In every short story the element of narrative structure is extremely significant, no more so then in "The Altar of the Family" by Michael Wilding and "A Blow, A Kiss" by Tim Winton. Both author's use of exposition, character development and climaxes are pivotal in the development of narrative structure in their short stories as it exists to communicate a meaning. The timing and placement of events within these narratives create this meaning. In both these stories, the narrative structure is revolved around "moments of realisation" that are imposed on the main character resulting in the reader facing personal issues and opinions.
Through narrative structure, both authors base their stories around the young main characters coming of age and how their fathers are significant in this development. In both stories, emotion is the predominant element used to engage the reader. In "The Altar of the Family", Michael Wilding influences the reader to sympathize with the main character. We are persuaded to see David as an innocent child brought up by unhappy and insensitive parents, focusing mainly his un-accepting father. This situation puts David in a position that results in a climaxing act of desperation to gain his father's acceptance. This eventually leads to a regretful and guilty end, a somewhat shameful way for David to enter manhood. Alternatively, " A Blow, A Kiss" by Tim Winton is centred on Albie's sudden progression of maturity as he stands up for what he believes in. He performs an act that would usually be seen as being negative, however, used in this context, fair and admired by the reader thus giving him a respectable status into manhood. Another important detail in this short story is the comparison of the positive relationship between him and his father and the unhealthy relationship between the motorbike rider and Wilf Beacon. "A Blow, A Kiss" would require more reader emotion than "The Altar of the Family" because the reader's emotions would vary differently towards Albie and his father as opposed to the motorbike rider and Wilf Beacon.
In various guises, a search for redemption is a common feature of many of the protagonists in Scorsese's films. J.R. (Who's That Knocking at My Door, 1969), Charlie (Mean Streets, 1973), Travis (Taxi Driver, 1975), Christ (The Last Temptation of Christ, 1988), Henry (GoodFellas, 1990), Sam Bowden (C...
