Sleep Rough Tonight, written by Australian author Ian Bone, addresses the idea of cultural violence and the effect it has among teenagers. The novel follows Alex, a young and troubled teenager who learns some harsh lessons about life and growing up. As a challenge, Alex ends up sleeping on the streets in the city and must overcome the dangers that come with it. Bone develops ideas and themes through a variety of narrative techniques. Bones' characterization of Alex allows us to follow his personal development. The vivid description of the novel's settings is another significant aspect. Marta is another character who plays a considerable role in the story. Likewise, the characterization of the "Jockey" and his development over the course of the novel is very influential in the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In the novel, Bone effectively develops the theme of violence. The characterization of the protagonist helps the reader relate to his decisions in difficult situations. Throughout the novel, Alex is developed as an outsider, which leads to him being bullied at school: “He was in the bathroom again. Dragged into the red brick building by a giant with acne and hair. Another dunk." (Page 1) At first he's arrogant and reckless, trying to be the class clown, "'What if the hunter farted?' It seemed like a fair enough question, but Mrs. Fulton didn't see it that way (Page 12), Alex gradually learns to accept advice and begins to find himself, learning what he stands for: "You want me to steal." my father's store?" (Page 249). Through this character we learn that we all need help, no matter how tough you are. Bone uses the novel's settings to show the effects of a violent culture. Bone uses a wide range of adjectives to describe the city. This creates mystery and allows the reader to become attached and have a connection with Alex which increases readers' interest in the novel, “... rundown and neglected. The windows were broken and a fence of shaky wire ran around its perimeter…” (Page 210). Bone also describes the violent street gangs when Alex is in the city at night. They are added to reinforce the constant idea that the city streets are deadly, “.. He could just see them standing and knew they weren't stretching their legs." (Page 189). The opening scene is the school, which has been invaded by the elders who rule the courtyard. They control younger students through violent techniques, such as bath-drenching and violent beatings. This makes teachers avoid conflicts with them: “…How safe they seemed. How tall is he. There was an air of confidence about them, a stillness that was crying out to be challenged.” (Page 5). The setting is used to teach us that violence is taking over our world and affecting all areas of a city. Marta plays an important role in the novel as the only anti-violent character. She has symbolic attributes in the novel, always seems to know the right thing to do and is always ready to help Alex in times of need. She acts almost like a guardian angel to Alex, “....He agonized over a plan or an idea, but the only image that came to him was of a happy, warm, friendly face, offering him biscuits, laughs with him. Marta." (Page 167). When the reader first meets Marta, she is tormented by some older people on the bus and proves an easy target for bullies, "The girl took her ponytail and tore it out a bulldog clothespin, tearing several.
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