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Analysis Of Neal Shusterman's Unwind

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There is a saying that goes: “When we acknowledge the value in every human life and witness such, we thrive and succeed and protect one another” (Invisible Children). The value in life is a prospect that should not be suppressed, even in times of hardship. Conveying this message through literary elements can be tough at times, therefore leaving the theme unclear. Neal Shusterman’s Unwind counters this standard by using character development as a means of portrayal. Shusterman’s main character, Connor, adapts realistically to a situation where the safety of his life must come first, consequently illustrating a change from impulsive to reflective. Additionally, the conflict in Unwind that Connor encounters plays a role in compelling him…show more content…
This describes the impulsive attitude Connor has in times of difficulty, but also shows the beginning of his development to intelligence. He evidently understands life is what is most important, unlike getting involved in a fight. Subsequently, after Roland almost rapes Risa, Connor finally expresses his fully advanced character. To Risa, he explains why defending her is a terrible move to make because he realizes that Roland “‘wanted [Connor] to catch him’” and “‘make [Connor] crazy’”, consequently proving his intellect when he “‘didn’t take the bait’” (Shusterman, 152). In this moment, it is clear to see how Connor is maturing from impulsive and bold, to calculating and clever. Evidently, even in the various circumstances he faces, Connor’s motive towards his development from impulse to rationality remains the same; to protect his and other Unwind’s lives, who are being unfairly taken by the government. Thus, it is clear to see that Shusterman’s character development further enhances the novel’s theme in the value of surviving. Although this adaptation takes place, the development that Connor experiences, or that any of the other characters experience, all stem from their conflicts. The central conflict in the story has a large part to play in influencing the development experienced by Connor, which consequently reveals the theme; that in rough situations, life is worth the fight. In this case, the conflict between the societal law of
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