That Eye The Sky Analysis

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In the novel ‘That Eye, the sky’ Winton’s male and female characters all have strengths and weaknesses, but the strength of women outweighs the strength of men.

The text, ‘That Eye, The Sky’, written by Tim Winton, explores strengths and weaknesses of characters when faced with family issues. The novel is written in first person, narrated by main protagonist, Ort. The plot encompasses the life of Ort, his mother – Alice and family helper, Henry. These characters all show strengths, however, some are clearly stronger than others. Commonly used by Winton, is the practice of symbolism and allusions, allowing the reader to understand the characters from an in-depth, empathetic aspect. Similarly, the style of first person narrative, also allows
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Alice is the mother of the main protagonist Ort, and is an influential character. The author uses symbolism to describe Alice’s purity and wholeheartedness by alluding to her hair as being the “colour of white wood” (pg. 7). Alice’s strong-willed nature, attributes to her attitude with her children, making sure they “hop inside and do [their] homework” (pg. 3), and “never [miss] a day” (pg. 7) of school. When she finds out about her husband’s “ute… pushed back on itself” (pg. 6), she makes sure Ort, her son is with her, and Tegwyn, her daughter is “at home looking after Grammar” (pg. 6). Her constant consideration for her children, even in hard situations, makes it evident that they are her first priority, reiterating her strength and devotion. Winton’s characterisation of Alice places her as a supportive figure, comforting Ort, reassuring that “dad [is] going to be alright” (pg. 50) and that she “won’t let him not be” (pg. 50) The support of Alice and her unconditional love is highlighted, despite Tegwyn’s constant attempts to dismantle her mother, she “grabs her and her arms go around her so you can hear the air coming out of Tegwyn… she [squeezes].” (pg. 104) This care is further explored when “[she] says… ‘I love you’” (pg. 104). By the examples stated above, Alice’s weaknesses are clearly overshadowed by her perseverance and

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