Literature - The Part I like the most.

Question 2011 - The part I like the most.

The magnificently written novel, 'Step by Wicked Step' written by Anne Fine, has its ups and down throughout the story that instantly enraptured me and earned my liking for it, I personally think that the most outstanding part in this novel is the tear-inducing sentimental moment in Richard's story. I have mixed feelings about this part, because there are certain sentences in the letter that has the potential to make me chuckle with glee but also tear up.

Firstly, I was elated at the part when Charlotte mentioned in her letter that Mr.Coldstone died of fury when he found out that Richard is the owner of Old Harwick Hall. I felt that Mr.Coldstone did not deserve the title of the owner of Old Hardwick Hall, because he only married Richard's mother for her wealth and not sincere love. He knew Richard's mother was lonely and needed a shoulder to lean on so he took advantage of her during her point of weakness to marry her. Like Richard had said, 'the black, black bat crept up on my mother and trapped her as surely as if he'd thrown a net on her (PG19 P1) Mr.Coldstone was unwilling to spend another penny of his fortune in the search for Richard and demanded Lilith to fork out money double the figure he loaned her. His harsh words still linger in Charlotte's mind as she illustrated her letter forwarded to Richard. 'Lilith! Waste more of your dwindling fortune on this folly and I will make you pay it for twice over!' (PG 27 P2)

In my most humble opinion, I personally feel emotionally stirred by the plot where the writer revealed that Richard Clayton Hardwick returned to his home twice. “I stood like a trespasser in the shadow of the lime walk and watched the house. (PG 26, P1) He had the golden opportunity to return home and make up for lost time but he chose to escape reality once again. By doing so, he would forever be alone. This was the price he paid for running away. “I crept away, back to sea where fortune shone on me even through storms and shipwrecks.(PG 26, P4) He faced the dilemma of having to choose his path in life after reading the letter. “I have to choose whether to stay and face the damage I have done”. As an avid reader, I had expected him to return home and save his mother and sister from their misery, but his unexpected decision proved my expectations wrong. This extreme plot twist was heart rending and tugged at my heartstrings.

   In a nutshell, Richard’s story stood out the most compared to the rest of the characters in this novel which really grabbed my attention relentlessly. I like that Anne Fine took a risk to write the plot twists in Richard’s story because the risk definitely paid off, although It could either make or break the whole story. Though sad at times, Anne’s brilliantly crafted story managed to pull it off beautifully.