Hsc Belonging- the Simple Gift

The Simple Gift (1996) Steven Herrick Introduction -­‐ In its essence, The Simple Gift, explores belonging as a personally transformative process intrinsically linked to the development of conscience and identity. -­‐ In Billy, Herrick has created a character who journeys from a psychic and physical space of dislocation and isolation to a space of attachment and community. -­‐ However, Herrick provides an intricate tapestry in which ‘belonging’ via connection to others is only possible once characters acknowledge their connection to their own self: their conscience and their identity. -­‐ In this sense, The Simple Gift is a story of self-­‐healing and self-­‐enlightenment as we watch the novel’s protagonist, Billy, come of age. (The verse novel plays on aspects of the bildungsroman genre). -­‐ The verse novel is written in the first person allowing the reader direct access to the characters’ thoughts and as such, fostering his or her connection with them. -­‐ The use of the first person also authenticates each of the characters making them more likable and understandable. There is little emotionality in the characters’ voices and as such, we are able to more authentically ‘observe’ the characters and form