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Tom Brennan Essay

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The experience of moving into the world can challenge individuals attitudes and beliefs. Into the world explores the aspects of growth, transition and change. The novel ' The Story of Tom Brennan' by J.C Burke explores the different ways individuals grow when they are taken out of their comfort zones and venture into new experiences. This concept is also conveyed within the song 'Fast Car' By Tracy Chapman and the film 'Charlie st Cloud' Directed by Burr Steers. 'The Story of Tom Brennan' follows the lives of the Brennan family after the events of a fatal car accident, it shows how Tom the protagonist struggles to cope with his past, similarly the song 'Fast Car' is a representation of an escape, a women seeking to flee a life she finds …show more content…

Her changing hairstyle is also representative of her fear and difficulty in facing challenges as they lie ahead. The film Charlie st Cloud directed by Burr Steer, deals with a tragedy similar to the catalyst for change found in Burkes novel. This film explores the perspective if the protagonist Charlie who is involved in a fatal car crash resulting in the death of his younger brother Sam. Gripped by remorse, guilt and fear Charlie abandons his future dreams and becomes the care taker of the waterside cemetery, leaving his friends and future at collage behind. he is tied to the cemetery via the ghostly appearances of his brother Sam, and friends that have ventured into the world and passed away. Charlies fear and withdrawal is evident when the recurring shots of his now abandoned sailing boat is juxtaposed with the possibilities of Charlie changing his life and moving into the world. the boat becomes a symbolic motif for Charlies fear and guilt. Whilst in Burke’s novel the 'hill' becomes a symbolic motive for facing fears and challenges. Facing transitions and dealing with dramatic change has a influencing aspect on family and personal relationships, through the text we see the dynamics of relationships and roles of family shift to meet the needs of each individual as they face the challenge of moving in to the world before them. the manner in which the various members of the Brennan family relate to each other, as well as the horrible

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