The glass roses Essay Example

purposeful" and with "easy strength", Stephen is pressured into striving to be like them, working himself into "aching exhaustion". The more he tries to be like the others, the more certain he is of not becoming a 'man'. At Stephens young age of fifteen, he is slowly becoming aware that he does not fit to the tough and laborious manly image like the rest of the pulp-cutters.

Hence, Stephen is engulfed with doubt, and "[UN]certain of what he [feels", as he has not discovered yet himself.

The assumptions he has about how men should behave due to his influencing environment also obstruct his ability to accept his true, sensitive identity. Supporting characters aid in the pursuit of self-fulfillment. Leak, Stephens Ukrainian friend is significant towards Stephens self discovery. Stephen relates to Leak more than his father, or the other men, Hereford he has a greater influence on how Stephen perceives men.

By being exposed to Leak's memories, his "boyish daydreaming" comes to life.

Although Stephen understands his fascination with Leak's stories are childish, he enjoys the company, as Leak does not speak with "commands or criticism". Due to his friend's experiences and ensuing personality, Stephen is able to maintain a relationship where he is able to escape reality and be enlightened about the world through Leak's eyes. The more time Stephen spends with Leak, the more he is able to express his ambitions of seeing "Poland and France and Italy". Beneficially, the freedom of expression with Leak allows Stephen to understand himself better.

Leak's memories and stories represent the power of imagination and how it turns Stephens hardships of discovering himself into strength. In other

words, Leak's memories help Stephen in pursuing his difficult job and not complying with the expectations that accompany it. Leak's character introduces Stephen to a new type of man; one that is tough due to experiences, yet kind and gentle as a result of them. Due to this new awareness of contrasting sets of beliefs, Stephen begins to express his sensitivity and true self, leading to a life changing moment relating to his self-fulfillment.

The environment, social expectations, and influences of characters, lead to a significant moment in the story that will factor towards Stephens life- changing decision. When Stephens father confronts him about his close relationship with Leak, he faces further confusion and doubt towards the acceptable attitude of men.

For instance, when the "wind striped his back" it represents the change which is becoming the feeling of an "alder switch" signifies that the change is disciplined or is an idea that is forced upon young Stephen.

Therefore, this causes Stephen to be confounded on the type of man he wants to be. The difference between father and son is shown when "his father fidgets" to shake hands and when Stephen is only "half aware of these gestures". As Stephen is accustomed to such gestures, it shows how he is naturally the type of man Leak is. Due to his father's narrow-mindedness, and Leak's compassion, Stephen becomes internally conflicted with whom he should follow and become. Hence, Stephen "[hesitates]" before awaking Leak, yet the fact he still reaches out to him, portrays how Stephens kind nature overcomes him.

Despite this, Stephens fate is uncertain, emphasizing the difficult journey it will be in finding and

fulfilling himself. Clearly this life- changing moment had a major impact on how Stephens new perspective on 'real men' will influence his future decision. Hence, one's exposed environment, influences, and expectations determine how the pursuit of self-fulfillment will affect the hardships one may encounter. Clearly, these factors influence the shaping of one's character and nature.

Perhaps if society viewed differences as something beautiful and unique, like glass roses, the journey to self-fulfillment would be much easier to achieve.