Creative writing and thematic analysis (identity/conflict)/whose reality): based on people stories: Two of Us
The Age writer and social commentator Hugh Mackay believes that “we are defined more by our interdependence than our independence”. This statement alludes to the fact that the groups to which we belong have a big impact upon our quality of life and our sense of self. Evidently if we enjoy positive and supportive relationships, then these relationships help us develop emotionally and intellectually.
Conversely, relationships can also stifle our personal development and cause unhappiness. Accordingly, how we negotiate our differences with others will have a big impact upon our sense of identity.
As Andrew Solomon (author of Far from the Tree) notes, the way parents negotiate differences is critical to family relationships, and “even if they’re very diverse differences, that negotiation of differences is a central part of how parents and children develop a relationship to each other.”
Referring to the following stories as featured in Two of Us, comment on how each individual negotiates their differences and the impact of this process on their personal growth.
Judy and Tim Sharp (Two of Us, The Good Weekend, 9/11/13)
- Analyse Judy and Tim’s relationship. Include reference to:
- Judy’s reaction to the doctor’s advice
- Judy’s support for Tim’s artistic pursuits
- the fact that Tim’s autistic world view is apparent in his paintings; how has he used this to advantage?
Brad and Pam Connolly (Two of us by Robyn Doreian (14/2/15)
- Brad’s reaction to his tragedy and his encounter with death
the choices he makes and why - how he copes with his altered body image; his relationship with his family
- what he sees as advantages and disadvantages
Click here to see a typical analysis
