Like a House on Fire: Essay-> Human strength and dignity during crisis PDF

Preview

Summary

In times of crisis, human strength and dignity often prevail. My own practice essay
4 body paragraphs 1300 words...

Description

In times of crisis, human strength and dignity often prevail Many of the characters in Cate Kennedy's anthology Like a House on Fire encounter extreme challenges, whether it be in relationships, dues to injury or coping with the disappointment of reality. Set against the backdrop of a modern Australian society, the collection explores the notion that when individuals are at crossroads, perseverance often dominates and as a result people are able to work together or develop a new perspective. However, some people are not able to show resilience and are trapped in a cycle. Couples who experience a loss of connection are able to reconnect as long as there is hope. Additionally, maintaining social connections allows individuals to reclaim their dignity that may have been taken advantage of by institutions. Others who experience disadvantage are able to show human strength as long as there is support from the community and a healthy sense of self. Alternatively, when all social connection is lost, or one is mired in delusion, there can be little strength or dignity. (1)Kennedy asserts that injury can often contribute to loss of connection overtime. Yet she presents individuals who are often able to show strength and reconnect when hope is present. For her part, Mrs Slovak in 'Flexion' has lived a life of near invisibility under the thumb of her controlling husband, Frank, who has the temper of a 'rabid dog'. Frank's immobilisation from a farm accident acts as a catalyst for change as if 'the locked strongbox inside has burst open'. Through this metaphor, Kennedy highlights the emotional repression Frank has maintained throughout his life and it is only as he fears death that he allows feelings to emerge. Mrs Slovak admits to feeling shocked at how resigned she is to the prospect of her husband dying- 'it almost seemed their best option' and she is filled with 'supressed, patient hope'. Ultimately, Frank's slow recovery from his accident uncovers a sympathetic side of him as he reveals to Mrs Slovak 'now would be a good time to die', capturing the recognition that her grief has never been given a voice and that he is remorseful for his abuse of her. Correspondingly, Mrs Slovak's act of compassion in the closing lines as she 'places his hand wordlessly, determinedly, over his heart and holds it there', manifests her understanding and forgiveness for his actions and demonstrates her capacity for hope. Mrs Slovak's gesture of reaching out to him to bridge the gap reveals her acknowledgement of the past and their will to work together to recondition their marriage. While the situation remains precarious, Kennedy does indicate that there is a glimmer of hope. Hence, while it can be difficult to connect with others during times of crises, human strength often prevails when there is shared tenacity and trust. (2) Moreover, institutions such as hospitals, which are supposedly places of healing, can lead to alienation and the dehumanisation of their patients but when social connection and empathy are widespread, individuals can still maintain dignity. 'Laminex and Mirrors' follows the journey of an unnamed protagonist as she works at a hospital to save up for a holiday and she befriends an elderly patient, Mr Moreton. Kennedy critiques institutions including hospitals through her characterisation of some of the hospital staff including Matron and Marie who warn the cleaner to not 'fraternise too much with the patients' and to just 'do your work'. These characters are emblematic of the dissociated behaviour between patients and hospital staff, capturing the notion that we lose sight of human experience and do so at times when it is most needed. Unlike many of the staff, the cleaner chooses humanity over her own desires when she lowers Mr Moreton into a bath where he feels 'completely weightless', representing his sense of liberation. Along with this, she ignores the requests of Matron and Marie by taking Mr Moreton out on their veranda so he can smoke a cigarette that he'd held his 'breath' so long for. As the short story ends, Kennedy switches to past tense the narrator revealing, 'this is the one moment I remember from the year I turned eighteen', reflecting the significance of the protagonists relationship with Mr Moreton which has been poignant and significant. Thus, social connections where humanity and compassion are shown, allow individuals to maintain strength under the control of institutions. (3) Many of the characters within the anthology experience disadvantage including both financial and emotional drawbacks but are ultimately able to show human strength, as long as there is a healthy sense of self. In 'Seventy two Derwents' Tyler writes a journal for her teacher Mrs Carlyle which depicts the complicated relationship between her family and her mother's problematic boyfriend, Shane. Tyler's family situation is far from ideal as they struggle emotionally and financially as evidenced by her simple dream of owning 'quality Derwent coloured pencils'. For much of the story, Tyler's mother priorities her relationship with Shane over her relationship with her children as she believes 'having a guy around' makes her children feel ‘safe'. Tyler's mother and Shane are often seen arguing, which emotionally impacts Tyler as she experiences a continual feeling of 'stones' in her stomach. Kennedy's use of the stones is emblematic of Tyler’s physiological reaction to the danger she too young to recognise, signalling her distress. When Tyler's mother tells Shane about her 'Glamour Plushies', he 'laughs' at her and makes her feel worthless. However, when the dolls 'sell out', Tyler's mothers hope rises and she realises she is capable of earning money and developing independence. The plushies are used by Kennedy as a metaphor for Tyler’s mother when she defends her family. Tyler’s mother buries the ‘scissors’ into Shane’s stomach after he threatens Tyler and Tyler observes her mother’s self- confidence when she says it was as ‘someone had come along and put the white dots into her eyes’. The symbolism of ‘the 'white dots’, illustrates that Tyler's mother has woken up from a helpless and vulnerable state. Hence, Kennedy reinforces the notion that Tyler’s mother has begun to value herself, allowing their family to be safe and reconnect with their aunt Jacinta. Despite negative environment Tyler has grown up in and the experience of domestic violence, Kennedy highlights that the essence of characters is communicated through their actions in times of extreme challenge and that it is essential for individuals to have a healthy sense of self. (4) On the other hand, when all social connection is lost, or one is mired in delusion, there can be little strength or dignity Ray in 'Sleepers' is trapped in a cycle of powerlessness as he lacks motivation after his breakup with his ex- Sharon. Through the repetition of the words 'Stop and Slow', Kennedy denotes Ray's stagnant state of mind and that he is like a passenger in his own life. Correspondingly, Ray finds himself in the car 'sitting motionless', which is symbolic of where he is at in his life. The imagery of Steve's son where he smells of 'sweat and energy' juxtaposes Ray's situation as he lacks human strength and ambition. Ray's final observation of the sleepers 'with so much life in (them)', where it just broke your 'heart to see it go to waste ', is ironic as he is unable to see, that his own life has gone to waste. Moreover, the wood of the sleepers represent the protagonist as he has become a 'sleeper' in his own life. Unlike Mr Slovak and Mr Moreton, Ray remains essentially alone. Hence, Kennedy suggests that there is no hope for change and human strength when there is emotional distance and damage between two people. For the most part, during times of crisis, human strength and dignity often prevail when there is a strong sense of hope and optimism. However, when all social connection is lost, individuals are unable to overcome their situation. Thus, Kennedy suggests that it is important for individuals to maintain meaningful connections in order to triumph....