The Outcast Essay Example

teasing as a means of integration is prevalent among the characters. Huggan portrays fear and mischief in almost every character. The parents of Elizabeth are well-characterized, showing the pressure of fitting in with the majority as a typical trait among the bourgeois.

Their actions were driven by a sense of obligation rather than genuine parenthood. Their motivation stemmed from a belief in doing what was morally upright:

"..."

The parents were embittered by their own shame, causing them to hit my buttocks with a vengeance, more for personal retribution than rehabilitation. I will forever feel humiliated on this street. The entire story depicts Elizabeth's parents as lacking empathy and compassion, only concerned with their public image and reputation.

Concealed beneath apparent simplicity lies a powerful anxiety and anguish of being ostracized, which is accentuated by the extensive and successful utilization of irony in the narrative. Despite their vigorous fight for acceptance within society, love and comprehension are scarce for the characters searching for a sense of belonging. One can envision a jovial and affectionate milieu when imagining a group of children walking home, but often neglects to see the grimmer side of things.

Despite the expectation of a happy ending for Celia and Elizabeth in the group, Huggan reveals a harsh reality. Instead of love, it is alienation that unites them. Huggan exposes the ugly and heartless side of their bond. "You just remember every word I said," she says, ignoring my previous words. "And if I witness another snowball being thrown at her, by you or anyone else, I'll come out there and spank you in front of everyone".

The most ironic figure in the story

is Elizabeth's mother, despite attempting to establish her righteous status in society by protecting Celia from being teased. In reality, she only cares about herself and uses verbal threats when speaking to Elizabeth. These threats are not effective as they offer no understanding and only serve to further fuel Elizabeth's confusion and resentment towards her mother. Towards the end of the story, there is a striking verbal irony when referring to the "heroic" people who took care of Celia. It is difficult to believe that these same people are the ones who pushed both Celia and Elizabeth away from social acceptance.

The story is a satire highlighting the great divide between love and reality, and the idea that one cannot evade societal limitations. Huggan employs vivid and menacing images to evoke an emotional response in readers. For instance, the "chocolate-tongued mob" bursts into wild laughter as they turn their backs on the narrator, who is left with bits of foil. This powerful image highlights how society often accepts people who victimize others.

Victimization brings about feelings of grievance, sorrow, horror, fear, distress, and harm. Isabelle Huggan effectively encourages us to examine the painful consequences of societal and psychological restrictions as we strive for acceptance and a sense of belonging. This is accomplished through a sensitive and straightforward first-person retrospective narrative, perceptive characterizations, extensive use of irony, and captivating imagery.