Hard work and determination are factors that influence compulsions of fulfilment in life. Compulsions, when intertwined with relationships provide an individual with a better understanding of oneself, due to the nature in which they come out as relationships grow. In The other side of the Bridge, Mary Lawson displays this central aspect of Ian 's relationships as compulsions that overtake his emotional and physical state which eventually better his understanding of himself as an individual. Ian’s relationship with Laura conveys what true affection and nurturing is, emulated through her family, and his relationship with Jake and Arthur representing how brute jealousy can be a formidable bond; in addition, to his parents that reflect his comprehension
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Ian attributes the happiness of the Dunn’s family to Laura who keeps the bond between the family shown by her unconditional care for her children and her husband; although, this layer of affection is truly understood by Ian later on. Ian recognizes the significance of affection towards one another and shapes his view towards how/what it means to love someone. Ian’s affection towards Laura starts from their church meetings, eventually leading him to take up a job at the Dunn’s farm just to be closer to her. Ian thinks, “If he had thought about it properly, Ian would have realized that working on the Dunn’s farm was not going to bring him all that close to Laura Dunn. Closer to Arthur, yes, but that wasn’t what he’d had in mind.” (Lawson 52). Ian’s intentions towards Laura are based on his view of her. He loved the aspect of her soo much that he had taken up a job that he had no clue kept him away from the very person he wanted to be near. This showcases the pure determination of affection Ian has for Laura. These factors reinforce the compulsions Ian has towards his fictitious relationship with Laura. This currently reveals the emotional side of Ian and how his actions/decision that he takes are through this appeasement of emotion. Ian compares his …show more content…
This recognition of jealously enables Ian to realize his misunderstandings of Laura, Jake and Arthur; this is to say, that his new viewpoints are against them. During Arthur’s childhood as Jake was born he mentions how he was his shield and protector out of pure obligation. “The day Jake took his first step, Arthur was formally recruited to the battle against the forces of fate. [...] He already knew that his mother’s happiness depended on Jake’s well-being.” (Lawson 34). Jake’s birth within this story is quite significant to brotherly bond between Arthur and Jake and by extension Ian. Arthur mentions that Jake 's birth took away his mother’s affection towards him, by the fact that to keep her content and stress free he needed to maintain the health of Jake and it seemed she favoured him over Arthur. This Jealously between the brothers can be translated into the events that occurred while Jake came to visit Arthur and Laura since he last met them. This triggered a jealously response from Ian’s point of view about him getting too close to Laura. This showcases a trait among Ian that he learns about himself, as he was not threatened by Arthur 's presence with Laura. In both cases Jake is in favour of the affection. This ties back into Ian 's affection towards Laura and how this subjective perspective influences his
Ian attributes the happiness of the Dunn’s family to Laura who keeps the bond between the family shown by her unconditional care for her children and her husband; although, this layer of affection is truly understood by Ian later on. Ian recognizes the significance of affection towards one another and shapes his view towards how/what it means to love someone. Ian’s affection towards Laura starts from their church meetings, eventually leading him to take up a job at the Dunn’s farm just to be closer to her. Ian thinks, “If he had thought about it properly, Ian would have realized that working on the Dunn’s farm was not going to bring him all that close to Laura Dunn. Closer to Arthur, yes, but that wasn’t what he’d had in mind.” (Lawson 52). Ian’s intentions towards Laura are based on his view of her. He loved the aspect of her soo much that he had taken up a job that he had no clue kept him away from the very person he wanted to be near. This showcases the pure determination of affection Ian has for Laura. These factors reinforce the compulsions Ian has towards his fictitious relationship with Laura. This currently reveals the emotional side of Ian and how his actions/decision that he takes are through this appeasement of emotion. Ian compares his …show more content…
This recognition of jealously enables Ian to realize his misunderstandings of Laura, Jake and Arthur; this is to say, that his new viewpoints are against them. During Arthur’s childhood as Jake was born he mentions how he was his shield and protector out of pure obligation. “The day Jake took his first step, Arthur was formally recruited to the battle against the forces of fate. [...] He already knew that his mother’s happiness depended on Jake’s well-being.” (Lawson 34). Jake’s birth within this story is quite significant to brotherly bond between Arthur and Jake and by extension Ian. Arthur mentions that Jake 's birth took away his mother’s affection towards him, by the fact that to keep her content and stress free he needed to maintain the health of Jake and it seemed she favoured him over Arthur. This Jealously between the brothers can be translated into the events that occurred while Jake came to visit Arthur and Laura since he last met them. This triggered a jealously response from Ian’s point of view about him getting too close to Laura. This showcases a trait among Ian that he learns about himself, as he was not threatened by Arthur 's presence with Laura. In both cases Jake is in favour of the affection. This ties back into Ian 's affection towards Laura and how this subjective perspective influences his