Kingdom By The Sea Assessment
In this essay I will be examining the main character in Robert Westall’s ‘Kingdom By The Sea,’ Harry Baguely. The novel is set in the middle of the Second World War and follows Harry’s journey up the north coast of Northumberland. I will be showing the development of Harry’s personality from when he was a bright-faced, clean 11 year old right through to the end of the novel when he becomes a grubby faced but emotionally mature 12 year old.
Throughout Harry’s journey, he has experienced many negative events, the first being the bombing of his house and the apparent killing of his family, - his mum, dad and little sister Dulcie. After this incident Harry was left with nothing but an attaché case and memories so the way he acts after this makes me think he is emotionally scarred as shown by the few days Harry wandered around the streets aimlessly; ‘The next time he found himself again he found he was in Rudyerd Street.’ This displays the impact of his family’s deaths and the emotions he went through. Because Harry was left to fend for himself, his character changed enormously as he picked up the pieces of his life. This is demonstrated when he lies to the Fish and Chip shop owner and his customers; ‘he almost ran out of answers and sweated.’ This adds to our knowledge that Harry is changing because before his desperation he would not have lied to any grown-up.
