The character of Josephine makes the reader respond in an inspired and loving way towards the theme of Family. Josie comes from a single parent family but the love expressed by her mum, Christine, is immense and really shows by what she has taught Josie. The Alibrandi name is frowned upon by the Italian community, as its not acceptable for a single mother to be raising a daughter. Italian families are every close and loving so Josie is surrounded by people that love and adore her. Josie's family provide her with unconditional love, acceptance and the space to explore her curiosity's and fears. Josie's family life have been through a lot, the return of her father, immigration, Nona Katia's unfaithfulness and are always being scrutinised in what they do.
But they have formed a strong bond between family members a bond which can't be broken. My response to family life is it is the single most important thing in your life. Where would you be without your Mother/Father to lift you up when your down, to make that special effort to encourage you in whatever you wan to do. Your family is always there for you and I Josie case her family life was very involved and that kept her pushing through the hard times. Families show there love in many different forms but there is no doubt that love is the essence of family life.
"When I get elected school captain, when I win win win . And when I lose he hates me". That statement from John Barton illustrated what he's going through . The pressure put on him by his dad is immense. The character of John Barton makes the reader respond in a sad and angered way to the theme of teenage suicide. The theme being addressed here is teenage suicide and the affect it has on a person and family. Johns suicide I believe is a result of the pressure faced by John as he believes hew has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
John's decision to commit suicide came a surprise to Josie, but now overlooking there time together Josie believes if she sae the warning signs she could of dome something to prevent it.