Download - Novel Form 5_step by Wicked Step

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NOVEL

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STEP BY WICKED STEPSTEP BY WICKED STEP

a. The Main Storyb. Richard Clayton Harwick – My Storyc. Claudia’s Story – Green Pyjamasd. Colin’s Story – The Bluebird of Happinesse. Ralph’s Story – A Tale of Three Stepmothersf. Pixie’s Story – The Pains in My Lifeg. Robbo’s Story – Dumpa’s the Problem



a. The Main Story

• Synopsis• The Plot• Setting• Point of View• Subject Matter• Theme• Mood• Tone

• Repetiton• Onomatopoeia• Preominition• Characters • Quality of Characters• Analysis• Lesson and Moral Value



b. Richard Clayton Harwick – My Story

• Synopsis• The Plot• Setting• Point of View• Subject Matter• Theme

• Mood• Tone• Chart• Characters • Quality of Characters• Lesson and Moral Value



c. Claudia’s Story – Green Pyjamas





d. Colin’s Story – The Bluebird of Happiness





e. Ralph’s Story – A Tale of Three Stepmothers

• Synopsis• The Plot• Setting• Point of View• Subject Matter• Theme• Mood

• Tone• Chart• Characters • Quality of Characters• Analysis• Lesson and Moral Value



f. Pixie’s Story – The Pains in My Life


• Mood• Tone• Characters • Chart• Quality of Characters• Lesson and Moral Value



g. Robbo’s Story – Dumpa’s the Problem



1 : Step By Wicked Step

Novel

SynopsisSynopsis


Five children are put together in a minibus not inadvertently but preplanned by the teacher. The simple reason is that their names were in a particular column on which there were two addresses.

The children discover an album in one of the secret room and after reading the album all of them were able to relate to the story in the album. They decide to tell their stories.

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All five of them relate their stories from which one understands their character and their problems. They discover a few lesson in life and learn that one cannot run away from problems. That they have to fix their problems one way or another.

To Colin their advise is the same, he has to fix the problem and not run away from the problem.


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The PlotThe Plot

Exposition

Five children who seemingly have something in common are inadvertently placed together in Harwick Hall. They discover an album which contains the story of a boy of their age. The boy, Richard, makes a mistake of leaving his home which causes more problems than before he left. He loses his whole family.


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Rising Action

Consequently the children narrate their experiences. Each of them have a unique story but all are from families where the parents are divorced. The problems each face is however different and in the end some of their problems are solved.

Climax

Everyone except for Colin is able to solve their problem. Colin however plans to run away just like Richard.


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Falling Action

The other children, Ralph, Claudia Robbo and Pixie however believe that running away is not the solution.

Resolution

Colin needs to fix the problem himself there and then.


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SettingSetting

The inside of a minibus.Old Harwick Hall.


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Point of ViewPoint of View

Third person point of view.


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Subject matterSubject matter

The whole novel seems to center around the five children and a character of an album. Who are all in one way or another from troubled families.


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ThemeTheme

When a break up in the family is inevitable, you do not fight it, you accept the inevitable and try to fit in.


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Sorrow and Optimistic.

MoodMood


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ToneTone

Witty and thought provoking.


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RepetitionRepetition

Horrible x4 (pg5)


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OnomatopoeiaOnomatopoeia

“strick” (pg2)


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PreominitionPreominition

These five have something in common. (pg12)


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Characters (The Main Characters)


ClaudiaClaudia is sensible and a very emotional person. Thus when her father and mother broke up she was affected, as any child would be. The love for both her parents made it difficult for her to accept anyone coming into the family. She saw them as an adversary to the family. She refused to accept her stepmother. Eventually her emotions overwhelmed her and she accepted Stella. That changed her life forever. For the better.


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ColinA sad boy who yearns for his stepfather, (sorry Colin, I mean your dad!). Loves him so much that to him he is Dad. The sadness is over powering and creates emotional problems for him. He is unable to confront his mother since he loves his mother too (who doesn’t love their mum!). Clearly the separation causes a deep emotional problem in Colin. He becomes very quiet and day dreams (ie. an introvert).


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RalphThe youngest in his family. A jovial person and takes life quite simple. He is so experienced, in the complicated lifestyle that he has been experiencing form childhood that he seems to be able to get over any problem quite easily. The complicated life had made him more responsible, sensible and quick in his actions and wit.


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Pixie (Priscilla/Cilla)Priscilla is young and immature. She goes to her father’s house on the alternative week. She finds it difficult living there as she herself is immature and uncompromising. She wants to be noticed but does not notice the others in the house. She seems to find fault with others while her faults are brushed away.


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RobboRobbo seems to be a matured, intelligent, friendly andnon-confrontational. He loves his parents, his sister,his step-brother and his step-dad. He is able to live inany condition and does not have any problem in thedivorce.


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Quality of CharactersQuality of Characters

Mr Plumley

Characteristics Supporting information

Concerned

“You settle down. I’ll go and see if I can find whatthe housekeeper has left us for supper.” (pg5)

Timid“Anyone want to come with me.” (pg5)


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Richard Clayton Harwick – My Story Read and Weep


Novel


SynopsisSynopsis

Richard’s father died in Harwick Hall. He was liked by everyone. Richard’s mum later married Reverand Coldstone, a disciplinarian. Charlotte liked him and Mr Coldstone liked her. Richard however regarded him coldly because he believed that the Reverand had taken over the whole family. Thus when the Reverand decided that he should be sent to school as a boy should be, Richard regarded school negatively. Consequently Richard ran away from home and traveled away on a ship to faraway lands.


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He did return home but saw Harwick Hall from a distance and did not enter, nor meet his family. One day, he saw an advertisement requesting him to return. He discovers that his family members have all passed away. He reads a letter left by his sister and discovers that his mother and sister loved him so much. That his absence only created more problems for them. Disappointed of the turn of events he had caused, he wondered he should leave or live in Harwick Hall. However he chose the former.


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The PlotThe Plot

Exposition

Richard’s father Mr Harwick, passes away. His mother marries Mr Coldstone, who is kind to his sister, Charlotte. Richard hates his step-father and believes his step-father hates him too.


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Rising Action

His step-father begins controlling Richard including sending him to school. Richard looks at the negative aspect of the school and regards the schooling very negatively. Eventually he decides to run away from the country.

Climax

Broken hearted, his mother dies, after spending a fortune looking for her son. Mr. Coldstone passes away too. Charlotte who is unable to finance the search for her brother marries Charles who agrees to finance the search.


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Falling Action

Richard returns to Harwick Hall as a rich man. And discovers the heart breaking situation he had created. Regrets too late.

Resolution

Without his family, Richard feels the emptiness again and decides to leave again.


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SettingSetting

Old Harwick Hall

Mordanger School Foreign ports

The port


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Point of viewPoint of view

First hand point of viewFirst hand point of view


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Subject MatterSubject Matter

Children do not have the ability to judge the intricacies of life or decide the situation or circumstance accurately. Whatever happens may have a variety of reason for it to happen which a child may not be able to grasp. A child’s perception of things is certainly narrow. It takes a lot of experience and knowledge to understand things around us. This may be true to matured persons too.


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ThemeTheme

Upon knowing that a situation or circumstance is against you, you should then be patient and discover how to manage the problem. When you run away from the problem, it will become bigger and bigger and difficult to handle.

Upon knowing that a situation or circumstance is against you, you should then be patient and discover how to manage the problem. When you run away from the problem, it will become bigger and bigger and difficult to handle.


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MoodMood

Sorrow.


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ToneTone

Sad.


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MR HARWICK LILY HARWICK

LUCY(Housemaid)

GEORGE DIGBY(Gardener)

RICHARD (DICKIE)CLAYTON HARWICK

CHARLOTTE HARWICK

CHARLES DEVERE

Se

rva

nts

are

Children are

marries

Marriednext

Married toMR COLDSTONE

The Chart for Richard Clayton Harwick - Read and Weep

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Characters (The Main Characters)Characters (The Main Characters)

1. Richard (Dickie) Clayton Harwick

Is a very young boy who erroneously believes that the whole world is against him after his father died. His immature mind considers every thing done by others which he does not like as an action against him, a typical childish thought. Richard regrets for his follies.


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2. Mr Coldstone

He comes into the Harwick’s life to perhaps help out the family which was clueless after the death of Mr Harwick. Was he after their money or was he genuinely concerned, is the unanswered question? However after his death we discover in the story that it was Richard who inherits the wealth. (Perhaps in the eye of a child, someone to replace their father is unforgivingly unacceptable.)


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3. Lilith (Lily) Harwick/Coldstone

After her husband’s death she seems to lose control of the family, not due to the dominant Mr Coldstone but perhaps due to illnesses. Richards disappearance aggravated her mental health further!


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4. Charlote Harwick/Devere

She loves her brother dearly. Since he is the only sibling she has it is no wonder she loves him so much. The fact that she merely married Charles so that he can fund the search for her brother clearly shows how much she loves him in spite of him forsaking her.


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Characters (The Minor Characters)

Characters (The Minor Characters)

1. Lucy

A sincere servant to the family..

2. George Digby

Another servant of the family, a gardener, had a soft spot for Richard.


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Childish “Is my father dying? (pg15)

Emotional

“How many nights my pillow would become flood...cloudless afternoons I have to water with my private showers..” (pg17)

Sensible

“Show me the child who reaches for the hand of father or mother and says farewell and I will show you a storm of weeping under a face of stone”

Richard (Dickie) Clayton Harwick


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Immature

“Will it be tonight? “Now you would think he really does own my mother. And everything of hers is his as well.”“It seems that I am his. And so is Charlotte.” (pg19)“And what did my mother say?...” (pg19)“I have learned nothing except how to freeze, and how to starve, and how to be bullied and beaten.” (pg20)“I’ll be no son of his! Not ever!” (pg21)“...a boy as young as I...” (pg22)


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Obedient “Yes Father.” (pg18)

Selfish

“But what of me?(twice)...But why did my father forget to mention me? Does my happiness not matter? Do I count for less? Am I supposed to nod and be a brave lad for ever, while everythingchanges around me and everything I loved is different?” (pg18)


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Quality of CharactersQuality of CharactersCharacteristics Supporting information

Mean

“Now, Mrs Harwick, you cannot see the holes in the chapel path for tears. Please take my arm. I’ll see you safely home.” (pg19)“...ask him why he so hates me” (pg21)“You have forgotten our father!” (pg21)“And if it should be true?” (pg22)

Love“...dried her tears, and begged her pardon.” (pg22)

Regret“If I’d had my stepfather’s globe more firmly in my mind back then...” (pg25)


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Mean“He gripped my arm tighter.” (pg16)“...he has done his best to beat fear out of me.”

Anger“There was a flash of anger...” (pg17)“...as money steadily slipped away...” (pg27)

Mr Coldstone


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Disciplinarian

“Are these your best manners? (pg17)“I shall take time to mend your manners soon”“That boy runs wild. He must in any case be sent to school.” (pg19)

Kind “He has been kind enough to me” (pg21)


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Motherly“...brushing the unruly hair back from his forehead...” (pg17)“spent a fortune seeking you...” (pg27)

Devoted wife“I will not have your father go troubled to his grave.”

Lilith (Lily) Harwick/Coldstone


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Concerned“No tears, my dearest. Your poor father has seen enough of tears.”

Sensible“...everything he does is for your own good, so you will grow up strong and manly...” (pg21)


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Innocent“Papa has hugged and kissed me and now he is asking to see you.” (pg16)

Concerned “Why must you hate him so?” (pg21)

Compromised“...she’s picked her way between the two of us like...” (pg21)

Sensible“Why should I treat Mr Coldstone as if he were a murderer...” (pg22)

Charlote Harwick/Devere


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Philosophical

“Just because life has dealt us one hard blow, there is no reason for us to be unhappy for ever.” (pg22)“...If you had found the courage to stay, and show patience, and take your part in our troubles, not heap on more by vanishing.” (pg27)


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Love

“...you are still dearest to me though you have been so cruel...”“...I married Charles Devere...he has promised to keep up the search...” (pg28)


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Lucy




Worried/Concerned

“...her thoughts were far from this littletower room.” (pg15)

Supersitious “Don’t even speak of it.”

Sorrowful “...hurried away, weeping.”


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Concerned “...crushing me to his breast...” (pg15)

George Digby


Popular “Everyone loved him” (pg15)

Proud“There’s my strong lad...No tears...” (pg18)

Richard’s Father


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Lessons and moral valuesLessons and moral values

1. Running away is not the solution.1. Running away is not the solution.

The courage to stay and fight the battle of life is the sensible thing to do than to run away from the battle like a coward. We should stay and confront the problems which come our way, running away from the problem would not make the problem to go away. In fact the problem may only grow bigger.


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2. Patience and preserverence.2. Patience and preserverence.

Whatever the problem, we must have the patience to surmount it. What we may not be able to solve in one go or in one day we may be able to solve little by little or during a longer period.


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3. Problems shared is problems solved.3. Problems shared is problems solved.

When a problem comes our way, we may not be able to solve it ourself but if we were to get a few person to help us we may be able to solve the problem which we saw as too big for us to solve.


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4. If unable to help, at least do not cause moreproblems.

4. If unable to help, at least do not cause moreproblems.

There are occasions where we are unable to help others but then it is during this trying times that we should not cause more problems for them.


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Claudia’s Story:Green Pyjamas


Novel


SynopsisSynopsis

Claudia’s mum and dad were having differences of opinion. The basic reason being financial problems. This created tensions between them everyday. The father usually goes to his mother’s house when there is a fight. However, this time the signs showed that it was permanent.

The breaking apart of the family became obvious when her father moved in with Stella. Unable to withstand the split, Claudia went against Stella with every method she could. She had to ensure that her mother too did not feel that she was more close to her father and Stella too.


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One day, on a spur of a moment, Claudia resists her animosity and befriends Stella.

It was a start to an acceptance of the breaking up of the family.


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The PlotThe Plot

Exposition

Claudia’s mum and dad quarrel nearly everyday.

Rising Action

They split up.

Climax

Her father moves in with Stella.


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Falling Action

Nobody wants to accept Stella. Claudia breaks the ice.

Resolution

Claudia accepted the break up and accepted Stella too.


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SettingSetting

1. Claudia’s home where she lived with her mum.

2. Her Granny’s house where her father lived whenever he fought withher mum.

2. Her Granny’s house where her father lived whenever he fought withher mum.

3. Stella’s home.3. Stella’s home.


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First hand point of view.


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Differences of opinion between parents results in broken family. If a compromise is not reached sooner, matters will only get worse. Lastly, unless the breaking up is accepted by all, unhappiness willonly continue.


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ThemeTheme

Accept the inevitable, opposing the inevitable only creates tensionand unhappiness.


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MoodMood

Sombre mood.


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ToneTone

Sad.


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DAD MUM

STELLA

Claudia’s GRANNY

CLAUDIA SHREELA

GEORGE MARY BARNEY

Married to

Best friend

Ch

ildre

n a

re

girlfriend

Frie

nd

are

The Chart for Claudia’s Story – Green Pjymas

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Claudia’s dad

Due to bad business, he was having a financial problem. Claudia’s mum did not want to understand the problem and was nagging him which resulted in the quarrels. He left home as he was the party who was not contributing and was the weaker one in the relationship. His action of befriending with Stella soured the relationship with Claudia’s mum. However, he did try his best to keep Claudia in his life and the new relationship.


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Claudia’s mum

Her expectation was that her husband should contribute to the family welfare, however bad the situation. The problem was that after venting her frustrations, she is unable to relent and give in. Pride stopped her from taking him back. She regretted. When Stella came into her husband’s life, her outburst, indicates that she wants him but pride was stopping her.


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Stella

Entering into a relationship with a person who has just come out of a broken relationship is a nightmare.Stella found it the hardway. She had to prove herself and with stand the volatile relationship. She made it.

Grannny

Typical mother to her son. Protects the daughter in law rather than the son as her love for her son need not be proven.


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Shreela

A good friend.

Barney,Mary,George and Linda

wanted to be “politically” right.


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Naughty“It wasn’t their fault if he didn’t know the rules.” (pg5)

Observant “...only Claudia had noticed...” (pg10)

Emotional

“...blowing her nose on a tissue.” “...Openly wiped away her tears.” (pg23)“Claudia’s tissue is soaking.” (pg24)

Impulsive“I made a decision in the time it took to blink.” (pg29)

ClaudiaCHAPTER 1


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Compromising “...I’d try not to sound so keen...” (pg33)

Simple minded“...I just want things back the way they used to be...” (pg34)

Sad“...had a separate Christmas, and it was horrid......Boxing day...I felt terrible...” (pg35)

Rude“Goodbye, I said, which was extremely rude...” (pg36)

CHAPTER 3


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Hate “And I hated him for it.” (pg37)

Faithful

“Don’t call her that” (pg37)“And all the time, I would be thinking of Mum.” (pg40)

Kind “I felt sorry for her.” (pg46)

CHAPTER 3


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Nasty

“Fine, I’d say coldly,...But I don’t get to see herso much...now that I have to come here.” (pg39)“She’s alright. She’s going on a holiday soon,with her mother and father.” (pg39)“If I wanted butter, I’d ask Dad to pass it....”(pg40)“I pretended that I hadn’t noticed her...” (pg42)“I shrugged, as if I couldn’t care at all...” (pg43)“...I never wore the green pyjamas that she’dgiven me.” (pg43)

CHAPTER 3


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Sensible

“...it wasn’t helping mum...what had gone wrong was nothing to do with... (them)...treating Stella as if she was invisible was never going to solve it.” (pg46)

Bold

“I came from behind the fern (pg46)...Stella...These are the pyjamas you bought me. Aren’t they beautiful?...They’re brilliant...Thank you.” (Pg47)

CHAPTER 3


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Quitter “...he was gone....” (pg31)

Unrelenting

“...and more arguments...” (pg32)“Have it both ways...” (pg38)“...hardly speaking to one another...” (pg39)

Dishonest “Either he’d fib to ...” (pg37)

Untrustworthy “If he couldn’t be trusted...” (pg37)

Claudia’s dad


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Faithful“Don’t talk about Daddy like that, please!” (pg31)

Nags“I’m fed up with the way he spends all his time...” (pg31)“...spent more time there...” (pg38)

Claudia’s mum


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Unrelenting

“...and more arguments...” (pg32)“Just tell me when...” (pg39)“...hardly speaking to one another...” (pg39)

Angry “Mum spat it down the phone...”


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Friendly “...smiling and friendly...” (pg35)

nervous “Wish me luck.” (pg44)

compromise“...she knew I was faking but she didn’t push it.” (Pg44)

Stella


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Granny


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Sensible “...we’re best friends again.” (pg41)


Rude

“No one was talking to Stella” (pg45)“...they talked to Dad, or to the air...no one spoke about the lovely food...they wouldn’t couldn’t make friends with Stella...they were ignoring her...” (Pg46)

Shreela

Barney, Mary, George, Linda


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Lessons and moral valuesLessons and moral values

Prevention is better than cure.

Claudia’s parents should be more compromising and one of them should have given in during the quarrels.

Arguments and quarrels are quite normal in any relationship, however one should quickly decide to give in before matters gets worse.


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Patching up is hard to do.

Breaking up seems to be easy, the patching up is the difficult part. Quarrels and difference in opinion is normal in relationship but patching up must be fast and decisive. Someone must give in even though one has to give an artificial victory to the other.

Claudia’s parent’s were moving towards a breakup. The classic financial problem with the small quarrels escalating to a major break up is foreseeable. They should have patched up sooner before the situation became permanent.


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Colin’s Story:The Bluebird of Happiness


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SummarySummary

Colin was only the stepson of Jack. Colin never knew his biological father. Colin’s mum left him as she realised that he was more of a rough character. Jack however was the epitome of niceness. A perfect father, however Colin’s mum could not withstand his lack of seriousness in getting a job. So she left him. Not informing Jack where she and Colin were going.

Colin was only the stepson of Jack. Colin never knew his biological father. Colin’s mum left him as she realised that he was more of a rough character. Jack however was the epitome of niceness. A perfect father, however Colin’s mum could not withstand his lack of seriousness in getting a job. So she left him. Not informing Jack where she and Colin were going.


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However, Colin loved Jack and regarded him as his Dad. Colin admired him, and missed him so much that he began to “look” for him in his memories, listened and sang the songs they sang together, remember the things “Dad liked” and began to “see” him everywhere in his imagination.

However, Colin loved Jack and regarded him as his Dad. Colin admired him, and missed him so much that he began to “look” for him in his memories, listened and sang the songs they sang together, remember the things “Dad liked” and began to “see” him everywhere in his imagination.


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Lastly, after noticing his mother’s stand about his Dad, Colin decides to run away from home to look for his Dad. By his action he wants to teach his mother a lesson on the “waiting he had to endure for his Dad”.

Lastly, after noticing his mother’s stand about his Dad, Colin decides to run away from home to look for his Dad. By his action he wants to teach his mother a lesson on the “waiting he had to endure for his Dad”.

Would he or wouldn’t he meet his “Dad”?Will he leave home as Richard did?Ralph, Charlotte Claudia and Pixie do not agree with Colin’s action to “run away”.

Would he or wouldn’t he meet his “Dad”?Will he leave home as Richard did?Ralph, Charlotte Claudia and Pixie do not agree with Colin’s action to “run away”.


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The PlotThe Plot

Exposition

Colin’s mother left his biological father when he was a few weeks old. When Colin was 8 months old she hitched up with Jack. Colin regarded him as his Dad.

Rising Action

Jack who was not having a proper job took care of him as his mum was too busy with work. Colin was very close to Jack.


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Falling Action

Colin missed Jack so much that he got into trouble with the teachers. He was hopeless in school. His mother was not bothered about his happiness. So he was saving money to look for his Dad and leave hismom one day.

Climax

One day, Colin’s mum packed and left Jack. The reason being that Jack did not have a proper job or a proper income.


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Resolution

Colin’s story does not have an ending, but there is a foreshadowing...“It’s about following the bluebird round the world, but finding happiness where you began.”


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SettingSetting

Colin’s home where he lived with his mom and Jack.Colin’s present home.


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Children are the most affected when families break up.


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ThemeTheme

Running away from the cause of a problem is never the solution. Nor is running away to make another understand the pain or as a “lesson” to the other as it only creates more problems, especially when it isamong family members.


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MoodMood

Sad


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ToneTone

Sombre


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MUM DAD

COLIN

Married to

Ma

rried

ne

xt

Ha

s so

n

JACK(stepdad)

The Chart for Colin’s Story – The Bluebird of Happiness

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A sad boy who yearns for his stepfather, (sorry Colin,I mean your dad!). Loves him so much, that to him, heis “Dad”. The sadness is over powering and createsemotional problems for him. He is unable to confronthis mother since he loves his mother too (who doesn’tlove their mum!). Obviously the separation causes a deep emotional problem in Colin.

Colin


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She is emotionally affected too. She has a defensesystem for problems with men, she leaves them. Thus when she found Colin’s “Dad” inadequate, she left him. However, to Colin she had to hide certain things which she felt he is too young to handle.

Colin’s mum


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Kind honest man. Loves Colin like his own son.Does everything for him. His weakness is he is jobless.

Jack


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Colin


Observant“Look...In the wall. It’s a door. There’s a door hidden in the wall.” (pg7)

Day-dreamer

“...who had been quiet the whole journey.” (pg1)“...whose habit of drifting through the hours of each school day as if his thoughts were hundreds of mile away...” (pg13)

CHAPTER 1CHAPTER 1


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Interested

“...had come a sharp intake of breathe...” (pg23)“Colin’s been listening for once...” (pg24)“Go on. And just be sure you don’t miss out a single word.” (pg25)“...he was determined to hear the end...”

CHAPTER 1CHAPTER 1


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Naive “You only saw his good side.” (pg53)

Unhappy

“It wasn’t nice for me” (pg52)“His black eyes glittered...” (pg54)“Pale silver tears spilled from his eyes...” (pg57)

CHAPTER 4CHAPTER 4


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Thoughtful

“And if I stuck up for him...so I shut up” (pg54)“...staring out into the night as though pretending that he hadn’t heard.” (pg55)

Intelligent “And I knew.” (pg54)

Understanding“Listen, he said. She didn’t mean it...she thought it was better that way” (pg55)

CHAPTER 4CHAPTER 4


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Defensive“I never finished with him. It wasn’t like that...” (pg56)

Loyal“I’m sure she didn’t mean to tell lies,” (pg58)“You see, the thing about my mum...”

Creative“I pretended.” (pg56)“And I’d pretend that he was there with me.” (pg56)

CHAPTER 4CHAPTER 4


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Emotionalproblems

“...I started getting into trouble at school from being half asleep...” (pg57)“...this man came around and talked to Mum......I was a bit upset...”“I was still hopeless in school.” (pg59)“I still get in trouble with teachers.”

CHAPTER 4CHAPTER 4


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Love

“I haven’t got used to it...I took it off the shelf, and carried it round the shop for ages.” (pg60)“Enough to go back and find him” (pg61)“As soon as I’m tall enough, I’m off”“Their favourite song” (pg62)

CHAPTER 4CHAPTER 4


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Colin’s mum


Hard working “My mum worked in a shop” (pg51)

Mean “My mum and I did the flit.”



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Cunning

“She just waited for the one day a month when Dad used to go and spend the day with his sister...” (pg52)“...and Mum said, Ssh! to him, and gave me a funny little sideways look.”“Mum hadn’t left him any clues.” (pg54)“...what she said wasn’t the truth...”“...Mum didn’t even tell him about Dad...”“...she just pretended he meant the other one...”



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Too busy“...found a job in a canteen...always too busy...” (pg52)

Impulsive“...She didn’t mean it...she thought it was better that way” (pg55)

Complicated“And one day you’ll understand it’s for the best.” (pg55)



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Jack


Friendly “...you can talk to him...” (pg53)

Thoughtful/ nice/

fatherly/Lovable

“...remembers what you say...heard them from me in the first place” (pg53)

Mysterious “You didn’t know the half of it.” (pg53)



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Irresponsible “...never having a proper job” (pg53/54)

Talented“He knows the words of practically every song...” (pg50)



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Love (Colin)

“The child who is loved has many names.” (pg51)“...it was Dad who walked me to school and back...”“...And took me to park”

Light hearted “...he used to tease me.”



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Lesson and Moral ValueLesson and Moral Value

1. We should meet problems headlong and not run away from them. How long can we run away from problems in life?

Colin’s mum ran away from the first husband, to avoid the problems associated with him. She ran away from Jack too. Her character is as if she runs away from problems.


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The problems for her never reduced in fact it increased. She was too tired with work, Colin was not taken care of. In fact Colin’s character had deteriorated. Perhaps if she had compromised on Jack, he may have handled Colin well, Colin could have become a better person, she could have persuaded him to work.


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Colin on the other hand seems to have acquired the same trait from his mum. He wants to run away too. He loves his mum too much, and is unable to persuade his mum to agree to his reasoning. Adults sometimes think that they know everything. He wants to run away rather than talk to his mum and come to a compromise.

He is not able to foresee that his going away may cause more problems than solve the present problems. Just like Richard.


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Ralph’s Story:A Tale of Three

Stepmothers


Novel


SynopsisSynopsis

Ralph’s Dad and his mum were divorced. Ralph the youngest had two brothers George and Edward. His mum married Howard. His Dad married Annabelle to whom he was crazily in love.

Ralph’s Dad and his mum were divorced. Ralph the youngest had two brothers George and Edward. His mum married Howard. His Dad married Annabelle to whom he was crazily in love.

His first stepmother was possessive. She wanted Ralph’s Dad for herself. She was a health enthusiast and wanted the children to adhere to it too. She was also against mistreatment of animals and an extreme spiritual believer. Her enthusiasm to share her idealistic believes did not go well with her step-children. She eventually ran away with a “descendent of King Arthur”.

His first stepmother was possessive. She wanted Ralph’s Dad for herself. She was a health enthusiast and wanted the children to adhere to it too. She was also against mistreatment of animals and an extreme spiritual believer. Her enthusiasm to share her idealistic believes did not go well with her step-children. She eventually ran away with a “descendent of King Arthur”.


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Janet, was their second stepmother. She was a strict disciplinarian and was akin to a ruler. She had rules for every aspect of behaviour or actions. The rules were strictly adhered to. The children hated it, as their life was managed as per the clock. Liberty was at the lowest. However the adults loved it because everything was done orderly and perfectly. However, Janet left because she noticed that Ralph’s dad and Mum were taking advantage of her.

Janet, was their second stepmother. She was a strict disciplinarian and was akin to a ruler. She had rules for every aspect of behaviour or actions. The rules were strictly adhered to. The children hated it, as their life was managed as per the clock. Liberty was at the lowest. However the adults loved it because everything was done orderly and perfectly. However, Janet left because she noticed that Ralph’s dad and Mum were taking advantage of her.

Lastly, Ralph’s father met Flora, the 3rd stepmother who was as young as Ralph. She was irresponsible, spendthrift, modern and outgoing. Ralph liked her a lot and got along well with her. She got pregnant and Ralph has decided to take care of the soon to be born child.

Lastly, Ralph’s father met Flora, the 3rd stepmother who was as young as Ralph. She was irresponsible, spendthrift, modern and outgoing. Ralph liked her a lot and got along well with her. She got pregnant and Ralph has decided to take care of the soon to be born child.


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The PlotThe Plot

Exposition

Both of Ralph’s parents married again after their divorce. Ralph’s mum got married once and Ralph stay’s over in her home for half the week. However his dad remarries several times and lives in with his present girlfriend who may become Ralph’s stepmother.


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Rising Action

His first stepmother Annabelle was a dominant character, spiritual and regarded herself always right. She left when she discovered a “better” person.His second stepmother was Janet, “a ruler”. She created rules for everything.She left because she found out that his father and mum were taking advantage of her.Flora was his father’s current companion and she was pregnant.


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Climax

Ralph likes Flora and they do get along well as she was of his age. In fact he intends to take care of the baby, his half-sister when she is born.

Resolution

He was hoping that his dad will marry Flora. Hopefully she becomes stepmother three and the final one.

Falling Action

He wants to take responsibility because he believes that Flora will not be able to take care of his half sister. He is even reading baby books.


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SettingSetting

Ralph’s Mum’s House

Ralph’s Dad’s House


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First hand point of viewFirst hand point of view


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The consequences of a break-up in a marriage is so complicated and affects all aspects of life including simple daily matters. The most affected are the children.

The consequences of a break-up in a marriage is so complicated and affects all aspects of life including simple daily matters. The most affected are the children.


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Theme Theme

The adult’s break-ups although sounds ominous may result in healthy extended families whereby the children of the “broken-marriages” find themselves having a more bigger family which makes the children more tolerant, ability to cope with complex problems and learn life’s lesson’searly in life.


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MoodMood

Jovial.Jovial.


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ToneTone

Non-serious pleasant manner.

Non-serious pleasant manner.


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Angus & PatriciaAngus & Patricia

HOWARD MUM DAD

RALPHRALPHFELICIAFELICIA VICTORVICTOR

ALICIAALICIA

EDWARDEDWARD GEORGEGEORGE

ANNABEL(stepmother one)

JANET(stepmother two)

FLORA(stepmother three)

BABY GIRL TO BE BORN

BABY GIRL TO BE BORN

TOMTOM

JOEJOE

DOUGDOUG

ANNANN

NowMarried

to Married to

Ha

ve

c

hild

ren

Has re

latio

nship

Daughter is

Alr

ea

dy

ha

ve

ch

ild

ren

Ha

ve

c

hild

ren

Ha

ve

ch

ildre

nHas relationship

Has relationship

The Chart for Ralph’s Story – A Tale of Three Stepmothers

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After school goes to

Sleeps at

Mum’s drives him to

Howard drives him to

Has orchestra on

Week 1

MondayDAD’S PLACE

DAD’S

Tuesday MUM’S MUM’S

Wednesday MUM’S MUM’S

ThursdayDAD’S PLACE

DAD’S MORNING

Friday MUM’S MUM’S

Saturday dad’s? DAD’S

Sunday dad’s?


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Sleeps at



Has orchestra on

Week 2

MondayDAD’S PLACE

DAD’S




DAD’S MORNING


Saturday MUM’S MUM’S DAD’S

Sunday MUM’S MUM’S


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Sleeps at



Has orchestra on

Week 3

MondayDAD’S PLACE

DAD’S




DAD’S MORNING



Sunday dad’s?


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Sleeps at



Has orchestra on

Week 4

MondayDAD’S PLACE

DAD’S




DAD’S MORNING



Sunday dad’s?


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1. Ralph

The youngest in his family. A jovial person and takes life quite simple. He is so experienced in the complicated lifestyle that he has been experiencing form childhood that he seems to be able to get over any problems quite easily. The complicated life had made him more mentallyalert, responsible and sensible.


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2. Ralph’s Dad

Looking for love in so many places. He is more concerned with his life and quite selfish. Never has much time for the children and uses his spouse for his selfish needs.


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3. Ralph’s mum

A dominating character, is still able to handle her children with first husband’s children while having a second family.


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4. Annabel

A modern lady, interested in social idealism. A nature lover. Animal lover. Dominating character. Possessive. Nags.


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5. Janet

The perfectionist. Disciplinarian. Lives by the rules.


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6. Flora

Too young a lady for Ralph’s Dad. Dominating character. Irresponsible.


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7. Howard

Sensible.


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Ralph


Quick-witted

“Quick...Pixie and Claudia - upstairs! Try and look fast asleep. Robbo and Colin - into bed, quickly.”(pg10)From “If Miss O Dell thinks we’re asleep.....” (pg10) to“...how many chances do you get to peep into someone else’s life.” (pg11)“Of course, ...none of my stepmothers have ever been wicked.” (pg24)“I bet what we have in common is that we all wrote down a second home address,” (pg24)

CHAPTER 1CHAPTER 1


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A genius“You’d have to be a genius to work it out”. (pg64)

Cheerful“...told them cheerfully”“Right,’ he said. “Coming up,” (pg65)

Confident “Easy,” Ralph said.”

Surprised/Astonished

“For heaven’s sake!” (pg65)

CHAPTER 5CHAPTER 5


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Irritable “...she got on their nerves.” (pg66)

Independent“...getting myself a cheese sandwich.” (pg78)

Responsible

“...sneak away and ring Dad.” (pg78)“All the responsibility will fall on me.” (pg80)“...reading baby books.” (pg80)

CHAPTER 5CHAPTER 5


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Claudia


Understanding “...patted his hand” (pg65)



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Ralph’s Dad


Love

“He carried on as usual...” (pg67)“Annable muscled in on everything...”“...he was in love. Totally, idiotically, soppily in love.”“Dippy in love...” (pg68)“...risk the fuss of explaining how George and Edward felt.”“Everything Annabel did was fine with him. She didn’t like jazz, so he stopped listening to it.



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Mean“...taking advantage of her...” “neither pulled their weight...” (pg74)

Angry“...squawked at me...” (pg 78)“...he went spare...” (pg 79)“...was climbing the walls...” (pg79)

Love“...bewitched look spread over his face,...” (pg79)



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Ralph’s mum


Dominant“...if your Dad makes a fuss, tell him from me...” (pg69)

Appreciative

“It’s so nice to have a bit of order in our lives for once,” (pg73)“And credits where it’s due...just fixed up with Janet” (pg73)

Satisfied “What a joy,”



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Mean“...taking advantage of her...” “neither pulled their weight...” (pg74)

Unfair“So unfair”.“My mum’s a bit like that,” (pg75)



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Annabel


Possessive

“Never left any of us alone with Dad.” (pg66)“She came on every trip...like shopping or getting petrol...every meal...every telly programme...when Dad drove us back to Mum’s...”

Nags “She nagged and nagged...” (pg67)



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Dominant “Annable muscled in on everything...”

Health conscious

“...was always on a diet.” (pg67)“...dispproved coffee...”“...drink dandelion tea...”“...fussed with yeast, and kneaded...” (pg69)



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spiritual“...believed that everyone had an aura round their head...” (pg68)“...claimed she could...”

Animal lover“...how cruel we were, poor little Brandy, hardly room to breathe...” (pg69)



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Fickle “...went mad. Totally unhinged...” (pg70)

Idiosyncratic

“...said that Brandy was an evil beast...sheer spite...I saw the creature for what it was the moment he came in the house...malevolent aura...”



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Janet


Disciplinarian/Organised/

Sensible

“In the main office. Running everything.” (pg71)“She was more keen on rules than anyone I’ve ever known. Janet had rules for about everything...telly...how long...to bed...to get up...food...to take out of the fridge...how to chew...what you had to do with your elbows...how to hold your knife and fork...etc” (pg72)



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Flora


sexy/ bold/modern

“...with hardly any clothes on.” (pg76)

Spendthrift “...they went shopping for food...”(pg76)

Immature“I’m far too young to be his mother...” (pg77)“I’m not your mother.” (pg79)

Outgoing “So off we went” (pg78)



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Dominating“Another time, maybe you’ll think twice...without checking about my plans.” (pg79)

Irresponsible

“She’s done all sort of terrible things to me...” (pg79)“...she sent me miles to buy a bottle of mint sauce...”(pg80)“She’ll never look after it properly...” (pg80)“...found floating belly-upwards in its bowl” (pg80)



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Disorganised“She’s completely disorganised.” (pg79)



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Howard


Sensible“...she’d got no more than she deserved...” (pg75)



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Edward/George


Irritable “...She got on their nerves.” (pg66)

Hate “...just hated it.”

Responsible/ Love

“...brushed the crumbs off me,...” (pg69)

Appreciate“...because they had tons of time alone with Dad...” (pg72)



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ANALYSISANALYSIS

Although divorce is looked upon as a family breaker, it seems to have its good side too. Children seem to have an all round emotional life. It may make the child, if carefully, guided into a very formidable human being.

Technical Analysis

Compare

“I have two brothers, two half brothers, one half sister...” (pg63)


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ANALYSISANALYSIS

With

“Let me guess.” Robbo said. “They’re your stepsisters and brother.”“Half sisters and brother.” “Ralph corrected him...” (pg65)

Submitted

Pg63 should read...One half brother, two half sisters.Prove: Two half sisters: Alicia and Felicia. One half brother: Victor.


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1. No one likes divorces. No one wants to become stepmothers or stepfathers. No one wants half-brothers or sisters. Everyone wants an ideal family of: a father, a mother, brothers and sisters. When parents divorce, which is happening more often in this modern world, one of the issue is the high number of individuals in the extended family.


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For societies which do not experience the joint-family culture, it is a new experience and difficult to get used to. In joint-family culture the cooperation and experiences of managing a high number of individuals creates person of extraordinary calibre. Similarly, divorces create extended families, and the individuals if guided well would become well rounded individuals.


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Pixie’s Story:The Pains in My Life


Novel


SynopsisSynopsis

Pixie’s story, is about the problems she has to go through, when her mum and her father divorced. The story is about, how she had to share her father in her own house with her step mother and stepsisters.

Pixie’s story, is about the problems she has to go through, when her mum and her father divorced. The story is about, how she had to share her father in her own house with her step mother and stepsisters.

The trouble is, it is not the step family which is difficult but Pixie. She does not want to like them nor does she want to mix with them.

The trouble is, it is not the step family which is difficult but Pixie. She does not want to like them nor does she want to mix with them.

During a confrontation, she discovers with her stepmother, each other and understand her family and her father.

During a confrontation, she discovers with her stepmother, each other and understand her family and her father.


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The PlotThe Plot

Exposition

Pixie visits her dad every alternative week. Her stepmother has two daughter’s from her previous marriage. The two step-sisters, Hetty and Sophie, have a fight resulting in Hetty moving into Pixie’s room.


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Climax

Hetty inform’s her mother about Pixie’s plans. Lucy confronts Pixie who divulges all.

Rising Action

Pixie’s doesn’t like her step-sisters at all. She hates Hetty as she is too smart and popular, in fact Hetty is a nice person. However Pixie wants Hetty out of her room. She tries every trick she could. She succeeds but in a different manner than the way she planned.


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Resolution

The mother and children understand each other and their father and live happily.

Falling Action

The mother compromises with Pixie. They understand the father’s stand.


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SettingSetting

Lucy’s and Pixie’s Dad’s house.


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Extended families emanating from broken families is sometimes inevitable. The difficulty in the families assimilating into a cohesive family is most trying. As long as one does not put out one’s hand to accept the family relationship or friendship there will never be cohesiveness.


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ThemeTheme

When parents break up, the family shatters, no one and no one will feel it most than those family members, particularly the teenagers. Being a teenager is already most trying, but when families break up at that period of time, the difficult feeling is multi-fold.


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MoodMood

Pugilistic mood.


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ToneTone

A serious tone but witty.


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1. Pixie (Priscilla/Cilla)

Priscilla is young and immature. She goes to her father’s house on the alternative week. She finds it difficult living there as she herself is immature and uncompromising. She wants to be noticed but does not notice the others in the house. She seems to find fault with others while her faults are brushed away.


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The Chart for Pixie’s Story – The Pains in My Life

MUM DAD

PIXIELUCY

HETTY & SOPHIE’S FATHER(UNMENTIONED IN NOVEL)

HETTY

SOPHIE

Was married to

Ha

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ug

hte

r

Ma

rried

ne

xtM

arrie

d to

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2. Pixie’s Dad

Avoids all controversial issues. Wants the family to be happy but treats all the family issues as not his problem. Has to bend backwards towards Lucy’s family.


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3. Pixie’s Mum

Very possessive of Pixie and her things. Does not like Pixie leaving any of her things at her dad’s place.


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4. Lucy

Pixie’s stepmother. Takes care of the whole family without complaining. Wants to make the family successful. She tries very hard.

5. Hetty

Very intelligent and kind. Very matured.

6. Sophie

Hetty’s sister.

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Pixie (Priscilla/Cilla)


Afraid“...Pixie preferred safety in numbers...” (pg5)

Witty “They probably still will be...” (pg6)

Keen “Give it to me.” (pg14)

CHAPTER 1CHAPTER 1


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Boastful “I’m brilliant at reading.” (pg14)

Brilliant“I had to put two home addresses on my permission form.” (pg24)

CHAPTER 1CHAPTER 1


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Frustrated“...don’t want to bother to seeing my father any more,...” (pg83)

Dislike“And I can’t stand Hetty Payne” (pg85)“I’m not too keen on Sophie...” (pg85)

CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6


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mean

“...crawling round his new family as if everything about them mattered more?” (pg86)“First, I tried a haunting...” (pg87)“...scratching and scribbling noise...”“...flung the window wide open...” “...it was like the Arctic...”“...murder happened here!”... (pg88)

CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6


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mean

“...about poor Henrietta Forbes...””...her ghost was seen up and down the street...”“I waited until she was deep in her homework...brought it over to her desk..(and asked her to explain)...” (pg89)“...the semi silent treatment...” (pg89)

CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6


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mean

“Hetty the perfect! Hetty the pain!” (pg94)“She is a pain...A total pain” (pg95)“I don’t like the people in it” (pg95)“I don’t care...They’re not mine...” (pg96)“as me wanting you to get run over by accident...”(pg98)

CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6


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CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6


Irritate“They drive me up the wall” (pg83)“...Hetty drives me mad...” (pg85)“Lunch time Priscilla”

Selfish

“This isn’t fair...She’s Sophie’s sister, not mine.”“Do you think it would kill him to try and stick up for me..” (pg86)“...think about me...” (pg86)


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CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6


Pitiful“Being packed up every other week and forced to sit and be polite to someone else’s boring family.” (pg96)

Confrontational “Sophie and I had a fight” (pg86)

Immature

“Sophie took the top-bunk without even asking me or tossing a coin.” (pg86)“Hetty teases me about my name...” (pg100)


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CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6


Understanding

“...but we never made a noise...Dad and Lucy came in...saw what a terrible mistake they’d made and how much they were fooling themselves and how stupid they were to think we would ever feel anything about one another ...” (pg86)


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CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6


Jealous

“...Except mine...” (pg86)“I want to snatch it from her and rip it...” (pg87)“I want to push her face in it”“...point to all the little mistakes in my maths..”

Creative “First, I tried a haunting...” (pg87)


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CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6


Shrewd

“I hoped she’d suddenly get so fed up with me that she’d decide even her sister was better company and ...storm back to her Sophie...” (pg90)

Bold

“...you and Dad at least got to choose one another....” (pg91)“...you two who made things turn out this way, not me....” (pg92)


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CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6


Ungrateful“...you never even bother to thank me for any of it.” (pg93)

Loyal“Don’t do that please!” ...Make snide remarks of my mother” (pg94/95)

UnfairYou have just called my daughter a Perfect Pain!” (pg95)


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CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6


Pretending

“...you sincerely and honestly believed that without me and Sophie and Hetty, everything in your life would be hunky-dory” (pg97/98)

Compromising“I’m only here because I don’t want to hurt my father’s feeling...” (pg98)


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Compromising“Lucy thinks Hetty might find that unsettling,” (pg85)

Pixie’s Dad


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spineless

“...crawling round his new family as if everything about them mattered more?” (pg86)“...he’d just decided to stay safely out of things...” (pg92)“...staying out of things, and not facing up to what was bothering anyone, and only creeping in when he thought the trouble was over...” (pg99)


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Unfair“So long as I pretend that everything’s fine ...He’s all smiles...But if I say anything its very different.” (pg97)

Selfish

“...he just got on with his own selfish, quiet life, pretending he didn’t notice things or leaving them for Lucy...” (pg99)

Coward“...just to tease him, one of us might mutter: Well Lucy thinks...” (pg103)


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Responsible

“...I knew she was taking this seriously. It mattered to her.” (pg90)“I cook your meals...change your sheets...clean your room...wash your clothes...” (pg93)

Fair

“Hetty says you’re not talking to her.” (pg91)“...you don’t even get to choose your own parents...” (pg91)

Lucy


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Tactful

“...I still tried to get along with you...” “...he tries to get along with them...” (pg92)“Be as nasty as you like. But I know which I’d choose: a child who knows how to behave, or one who doesn’t.” (pg94)“You insist you are not family...but you certainly have no idea how to behave as a guest...” (pg94)“Priscilla’s a beautiful name.” (pg100)


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disappointed“...she was really irritated,...” “...Leave it all to the Wicked Stepmother...” (pg93)

Sarcasm/regret

“...if I’d had the faintest idea what I was getting into, I wouldn’t have done it in a million years.” (pg93) “Because it’s not a life anyone in her right mind would choose.” (pg93)


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Embarrassed“She went bright red” (pg94)“Lucy went scarlet.” (pg96)

Unappreciated“But do i get any support from her?” “Whatever I do I simply cannot win!” (pg97)

Fighter “I have to keep trying” (pg98)


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Confrontational

“...Sophie and Hetty had a terrible quarrel...” “...a real stand-up fight...” (pg83)“Hetty’s using my calculator, and she won’t give it back...” (pg84)“Sophie keeps switching channels while I’m watching...”“Hetty wore my blue wooly...”“Sophie’s sitting on the stairs, and she won’t let me past her.”“All of a sudden there was this giant bust-up...”“Sophie and I had a fight” (pg86)

Hetty


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Intelligent“...gift for maths...” (pg86)...can explain things till...” (pg89)

well-mannered “...natural good manners...”

talented “...way with animals...”

popular “...everyone’s darling...”

Sensible“...went straight to her mother and told her what was going on...”


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Confrontational

“...Sophie and Hetty had a terrible quarrel...” “...a real stand-up fight...” (pg83)“Hetty’s using my calculator, and she won’t give it back...” (pg84)“Sophie keeps switching channels while I’m watching...”“Hetty wore my blue wooly...”“Sophie’s sitting on the stairs, and she won’t let me past her.”“All of a sudden there was this giant bust-up...”

Sophie


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1. Life is mean. We can’t be mean too. An eye for an eye would only make the whole world blind. Meanness creates only enemies and confrontations. Kindness should be recognised and appreciated. It should not be replied with meanness.


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Robbo’s Story:Dumpa’s the Problem


Novel


SynopsisSynopsisRobbo had no problems living with his mum, Hope, step-father Roy and their son Dumpa. Cassie, Robbo’s sister, however, hated Roy and did everything possible to show her dislike. She tried to break mum’sand Roy’s relationship but she agreed that Dumpa’s the problem.

Robbo had no problems living with his mum, Hope, step-father Roy and their son Dumpa. Cassie, Robbo’s sister, however, hated Roy and did everything possible to show her dislike. She tried to break mum’sand Roy’s relationship but she agreed that Dumpa’s the problem.

She was the reason for them having fights and causing Roy to leave the house for a week. Dumpa was unable to tolerate Roy’s absence. That is how the family discovered how much Dumpa loved Roy. Robbo understood that Dumpa’s the problem in their plans.

She was the reason for them having fights and causing Roy to leave the house for a week. Dumpa was unable to tolerate Roy’s absence. That is how the family discovered how much Dumpa loved Roy. Robbo understood that Dumpa’s the problem in their plans.


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Hope usually protects Cassie in confrontation’s with Roy. In one, of the outburst by Roy, Robbo discovers that Roy is also having problems leaving them because he loves Dumpa too much. For Roy too, Dumpa’s the problem.

Hope usually protects Cassie in confrontation’s with Roy. In one, of the outburst by Roy, Robbo discovers that Roy is also having problems leaving them because he loves Dumpa too much. For Roy too, Dumpa’s the problem.

Hope discovers that she may lose Dumpa if she protects Cassie too much. Robbo discovers that, Dumpa’s the problem for his mum too.

Hope discovers that she may lose Dumpa if she protects Cassie too much. Robbo discovers that, Dumpa’s the problem for his mum too.

And to solve all the problems, Hope allows Cassie, to stay with her father. Dumpa is not a problem anymore. However, was Dumpa the problem or the binding force in the family? Was Cassie the problem then?

And to solve all the problems, Hope allows Cassie, to stay with her father. Dumpa is not a problem anymore. However, was Dumpa the problem or the binding force in the family? Was Cassie the problem then?


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The PlotThe Plot

Exposition

Robbo and his sister Cassie live with their biological mum, Hope. Their mum marries Roy and they have a son called Dumpa.

Rising Action

Cassie does not like Roy and tries very hard to break Roy’s relationship with her mum so that she can join back with her biological Dad. She tries very hard. But fails. However Roy and Hope do have a confrontation because of Cassie.


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Climax

Dumpa’s the problem. Roy loves Dumpa so much that he returns after leaving after a fight with Hope. Hope gives up patching up Cassie with Roy for if she takes side, she may lose Dumpa. The problem is every one loved Dumpa.


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Resolution

Dumpa is not the problem. Cassie, Robbo and even their father agreed that Dumpa can stay with them anytime, to which Hope too agreed.

Falling Action

After discovering that Cassie cannot tolerate Roy at all, Hope agrees to allow Cassie to live with her Dad.


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SettingSetting

Hope’s house.

Robbo’s Dad’s house.


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Non acceptance of the divorce, non-acceptance of the new relationship in the family, non acceptance of the new circumstance the broken family is in is perhaps felt most by the children. In those circumstances sometimes there will be a binding force which may be holding the whole broken family together but the binding force may only be a thin line.


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ThemeTheme

However, great the love of the adults among them, when they have children, the children’s love for the parents and the love of the parents of the children play a mighty role in the new family relationship. There is a great possibility that even the new extended family relationship may be broken due to the parent’s love for the child and a great possibility that the love for the child may only be the binding force holding up the family relationship.


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MoodMood

Touching, sad and moving.


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ToneTone

Serious.


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The Chart for Robbo’s Story – Dumpa’s the problem

DAD ROY

DUMPA

MUM

ROBBO CALLIE

Was married to Married next

Have children

Ha

ve so

n

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1. Robbo

Robbo seems to be a matured, intelligent, friendly and non-confrontational. He loves his parents, his sister, his step-brother and his step-dad. He is able to live in any condition and does not have problem in the divorce.


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2. Callie

Callie is unable to stand her step-father. This is mainly due to the fact that she does not want her parents separated. In fact she tries very hard to patch them back. She loves her father very much. In the end she makes a compromise and decides to live with her Dad.


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3. Robbo’s mum

She tries very hard to be fair to her husband and her children. And eventually gives up maintaining peace between her husband and Callie. She compromises and allows Callie to stay with her Dad.


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4. Roy

Roy is fair to his step-children. However he is unable to be on the good side of Callie as she never gives him any chance. He loves his biological son, Dumpa so much.


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5. Dumpa

Only 3 years old and very intelligent. Loves his father so much. And everybody loves him.

6. Robbo’s Dad

Never gets along with his wife. Was happy to accept Callie into his house.


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Robbo


brave

“...and went on a prowl up two or three stairs...” (pg6)“...had cast the spell of his own courage on them...” (pg8)

CHAPTER 1CHAPTER 1


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Matured“I don’t think he’s too bad...” (pg106)“I don’t mind terribly...”

Love“Dumpa’s the problem you see.” “the sweetest child in the whole world.” (pg101)

Thrilled “I almost fell like cheering.” (pg108)

Impulsive “Like being a real family again.” (pg109)

CHAPTER 7CHAPTER 7


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Skeptical “But I wasn’t nearly so sure...” (pg111)

Sensible

“..there was still a big difference between the two of them trying to get along like reasonable people and...wanting to get back together...” (pg111)“Lots of people argue. It probably doesn’t mean what you think.” (pg112)

CHAPTER 7CHAPTER 7


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Intuitive“...suddenly realised Mum had had enough of being the umpire between Callie and Roy” (pg120)

CHAPTER 7CHAPTER 7


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Strategist

“Force it open, boys! I’ll tell you why he won’t come back inside,” I said. Because he’s fed up as we are. he feels unwelcome in this house. In fact he’d really like to leave, but Dumpa’s the problem.” (pg121)“Keep up that pressure. Push them hard!” (pg122)“Don’t lose it now, Callie, I was willing her. Go on for goal” (pg123)“I think she probably said she want to go and live with Dad.” (pg123)

CHAPTER 7CHAPTER 7


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Callie


Immature“The Beard’s moved in and taken everything, and it’s not fair.” (pg106)

Dislike“Callie really hates him.”“Callie hates it (to lord over us)...”“I can’t stand him.” (3 times) (pg122)


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Mean

“Sometimes she stands behind a door and does this imitation of him under her breath.”

“...she’d put rat poison in his food...” (pg107)“...took great pleasure in tormenting Roy...” (pg108)“...whose eyes lit up at every little niggle...” (pg111)


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Mean

“He’s fixed up some overtime for the evening she wanted to go out.” (pg111)

“You can’t tell me what to do! You’re not my father!” (pg113)

“And we’ve all had enough of you..... (to).....and even Mum’s sick of you!” (pg113)


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Mean

“The Beard’s a pig! An interfering pig! I hope he stays out all day and freezes to death!” (pg117)

“He’s totally mad” (pg120)

Love“And if it weren’t for Dumpa.”pg107“Dumpa’s the problem of course.”pg112


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Grateful

“At least he and his dada get to live in the same house...” (pg108)“we could look after Dumpa here...” (pg125)

Intelligent

“Callie had been right all week” (pg108)From “Callie still thought that it was.... to...take us in that café’ for a drink.” (pg109)


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Hopeful“People do get back together. You never know. It might happen.” (pg109)

Cunning/ Crafty/

Inventive/ Creative

“The something else turned out to be a load of barefaced lies.” (pg110)

Optimistic“Well, Dumpa will simply have to learn to cope.” (pg112)

Stubborn “Roy is as stubborn as Callie...” (pg115)


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Protective“Mum only let him tick us off if we were doing something really stupid...”(pg106)

Intuitive “He’s definitely his dada’s son.”

Defensive“You’re in a real family.” (pg110)“Everyone has arguments.” (pg121)

Hope, Robbo’s mum


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Confrontational

“They’re hopeless when they meet.”pg110“It seemed they couldn’t come to terms at all.” (pg114)

Sensible

“Let go of Callie at once, please.” “But she wants you to let go of her, and I want you to let go of her” (pg113)“Callie’s so proud and if you push it, all that will happen is she’ll start to hate you.” (pg114)“Do you really dislike him that much? Do you really?” (pg124)


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Motherly

“Come inside, Dumpa.” (pg115)“Dumpa! You’re freezing out there. Come in with us.”“Roy, Send Dumpa in, please! (pg116)“Roy, Can you please persuade Dumpa to come back inside” (pg116)“It’s very cold. I’d like him back inside,please.” (pg116)“Come with me, Dumpa.” (pg116)“I’m going out to fetch him now,” (pg120)


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Desperate“Robbo, ...Please try and get him to come in for me.” (pg117)

Dejected

“Because he’s dada’s son” (pg120)“Mum sank on the edge of a chair as if I’d punched the stuffing out of her.” (pg121)“And I’m stuck in the middle.” (pg121)


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Sensible“Go round” (pg112)“That’s my car you’re about to scratch.” (pg113)

Mean“...I’ve just about had enough of you!” (pg113)“Are you taking her side?”

Hurt“Because she’s not my daughter? Is that it?

Roy “the Beard”


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Responsible

“...I’m good enough to get up half an hour earlier than i need every morning to drive her to school, and good enough to work overtime to pay for repairs...trail round the supermarket for her favourite food...” (pg113/114)

confrontational“It seemed they couldn’t come to terms at all.” (pg114)


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Stubborn“Roy is as stubborn as Callie...” (pg115)“I think it’s obvious he wants to stay with me.” (pg116)

sarcasm“Why? Aren’t two children out of three enough for you?” (pg116)“Come in to what though?” (pg118)

sulking“I don’t see why not. You obviously have! She can too.”


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Love“I’m still here, aren’t I? Isn’t that enough?” (pg118)

Compromise“All right,...Take Dumpa in with you.” (pg119)

Tactful“I’m sending Robbo in to fetch you an ice lolly. And when its finished, you go back inside. Is that a deal?” (pg119)

Defensive “Everyone has arguments.” (pg121)


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Dumpa




Love

“...stared up at Roy...” (pg107)“He’s been following Roy around ever since like a little baby duckling.”“...he struggles till they let him go and rushes down the stairs into Roy’s arms.”“He’s definitely his dada’s son.”


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Excited“...went tumbling down the stairs...” (pg108)

Cunning“The three of us ...watched for nearly an hour as Dumpa outsmarted us” (pg119)


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Hard working“...work for years and years to pay for a nice house...” (pg106)

Defensive“Don’t snap at the boy, Hope...” (pg110)

Confrontational“They’re hopeless when they meet.” (pg110)

Robbo’s Dad


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1. One cannot expect everything to fall into place like one wants to in any situation. This applies to divorces too. Just because one finds the first marriage is unable to continue, that does not mean the second marriage will fall into place neatly.

2. The most difficult issue in any divorce is the children’s issue. When adults are unable to solve their differences even though they are married can children be forced to accept the differences which is naturally present in the new family members?


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3. After a divorce, what can parents do if their own children fight against them and the new relationship? A precarious situation which is difficult and unsolvable unless there is ample compromise.


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AnalysisAnalysis

From time immemorial stepmother’s have been portrayed as witches, the devil’s mistresses,

murderers, child kidnappers, child slayers and what not. Every aspect of media has helped in this frenzy, a frenzy to impress on people that stepmothers are bad.

The odd circumstance is that stepfathers have not been given the same treatment. Perhaps the media

dominated by males is the cause! The truth is, the die is cast, until and unless the die is broken this trend

will continue whatever the actual truth is.


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AnalysisAnalysis

Richard believed, so be it erroneously, that his stepfather was evil. The irony is that Mr Coldstone is a

reverand. In spite of that, Richard believes in his perception and sadly makes a wrong decision. If, hisperception had been more sensible, the whole sad

affair may not have happened. His one wrong perception made him make another wrong decision and the rest was merely a domino effect of disasfer.


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AnalysisAnalysis

Claudia, did not want to accept the breakup of her parents. She just accepted the fact that her parents merely were not together and that she had to stay with her mum and go off to her father’s occasionally.

Claudia in her whole life only knew her father and her mum as her parents. A belief so strong and unshakeable. In fact it is even ridiculous to even mention that fact. But when Stella came into her father’s life, it was an alien circumstance which she did not accept. She showed her rejection by not cooperating with Stella. Stella to her perception had taken the place which rightly belonged to her mother.


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AnalysisAnalysis

Arguably, Claudia perceived that Stella was there to take the position of mother to her. So she resisted it. After discovering that Stella was vulnerable and was unable to come near that “position” she discovered the misconception every one had. She broke the mould then by accepting Stella publicly.


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AnalysisAnalysis

Colin was a pitiful soul. Colin perceived his stepfather as his father. Who wouldn’t? His stepfather was there for Colin anytime and brought him up with all the love a child needs. Although Colin’s perception was erroneous his was a healthy perception. However, his mother made judgments on her spouses. She seems to perceive that they are not worthwhile. The first husband is perceived as a rough person, the second as not earning. So, she decides to ride life on her own. She could have accepted the spouses as companions but she did not. If she had done that Colin would not have become the introvert that he had become, living in the memory of his stepdad.


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AnalysisAnalysis

She had created an erroneous perception in her son’s mind that his father will one day come or that he will be able to meet him one day. That erroneous perception had grown in the child’s mind, grown so big that the boy lived and thought only of his father. Anything else was secondary. His future was lost in the thoughts he had nurtured.


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AnalysisAnalysis

Ralph is a success story. He was responsible, disciplined and seems to take life lightly. Perhaps he should thank his three stepmothers. He seems to be intelligent, full of common sense and lastly full of love for his yet to be born sister. The issue seems to be, his father, who seems to perceive that love is to be discovered in others. He seems to be looking for love in so many places. He had to go through four wives, even then one is unsure if he will stick to Flora or that Flora will stick to him, for that matter. The reason is Ralph’s father seems to be spineless. All the ex-wifes perceive him to be a pushover and that he was taking advantage of them.


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AnalysisAnalysis

Pixie’s perception of the Payne’s was that they were “a pain”. Lucy and her two daughters was “them”. She perceives “them” as an adversary rather than family. She even hopes that Lucy will meet an accident and die so that her father and mother can be together again. She lives in that house against her will. The irony is that Pixie is able to comfortably enjoy the benefits coming her way from “them”. Her perception was they were not her family and that they were not invited nor welcome there.


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AnalysisAnalysis

Robbo was not the problem. Dumpa was not the problem. His mother was not the problem. The beard was not the problem. Yes, his sister Callie was the problem. She wanted her parents back together. What she failed to understand was it was not in her hands, and that her parents had decided to go separate ways. They were friendly but they just could not be married to each other.


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AnalysisAnalysis

She believed erroneously that she could patch them up.She believed that “the beard” was the stumbling block in her plans. To her even Dumpa was not the problem. Her perception was, she could patch up her parents if “the beard” and her mum broke up. Dumpa was not the problem. Was her perception erroneous?

I wish I can say, “You tell me!”


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Unanswered questions to ponder.

How does one manage the old family and the new family fairly so that both do not regard themselves left out?

Is it possible for divorced families or extended families, the former families and the present families to be managed by the parents without any problems in the relationships, so that none feel left out?

Can the parents justify their actions when they attend to one child while the other feels left out?


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Even if the parents are fair, would the children regard it so?

What if the grandparents treat their biological grandchildren better than their non-biological grandchildren? Is this fair?

Would the children feel it is fair?

Do you think these are subjective questions which is applicable to the families in question?


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1. But what of me?But why did my father forget to mention me.Does my happiness not matter?Do I count for less?Am I supposed to nod and smile and be a brave lad forever? (pg18)

Children who are neglected create social problems. Parents need to spend quality time with their children.In fact teachers who neglect school children may alsocause problems for the students.



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The children on the other hand should regard this concern by parents and teachers positively and do not regard the concern negatively, busybody etc. Children are capable to be scarred for life due to the psychological effect of neglect by the parents.


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2. One should not vent his frustration on a person who is not a party to the event. When the father died, Dickie vented his frustration on Mr Coldstone. When her parents divorced, and were separated Claudia vented her frustration on Stella. When Pixie’s parents divorced, Pixie vented her frustration on Lucy. When Robbo’s parents divorced, Callie his sister vented her frustration on the Beard.


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The person who was the cause or the guilty party was not vindicated. The children did not dare. An innocent person was vindicated. This is unfair. The problem is the children do not understand this. Parents should educate the children and not support the children on this issue. In fact in most cases, the new relations fail as the child, the apple of the eye of the parents will take precedence over the new comer. (pg22)


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3. If one were to think carefully, step by step, one will be able to find the solution to any problem. This sounds like a maths problem. If we work it out step by step, and not missing any wicked step, we will eventually find the answer. And score we will. Be it Additional Maths or Modern Maths. If, you miss any of the steps, you will lose a mark, and you will call the teacher who marked the answer sheet, a wicked person. In real life, if we were to have a problem, and if were to think carefully step by step (don’t include any wicked steps) we will find the solutions for any problem we face. We need to take some time to think and we will have the solution. (pg24)


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4. One day, a very long time in the future you will realise what your parents did for you was right. Not necessarily in the long future. Dickie found soon enough, regarding the Geography lesson his stepfather gave him. There are so many things parents who are much more experienced than a child may say or ask the child to do. The child may find it difficult to follow as the child does not have the maturity to look so far in the future nor the ability to look at a plethora of circumstances around an issue which the parents have gone through. One day, perhaps it will be too late, but they will realise.


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Ask any adult, is there anything his or her parents had said and he or she had not followed and regretted now. The answer will be a resounding Yes! At the same time ask them what are the things their parents have told them to do and they did it although they did not like it then. Now what do they think about what the parents had told them then, is it right. The answer will be Yes.(pg25)


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5. Better if you had found the courage to stay and show patience.

Sometimes the best way to solve the problem is to wait patiently and let “the storm” pass by. The courage to withstand the might of “the storm” is crucial. After which one can gather oneself and assess the damage to solve the problem. Problems are just like a storm, they come and they go. We should have the courage and the patience to withstand it.


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“And take your part in our troubles.”Where problems befall a family, if all the family members do their part, take some minor part in solving the problem, the problem becomes manageable. However small the part played, the problem becomes smaller for the others.

“Not heap on more by vanishing.”“...the damage I have done by piling one wrong on another till all I loved was broken from the strain...”


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Running away from problems is never the solution, the problem will never go away, it will gather more associated problems. In the end we will have more problems, some caused because we did not solve the first problem, other problems comes because we are not there! to solve them. The one which was there in the beginning will still be there staring at us. (pg27)


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6. “it isn’t very nice just having to keep waiting and hoping...” (pg29)

It is never nice to be waiting even for a minute, more so if it is years. The worst part is when we are made to wait without being informed why we are made to wait. If we are made to wait and we are told how long we will have to wait, it will be tolerable to wait. If we are made to wait, and we are not told how long we have to wait, we would be hoping and hoping that the wait will end. It isn’t nice to be made to wait. Don’t you think so!


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7. “...no one should make decisions that will change the lives of everyone round them without thinking about it for a very long time”

One decision. That one decision can and will affect so many person. So many decisions were made by so many characters in the novel. It affected so many people in so many ways. Some were affected in a pleasant way some were not. Claudia made a decision in less than a blink!


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However, one should note that there are occasions where split second decisions are necessary for the normal working of society. Example when driving, when in times of impending disaster etc. Other exceptions is when it involves professionals and specialists who need to make split second decisions. One sometimes cannottake too long to decide certain things.

Arguably, it is agreed that there are a time when a decision should not be made hastily when it will effect too many people.


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Arguably if there are several people involved in the split second decision and they do agree, they should be allowed to make split second decisions which will change the lives of everyone around them. (pg29)


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8. “I just want things back the way they used to be” 9. You can’t make things right by wishing.

Everyone wants things back the way they used to be as long as it was pleasant. Change is part of life. Everything changes. This is wishful thinking. We cannot live in the past. We have to live today for today. (Pg34/pg98)


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10. You can’t have it both ways.

Sometimes members of the broken families try to get benefits from both sides of the family but do not contribute to either family. It could be the father, or the mother or even the children.

You can’t have the pudding and eat it too. (pg97)


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11. I have to keep trying.

Never give up. When the going gets tough the tough gets going. Even in a game of football if the losing team even thinks of giving up they might as well stop the game and give a walkover. That does not happen they continue playing and sometimes the losing team does win! Life is like that. Try, try and try. (pg98)


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12. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.

To regard a childish name calling seriously and to create such a big problem with the name calling which is clearly a no-issue, is certainly making a mountain out of a molehill, a worthless issue. But there are some issues which needs to be blown out of proportion if we want people’s attention on it. A good example would be environmental issues.


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Although some environmental issues are physically small, unless one blows it out of proportion, and make it a big issue, scrupulous people might enlarge the damage for the pecuniary advantage. e.g the destroying of forests which begins on a small scale when timber is stolen from the jungle. (pg100)


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13. Parents should be together for the sake of the children. Divorce does not solve all the problems. it creates more. In certain cases divorce is inevitable however the divorcees should take into consideration the children. For the love of the children the parties can be together and pursue life on that understanding till the children reach the age of adulthood.

...Dumpa is not the problem, he is the binding force. (pg106)


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14. Everyone is not made the same. Adults or children. Just because adults can cope it does not mean children can. Just because some children can it does not mean others can or vice versa.

Not even fingers of the same hand are similar in size or shape, how can we expect a complicated human being to be of the same character.


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It is not right to expect from someone anything just because another is able to the same thing. Parents who divorce, and subsequently get married expect the children to have a cordial relationship with the new family members. It is not as easy as that. This should be foreseen. The difficulty is real. The adults and the children should be prepared for any eventualities.


However it should be noted that children are fast learners, once children are put in a difficult situation they can learn lessons in life. Robbo is the example.


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15. Expectation works both ways. If we expect someone to do or behave in a certain way. We should expect them to impose some things on to us too.

Roy had to care for Callie. Callie should reciprocate. It was not so in the novel. In real life, “there is no free ride”. (pg113)


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16. Teenagers or children are to be treated with kids glove, if we push them too hard, they will start to fight back or hate you.

Although children have a fertile mind, theirs is an immature mind.

If the parents or adults impose too high a pressure on them, they may absorb the pressure and do what is wanted but then they may retaliate, if they do so the chances of patching up with the child may be difficult or it may psychologically affect them. In both cases there is a possibility that the child may hate the adult. Force may not be the answer. (pg114)


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17. Sometimes we want to protect someone close to us from another, by protecting them we may be closing that person from the outside world.

Callie’s mum was the umpire between Roy and Callie. She wanted to protect her daughter as a mother. The protection created a shell for Callie where she began to attack Roy whereas Roy was not able to discipline her. Callie’s character will be psychologically affected by the “shell” created by her mother for her. (pg120)


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18. Sometimes you have to take a risk to finish the game.

An often said caption by captains of sports games. Every game has a risk. The highest risk is towards the end of the “game”. The last few minutes may decide who wins the “game”. In Robbo’s game-plan, his mother could have gone berserk and stubbornly disagreed. It was a risk. Robbo took it. In real life too, life is a risk. We study in the last minute just because we get news that a question may come out. Knowing quite well that the last minute studying “may” put us off tempo. (pg123)


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19. New season. Fresh teams. Brand new game.

When the team is not cohesive. It is time we plan for thenew season.

When the family members are not cooperating, create anoccasion where cooperation is necessary, a birthday ifpossible or an outing etc.


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When the members of the family is the same for too long, there may be inflexibility, perhaps we need a new input, (an uncle, a grandfather etc) a fresh member to make it into a fresh team or perhaps change some of the roles to create a fresh team.

A Brand new game, perhaps by shifting house, change the business, move to a new country etc. (pg125)



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20. Your sister isn’t running away. She’s simply trying something different to make things work. Callie is not running away from the issue. She had simply gone to the her father’s as her presence will not make things better for Roy. It is not a “running away” and not accepting the responsibilities in the family, it is only a reprieve. (pg126)


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21. Unhappiness works like one of those huge snowballs you see on the parks. The more you roll it round and round, the more there is of it. And your tiny bit that started it stays in the middle cold and hard, where you can’t get at it anymore. And where it lasts the longest.

Sad thoughts should not be kept in the mind and pondered repeatedly. It should not be pondered and expanded to include all the expected negative conclusions it may cause. The more one thinks about it, the more it affects us.


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22. He didn’t try hard enough and he didn’t try long enough.

Whatever one does one should not do it superficially, one should do it with full vigour and concentration, if we do not do it hard enough, the result may not be up to expectation. Sometimes it may need a longer period of time to come to fruition. We should have the sustenance to withstand the onslaught of time. (pg128)


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23. Somebody has to make the effort. ...the ones who mess everything up in the first place aren’tquite so good at fixing thing again after.

People who cause some calamity or mess everything up probably messed it up because they were incapable or were not in the right frame of mind, if so, the chances are they are not the right person to correct the situation. Arguably, the experience in being involved in the particular situation would have made the person more experienced to handle it as he or she knows the intricacies of the situation better than a third party who does not know anything about the situation. (pg128)


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24. Perhaps he thought he was the only one.

Whenever we face some problems, we think only we can get into such a problem. We always think that the problem is peculiar to us. The truth is everyone faces problems of a similar kind every minute of the day. There is no such thing as problems only looks for one single person, you. (pg129)


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