The character of Robert in 'Amy'.

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Robert Essay

Like all humans Robert too has both negative and positive characteristics. His tainted characteristics include resentment of successful people, particularly since he is not making a success of his own musical career. However it is music which forms a common bond between the protagonist Amy and himself. It is through music that Robert’s genuine kindness and sensitivity reaches Amy and helps her to recover from her guilt of the tragic death of her father Will Erker. Robert is a genuine character who contributes highly towards Amy’s recovery.

  The flaws in Robert’s character are a result of his dwindling musical career. Robert is obviously unemployed as he is always at home working on songs with strange lyrics. The song “Bobby ate a hotdog an hour before he fell” is a strong contrast to the highly successful songs of Will, which were still popular three years after his death. Robert’s restricted wardrobe and the shack like residence he shares with his mentally disturbed sister are also evidence of his failures. Robert’s decision to sing “The Mercer Street Blues” is an acknowledgment of the failures of the Street and indirectly of himself.  His frustration especially towards successful people causes rude outbursts as evidenced by “14 years of business suites, 18years of shit”, towards the welfare worker. Robert’s resentment is directly a result of the lack of success he has had in the past.

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While Robert’s life is flawed, his genuine characteristics out weigh them. For “five long years” Robert’s intellectually challenged sister has been insanely pursuing the hairdresser responsible for her disastrous hair cut and “for five long years” Robert has been looking after her. Robert is caring and affectionate especially to his sister; this is shown through his simple gestures, comments and questions. “Where are you going?”, and “I’ll be interested to see” are voluntary comments which show his sense of compassion and willingness to help others. His genuine kindness and willingness to help are also shown by the interest he ...

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