When We Were Two Analysis

Robert Newton’s When We Were Two is a charming tale exploring the journey of two brothers in their endeavor to discover a life of more. Challenges and obstacles are woven throughout the boys’ adventure, for Dan, the protagonist of the story, the distressing event of the death of his younger brother Eddie. As a reader, one deduces that despite the dreadful tragedy that the death of his brother is, it is critical to the story for it ensures Dan’s development. Eddie’s death allowed Dan to let go and to accept loss as well as to foster resilience and perseverance. Crucial to Dan’s strengthening was his learning to be without Eddie, and to live a life not structured by his brother’s needs. Therefore, if one views the necessity of Eddie’s death relative to Dan’s development as a character, one concludes that Eddie’s death is of paramount importance and entirely necessary to the story
“I imagine him laughing… by the time the water reaches my waist, Eddie’s gone.” (Pg 182). This quote is taken from the novel at a time when Dan is in mourning, and, contemplating this quote, it is evident that despite his aching and longing, despite his intense pain, Dan is learning; he is learning to let Eddie go. “I feel strangely calm… while Eddie lies dead… I can feel him inside me, peaceful at last.” (Pg 185) This quote precisely expresses just how Eddie’s death was constructive to Dan’s development as a character, as it taught Dan to move on. This quote demonstrates that Dan has at last gained control over his emotions and that he has, through the death of Eddie, understood the hope there is in rest, in resolution, in peace. Eddie’s death, although tragic and heartrending, was vital to Dan, and despite the pain it caused, or perhaps because of the pain it caused, his death allowed Dan to develop and strengthen as a