Graffiti Moon essay

'Graffiti Moon', written by Cath Crowley, is a modern novel following the journey of two adolescent protagonists. The novel is based in Melbourne and is easily divulged over the span of one night, due to Crowley's imaginative descriptions. The story is embodied through three perceptions, giving us a deeper and more intimate insight into the characters and their personalities. It is exposed that art serves as an escape for several characters in the novel, all to varying extents. In contrast art has the ability to trap and encase characters. Ed Skye is entwined with personal complexities; however art is a strong outlet for him to release struggles. In contrast, it is revealed how art also has damaging effects on Ed. The character Leo Green is presented with a challenging and unstable background, however art and creativity allow him to flee from these difficulties. Lucy Dervish has struggles that she relates through Ed and Leo's artworks that are plastered throughout the city. Cath Crowley thoroughly incorporates art throughout 'Graffiti Moon' and clearly states it as a tool to escape troubles for the characters.

• Ed has problems but art allows his to escape • QUOTE \"Left a dad shaped hole in the wall.\" • Does not understand school and little self-worth • QUOTE \"I'm just an unemployed graffiti artist.\" • Releases emotions and expresses feelings with method he understands • QUOTE \"Brain off, hands on\" • Graffiti is used to a vast extent • Lures him into unstable lifestyle

Art is important but is bad • Wandering streets and illustrating in illegal areas... QUOTE \"looking for cops\" trying to release • No recognition self-image concerns • No school and loss of Bert trap at paint store • Leave him behind QUOTE \"you are going to do something else right?\" • Graffiti stops new goals Art has negative and positive results

• Challenged background escapes through poetry • Shows his life QUOTE • View from another perspective • Imagination and heart connect QUOTE • Shows mature outlook on scenarios • Uses art deeply to enlighten others and escape

• Completes art as passion, escapes through others art • Family complications and lack of love QUOTE • Does art for passion • Parents encourage QUOTE (explain deeper) • Lucy relates to Ed and Leo's art QUOTE (explain deeper connects, escapes) • Lucy uses art broadly for stress, connection and passion.

Graffiti Moon is a thoroughly enjoyable read, entwining complex lives of several characters. Art is comprehensively used throughout the novel used as a point of release, passion, escape and entrapment for the characters. The author heavily symbolises art as a utility that all characters can take advantage for their requirements throughout the novel.

'It is revealed that art has a heavy effect on several characters in the novel. It provides passion, release, escape from difficulties and has the ability to trap them.'