One of the topics that we discussed in class is why do we use fiction to depict extreme times of violence and duress in history? The two books that we discussed were Mojo Mickybo, which reflected the violence of the Troubles in Belfast and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, which reflects the extreme violence of the Holocaust. Why do we need to come up with stories like these to explain events in history that are already regarded as tragic and catastrophic?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I believe the answer to this question is that by making up these stories, it makes the tragedy real for its readers. For members of the younger generation, the Troubles and other events that occurred decades ago are very hard to relate to on a personal level. Yes, we can recognize struggles of the time and realize how terrible it was, but to a certain extent there is not enough of a personal effect on us to understand the true pain of the time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These stories allow people to feel that personal effect. Through reading, we develop a relationship with the characters. We begin to understand their life, thoughts, and emotions, which creates a genuine bond and connection. In Mojo Mickybo, we develop a relationship with the two boys and come to care for them and their friendship throughout the story. This connection makes it even more painful when Mickeybo\u2019s father is shot in the back of the head and killed. Mickeybo’s friendship with Mojo is ended and him and his mother are now left to fend for themselves. This story is sad and although we know it is fiction, it still shines a light on the true pain of the time. The violence of The Troubles in general was not like a Hollywood movie, where killing is always justified and romanticized. The same can be said about the Boy in the Striped Pajamas, when both boys are mercilessly killed, leaving their families shattered. Stories like Mojo Mickeybo and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas shows how violence is often heartless and tears families, friendships, and lives apart. It affects the innocent just as much as those directly involved. This isn\u2019t the story people want to hear, but it is the truth and that is why fictional stories like these hold value. It forces people to acknowledge the true pain and suffering from the time, instead of only looking at the Hollywood version.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One of the topics that we discussed in class is why do we use fiction to depict extreme times of violence and duress in history? The two books that we discussed were Mojo Mickybo, which reflected the violence of the Troubles in Belfast and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, which reflects the extreme violence … <\/p>\n