Change In The Black Balloon

Through my study of The Turning by Tim Winton as well as The Black Balloon by Elissa Down. I have learnt that change is completely relentless and that even the slightest or most significant change can turn our world upside down. In The Turning, the concept of change is evident both within each stories landscape and its characters. We see the impact of change and its recognition through characters such Vic Lang through the story “long clear view” and both Bob Lang and Vic Lang in “Commission”. The notion of change is also evident in the character of Thomas from the film The Black Balloon.

The Turning is a text in which explores and reflects a variety of aspects of change and how the change is acknowledged. This change is highlighted through
It shows the link of how change can turn our world completely upside down.
Understanding Change within the nature of a character in ‘’commission’’ is a key outline in Tim Winton, the turning. This is outlined through the character of Bob Lang and the ways that he changes to sober up for carol and Vic to show his commitment. The use of irony of ‘honest bob’ is also used to support change within Bob’s character. The use of 1st person also allows us to straight away engage in a personal insight to Vic and the feelings he bestows about his father’s sudden disappearance in his life. The use of this technique also allows us to feel sorry for Bob, as he changed for the wellbeing of his family, yet does not receive approval from his son, a quote to support this change is “well it hasn’t been all for nothing then. What hasn’t? Sobering up. I couldn’t have gone back drunk”. The usage of the metaphor ‘great landscape’ also defines the change in relationship that Vic holds with his father. The effect of these techniques allow us to understand the ways in which Bob has changed but at the same time see the way that Vic does not accept the way he has gone about
Within the black balloon this is shown through the character of Tom coming to terms with the fact that Charlie, his autistic brother isn’t going to change and that it’s not Charlies fault. Quote to show Thomas’s disapproval ‘’I don’t want anything to do with him, he is a freak’’. Also within the first scene we see a collection of red balloons been let into the sky and a single black balloon following close behind. The use of colours as an effect allows our reading path to engage in the meaning behind the balloons and link it to the way Thomas see’s his brother. Change is also demonstrated through non diegetic sound of the song “fall at your feet” by Crowed house, lyrics”the finger of blame has turned upon itself and I’m more than willing to offer myself, do you want my presence or need my help’’ suggests that Thomas finally realises that it’s not his brothers fault, that he is the one that can’t accept it and we interrupt through the lyrics that tom understands that he needs to change. This is also supported through the scene when Thomas quotes to Jackie his girlfriend that he has quote, “fucked up’’. Finally we see change in Thomas when he opens up to his brother and starts to spend time with