Herrick’s verse novel, ‘The Simple Gift’ uses various narrative voices to communicate key ideas about an individual’s personal circumstances. The contrasting voices of character stances and lifestyles explore the very different life experiences of people in our society, revealing the stereotypes surrounding homelessness, an individual’s need to perceive their identity and the importance of overcoming grief in order to find happiness.
Herrick’s effective compositional choices and the hardships of the protagonist helps the reader gain a deeper understanding of the importance of one’s belonging and acceptance and how simple gifts like humanity and generosity really make a difference as we make connections between different impressions through the series of scenes portrayed by the composer.
Individuals must overcome personal pains and obstacles in order to find their true self. The complications associated with not being able to develop a sense of belonging is reflected throughout the novel. The effective use of irony in, “A warm, safe little cave for children to hide in when they’re scared or lonely and need somewhere safe to go”, emphasises how Caitlin has an expensive house yet she feels safe in Billy’s little cave.
127 our experts are availableright now
She doesn’t appear to value her family’s wealth and is busy searching for something more spiritual and happiness that can’t be bought. Billy refuses to conform to society or any expectations as he tries to find his true self. He feels a sense of independence and belonging as a homeless in Bendarat which is illustrated through the positive imagery in, “Caitlin and I walk to Benderat River and my favourite bend.
The sun is sparkling Saturday and I’ve scrubbed my clothes, at the laundry this time with real detergent bought with the money I earned”. The use of alliteration in, “sparkling Saturday”, signifies the beauty and serenity of the scene along with Billy’s peaceful mood conveying a positive attitude towards life.
He is growing into an independent and responsible man and is proud of his achievements. This transformation is juxtaposed with the sense of alienation evident at the beginning of the verse novel portraying the transition in Billy’s personality as he finds his true identity.
The caring nature in a relationship nourishes mutual love and respect for one another. The lack of acceptance in Billy’s and Caitlin’s family strengthens their bond as it is based on empathising with each other’s circumstances.
The mutual acceptance and understanding are emphasised through the short truncated sentences when Caitlin says, “ I love Billy. I’m sure of him and I want my parents to know.” Caitlin accepts Billy’s lifestyle along with his poverty despite her middle-class values and traditions.
This emotional bond is further depicted when Billy describes his relationship as “ a circuit of plans with Caitlin at the centre, and me, a badly dressed satellite spinning crazily in her orbit:”. The bond is symbolic of gravity which pulls two forces close to one another. It is these examples of human kindness that enable the characters to escape their mare’s nest and overcome the adversity of their lives.
Individuals must grow and transform themselves in order to overcome the obstacles they face in life. A key individual, Old bill, also experiences a transition in his personality. Old Bill is a fifty-year-old alcoholic homeless who suffers from the negative impacts of isolation and alienation after losing his daughter and wife.
His choices and challenges have led him to his homeless condition. The anaphora of “I like the kid” in, “I like the kid. I like his company. I almost feel young again. Billy deserves more than an old carriage and spending his days trying to keep an old hobo from drinking too much. I like the kid”, signifies the change in Old Bills lifestyles as Billy helps him minimise alcohol consumptions and reinforces the strong bond they share.
This concept is further illustrated through the chapter Locks and Keys where Old Bill states, “Billy holds the key, returns it to his pocket, says thanks, again, and offers his strong young hand. We shake, and my hand in his stops trembling for a moment.” Old Bill is letting go of his past by handing the keys of his family home as a simple gift to Billy.
The key is symbolic of unlocking doors and the start of a new journey for Caitlin and Billy as they leave behind the obstacles in their lives. The repetition of “hands” indicates a sense of connection between Old Bill and Billy and portrays the positive influence the kid has had on the old hobo. Old Bill is able to achieve peace and move forward with his life overcoming the obstacles of losing his beloved through the support of Billy and their mutual understanding.
The Simple Gift conveys the notion of kindness and generosity in order for an individual to overcome obstacles and find their true self. The verse novel stands as a metaphor for life within a challenging society. The small but life changing gifts all impacted on the characters feeling like they belonged in each other’s lives. It is through the acceptance of shared experiences that allow the characters to overcome the tragic events of their early life and establish a new positive beginning.
