Tom Brennan Transition

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As individuals move to new phases of life and surroundings their perspective on life alters and by exploring the transition of these individuals responders can make informed conclusions on how the attitudes and actions of people can aid or hinder the transition process. The bildungsroman novel ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’ by JC Burke (2005) depicts the story of Tom Brennan, as he voyages through obstacles becoming a more mature individual with reformed notions on life and society. The tragedy of the fatal car accident, which results in the family leaving Mumbilli for Coghill, is the catalyst for Tom’s journey to his new phase of life. Similarly, ‘This is Normal’ a film by Justin Giddings and Ryan Welsh displays the notion of transition. The actions …show more content…
It is through the actions and experiences that individual’s encounter that allows them to modify their beliefs and come to a deeper understanding of society. As the novel progresses, Tom develops a closer relationship with his Uncle, Tom’s attitude becomes more tolerant and his actions of respect towards Brendan’s choices are mature as the use of informal voice and shortened sentences suggest in “I sat there trying to act casual. I mean, I guess Jonny and Brendan were together. That made sense.” Tom then cognises that people should be judged based only on their ethics and personality. The responder contemplates and admires Tom’s metamorphosing into a more accepting and mature individual with altered views towards society. This change is as a result of his relationship with Brendan and his Uncle’s actions in encouraging Tom to move forward, especially forcing him to train and start running until one day “We’d reached the top of the ascent. I’d made it up without even realising”. This 'mountain' reflects the cathartic triumphs that enables Tom to reshape his values, beliefs and emotional maturity. Therefore, the overcoming of hardships with the aid of supportive relationships show the overcoming of the difficulties present during his transition which are evident in Tom’s tolerant and positive manner along with his respectful and mature approach towards society …show more content…
Gwen’s journey of transition takes a new direction where she accepts her change and she has successfully transition being hopeful for the future as she listens her sister sing for the first time, the zoom in of Gwen’s face portrays her facial expression of contentment as she feels connected to her sister. The audience ponders and comprehends that joyfulness is possible once the individual has gained acceptance of the changes in their life. In addition, the cyclical ending ¬¬¬¬of Gwen at the beach listening to the sounds of the ocean at night represents the end of her transitioning journey when juxtaposed to the beginning of the film with the daylight. This scene highlights her hope for the future as she accepts her situation and will work though challenges. This allows the audience to ponder on how crucial acceptance is when undergoing a transition in order to move forward and overcome obstacles. Thereupon, the transition into a new stage of her life where she can hear and is able to perceive society from a different view is revealed to the audience by the displaying of her hope, contentment and the connection she feels with her sister as well as her decision to attend her sister’s
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