Brother Dear Bernice Friesen

The Justification and the Accentuation of Parental Demands

Although different time frames can be seen, the short stories “Brother Dear” by Bernice Friesen and “Boys and Girls” by writer Alice Munro Coalesce due to their focus on parental demands, based on the contemplation of the society and the society itself in the corresponding time period, and the events which had occurred in the vicinity of that time. The facile authors use imagery, characterization, and setting to develop the theme of parental pressures. However, the literary terms are used differently by both to expand on the theme of parental strains. While Friesen makes his point more direct, writer Alice Munro conveys her message in a contained manner. The unique styles of the
In “Boys and Girls” and “Brother Dear” the brave yet defiant ways of two characters act as reasons for which they go through parental strain. In “Brother Dear”, it can be seen why Greg experiences parental strains. Sharlene says, “He’s off on his life adventure...” (Friesen, 9). The braveness of Greg as well as his defiance is clearly defined in this as his disregard to his parents is shown. Similarly, in “Boys and Girls”, defiance is seen in the girl through her disregard of her grandparents, “I continued to slam the doors and sit awkwardly as possible, thinking that by such measures I kept my self free,” (Munro, 52). Defiance is evident here as the girl continues to misbehave even after the request of her grandparents. In “Brother Dear”, Gregs’ characteristics are replayed by Friesen so that his character is clearly understood. Greg says, ““Excuse me,” he gets up and walks out the door,” (Friesen, 6). Once again, bravery and defiance are shown in Greg at the same time, his disregard towards his parents is further developed in him leaves the dinner table in the process of conversing with his father. Correspondingly, no errors are allowed in “Boys and Girls” as multiple examples are provided to show defiance in the protagonist. The girl is characterized through her dreams, “These stories were about myself...presented the opportunity for courage, boldness and self sacrifice...I rescued people from a bombed building...I shot two rabid wolves who were menacing the schoolyard...teachers cowered...I rode a horse...acknowledging the townspeople’s gratitude for some yet-to-be-worked-out piece of heroism...there was always riding and shooting in these stories...” (Munro, 47). The girl is distinguished as brave and manly thus creating a contrast to the thoughts of the society, even though the girl realizes the negative reactions her mother has