I got a stack of notes - if ya still want them
here are some notes on Caitlin and Old Bill - when i find billy i can send them
good luck
Caitlin experiences a lot of change after meeting billy. She is a rich seventeen year old school girl. Working at McDonald’s is her least favourite thing. She realises how materialistic she can be and even quite judgemental. Below are some examples of her transition to growing up
Her first reaction to billy is one of judgement “Put that back” pg.34
Caitlin she is surprised he’s to ashamed of stealing scraps. She is forced to re-think her view.
Caitlin is also surprised by how different Billy is from other boys. pg.42 “So well-mannered,/so unlike every boy/ at Bendarat Grammar,/or any schoolboy I’ve ever known.” It is a new experience for her.
On page 87 Caitlin asks Billy on a picnic, this is a very big step for her, never asking a boy out anywhere
She admits to being spoilt “I am spoilt/ spoilt to boredom.” (pg.88). this is a realisation of her material goods.
Caitlin can be herself with Billy; she has someone to live up to, no expectations like those from her parents. Pg.106 “I don’t feel … simply feeling.”
“And I stay in the shadows/ watching/” (pg. 115) Here the shadows symbolise ignorance and fear, Caitlin’s fear.
Caitlin can’t trust her friends but can trust billy (pg. 131)
Made decision to tell parents about Billy (pg.190). This shows that she is ready to grow up and take responsibility.
Old Bill
The main transitions which occur in Old Bill’s life is when his daughter and wife die, meeting Billy and Caitlin; and giving the house to Billy.
In the text Old Bill goes through transitions, where we learn of his past and how he has dealt with it and how Billy helps him deal with it.
“I almost cried . . . stuff away” (p.58) the gift of the cigarettes triggers his memory of his daughter, Jesse.
Old Bill is changed by Billy’s kindness, of him (Billy) bringing weetbix and tea to him everyday.
Pg 95 – 96 is a reflection of his daughter and what he is, a drunk. Accepting it. Wanting to change.
“I almost felt young again” (p.111) “I like the kid”. This is a transition because it is one of the first positive comments has made
Having dinner at Caitlin's he has returned to society.
Old Bill leaving his house was an exit from society: no roles, no responsibility, no relationships. He wanted to lose his identity and was afraid to move on. He returns to society by having dinner at Caitlin's and he moves on when he accepts Billy’s kindness and returns it by helping him get a job. In the end by giving Billy his house he has moved on from his past and now can go on with his life.
hay these are really good except they are more for the old syllabus CHANGE and we are doing the new syllabus BELONGING so would anyone have any help in analysing The Simple Gift in the belonging context???
