Literature- The Part That You Like The Most

The magnificently written novel, 'Step by Wicked Step' written by Anne Fine, has its ups and down throughout the story that instantly enraptured me and earned my liking for it, I personally think that the most outstanding part in this novel is the tear-inducing sentimental moment in Richard's story. I have mixed feelings about this part, because there are certain sentences in the letter that has the potential to make me chuckle with glee but also tear up.

Firstly, I was elated at the part when Charlotte mentioned in her letter that Mr.Coldstone died of fury when he found out that Richard is the owner of Old Harwick Hall. I felt that Mr.Coldstone did not deserve the title of the owner of Old Hardwick Hall, because he only married Richard's mother for her wealth and not sincere love. He knew Richard's mother was lonely and needed a shoulder to lean on so he took advantage of her during her point of weakness to marry her. Like Richard had said, 'the black, black bat crept up on my mother and trapped her as surely as if he'd thrown a net on her (PG19 P1) Mr.Coldstone was unwilling to spend another penny on the search for Richard, and he threatened to abuse Lilith for doing so. His harsh words still linger in Charlotte's mind as she illustrated her letter forwarded to Richard. 'Lilith! Waste more of your dwindling fortune on this folly and I will make you pay it for twice over!' (PG 27 P2)

In my most humble opinion, I personally feel emotionally stirred by the plot where the writer revealed that Richard Clayton Hardwick returned to his home twice. “I stood like a trespasser in the shadow of the lime walk and watched the house. (PG 26, P1) He had the golden opportunity to return home and make up for lost time but he chose to escape reality once again. By doing so, he would forever be alone. This was the price he paid for running away. “I crept away, back to sea where fortune shone on me even through storms and shipwrecks.(PG 26, P4) He faced the dilemma of having to choose his path in life after reading the letter. “I have to choose whether to stay and face the damage I have done”. As an avid reader, I had expected him to return home and save his mother and sister from their misery, but his unexpected decision proved my expectations wrong. This extreme plot twist was heart rending and tugged at my heartstrings.

   In a nutshell, Richard’s story stood out the most compared to the rest of the characters in this novel which really grabbed my attention relentlessly. I like that Anne Fine took a risk to write the plot twists in Richard’s story because the risk definitely paid off, although It could either make or break the whole story. Though sad at times, Anne’s brilliantly crafted story managed to pull it off beautifully.

Literature- How A Character Has Changed Due to Certain Events That Have Taken Place In His/Her Life

Based on the novel, Step by Wicked Step, by Anne Fine, the character that I feel has changed due to certain events that have taken place in his life is Colin. Colin used to love life with his stepfather. He remembered every little detail about his stepfather, from him rolling his own cigarettes out of tobacco in a tin, down to the silver patches of hair over his ears. After Colin's mother brought Colin with her to a completely foreign neighbourhood, Colin's character changed drastically.

   Firstly, Colin changed into a very unhappy and lonely boy after moving away from his stepfather, He had to join a new school where everyone had friends already. He had to go through an unpleasant experience in his new school, he got ignored by the students in school. Nobody bothered with me. His mother, however, found a new job and was constantly busy with her daily routine that she did not bother about Colin. This made Colin miss his stepfather all the more, because he used to be able to confide in Jack about his troubles. It wasn't how it used to be with Dad. It is evident that Colin had transformed from a loving boy to a very lonely boy after the move.

   Secondly, Colin became a dreamy boy, which caused him to have less focus in class till he did badly in school. The main reason for this was due to him missing his stepfather very much. Every night, he would take the tobacco tin out of the toe of his boot and put it under his pillow. Colin would then pretend that Jack was still by his side, ready to listen to his rant of the day. He would hum his and Jack's favourite song and stay awake for hours talking to his dad,whom he pretended was there.

Thirdly, Colin became resourceful. He was determined to search for his stepfather. His first effort was to write a letter to his stepfather, addressed to his old house. He did not receive a reply but he did not give up. Colin saved practically every penny that comes his way. He even does three paper rounds and always prefers cash for Christmas instead of gifts from his mother. Colin keeps an exact account on how long he was apart from his stepfather, which was 5 years, 8 months and 7 days.

   In a nutshell, Colin responded negatively to the changes in his life. He became sad, dreamy and moody. This compelled him to make the courageous decision to search for his stepfather by doing something worthy. His love and  longing for his dad motivated him to become optimistic, resourceful and patient in his goal to search for his dad.
   

Literature- Compare two characters.

Based on the novel, Step by Wicked Step, by Anne Fine, there are two characters that have several differences as well as similarities. I will compare and contrast those two characters, which are Richard and Colin.

   One of the points that I will elaborate on is Richard and Colin's love for their respective dads. They both missed their fathers dearly. However, in Richard's case, he had lost his father forever as his father had already died and moved on to a better place, in the heavens. Colin merely lost contact with his father after he moved away with his mother without leaving any clues for his father to search for them. While Richard had no way to get in touch with his father again, Colin was still searching for his stepfather. Colin saves up all his money in a safe space for the time when he will embark on the search for his stepfather. I keep practically every penny that comes my way. Colin is determined to look for his beloved stepfather when he is old enough. As soon as I'm tall enough, I'm off.  Clearly, Richard and Colin are unable to let go of their love for their dads.

  Secondly, both Richard and Colin were ignored by their mothers. They did not get any attention from their mothers. Richard felt that his mother, Lilith, did not care about him when she married Mr. Coldstone despite his obvious contempt for Mr Coldstone. His mother turned a blind eye when Mr. Coldstone's treated him badly and said everything he does is for your own good. All his mother did was to lower her eyes. As for Colin, his mother was not aware of how much he missed his stepfather, Jack, because she is too busy working at the canteen and doing household chores. I think Mum thinks that I've forgotten him. To conclude, it is apparent that Richard and Colin did not feel their mothers' love.

   Thirdly, Richard and Colin wanted to run away to make things work. They could only think of running away as the best option to solve all their problems. Richard ran away from home with the hope that he could make life more pleasant for everyone. Without me, the three of them would get on well enough. Colin however, was planning to run away to find his stepfather. Both of them have their differences as Richard realized that running away does not solve any problems. This is apparent when he had to face the damage he had done by piling one wrong on another. Colin, on the other hand, was still bent on the idea to search for his stepfather. He even does three paper rounds in an effort to accumulate more money for the search.

   Drawing a conclusion, the two characters suffered much pain and sorrow as no one cares about them nor how they feel. They had no one to advise them that running away does not solve problems, in fact it can affect the people around them. Richard has learnt that lesson, but Colin has yet to encounter that problem. It is clear that we need to think wisely before making a serious decision in life.

Goodbyes. [PART 7]

Alex could hear sounds of exclamations inside the ward from where he was standing outside. He peeked in the door to see Amy's expression change from shock to disbelief and finally, denial as the brunt of the horrifying news sunk in. Of billions of people all over the world, Alex couldn't believe that Amy was one of them who inherited a rare disease that affects her nervous system. Amy's parents who were determined to rid her of the disease were planning to send her to the most advanced hospital in the world for a higher success rate.

   After the sobbing sounds from inside the ward subsided, Amy's parents exited the ward, telling Alex that he was wanted by Amy. They shared a subdued silence as they looked into each others' eyes. Amy whispered first, informing him that she would have to leave to California in a few days, possibly not coming back for several years while the therapy went on. Another solemn silence ensued. Alex responded by hugging her. Amy lay in the comfort of his embrace, enjoying his warmth. Alex muttered to Amy, "Love is missing someone whenever you're apart, but somehow feeling warm inside because you're close in heart. I will settle for that while waiting for you."

   And so it went, the last day before Amy leaves for California. A handwritten note. Hugs that neither of them wanted to let go. More than just a little tears involved. Alex waved to Amy till she was out of sight.

   Upon landing in California, Amy's parents immediately sent her to the hospital. Amy bid her parents goodbye from the ward she was admitted in. Once she saw them enter the elevator, she slowly made her way into her room. Her future seemed so desolate, what with all the therapies and sleepless nights she will encounter during rehabilitation. Scared of what will come, Amy collapsed at the corner of her room and broke down into silent tears.

   At the exact same time, Alex's heart felt like it was being torn ruthlessly into bits and pieces. Back in the airport, he could see in Amy's eyes that she was terrified, but was trying to keep up a brave front so as to not cast worry on everyone who cared about. He could tell she was feigning ignorance about the seriousness of the whole matter, of the slim chance that she could actually survive the hurdle God presented to her. The moments of clarity and sorrow in her eyes as she left him were enough to help him make his decision. She was worth the wait, no matter how long it would take.