Tom Brennan Essay

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Experienced writers produce texts in an ongoing interaction and conversation with an imaginary audience that the writer writes for. A striking example of this was published in 2005, "The Story of Tom Brennan", an Australian young adult novel by J. C. Burke and awarded the title of book of the year for older readers by the Children's Book Council of Australia. The novel unfolds the difficult journey of the 17-year-old rugby-prodigy protagonist Tom Brennan, and delves into the components of a contemporary Australian society, centering on the difficulties adolescents face. Through the adept use of language and structural devices, the narrative not only identifies the insightful ideas about the challenges, but also sheds light on the potential …show more content…
The visual imagery in "As Brendan made the turn into Coghill, I felt happy to be back" vividly illustrates Tom's emotional state upon returning to the familiar streets of Coghill, highlighting Tom's transition in connecting to the community. Tom finds a sense of identity and belonging with the boys from St. Benedict's through rugby, saying, "I'd meant it when I said that Bennie's fellas were okay. They were the top blokes. They know how to have a laugh and not take things seriously." The use of truncated sentences and colloquial language reflects Tom's evolving friendship with the boys from St. Benedict's, showing how these supportive relationships serve as coping mechanisms for him to overcome his past in Mumbilli. Symbolism of hills represent Tom's struggle and journey throughout the novel, “We’d reached the top of the ascent”. Reaching the top of the ascent symbolises his growth and triumph over the challenges he has faced, exemplifying that he has risen above his difficulties and confronted his past. The temporal reference "for the first time" displays Tom's transition into his new team, portraying his excitement for a fresh start. This phrase encapsulates Tom's anticipation of new beginnings, confirming his departure from the past and his eagerness to embrace change. Character development is crucial in the novel, exemplified by Kylie's action of …show more content…
Tom's frustration of how slow everything and everyone is, causes him to state, “I guess I was getting impatient. Maybe that was a good sign”. This metaphoric sentiment suggests a yearning to flee from past events, signaling a desire for a chance at redemption. Tom's willingness to confront his past marks a crucial step towards his journey of healing and renewal. During dinnertime at the footy camp, Tom, Brendan, Jonny, and Chrissy engage in a conversation about Chrissy's relationship with Davin. By characterizing Davin as “an obstacle”, the metaphor implies that overcoming him is essential for Tom, representing a positive transition in Tom's perspective that indicates a newfound emphasis on relationships and love. Later on, Mum manages to get out of her bed and, with the assistance of Tom and Kylie, prepares breakfast, “it was the most she'd cooked in ages." This moment marks a notable milestone in Mum's journey towards recovery. The hyperbolic statement emphasises Mum's positive transition since the incident, especially considering her previous struggles to even leave her bed or tend to her basic hygiene needs. Moreover, the passionate tone in, "Today I kissed Chrissy Tulake, I felt like Tom Brennan", Burke effectively communicates the depth of Tom's emotional journey and the significance of his bond with

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