Truth and Bright Water Essay
The Affects of History
History is something that molds and shapes a person into who they are today. Thomas King shows this in his novel Truth and Bright Water through many of the characters. He not only lets you see how the aboriginal people’s history has affected their lives today, but also how the personal history of some characters has affected their lives. A person’s past can help one understand why they live their life the way they do; it is the answer to any question you had about them. All the minor events that go on throughout the novel explain how history affects an individual’s identity and Franklin, aunt Cassie and Monroe are excellent examples. First, when told about Franklin in the novel it is easy to not think much of him. More towards the end of the story is where his character becomes more important. A lot is revealed about Franklin through his son, Lum. At the end of the book when Lum is going to commit suicide he truly reveals what went on between him and Franklin. ““Useless!” The rebar snaps free, and in one motion Lum turns and whips it across his chest. “Where’s your pride, son?”” (King p. 271). Franklin beat his own son and brought him down, and this quote reveals that terrible truth. Lum lived his life feeling useless, pathetic and unloved all because of his father. Along with Lum, Franklin lived a hard life as an aboriginal man trying make money and move on without his wife. As his son got older Franklin noticed a lot of himself in Lum. This didn’t make Franklin’s life any easier because he was not proud of his past accomplishments, or lack there of. So by seeing himself in his son he was reminded of his past and not having any pride and feeling pathetic. This led to the beating and discouragement towards Lum. The author described Franklin as an angry tough man. Throughout the entire novel there was never any point where he was happy. Franklin had to become tough because throughout the history of his life as an aboriginal things were not
History is something that molds and shapes a person into who they are today. Thomas King shows this in his novel Truth and Bright Water through many of the characters. He not only lets you see how the aboriginal people’s history has affected their lives today, but also how the personal history of some characters has affected their lives. A person’s past can help one understand why they live their life the way they do; it is the answer to any question you had about them. All the minor events that go on throughout the novel explain how history affects an individual’s identity and Franklin, aunt Cassie and Monroe are excellent examples. First, when told about Franklin in the novel it is easy to not think much of him. More towards the end of the story is where his character becomes more important. A lot is revealed about Franklin through his son, Lum. At the end of the book when Lum is going to commit suicide he truly reveals what went on between him and Franklin. ““Useless!” The rebar snaps free, and in one motion Lum turns and whips it across his chest. “Where’s your pride, son?”” (King p. 271). Franklin beat his own son and brought him down, and this quote reveals that terrible truth. Lum lived his life feeling useless, pathetic and unloved all because of his father. Along with Lum, Franklin lived a hard life as an aboriginal man trying make money and move on without his wife. As his son got older Franklin noticed a lot of himself in Lum. This didn’t make Franklin’s life any easier because he was not proud of his past accomplishments, or lack there of. So by seeing himself in his son he was reminded of his past and not having any pride and feeling pathetic. This led to the beating and discouragement towards Lum. The author described Franklin as an angry tough man. Throughout the entire novel there was never any point where he was happy. Franklin had to become tough because throughout the history of his life as an aboriginal things were not