Discuss the themes presented in 'Veronica' and 'Disabled"
Commentary Response
Discuss how the themes of ‘broken relationships’ and ‘tragedy’ are explored in Disabled and Veronica
The themes of broken relationships and tragedy can be linked very closely together through the use of symbolism and language. Both themes are thoroughly explored through the poem, Disabled by Wilfred Owen, and the short story: Veronica, by Adewale Maja-Pearce. The structures of both poem and short story use language and symbolism differently to show the themes of broken relationships and tragedy.
In Disabled, when the protagonist returns from war limbless and in search of his identity, it is obvious that his connections to, and relationships with, others have been broken by the toll of war. However, in a more symbolic understanding of the theme of broken relationships, we see that the relationship that has been severed the most is the relationship he had with himself.
This is evident in the fact that he no longer views himself as he once did – ‘for it was younger than his youth, last year. Now he is old; his back will never brace.’ The quote shows the theme of transformation through the protagonist viewing himself differently ‘last year’ to the present. This is further emphasized with the symbolism of his back, his back not being able brace, symbolizes his lost in confidence, as he can no longer straighten his back to support his confidence and sense of self worth. Thus, the protagonist has undergone complete personality change, his relationship with his old confident and proud persona broken.
Owen further shows the theme of breakdown through the idea that the protagonist has lost what he once enjoyed – ‘One time he liked a blood-smear down his leg.’ – he once ‘liked’ being injured, perhaps symbolizing his masculinity and virile recklessness. However, time and the experiences of war – being injured - ‘legless, sewn short at elbow’ – have changed the protagonist, as he no longer enjoys the things that once liked, shows
Discuss how the themes of ‘broken relationships’ and ‘tragedy’ are explored in Disabled and Veronica
The themes of broken relationships and tragedy can be linked very closely together through the use of symbolism and language. Both themes are thoroughly explored through the poem, Disabled by Wilfred Owen, and the short story: Veronica, by Adewale Maja-Pearce. The structures of both poem and short story use language and symbolism differently to show the themes of broken relationships and tragedy.
In Disabled, when the protagonist returns from war limbless and in search of his identity, it is obvious that his connections to, and relationships with, others have been broken by the toll of war. However, in a more symbolic understanding of the theme of broken relationships, we see that the relationship that has been severed the most is the relationship he had with himself.
This is evident in the fact that he no longer views himself as he once did – ‘for it was younger than his youth, last year. Now he is old; his back will never brace.’ The quote shows the theme of transformation through the protagonist viewing himself differently ‘last year’ to the present. This is further emphasized with the symbolism of his back, his back not being able brace, symbolizes his lost in confidence, as he can no longer straighten his back to support his confidence and sense of self worth. Thus, the protagonist has undergone complete personality change, his relationship with his old confident and proud persona broken.
Owen further shows the theme of breakdown through the idea that the protagonist has lost what he once enjoyed – ‘One time he liked a blood-smear down his leg.’ – he once ‘liked’ being injured, perhaps symbolizing his masculinity and virile recklessness. However, time and the experiences of war – being injured - ‘legless, sewn short at elbow’ – have changed the protagonist, as he no longer enjoys the things that once liked, shows