In Chemistry we learn that since the death of the father, the bond between mother and son has become very strong. We also learn that the end of relationship can start another, this is shown when the mother looks at Ralph for comfort after the tragic loss of her husband. The introduction of Ralph causes a threat to the secure bond between: the boy, the mother and the grandfather. The mother begins to neglect the, but the grandfather stays strong and tries to support the boy.
The idea of the end of an era leading to a new one is reflected in The End of Something. The Mill has always been a major part of the community in Horton Bay and since it has started to become rundown it has fallen from the spotlight and is no longer looked upon as a landmark in the area. And just as the mill ends to start a new era, so does Marjorie. When Marjorie falls for Nick, she gets someone who has quite a dark side in that he feels he is always right and very intolerant of Marjorie. We see this relationship from start to end and the author uses the characters well to bring the relationship to life. It seems that Marjorie is always trying to be polite and at the start it works well and the couple is getting on well.
But unfortunately this ends due to Nick dark side, that being he is very intolerant and tension is often created throughout the story from this point. Just as this relationship becomes sour, so does the introduction of Ralph. The boy fears that Ralph could harm grandfather. And eventually Ralph does: the boy describes Ralph: “Seizing grandfather by the throat and choking him”. This shows the boy’s concern for his grandfather and this appears to break the bond between him and his mother. I believe may him and is afraid: “I was often afraid he might hit me”. This makes him more concerned and this is why he must look out for his grandfather because he is also defenceless.
Just as the mother forgets her relationship between herself, the boy and grandfather, and attempts to make a new one with Ralph. In The End of Something: Marjorie moves on from her old life, to try and make it work with Nick, which also ends in upset as an original relationship cannot be replaced.
In both stories the effects used to describe and explain the relationships are effective. This is because the reader feels that they are actually involved and are also being sent on the emotional ride with the characters. Which I feel is very effective.
