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Critical Analysis Of Butterflies

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Critical Analysis Of Butterflies
CRITICAL ANALYSIS the cage of butterflies is a novel by australian writer brian caswell which is aimed at young adults. it was first printed in 1992. there are 2 thematic concerns inside the story that i would like to discuss. the first concern is discrimination of the different and the second concern presented is the abuse of the young and powerless. I believe that the 2 concerns have been intentionally discussed and that they are a relevant problem to society that needs to be addressed.

the first issue was the discrimination of the different. the quote: “the smile on their lips that doesn’t quite make it to their eyes.” and the way they try to focus on my face, as though i’m just a talking head” shows Greg’s situation well. the bitterness and irony of greg’s tone hints this while the dialogue of greg and visitors also gives a more clear indication of this. Greg is one of the most clear and obvious example in the story as due to his limbs and large forehead he is looked at differently and people talk to him differently while purposely avoiding eye contact. Quotes in the story such as “the more they try to ignore my “problem” - as my mother calls it when she’s being polite to strangers - the more their eyes
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“Why must you hate him? he cannot help it he is what he is”, “i we understand he must do what he feels he must and i we must stop him if we can.” “ larsen's tone was stubborn, desperate. There would be no changing his mind”, “ you have no say in it. This is my project. They are my subjects.” These are quotes directly from Ricky and Larsen who are the epitome of selflessness and selfish desires. The author utilises extensive characterisation and provides multiple perspectives in the extract. By looking at the quotes, it is immediately obvious that Ricky is a selfless person and that larsen represents selfish gains and

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