Characters in novels are important constructs, for they enable the readers to reach an understanding of human experiences and/or relationships: "Cloudstreet" by Winton.

Essay by uk2ozz2007A-, August 2007

download word file, 7 pages 4.0

Downloaded 26 times

Lauren Randall Cloudstreet long essay 1st August 2007

Cloudstreet Assessment J

All texts are constructs; writers shape texts for particular audiences in particular contexts to achieve particular purposes. In Cloudstreet, Tim Winton has used the characterisation of Rose Pickles, and those who interact with her, in order to demonstrate the universality of human experiences and relationships, and especially what these can teach us. Rose is constructed as a 'typical' Australian, quiet and unable to articulate her feelings, but also strongly family orientated, determined to raise a family of her own. It is these characteristics which are significant in her experiences as a mother, getting a job, and in her relationships with Dolly, Quick and Toby.

These experiences and relationships are universal, centred on the basic human emotions of love and hate. It is this aspect of Rose, her 'normalness', which enables the reader to believe in the understandings they reach, such as the importance of reconciliation, articulation of feelings and independence for contentment. Readers are shown these understandings through the detrimental physical and mental effects of the dysfunctional relationships that Rose has with Dolly and Toby, compared to the happiness she finds with Quick. With Quick, Rose achieves a sense of well - being which enforces the need for articulating feelings and following your heart in achieving happiness. The importance of independence is shown when Rose gets a job, through her elation at having her own income. Although the character of Rose is just a construction, she offers important ideas on the need for articulating emotions in order to achieve the acts of reconciliation which...