First-person Narrative and Destroying Avalon

Tuesday, 5 March 2013 Themes in Destroying Avalon 1. Define the term theme. * central message portrayed/explored by the composer in any body of work. * Composers intended message. Theme Elaboration Evidence (technique) Explanation Link to social go away The negative influence of social hierarchy Unequal distribution of power determines status, whether it be in a group or society. (Pg 48)Alice and the bitches formula the school A group B group relatively friendly bunch considered cool C groups freaks and retards Z group weirdos and queeros (pg 40)- Accumulation (listing)-Connotations In the novel Destroying Avalon, McCaffrey positions Westerley High as a microcosm for greater social contrast within society.This is clearly evident in the opening sequence of the novel when Marshall, through accumulation of groups and sub groups poignantly outlines the existing social hierarchy Alice and the bitches rule the school A group B group relatively friendly bunch considered cool C g roups freaks and retards Z group weirdos and queeros. Here, McCaffreys careful use of diction highlights how language stigmatizes individuals. A come across example is the connotations of the word queeros which affects both Marshall and Tamara, though Marshall more drastically, who eventually falls into picture followed by suicide. Youth depression Bullying isolation and alienation Those who are viewed as different by their peers are ostracised and excluded from their social groups. (pg 53)Well our team is really dependable. And Alice is the captain, so if you know whats good for you, you aptitude want to leave now. -threatening tone(pg 45)A What position do you play? Av Anywhere goal attack shooter, centre, whatever A you can be the wing exoneration Av I might as well have sat on the bench no one passed me the ball-dialogue/direct speech-Tone-Connotation(pg 44)It really dysphoric me I wasnt sure what reason anyone would have not to like me.I hadnt done anything wro ng- though it felt everything I did was wrong. Why dont they like me? Use of first-person The novel demonstrates the isolation and alienation of several characters. Many people are ostracised by their peers and usually this leads to sever depression. McCaffrey uses this isolation of the protagonist, Avalon to give a first person point of view on what really happens to someone when they are alienated from a group or bullied by others. It really unbalanced me I wasnt sure what reason anyone would have not to like me.I hadnt done anything wrong- though it felt everything I did was wrong. Why dont they like me? The continuous use of the first person language is to make the responder realise the different thoughts that the character is going through and how the issue of depression begins to kick in. The tone of the antagonists really highlights the way they incessantly condemn and undermine others. During their hockey tryouts the threatening tone of Courtney is shown when she tells Ava lon that our team is really good, and Alice is captain, so if you know whats good for you, you might want to leave now. The use of if you know whats good for you in macrocosm is telling her that she is positioned under Alice and the bitches in terms of a hierarchical system. It and then goes on to say you might want to leave now indicating that no matter how hard she tries to fit in Avalon will always be chevvy and discriminated against. This build up of thoughts, anger and depression is a toxic mix as we see eventually Avalon snaps and she loses Marshall who is one of her most dearest friends to suicide. distinction Bullying Harassment The misuse of technology Importance of friends and family Technology is used for malevolent and devious acts that have fatal consequences. The influence of family and friends can often brook people with helpful information. (117)If only I had done moreMarshalls mother But he did find comfort in his friends The use of technology hinders the rea lity of many characters in the novel. McCaffrey demonstrates how the internet is a place that can change a persons real personalities into a disturbing contradiction.Throughout the novel the victims who suffer from bullying ceaselessly are to be comforted by friends, who play an integral part in their fight against bullying. Once the loss of Marshall became evident his mother depressingly said if only I had done more not only did Marshalls mother know about what was going on, she did not what do inflict vilify on Marshall by telling teachers. Later at Marshalls funeral we learn the importance and comfort friends give to him but he found comfort in his friends shows how important his friends were during his time of despair.