Trash Analysis Assignment

Convention

Setting - Through the use of juxtaposition, the setting of the cemetery shows two sides, the rich side and the poor side. The poor side is described as bright, spiritual and 'alive' where the people are together as one, sitting and talking with their deceased loved ones. The bright lights coming from the poor side of the cemetery assist the three boys in the journey to uncover the mystery of Jose Angelico.

Symbol

A symbol to represent the setting of the poor side of the cemetery is a lighthouse. A lighthouse acts as a beacon for boats sailing during the night to use in order to easily identify where land is. The poor side of the cemetery signifies the lighthouse as it guided Gardo, Raphael and Rat to their destination. The bright lights from the poor side of the cemetery are similar to the light coming from a lighthouse, providing direction.

"The brightest of lights was the poor part of the cemetery, where thousands of candles were coming together as everyone streamed in after work. It was bright as day, bright as a furnace, and the candles were moving in great rivers as people made their way to their loved ones." Pg. 180

Discussion

Using the setting of the cemetery, Mulligan demonstrates that the poor people of Behala must not give up hope and must unite together to defeat the corruption. Similes are used in the lines 'bright as day' and 'bright as a furnace' to show that the crowd of poor people are like a fire, as they are fierce, raging and wild.

"It was All Souls' Night, and he was there, I hope and believe, at the front of the ghost-crow! Right there with us. I think he stayed with us too – I hope with Jose Angelico, arm in arm – with us all the way." Pg. 194

This quote shows that whilst at the cemetery, Gardo, Raphael and Rat all felt the spirits of the dead Gabriel Olondriz and Jose Angelico giving them courage, and guiding them. This relates to the symbol of the lighthouse as it also helps them find the money and uncover the mystery.

Convention

Internal and/or external conflict – In order to bribe the prison guard to hand over the bible to Gardo, Rat steals money from the safe in the Behala Mission School. Rat has to make an extremely difficult decision, as Father Julliard had done many things for Rat, including giving him extra food and money. But, Rat needs the money to pursue their goal which will result in benefitting the greater community as the bible holds clues to locate the money stolen from the people by Senator Zapanta. Once this is achieved he will be able to return the money to the community which is significantly more than the money that he stole from Father Julliard's safe.

Symbol

An intertextual reference that represents the internal conflict which Rat has to face is Robin Hood. Robin Hood is a heroic thief and outlaw who stole from the rich in order to give to the poor. Even though he knew stealing was wrong he still committed the crime so that he could give money to the poor and oppressed. This relates to Rat's situation as he commits an awful crime to someone he respects and loves with the intent to benefit the poor community.

"On a thought, because – please don't think the worse of me – the shame was making me ache, I stopped again." Pg. 146

"Father Julliard had told me stories, given me food, given me money. He'd even kissed me once, which nobody before or since ever has done." Pg. 147

Discussion

Through utilizing the technique of internal conflict, Mulligan demonstrates to his readers that we should not be quick to judge without understanding the real intent behind an act or decision which may seem wrong.

The two quotes further show that Rat is worried and feels guilty about stealing from Father Julliard. He also contemplates on all good things Father Julliard did for him, which caused him to feel even more guilty.

Convention

The role of minor characters – During the pursuit by the police to capture Raphael, Gardo and Rat, they retreat to an old building in which they had stayed before as they trio knew that the other children living there would assist them in escaping from the police. They all crowd around each other, forming a giant swarm of children and ran down the streets in attempt to confuse the police which allowed Raphael, Gardo and Rat to escape.

Symbol

A symbol to represent the role of the other children from Behala is an ant colony. This is because as individuals, ants are vulnerable, weak and small, but as a colony they are an unstoppable force which can achieve anything. This represents the children living in the building as they are vulnerable to the police when they are alone but when they are together it makes it impossible for the police to get them all.

“We all ran together. We found stairs down, and everyone was screaming and laughing, shouting to their friends, so suddenly we were a mighty crowd, pouring into the hallway. It saved us, I swear.” Pg. 164

Discussion

Through utilizing metaphors, Mulligan demonstrates that when people are united, they are stronger, braver and can reach any goals. The line "we were a mighty crowd, pouring into the hallway" shows that as a unit or group you are unstoppable, similar to body of water 'pouring' down a mountain, refusing to let anything stop it.

Convention

Characterisation – During the interrogation of Raphael, in which he is beaten by the cops, he is characterised as resilient and strong, even though he is physically weak, he is mentally strong, as he does not sacrifice his friends to save himself. The cops bring in Raphael after they have a suspicion that he found the belongings of Jose Angelico. Raphael denies the accusations of the police and in return he is beaten badly and hanged of the side of building through a window.

Symbol

A symbol to represent Raphael is a rubber band because it seems weak and fragile at first, but it is very strong and durable. This symbol relates to Raphael as when seeing Raphael for the first time, most people would view him as frail and powerless, but in reality, he is tough and resilient.

"All I could shout was no. Gardo has asked me – Rat too – did I come close to giving in? And the truth is, no, I did not," Pg. 63

Discussion

The characterisation of Raphael is cleverly utilized by Mulligan to teach us that it is important to be resilient, strong and loyal in the face of danger, corruption and crisis, in order to defeat our enemies and fears. In the novel Gardo, Rat and Raphael all stand up to their fears and enemies, even though at times they have no other choice to flee, but when they have the slightest chance in winning they take the risk and do whatever must be done.

Convention

Character Development – Throughout the story, Raphael significantly develops, from being a childish, playful and joking child to a resilient, intuitive and independent young man. This is due to life-threatening experiences and exposure to the outside world. As he journeys on his adventure through Behala with Rat and Gardo, together they experience new things and develop as individuals in their own unique way.

Symbol

An intertextual reference which represents Raphael's character development is Sansa Stark, one of the main characters from the HBO's TV series, Game of Thrones. At the beginning of the series she is portrayed as naïve, overconfident and mischievous. But, as the storyline progresses she becomes stronger mentally and physically, more mature and modest. This is achieved through her experiences, good and bad, and exposure to reality.

"Like he wanted to go to the station that night, right then, and then the next day, like a little kid. He got so excited thinking about what he might find, I had to say no about ten times." Pg. 27

"To me, sitting next to it, it looked like food and drink, and changing my life – and getting a way out of the city for ever. It looked like change, it looked like the future." Pg. 194

Discussion

By developing Raphael's character throughout the book, Mulligan teaches us that to grow up and understand who we are, we must experience things and expose ourselves to the real world to learn and adapt.

The two quotes contrast each other as in the first quote Gardo describes Raphael as a curious 'little kid' and in the second quote the reader can tell that Raphael has developed into a much mature person as he is reflecting on his future and contemplating on the important and significant things in life.