Simple Gift Essay
How has the author used techniques to develop the three main characters in The Simple Gift?
The Simple Gift by Steven Herrick is a novel told in verse form from varied perspectives of three individuals who are separated by contrasting experiences however are connected by similar needs and desires. Their respective experiences are skillfully and credibly interwoven, highlighting their individuality and inter-relationship in which we see dramatic change and development in each of the characters through the use of poetic techniques.
In The Simple Gift, Herrick uses techniques such as sarcastic tone, free verse, repetition, simile, ellipsis, imagery, and allusion to develop the character of Billy. At the beginning of the novel, Billy detests living with his abusive, alcoholic father and would rather be homeless and alone. This is shown through techniques such as sarcastic tone and free verse to create a realistic sense of dialogue. “See ya Dad./I’ve taken the alcohol./Drink this instead/to celebrate your son/leaving home.” (2) Herrick uses repetition and simile to express Billy’s realization that not all adults are cruel. “There are men like Ernie/and/there are other men,/men like my dad.” (14) Billy’s maturity is shown using ellipsis and imagery when he helps Old Bill and shows signs of self-development. “I got a bowl/filled it with weetbix/and I took it next door/to Old Bill.” (55) Imagery is used to illustrate that Billy washes his past away and that he is prepared and excited for a new and happier life. “To the Bendarat Laundry/to wash the world away.” (57) Throughout the novel Billy becomes a ‘different’ individual, showing positive thinking and growth. Herrick demonstrates this through the use of allusion. “sure there's hope in the world/even for hobos like us." (110) Therefore it is evident that Herrick has successfully used a range of techniques to develop Billy’s character in The Simple Gift.
Caitlin’s character is established in The Simple Gift
The Simple Gift by Steven Herrick is a novel told in verse form from varied perspectives of three individuals who are separated by contrasting experiences however are connected by similar needs and desires. Their respective experiences are skillfully and credibly interwoven, highlighting their individuality and inter-relationship in which we see dramatic change and development in each of the characters through the use of poetic techniques.
In The Simple Gift, Herrick uses techniques such as sarcastic tone, free verse, repetition, simile, ellipsis, imagery, and allusion to develop the character of Billy. At the beginning of the novel, Billy detests living with his abusive, alcoholic father and would rather be homeless and alone. This is shown through techniques such as sarcastic tone and free verse to create a realistic sense of dialogue. “See ya Dad./I’ve taken the alcohol./Drink this instead/to celebrate your son/leaving home.” (2) Herrick uses repetition and simile to express Billy’s realization that not all adults are cruel. “There are men like Ernie/and/there are other men,/men like my dad.” (14) Billy’s maturity is shown using ellipsis and imagery when he helps Old Bill and shows signs of self-development. “I got a bowl/filled it with weetbix/and I took it next door/to Old Bill.” (55) Imagery is used to illustrate that Billy washes his past away and that he is prepared and excited for a new and happier life. “To the Bendarat Laundry/to wash the world away.” (57) Throughout the novel Billy becomes a ‘different’ individual, showing positive thinking and growth. Herrick demonstrates this through the use of allusion. “sure there's hope in the world/even for hobos like us." (110) Therefore it is evident that Herrick has successfully used a range of techniques to develop Billy’s character in The Simple Gift.
Caitlin’s character is established in The Simple Gift