Accepting Change In The Novel 'Skellig' By David Almond

There are many circumstances where change is very difficult to accept, whether it be something as simple as moving to a new house or something as complicated as meeting a supernatural creature. Many characters are unwilling to accept change and stick to more conservative views, while others crave more dynamic and radical lifestyles. The novel Skellig by David Almond attempts to show that we need to accept change in our day-to-day lives as opposed to having a stagnant life where we reject change. In the story, many characters such as Skellig, Mina, and Michael all help demonstrate and support the overarching theme of the story.. David Almond establishes that people should accept change even if they are afraid of it because change is not as bad as they may think.

Michael even disobeyed his parents due to Skellig, which is shown when he tells us “I was sure everyone was asleep, I crept out of bed, got my flashlight, pulled my clothes on, and tiptoed past their room(27).” This shows that Michael does not even want to tell his parents about Skellig, and this is a change from how he usually tells his parents about his day-to-day life. Also, when Michael and Mina are about to move Skellig, he makes excuses like “I’m weak as a baby” and “I’m frightened(84).” He does not want Michael and Mina to move him because he is afraid of changing and he is willing to make excuses to keep his life from changing. Skellig helps add structure to the theme of the story because he himself is afraid of change, but the change that occurs makes him feel better and he gets to help