Why did the monster come to visit? Assessment
Benjamin Blom
According to two authors of ‘A Monster calls,’ Patrick Ness and the late Siobhan Dowd, there are four types of stressors which people commonly experience: heigh fears, dark fears, major changes in life stress, and catastrophes stress. Height fears refer to a fear of heights, and dark fears are fear of being in the dark. Major changes in life stress can be experienced when a loved one passes away, and it can take time to feel comfortable and normal again. Catastrophes stress is associated with natural disaster such as earthquakes and robberies. Situational stress includes events such as exams and grade results, while daily challenges can include homework and go to school. Life changes,
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On top of this, Conor is being bullied by his classmates, making it difficult for him to express his feelings. To make matters worse, his father lives in America and his grandmother seems distant. In this dark and lonely time, Conor is visited by a mysterious monster in the form of a yew tree. The monster tells Conor three stories and insists that Conor tell it a story in return as the monster tells Conor “And I will tell you three stories. Three tales from when I walked before”, “You will tell me a fourth”(p.51-52). Through his conversations with the monster, Conor can confront his deepest fears and emotions and learn that he can’t control everything and that it’s okay to feel scared and angry,” as the monster says, “It’s alright to be afraid. Being afraid doesn’t mean you’re not brave”(Bayona, J. A. (2016). A Monster Calls. Focus …show more content…
The monster’s visit is a momentous event that has a profound impact on Conor’s life. As he listens to the monster’s stories, Conor gradually finds a newfound source of strength within himself and realizes that he has the power to make his own choices. The monster helps Conor to understand that he is not alone and that he can find the courage to cope with his mother’s death – as the monster says, “Sometimes you do not know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory”(Bayona, J. A. (2016). A Monster Calls. Focus Features).
The yew tree is a powerful symbol, as it represents both life and death. Its bark is also integral to the story, as it is used in many anti-cancer drugs. By exploring the symbolism of the yew tree, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel and its themes. The yew tree is a symbol of strength and resilience, as it can survive through though conditions, and it also stands as a reminder of mortality. It is a powerful representation of the possible of humans and the beauty that life can