Letting Go is written in creative narrative form with elements of realism. The general setting of the short story is in the mind of the character of Harlan’s wife. This was chosen as a means to reflect the oppressive nature of some males. The predatory archetype of the men in the 1990s is emphasised. The contemplative nature of the character explores varying emotions and the strength of compassion. The purpose of this story is to highlight that abuse is prevalent in and at any time and has the ability to control the lives of females even after their freedom.
The narrative initiates in the 1st person to emphasise the contemplative nature of the mind. A colloquial tone is utilised in conjunction with highly emotive language and imagery: “pool …show more content…
The perspective of his wife brings forth more confrontational events compared to another silent character: Lena, the barmaid. Symbolism is used in the form of the shattered wedding photo thrown by Harlan to represent a broken marriage. Photos are also utilised in Thelma & Louise to demonstrate the happier moments in life, however, they can be a facade. The symbol of blood is also utilised to link Thelma and Harlan’s wife as Harlan as abused them both and has left them with blood. The motif of violence demonstrated throughout the short story, “bruises, cuts and scrapes” and “the first punch” is a reference to the violence sustained by Thelma. Another intertextual link to Thelma is displayed in the short story when Harlan’s wife “open[s]…old whisky and pour[s]…a generous glass” and her subsequent inebriation relates to Thelma’s excessive drinking to escape from the trauma caused by Harlan. The predatory archetype of Harlan “like a wolf stalking his …show more content…
Young adults may be able to relate to the opening of the story as it recounts the giddy feelings of a teenager in love, “He was my ideal man, which why when he asked me to be his girlfriend during our spring break, I said yes”. On the other hand, adults will be able to relate to the nostalgia of this. Both age groups will appreciate the complexities of a relationship and sympathise with the hardship of a woman facing abuse with a judgemental society as shown in the quotes, “We just don't live in that kind of world” and “I couldn't tell anyone about the
The narrative initiates in the 1st person to emphasise the contemplative nature of the mind. A colloquial tone is utilised in conjunction with highly emotive language and imagery: “pool …show more content…
The perspective of his wife brings forth more confrontational events compared to another silent character: Lena, the barmaid. Symbolism is used in the form of the shattered wedding photo thrown by Harlan to represent a broken marriage. Photos are also utilised in Thelma & Louise to demonstrate the happier moments in life, however, they can be a facade. The symbol of blood is also utilised to link Thelma and Harlan’s wife as Harlan as abused them both and has left them with blood. The motif of violence demonstrated throughout the short story, “bruises, cuts and scrapes” and “the first punch” is a reference to the violence sustained by Thelma. Another intertextual link to Thelma is displayed in the short story when Harlan’s wife “open[s]…old whisky and pour[s]…a generous glass” and her subsequent inebriation relates to Thelma’s excessive drinking to escape from the trauma caused by Harlan. The predatory archetype of Harlan “like a wolf stalking his …show more content…
Young adults may be able to relate to the opening of the story as it recounts the giddy feelings of a teenager in love, “He was my ideal man, which why when he asked me to be his girlfriend during our spring break, I said yes”. On the other hand, adults will be able to relate to the nostalgia of this. Both age groups will appreciate the complexities of a relationship and sympathise with the hardship of a woman facing abuse with a judgemental society as shown in the quotes, “We just don't live in that kind of world” and “I couldn't tell anyone about the