Going Back,by Penelope Lively, reconstructs the story of two children growing up on a farm, called Medleycott, in Somerset during World War II. Jane, one of the children who is now married and has children on her own, tells the story of her childhood to her husband, who drives with her to Medleycott, because the house she was born in is going to be sold. Jane and her brother Edward are inseparable. They do everything together and love living at Medleycott, which they call a paradise. Their mother died very early and now there is Betty looking after them. When the war starts, their father leaves to Scotland but Jane and Edward do not really mind because they do not like him. Jane even hates him, because he is always very strict with Edward, who is not able to do anything right in his father’s opinion. One day Mike comes to Medleycott. As a conscientious objector and as a Quaker most people do not like him and he has to leave Medleycott when the father, who comes home on an unannounced leave, finds out that he lives there. But Mike has a special relationship to Edward since he teaches him to play the violin. Both children have trust in him and that is why they decide to go to Chedzoy, where Mike lives in his own barn. They run away from Medleycott, because Edward does not want to go back to boarding school where his father sent him after half term. Betty comes to take the children home. They have another year together at their beloved place before Edward has to go back to boarding school. It is a story about remembering, about going back to the places of childhood and about changes that take place when somebody is growing up. And it is about the meaning of friendship between brother and sister, which lives on in the mind, even if one of them dies, who, in this case, is Edward who dies in the Korean War as a soldier.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Summary
- Jane and Edward
- Edward and his father
- Mike and Edward
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes character relationships in Penelope Lively's children's novel "Going Back", exploring how these relationships contribute to the overall narrative and character development. The focus is on the interactions between Jane and Edward, Edward and his father, and Mike and Edward, examining the dynamics of each relationship and their impact on the characters.
- The power of childhood memories and their influence on adulthood
- The complexities of family relationships and sibling bonds
- The role of friendship and mentorship in shaping individual growth
- The impact of war and societal change on personal experiences
- The significance of place and setting in shaping individual identity
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This section introduces the author's study of Penelope Lively's "Going Back" and outlines the paper's structure. It explains how the paper will examine character relationships through the analysis of specific interactions and their impact on character development.
- Summary: This chapter summarizes the plot of "Going Back," focusing on the lives of Jane and Edward, their close sibling bond, and the impact of their father's absence and the arrival of Mike on their lives. It highlights the setting of Medleycott, the farm where they grow up, and how it shapes their childhood experiences.
- Jane and Edward: This section explores the relationship between Jane and Edward, emphasizing their strong sibling bond, their shared experiences, and how their bond endures even when they are separated. It also touches upon their differing personalities and how they navigate their individual growth and challenges.
- Edward and his father: This chapter examines the complex and often strained relationship between Edward and his father. It delves into the reasons behind their conflict, highlighting the father's strictness and Edward's struggles to meet his expectations. It also reveals the impact this relationship has on Edward's development and self-perception.
- Mike and Edward: This section focuses on the positive and impactful relationship between Mike and Edward. It explores how Mike's mentorship and friendship influence Edward's growth, emphasizing his introduction to music and his emotional connection with Mike. It also highlights the contrast between Mike's peaceful Quaker values and the harsh realities of war.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary focus of this paper lies on character relationships and their impact on individual development within the context of Penelope Lively's "Going Back". Key themes include family dynamics, sibling relationships, the power of memories, the influence of mentorship, and the impact of war and societal changes on personal experiences. The paper analyzes the specific relationships between Jane and Edward, Edward and his father, and Mike and Edward, highlighting their importance in shaping the characters' growth and understanding of themselves and the world around them.
- Quote paper
- Katja Staats (Author), 2005, Penelope Lively: Going Back - Characterization, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/62331
