The Progression of Protagonists
All stories have protagonists who are usually in an illusion that creates a fake feeling of happiness which is frequently the cause for conflict with others. When faced with challenges, the character suffers and experiences personal growth. In the story ‘A lamp at noon’ by Sinclair Ross and ‘Boys and Girls’ by Alice Munro, both protagonists found similar and different ways to evolve as a character through identity and suffering and ultimately evolving throughout the story. First, this was evident through the theme of change in identity which was portrayed in both stories but was approached differently by either protagonist. Second, both portrayed a conflict that led to loss of hope but the protagonists dealt with this loss in different means. Finally, the characters wanted to live a respectful life but due to the harsh reality, could not fulfill it.
The theme of change in identity was present in both short stories but was different in how the protagonists approached their identity and grew throughout their journey. In ‘The Lamp at Noon’, Ellen suffered …show more content…
In ‘The Lamp at Noon’ Ellen wanted to live a quality life with a high lifestyle where her family could be safe. This was shown when she said, “ ‘Look at the air he’s breathing. He cries all the time’ ” (Ross, 66). Her baby was exposed to dust which was somewhat toxic and was not safe. Ellen wanted her family to be protected by going to her father’s house in the city where there is an environment that is clean and harmless. Though, Paul wouldn’t leave the farm. He said, “ ‘I told you this morning, Ellen; we keep right where we are… I can’t go…this is where I belong. I can’t do anything else’ ” (Ross, 65). This harsh reality of them staying at the farm destroyed Ellen’s illusion of going to the city where they could have a job and a healthier
All stories have protagonists who are usually in an illusion that creates a fake feeling of happiness which is frequently the cause for conflict with others. When faced with challenges, the character suffers and experiences personal growth. In the story ‘A lamp at noon’ by Sinclair Ross and ‘Boys and Girls’ by Alice Munro, both protagonists found similar and different ways to evolve as a character through identity and suffering and ultimately evolving throughout the story. First, this was evident through the theme of change in identity which was portrayed in both stories but was approached differently by either protagonist. Second, both portrayed a conflict that led to loss of hope but the protagonists dealt with this loss in different means. Finally, the characters wanted to live a respectful life but due to the harsh reality, could not fulfill it.
The theme of change in identity was present in both short stories but was different in how the protagonists approached their identity and grew throughout their journey. In ‘The Lamp at Noon’, Ellen suffered …show more content…
In ‘The Lamp at Noon’ Ellen wanted to live a quality life with a high lifestyle where her family could be safe. This was shown when she said, “ ‘Look at the air he’s breathing. He cries all the time’ ” (Ross, 66). Her baby was exposed to dust which was somewhat toxic and was not safe. Ellen wanted her family to be protected by going to her father’s house in the city where there is an environment that is clean and harmless. Though, Paul wouldn’t leave the farm. He said, “ ‘I told you this morning, Ellen; we keep right where we are… I can’t go…this is where I belong. I can’t do anything else’ ” (Ross, 65). This harsh reality of them staying at the farm destroyed Ellen’s illusion of going to the city where they could have a job and a healthier