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Essay / The Theme of Teenage Violence in "Sleep Rough Tonight"
Sleep Rough Tonight, written by Australian author Ian Bone, addresses the idea of cultural violence and its effects on teenagers. The novel follows Alex, a troubled young teenager who learns difficult lessons about life and growing up. As a challenge, Alex ends up sleeping on the streets and must overcome the dangers that come with it. Bone develops ideas and themes through a range of narrative techniques. Alex's bony characterization allows us to follow his personal evolution. The vivid description of the settings of the novel is another important aspect. Marta is another character who plays a huge role in the story. Likewise, the characterization of “The Jockey” and his development throughout the novel has a great influence on the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay In the novel, Bone effectively develops a theme of violence. The characterization of the protagonist helps the reader understand his decisions in difficult situations. Throughout the novel, Alex is developed as an outsider, leading to him being bullied at school: “He was in the bathroom again. Dragged into the red brick building by an acne-ridden, ass-stuffed giant. Another soak. (Page 1) At first, he is arrogant and thoughtless, trying to be the class clown: "'What would happen if the hunter farted?' It seemed like a fairly legitimate question, but Ms. Fulton didn't see it that way. (Page 12). As the story continues, Alex gradually learns to listen to advice and begins to find himself, learning what he stands for: "You want me to rob my own father's store?" (Page 249). Through this character, we learn that we all need help, no matter how tough we are. Bone uses the settings of the novel to show the effects of a violent culture. Bone uses a wide range of adjectives to describe the city. This creates mystery and allows the reader to become attached and have a connection with Alex, which sparks his interest in the novel, “...dilapidated and neglected. The windows were broken and a rickety metal fence ran around its perimeter…” (Page 210). Bone also describes violent street gangs when Alex is in town at night. They are added to reinforce the constant idea that the city streets are deadly: "...He had just seen them standing and knew they weren't stretching their legs." » (Page 189). The opening scene is the school, overrun by the seniors who run the playground. They control younger students through violent techniques, such as toilet immersions and violent put-downs. This leads teachers to avoid conflicts with them: “…How confident they seemed. What size. There was an air of confidence about them, a calm that begged for challenge. (Page 5). The setting is used to teach us that violence invades our world and affects every neighborhood in a city. Marta plays an important role in the novel as the only anti-violent character. She has symbolic attributes in the novel, she always seems to know what to do and is always ready to help Alex when needed. She acts almost like a guardian angel for Alex: "....He racked his brain for a plan or an idea, but the only image that came to him was that of a happy, warm, friendly face, him offering cookies, laughing. with him. Martha. (Page 167). When the reader first meets Marta, she is tormented by elderly people on the bus and proves to be an easy target for bullies: "The girl grabbed her ponytail.