Tom Brennan Analysis Essay Example

feeling she could not experience the world properly unless she was able to get surgery. A symbol of Lin hiding away from the world is the Shawl and hat she wears and refuses to leave the house without.

Back to Tom, the main change that elps him enter the 'broader world' Is a more painful one. Although Tom is appalled when he learns his sister, Kylie has revealed their secret; he Is ultimately In many ways released. Tom's friends, Rory and Jimmy explain that Kylie has given a speech In which she explains why the family has come to Coghlll. At first Tom Is distraught. HIS physical reactions show the extent of the emotion felt, with quotes, "l felt the knot snap, my guts landing at my feet" and "l was suffocating Inside my own body'.However, Brendan's calming Influence helps Tom to realise that Coghlll Is a very ill change now their secret Is out.

Tom quickly realises this Is true. He acknowledges, "l felt lighter. I no longer had the burden of carrying a secret". The metaphorical reference to 'lighter' and the release of a 'burden' denoting the ongoing pain he had been suffering.

Fortunately, Lln Is also able to break free of the pain she has suffered through her whole life. With support, she Is finally able to face the world. Katie, a girl Inspired by Lin's story, encourages her to get surgery.Beforehand Lin Is frightened; "l want to see Katie" so Katie comes In and helps her take off the hat nd shawl that has covered her face over the years. She then holds her hand throughout the surgery. Afterwards I-ln Is Instantly

released from the birth defect and the consequences It once had on her life, at last able to move forward Into the world.

One step back, Tom Is grasped In his orlglnal state. At the beginning of the novel Tom shies away from the world, displaying his Inablllty to deal with his situation. The protagonist uses metaphors of a cave and darkness to explain how he in Coghill. named it the cave cause' it was so brown and dark. At least it was cool in ere".

Tom often finds himself wishing "he could crawl back into the cave". The metaphorical reference to a cave denotes Tom's desire to retreat from the harsh reality of his existence. In the metaphorical reference "l curled myself into a little ball, hid my head in my knees and let the darkness suck me deep into its belly' the darkness is personified to highlight it's power and Tom's opposing powerlessness in taking control of his life. Fortunately through encouragement the protagonist is able to take on a 'brighter' path.By Brendan promoting active exercises, Tom is able to rag himself out of his pit and grow in body and mind.

The running proves to be therapeutic for Tom, which he recognises as he describes the following simile, "I'd zone out, the weight of my thoughts shredding with each kilometre, like layers of skin onto the track, leaving an empty shell". One can see that he is shredding the pain and burdens of the past and moving into the new world a new person. The symbol, 'The ascent' is the name the Brennan's gave to Coghill's steep climb. The hill becomes a part

of Tom and Brendan's runs.His literal struggle to reach the top of the ountain is used by Burke to symbolise and mirror his inability to get on top of his emotional struggles. Eventually Tom reaches the top of the ascent during a run with Brendan "without even realising".

This symbolises that his personal growth and movement into the world has been a natural progression. Through both texts, it has been known that the experience of moving into the world may present obstacles but also extend individual freedom. Tom Brennan was able to move into the world through mentors Kylie and Brendan whilst Lin was supported by Katie.