Work for Friday

Chain of Hearts

 The male point of view

 Maureen McCarthy has told this story through the voices of her women characters and exclusively from female points of view. It would of course be a very different novel if she had chosen to tell it otherwise.

 
What would happen to the story if male viewpoints were included? Try writing one of the following:
 

Ø Daniel’s thoughts after Geraldine meets him in the street and tells him of Fran’s annual encounters with Paul. Why does he decide not to confront Fran?

 

Ø Robert’s thoughts as he drives Sophie to Fran’s place. What are his feelings towards Sophie? Does he have any understanding of the trauma she has experienced because of Mai’s death? Does he understand the hostility between his wife and his daughter? What does he think of Geraldine’s decision to send Sophie to Fran?

 

Ø Minh’s letter to Sophie – the one she never reads because she thinks the envelope only contains a letter from her mother and she throws it away. What did he say?

Ø Daniel’s father’s feelings about Ruby – the girl who died because her message to him was never received. Did he blame himself? Although he eventually married someone else – Daniel’s mother – did he always remember her?

 

Remember to take the time  to proof-read and edit your work. Post to your blog at the end of the lesson.