The poem "Family Ties" brought those childhood memories back up for me. It's strange to think that I could feel such an intense reaction from a light-hearted occasion, but it appears that I'm not the only one who felt like an outsider in her own family. ... The poem begins optimistically. ... As the poem comes to a close the audience can't help but be on their guard. ... Earlier in the poem the narrator watches his family members walking around with their "broken lives repaired for this occasion," and their "powdered" and "freshly shaved" ...

• Word Count: 1175
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

Victorian readers would not be accustomed to the defect and brokenness that is so prominent in these families. ... This declarative sentence informs us that no matter how naughty Cathy may be, she still has a heart which longs for the love and forgiveness she hopes is available to her through her father, Mr Earnshaw. ... A similar example of dysfunction is also seen in DH Lawrence's short poem 'Discord in Childhood'. ... In both the novel and the poem, the idea that family relationships come under unfair conflict is recognised. ...

• Word Count: 1516
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Even though he faces this reality, it is important to mention that he does not accepts it, as he tries, unsuccessfully, to escape from it, watching movies and writing poems. ... In it Jim ends up kissing Laura but sadly confessing, after he does this, that he is in love with another girl and Laura's heart breaks in disappointment. ... After finding out that Jim has a girlfriend she gives her broken unicorn to him. ... Just like the broken glass piece, she is now just like any other girl, she is no longer exotic. ...

• Word Count: 1571
• Approx Pages: 6