Intro

“The Story of Tom Brennan” is a novel reflecting our own sense of crushing a negative life experience and overcoming that with new and positive adventures.

The novel “The Story of Tom Brennan” written by J.C. Burke demonstrates journey of acceptance and hardship that the Brennan’s had to face throughout their stay at Coghill and their past from Mumbilli, especially for Tom. Additionally, the film “Mao’s Last Dancer”, Illustrates a new beginning for Li Cunxin as he made a decision that led to new adventures and consequences for his actions.

Each individual creates their own choices to stumble upon their experience which may either trigger awful consequences or opportunities on their new path in life. Firstly, the novel of J.C. Burke “The Story of Tom Brennan”, demonstrates the protagonist, Tom Brennan, and his family as they were coping about their decision to restart their new lives in Coghill. Their horrific past explains the reason of their move from Mumbilli to their grandmother’s house. The reputation of the Brennan’s was once great and happiness filled their lives, however all is lost after accident. 

In the first few chapters demonstrates Tom’s attitude towards his new environment in particular, his negativity towards his grandmother’s house and his family, as he knows things will never be the same, this is evident when Tom says metaphorically, “I was sucked deeper into that long black tunnel. Knowing more than anything I’d ever know that things would never be the same.” 

Additionally, the past foretold by Tom’s flashbacks illustrates how he missed the “good ol’ days”. The reputation they once had disappeared when Daniel, Luke and Nicole had a car accident. Football was once Tom’s only favorite sport. Unfortunately, in his new world, it meant nothing. It is just a game to fill in the time. He has lost his edge for he feels uncomfortable “For me, playing footy would never be the same. Here in Coghill, it would just be something to fill in the time – the endless, endless time”.

. His loyalty towards his country, family and friends were presented in an overwhelmingly powerful manner, however his love for the freedom that America offered tore him apart.  Li said, “I must dance political ballet in china, but I dance better here. Because I feel more… free”. He then decided to get married to Elizabeth to stay in America, “I make decision. I must tell consul Zhang”.

Furthermore, I am confident each individual encounters new experiences and adventures because of their decisions. The novel “The Story of Tom Brennan” and the film “Mao’s Last Dancer” reminds us there will always be a positive and negative with every decisions made. Therefore I encourage you, ladies and gentlemen, to learn from these two examples as part of your lives when making your own choices.