ENGL1201 Analytical ESSAY
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Bow Valley College, Calgary *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
1201
Subject
English
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by MagistrateLyrebird327
1
Exploring Family Dynamics, Self-Identity and Emotional Journeys
Gay Myrelle Coloma
Open Studies, Bow Valley College
ENGL1201: English Composition
Nadia Khan
February 21, 2024
2
Exploring Family Dynamics, Self-Identity and Emotional Journeys
The stories “More and More” by Evelyn Lau and “My Father, Myself” by Arnie Woodrow talk about family relationships and how life experiences led the characters to discover themselves. “My Father, Myself” (Woodrow, 2006
) shows how the narrator and the mother had to endure difficulties and pain to keep the family together. However, “More and More” (
Lau, 2006
) uses symbolism and metaphor to inform the readers about the narrator’s journey toward discovering himself. As the narrator stated, “The chocolate was dark, it was bitter, it tasted like despair” (Lau, 2006, para. 3)
, which means the author’s life was not easy; there were lots of challenges and struggles. However, there are differences between the two stories; both revealed their disappointments and showed how the narrators’ identities were shaped by past and present life experiences, inviting the readers to reflect on the extreme complexities of family connections
and the pursuit of self-understanding. After an in-depth analysis of both stories, some similarities are identified. As life becomes cruel for both of the characters of both stories, each of the characters seeks a place or a tool to escape from life’s cruelty. According to the narrator, “I hear the words I cannot take much
more, Bill echoing through the house late at night.” (Woodrow, 2006, para. 7).
This gives the emotional complexity both stories portray. Both stories present emotions that can exist between parents and children. These emotions can be love, disappointment, frustration and even longing. In the story “My Father, Myself” (Woodrow, 2006)
, the narrator and the mother experience disappointment, for example, during a family gathering. The narrator tries to reconnect with the father during a family gathering. During dinner, the father remained distant and unresponsive, not even appreciative of the narrator’s effort. Despite those actions, the narrator tries to converse
3
with the father, but the father remains silent. The father’s actions in this situation disappointed the narrator.
On the other hand, the mother was hoping that the family dinner would go well, as well as the spouse and the narrator. Unfortunately, dinner did not go well because of the growing tension between the narrator and the father. Because of that, the mother was disappointed and frustrated. The mother felt worthless as the grudge between the father and the narrator is still there. The mother was disappointed because there was a continuous estrangement between the mother’s loved ones. Despite the efforts to reconcile, the father chose not to reconnect, which deepened the familial disconnection and unresolved longing. As for “More and More,” the main character also experienced disappointment when she attended a family gathering, hoping that she
would reconnect with her family. The author was very optimistic and excited when she arrived at
the event. The author tried to reconnect and interact with her family members. The family members made conversations and inside jokes, which made the author feel like an outsider. Because of that, the author was unable to break through the barriers that separated her from her family, leaving her feeling isolated and disappointed. She felt disappointed because she felt she did not belong to the family. Because of her indifference, she was not able to connect with her family, deepening her sense of alienation and sadness.
Although “My Father, Myself” by Arnie Woodrow and “More and More” by Evelyn Lau explore family dynamics, emotional resilience and self-identity. In “My Father, Myself” (Woodrow, 2006),
the narrative focuses more on the internal struggles and psychological complexities of the narrator’s relationship with her father. The problem between the father and the narrator was not solved. The father’s death is an example of an internal struggle of the narrator as his addiction was used to cope with the challenge, which is to move on from the
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
father’s death. “More and More” (Lau, 2006)
emphasizes the external challenges and societal pressures she faces, leading to her familial circumstances. According to the author, “One substance replaced another, changing with the seasons.” (Lau, 2006, para. 13);
this tells people how society influenced her. As time passes by, the author meets different people. Like the seasons, different kinds of people influenced her differently. The author deals with different life situations in different ways. The author used external factors such as drugs, prostitution and rebellion against her family to cope with her life battles. Society plays a significant role as her influencer because as society moves forward, her addiction neither becomes worse nor changes.
In conclusion, “My Father, Myself” by Arnie Woodrow and “More and More” by Evelyn Lau give their readers a touching reflection regarding the things that can complicate a family relationship and self-discovery. The narrator said, “In memory of my father and for my mom, who believes in swimming
.” (Woodrow, 2006, para. 31).
In both stories, disappointment catalyzes introspection and personal growth, which challenges the characters to defy the complexities of family relationships and redefine their narratives. Through their exploration of disappointment within family dynamics, both authors reflected on the enduring power of resilience, forgiveness and love. Both stories served as a reminder that while disappointment tests the bonds of family, it is through empathy, understanding and compassion that people can find ways to reconnect with their family.
5
References
Lau, E. (2006). More and More. In L. Crozier & P. Lane (Eds.), Addicted: Notes from the Belly of the Beast
(2
nd ed., pp. 85-96). Greystone books.
Woodrow, A. (2006). My Father, Myself. In L. Crozier & P. Lane (Eds.), Addicted: Notes from the Belly of the Beast
(2nd ed.). Greystone books.