more content…
expectations through John and Josie. John’s reaction to tradition, is that he can’t escape tradition, and he feels that he “always had to be the best, because it’s expected of me” (Looking for Alibrandi Marchetta. M, 1992 page 45) While, Josie knows she can change tradition, and actively tries not to end up following the footsteps of her family. By the end of the novel, John’s pressure from tradition causes him to kill himself, and Josie accepts that some traditions are important to her. Christina’s relationship with Katia, also shows tradition, as their relationship is strained by Christina not following Italian tradition (getting married and having children.) Katia, constantly wants Christina to follow tradition, like the Italian community does, however Christina feels that nothing she does will ever be good enough. “I’ve already disgraced myself in their eyes” (page 96) Christina says this to Katia, to explain that she can’t change their tarnished view of her. Michael’s actions show that he first ran away from tradition, by abandoning Christina, but now wants to do the ‘right thing’ and tries to correct his past mistakes. During Tomato Day, Josie says that it’s “a tradition we’ll never let go of” (page 175) this shows that Josie has changed and now understands that some traditions are important. This also ties in with family and culture, as a huge part of why she likes this tradition is because she’s with her family, and it’s a big part of her culture. This demonstrates how Melina Marchetta uses relationships, reactions, actions and dialogue to effectively show the theme of tradition. Family is shown extensively all throughout the novel using actions, reactions, relationships and dialogue.
Family is extremely important throughout the novel, as it is a big part of Josie’s culture, and is focussed on during the book. Josie’s family also influences her greatly, especially in her traditions, culture and identity. This is evident in the relationship between Katia and Josie, as it shows both the good and bad aspects of family. “I realised that maybe I loved her as much as I disliked her” (page 38) This shows that although she fights with her grandmother, she loves her a lot because she is her grandmother. This is especially prominent towards the end of the book, as the relationship between Katia and Josie, grows and becomes stronger. Their bond is stronger because of Katia’s stories, and as Josie finally understands her actions, and accepts her. Marchetta used this relationship to relate to readers, as most families fight, but ultimately love each other very much. Christina’s actions show how much she loves Josie, and her family. Christina has sacrificed a lot for Josie, because she loves her and she is her mother. Furthermore, through Christina’s actions, the readers see how her parents (Francesco and Katia) react to family. Francesco resents Christina because she isn’t his daughter, but Katia loves her and wants to keep her family together. Josie reacts to her illegitimacy badly; she absolutely hates that she is illegitimate. Additionally, when she meets her father, she reacts angrily and passionately. Josie also thought she was fine without a father, however once Michael comes back and they start building a relationship, she realises that she needed a father. Josie also finally understands “how it felt walking alongside one’s father” (page 96) Josie’s relationship with Michael shows the bond that families have and also how families can change each other. Josie changes throughout the book, in large because of her different experiences and
relationships. “I hated you because I didn’t know you” (page 233) This shows that Josie has changed, and become less angry, because of her relationship with Michael. The theme of family is prominent through the novel, and is shown through dialogue, reactions, actions and relationships. The themes of culture and identity are shown through the novel with relationships, reactions, actions and dialogue. Culture and identity are largely connected to family and tradition, and are just as important in this novel. It is important because culture and identity are a big part of Josie’s life. The relationship between Jacob and Josie compares and contrasts two different cultures (Italian and Australian) Marchetta uses this to show the differences and to show how culture can affect relationships. Jacob’s culture changes Josie, and make them both more accepting of new things. Identity is shown through Josie’s reactions and actions. Most of Josie’s actions are done in the hope of being her own person, and finding her identity. Throughout her life, Josie has struggled with her illegitimacy, and is determined not to be defined by it. Her actions also reflect her trying to escape tradition and her illegitimacy. Towards the end of the book she finally understands who she truly is, where she belongs and that illegitimacy does not define her. Josie reacts to the revelation of Marcus Sandford, with anger and confusion. Josie thinks that if she had an Australian grandfather, she might have belonged. After she understands why it happened, and how she finally knows who she is, and doesn’t care what people think of her anymore. “I’m Australian with Italian blood flowing rapidly through my veins. I’ll say that with pride, because it’s pride that I feel” (page 252) Finally at the end of the novel Josie accepts her culture and finds her identity. Like family and tradition, the theme of identity and culture is shown through relationships, reactions, actions and dialogue. To conclude, Marchetta effectively conveys the themes of tradition, family, culture and identity through her use of relationships, reactions, actions and dialogue. Marchetta shows family, through Josie’s relationship with her family, Josie’s reaction to illegitimacy, Christina’s actions and Josie’s growth because of her family. Tradition is shown through John and Josie’s reactions to expectations, Michael’s actions, Katia and Christina’s relationship, and Tomato Day. Culture and Identity are shown through Josie and Jacob’s relationship, Josie’s actions, Josie’s reaction to Marcus Sandford, and her acceptance of her culture and identity.
The author uses different points of view to create tension in the story. The mom acts in a way that neglects the daughters interests. This makes them both feel less connected and leaves the daughter feeling hopeless. In paragraph 9, “‘It’s strange actually. I wasn’t expecting it, but then at the last minute the funding came through.’ She folded her arms across her waist. ‘I’m going to Costa Rica to finish my research.” This made the narrator/daughter angry and flustered with her mom’s actions. She has trouble remaining connected with her parent because they both want different things which leaves on character feeling betrayed. “Opportunity? For me? Or for you?” (34). Both of their actions and responses create tension in this story. Their communication lacks and this results in pressure on both
Firstly, being in an Italian in an Australian society has affected Josie in many different ways because the way people view her affects her in the start of the novel because she doesn’t know who she is because she hasn’t developed her cultural identity. Later in the novel, she accepts that she is a ‘wog’ and this affects
Through the protagonist, Josie the audiences learn that being an illegitimate and meeting one’s parent is hard to tackle but that feeling will eventually change once the individual has known their parent. “How dare you think that I want to be in your life! I don’t want you anywhere near us, especially my mother.” is the dialogue that Josie has told Michael when they had their first conversation.
Sone describes the relationships she had with her parents and siblings. She seems very pleased with and delighted by the differing, yet caring personalities of each person in her family.
The writer incorporates a lot of repeated names for the characters which made it difficult to distinguish the certain characters a different given times and their connection to Josie in the script. For example, in the beginning, the writer shows Josie in a soon to be ended relationship with
Josies aspirations reach much farther than that of her families ambitions for her life. It is at this point in time where a classic example of culture clash begins. Josie feels the need to rebel against the stero-typical female in an Italian culture. This determination stems from her education and desire to step away from her Italian life and responsibilities, breaking away not only from her family and their narrow mindedness but also the entire Italian culture. This is a major leap for Josie who aspires to be the first Alibrandi female to take control of her life. This motivation of freedom is strong in Josie and her rebellious ways demonstrate this.
‘In the best monodramas, (…) the audience is offered an intensity of focus and a special intimacy with character’ (Harmer, W., 1996:47) which helps to establish the relatable themes found in both Box the Pony and What is the Matter with Mary Jane?. Despite the contrast of the monodramas, both raise critical topics of survival, inner strength and escape. Yet, the personal and confronting nature of both storylines are tackled in humorous ways removing any sense of pessimism. Box the Pony unearths a journey through the highs and lows of “(…) Aboriginal women, mother, sister, daughter, actor, singer and activist,” (Sheahan-Bright,R., 1996:127) Leah Purcell. In spite of Leah having an arduous upbringing and nearly disastrous adulthood, she sends herself up...
Family is one of those words that have a significant meaning to various individuals. Family may be viewed one way to an individual and another way to someone else. Family consists of those who have played a particular role in one’s life, whether it is positive or negative. In this paper, I will assess Reymundo’s family both nuclear and extended and speak of how his family has become significant in his life and how they have played a role in his decisions. I will also speak of my personal reactions to the story as well as address ways that as a social worker I could work to impact the gang problems in Orlando.
The points that will be discussed to do with the novel I have read called ‘Looking for Alibrandi’ written by Lina Marchetta, will involve me talking about how Josephine Alibrandi being the child of a single mother, Australian, female and being Italian which effects Josephine in all those points. I will be writing about how she copes being a bastard child in an Italian culture and how Josephine’s relationship with her dad is. I will talk about how Josephine being Italian and Australian effects her and why it effects her and I will talk about how Josephine copes being female in an Italian culture and how it effects her personally.
Nina is one of the main characters in this movie and Josie is her best friend. A scene where their friendship is characterized is one where Josie and Nina are riding in a cab. Josie gets upset with Nina (briefly) when she finds out that Nina has had sex with Darius (the other main character) on the first night they went out. The haste in which they have had sex does not bother her as much as the fact that Nina does not tell her. This example is a direct correlation to one of the themes of women?s friendship that intimacy is cultivated through dialogue. This suggest that women build closeness in their friendships dialogue and by Nina not telling, it breaks the code of intimacy in a way. The establishment of a new relationship something like this that is an important part of Nina?s life, and excluding Josie from that is what is troubling her. Even though I do not believe that to be true in this example, that can be argued as a reason Nina doesn?t share.
Before this scene, John and Josie had written letters to each other of their thoughts, with John’s turning out to be a suicide note: “If I could be anything other than what I am, I'd want it tomorrow. If I could be what my father wants me to be, then maybe I'd sty for that too. But if I could be what you want me to be, i would stay. But I am what I am and all I want is freedom.” This clearly shows the theme of belonging and the extreme consequences of youth not feeling like they belong.
In Alice Walker’s story “Everyday Use,” symbolism, allegory, and myth stand out when thinking about the characters, setting, and conflict in the story. The conflict is between the mother and her two daughters (Maggie and Dee). There is also the conflict between the family’s heritage (symbolized by the quilt, bench, and butter chum) and their different ways of life. Dee chose a new African name, moved to the city, and adopted a new way of life while Maggie and her mother have stay behind. The quilt (the most important symbol) represents the family’s heritage in that it is made of scraps of clothing worn by generations of family members. The quilt has been sewn by family hands and used on family beds. It has seen history and is history. Maggie and her mother see that that history is alive but Dee thinks it is as dead as her name. Dee does not see that name as part of her heritage. By analyzing these symbols, a number of possibilities for a theme can be seen. Walker could be suggesting that to understand the African-American heritage, readers have to include the present as well as the past. However, the theme could be that poverty and a lack of sophistication and education cannot be equated with ignorance. Lastly, she could be telling her readers that dignity or self-respect rise from and are virtually connected to one’s entire heritage- not just a selected part of it.
Regretfully, though readers can see how Mama has had a difficult time in being a single mother and raising two daughters, Dee, the oldest daughter, refuses to acknowledge this. For she instead hold the misconception that heritage is simply material or rather artificial and does not lie in ones heart. However, from Mama’s narrations, readers are aware that this cultural tradition does lie within ones heart, especially those of Mama’s and Maggie’s, and that it is the pure foundation over any external definition.
The family dynamics of the household changed throughout the years of Dominic’s childhood. When Dominic was born, we lived in a rural neighborhood apartment that was not completely safe (My Virtual Child). Once Dominic’s sister Alexandra was born, we began saving more money and purchased a house in a safe rural neighborhood. At the end of Dominic’s childhood the household consisted of both parents and two children, Dominic and Alexandra. Throughout his childhood, his uncle stayed a summer and on another occasion a different uncle stayed for a few weeks. Both parents were employed throughout the entire childhood which resulted in placing Dominic in child-care as soon as possible (My Virtual Child).
Since Ma’s kidnapping, seven years prior, she has survived in the shed of her capturer’s backyard. This novel contains literary elements that are not only crucial to the story, but give significance as well. The point-of-view brings a powerful perspective for the audience, while the setting and atmosphere not only affect the characters but evokes emotion and gives the reader a mental picture of their lives, and the impacting theme along-side conflict, both internal and external, are shown throughout the novel. The author chooses to write the novel through the eyes of the main character and narrator, Jack. Jack’s perception of the world is confined to an eleven foot square room.