Symbolism In Patrick Ness A Monster Calls

Patrick Ness’ A Monster Calls presents a young boy’s challenges in dealing with his mother’s terminal illness. This selection takes readers through his many stages of dealing with the situation from denial, to anger, and finally to acceptance, by way of a reoccurring nightmare. While there is a significant amount of symbolism in A Monster Calls, it is masked in mystery, suspense, and boy-like scenes, ultimately presenting grief in terms relatable to young adolescent boys. I believe that this selection can help young boys connect this tragic event to their own life and discover ways to accept the illness of a loved one. Perhaps the strongest lesson to be derived from this book is empathy; empathy for the ill individual, those who provide love