This essay examines the theme of triumphing over adversity found in Joan London’s novel, ‘The Golden Age. In a middle-of-nowhere Perth, the story is centered around Frank Gold, whose childhood was marked by polio, as well as the impact of war on his family and friends. Frank’s friends face significant challenges due to the effects of polio and war on their relationships. They are forced to use any available means to overcome adversity. The story will show that some characters are able and willing, while others may not be.
Meyer is initially portrayed in the text as a figure that Frank cannot touch. However, the story develops and he becomes a character with a lot of resentment for his failure to protect Frank against the poliovirus. Meyer witnesses Frank’s “bliss of love” when he visits him. This is what motivates Frank and helps him to persist in his isolation in Perth’s’middle’. Frank’s care for Meyer calms Meyer’s body and mind, showing the reader the calming effects of feeling loved. Meyer can then let go of the guilt about Frank getting polio. Meyer’s changed perception after receiving Frank’s love is a strong indication that love motivated him to live. Meyer’s closeness to the other families at Golden Age and before he leaves is a further indication of this. Meyer’s gloomy outlook on Perth is evident when he is alone. “The wide streets seemed empty”, as if to signify his desolation. Meyer is now able to see that the past is no longer as relevant after spending more time with friends and family. Meyer told Ida his son’s experience at the Golden Age polio hospital had been wonderful. Meyer’s newfound lightness and change in attitude indicate that the loving support he received helped him overcome adversity.
The Golden Age challenges the characters to overcome the adversity they face by relying on the responsibilities they believe they have to others. This responsibility gives them an extra’spur of energy’ to endure the many obstacles they encounter. The characters in The Golden Age are often challenged to triumph over adversity by the responsibility they feel towards others. This gives them a’spur’ to overcome the challenges they face. Elsa is in isolation and believes she’s dying. She tries to survive because she thinks that if her mother died, so would she. Elsa wants to survive, not so that she can live, but for her mother’s sake. This shows Elsa’s love for her mom and her desire to protect her family. Elsa’s commitment to holding on makes her focus on staying alive, highlighting the strength she must have to overcome adversity. Elsa’s struggle to survive the Isolation Ward is nearly impossible. She is only able do so because she has a duty to her mother.
London compares Elsa’s commitment to her parents with Frank’s rejection of that responsibility. Frank, who shrugs off his responsibility as the source of happiness for both his parents and himself, loses his motivation to fight adversity. Frank’s description of his experience with polio is not one of fear, but rather of imminent danger. It shows that Frank has lost interest in fighting for his life and he does not care about his survival. Joan London contrasts Elsa’s determination to fight for life with Frank’s hesitation towards death, illustrating the connection between their feelings of intimacy. This suggests that characters can overcome and resist adversity when they feel an obligation to others.
Many characters can find the strength and motivation to overcome adversity through a variety of sources. They are often able use their own resources to withstand events that seem insurmountable, showing they are capable of being efficient in difficult times. Some characters find their motivation and strength in the love they show for others. Others are driven by the sense of responsibility that they feel towards others. The characters’ personalities and identities are often the source of their will to endure, which is highlighted in difficult situations.
