Reading this book via the pages of the diaries of Tristan, James and their mother piece up a story of the concerns of the twin brothers for each other.
What brought forth these concerns?
The twins, Tristan and James have been together since they were young. They learn to help each other and in return, they help each other to fulfill each others' needs be it physical or otherwise. There were few concerns and issues that they could not resolved.
A new situation then arises.
They have both completed primary education and will move on to study at the secondary school level. They enjoyed their times at Peter Hill Primary though in different aspects. While James loved sports and played football, Tristan like to act in plays and dramas. Tristan was positive minded and full of confidence. James was timid and lack self assurance.
Tristan has been enrolled at a special school for the physically challenged called Chesterlea Grange while James will attend a day school called Highfields.This is the first time they will part ways. Tristan will only be back during the weekends.
After the stage play on the last day at Peter Hill Primary, their mother was deeply concerned about her two boys. Both had been extraordinarily quiet as if they were in a depression.
What was going in the minds of the boys?
Let us look at the issues and concerns of Tristan. He is feeling sad and bad. 'Sad' because he will no longer ever go back to Peter Hill Primary where he enjoyed school life so much. 'Bad' because he will be going to a new school leaving his brother James to go to another school. He believes that James needs his support and encouragement as James lacks confidence and need his encouragement.
What about James's concerns?
He is worried that Tristan would not be able to get around without him by his side. He senses the problems Tristan will face. Who will push his wheel-chair? How is he going to be help in physical exercises or in going to the toilet?
On the other hand, he feels he is still in need of Tristan in his new school to help him. as he is by nature a shy person, he is worried that he will not have anyone to help him. He needs Tristan to perhaps help him with his homework and also to give him constant encouragement.
As for their mother, she was worried whether she has made a wrong decision in separating the boys. She wanted Tristan to 'stand on his own two feet' by going to Chesterlea Grange where he can get himself involved in sports and other physical pursuits. If Tristan is enrolled in Highfields, he will still have to tolerate the facilities at school which may not be user friendly to a person in a wheel-chair. By separating the boys, Tristan will then be on his own and will be less dependent on James.
As for James, his mother feels that that he should also be made independent and to grow on his own rather than forever stay inside the shadow of Tristan.
When Tristan changed his mind of not going to Chesterlea Grange, his mother was worried but James is happy since he will again have Tristan by his side at school and at home. This was the climax of the whole story.
However, while they were discussing the pros and cons of Chesterlea Grange, Tristan felt the time has come for him to be on his own as well. This is a cross-road he has to decide the direction he must take. His new school had all the facilities and activities that is suitable for him and it is about time he should take the challenge to grow on his own without help from James.
So in the falling action phase of the story, Tristan decided to go to Chesterlea Grange and James went to Highfields.
Both enjoyed their new schools and found out that all their concerns were somewhat misplaced. Where Tristan find new joy in Chesterlea Grange, James had Kiara Jones as a friend to give him encouragement in his new school.
So, all the issues are finally resolved and the story ended with happiness all round.
No comments:
Post a Comment