Bridge to a Wisemans Cove Analytical Essay free essay sample

The author utilises the shop as an unwelcoming place to demonstrate an overview of the possible beginning of Carl’s new life. In this quote, â€Å"Not taking any responsibility† (page 13), Moloney uses Mr Nugent’s grumpiness to demonstrate how unwanted Carl in Wattle Beach would be. James Moloney made use of characterisation to construct Carl’s psychological and emotional state throughout his journey. He shaped him as obese, a person that comes from a dysfunctional family and an outcast. Carl’s physical appearance and family background, portrayed by Moloney, affected him psychologically. When Carl is offered a job on the barge, this gives him an opportunity to change his negative body image. â€Å"He was ashamed of his fleshy bulges†¦ only solitary human being† (page 23 and 37). Carl’s outward appearance influences his self-perception, thus moulding him into a self-conscious young man which in time he would learn to overcome. On the other hand, the author characterises Harley as wild, a rascal and badly behaved. We will write a custom essay sample on Bridge to a Wisemans Cove Analytical Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page â€Å"†¦pinched†¦ spray cans†¦ covered†¦ town in graffiti†¦ don’t need anyone† (page 91-93). Moloney created Harley in this way, so Carl would feel that it’s his responsibility to protect him and keep him out of trouble. Carl needed to become Harley’s protector, following and keeping an eye on him. This also shows Carl’s devotion towards Harley which culminated when Harley was lost at sea. He now understands how strong a family connection is. Similarly, Joy Duncan is characterised as caring, nice, fair and the ‘bridge’ to Carl’s self-discovery by the author. â€Å"Joy Duncan sticking up for a Matt†¦ The world’s gone crazy† (page 85). Although Carl’s grandfather killed Joy’s son, Joy continues to extend her love for Carl. This brings Carl into realisation that someone actually loved him. He then was able to reconcile his feelings about his mother. When Joy discovered that Carl’s mother was in facet returning home, prior to the accident, she is able to console Carl and again offer her love. The author uses symbolism to the novel to illustrate Carl’s emotional and psychological journey. The osprey is a symbol for both of their development through life’s hardships. â€Å"I’m like the osprey†¦ couldn’t get off the ground because the pain was too much† (page 230). James Moloney symbolises the bird’s fight for freedom to represent what Carl experiences. Both suffer physically and emotionally. When the bird is set free, it is Joy who remarks â€Å"†¦It must be great† (page 193). This quote by her is meant to be about Carl and his ongoing journey. The barge is a metaphorical element that Moloney created, which embodies the relationship that Carl developed within his journey. This helped him overcome his feeling of abandonment and rejection from his mother and sister because now, he no longer feels like he doesn’t belong and everyone in Wattle Beach now desire to be him. ‘barge†¦ trips†¦ journey†¦ to the island’ (page 71). A barge shifts cars from one place to another, likewise, his new found friendship assisted him to shift into a confident young man. The transition from Carl’s colourless life, towards the accepted, idolised and cherished Carl, symbolises the bridge. The bridge similar to the barge allows Carl to move forward accepting his continuous change in his physical and emotional lifestyle. ‘A Bridge at Last’ (page 216). The hunger for being valued and welcome is similar to their eagerness for the bridge. The â€Å"bridge† is designed as the catalyst for Carl’s alteration by the author. James Moloney used a variety of literary devices to finalize his novel. To demonstrate Carl’s emotional and psychological changes, he used the techniques setting, characterisation and symbolism. Moloney crafted Carl as a wimpy, self-conscious and a loner initially. As the novel progresses, Carl slowly matures into the confident, sociable and friendly young man. Carl’s new friends, the barge and the admiration and love offered to Carl triggered Carl’s transformation of himself. ‘Carl opened up†¦ letting go and feeling a freedom flood into him. The tears he craved welled in his eyes†¦ he knew at last that he was alive’ (page 241).