2022 IB Diploma Extended Essays

Both books explore the different perspectives experienced by each protagonist through characterization. This encourages reader reflection toward identifying and empathizing with the protagonist, even when their actions are shockingly callous. By establishing deeper grounds with each character through explicit characterizations within each book, readers are eventually guided to appreciate that although these characters condone vile and mean behavior, it is their plight and suffering, that leads to what they do and how they act. Section III --- The intrinsic beauty of nature ‘In fiction, characters are usually considered grotesque if they induce both empathy and disgust. (A character who inspires disgust alone is simply a villain or a monster.)’ (Clark, 1991). The ‘Grotesque’ exploits the juxtaposition between disgust and empathy, more so its interdependence on one another. This delves into how the good comes with the bad, as well as the inherent beauty of human complexion and its relationship to nature. The reader becomes piqued about the character’s humane side, which is what makes them continue reading to see if they were able to conquer the evil in them. In Child of God , McCarthy discusses nature and the world with awe and covetousness, even when mentioning the cruelness of death. This is demonstrated through his lexical choice when describing certain settings. During the tragic fire that burned down Ballard’s cabin and only place of residence after losing his child-hood home, McCarthy describes the scene as “red flames danc[ing] at the chimney top” 19 . The metaphor of “red flames dancing” signifies a beautiful and cheerful happening,

19 (McCarthy, 2008) Child of God pg. 30

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