The Taylor Siblings
In the beginning of Black Swan Green, Julia is portrayed as the "big sister who doesn't like her little brother" trope. The "girl upstairs" who likes makeup and boys, as long as they aren't grubby younger brothers. She refers to Jason as "Thing" and "it" and prefers to spend time with her friend Kate rather than hang out with Jason. In turn, Jason seems to reciprocate those feelings, though it is revealed he actually admires his older sister, taking note of the ease of which she debates or responds to adults. Similarly, Julia takes note of her brother's secret poetry prowess, even defending him in front of their extended family. Despite their admirations for each other, though, neither sibling appears to make an effort to bond with the other; that is, until their parents begin fighting.
Though Helena and Michael's fights break the family, Julia and Jason grow closer together because of them. The fights are events that the siblings can really only talk to one another about, since they're the only ones who witness them. The siblings begin to relish the time they spend together, even doing chores such as cleaning up after a meal. They develop a system of how bad the arguments are, something Jason can use even if Hangman blocks his words. Later on, when Julia phones home, they have an empathetic conversation about the state of their parents, and Julia casually tells Jason about her time at college, something she likely would not have done months prior. Their shared experiences, however terrible, are something they can bond over and it strengthens the bond between them.
Jason and Julia's amenity towards one another doesn't diminish over time. When Julia's then-boyfriend Ewan comes to the house and Jason gets in his sports car, Julia doesn't get angry or even annoyed. Instead, she's amused, and comments to Jason about her boyfriend's car in other chapters of the novel, such as when she breaks the news that she's no longer with Ewan, but her new friend does have a Porsche. She's also understanding towards Jason, who she knows is alone at home with mom and dad, so she reaches out to him and supports him, giving him instructions for the Disco and dropping her second hint that she knows about his poetry, encouraging him to continue.
The Taylor siblings' bond is special, and remains a key motif throughout Mitchell's novel. Their experiences show that good always comes around.
I definitely found the Taylor siblings' dynamic very endearing. In a way, they were forced to lean on each other during a turbulent time in their household. I also think that Jason's discovery of Julia's care for him contributes to the idea that his worldview was skewed previously, and maturing allowed him to push past those apprehensions.
ReplyDeleteNice post! I agree that their relationship is much better toward the end of the book.
ReplyDeleteI especially like their better relationship as siblings, because of how much Jason seems to be in need of a friend and someone to talk to who would understand their parents' situation. Furthermore, seeing as Julia is pretty smart and has had some experiences, she seems like she would give Jason some good advice.
I really like how you articulate Jason and Julia's relationship. I think Julia plays a really crucial role in taking care of Jason through their parents divorce, probably being one of, if not the, only person who knows what he is going through. She is able to tacfully interact with him in ways that make him feel better without being overbearing. And this is definitely a change from the beginning of the story when Julia is "the "girl upstairs" who likes makeup and boys, as long as they aren't grubby younger brothers"
ReplyDeleteThe relationship between Jason and Julia is certainly one that develops alongside each of their respective personalities. I think that their bonding certainly reflects their shared experiences but also their own coming-of-age experiences... they reevaluate the relationships that exist and emphasize the ones that truly matter.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Jason and Julia's bond is a really important piece of the novel. Like you said, "it doesn't diminish over time," and it almost seems like their relationship reflects Jason's individual growth as well as he begins to develop his own identity apart from the social hierarchy. Unlike his parents, he can depend on Julia for stability and comfort.
ReplyDeletethe growth of the relationship between Julia and Jason was very heartwarming seeing them go from two kids who seemed to constantly be at odds to two (kind of) adults who are there for each other and help each other makes me think about my own sibling relationship and it was amazing to watch
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you, I love the sibling relationship Jason and Julia have and develop throughout the novel. While kids at school make Jason feel unsafe in expressing his true thoughts and character, Julia influences him positively towards becoming a more authentic version of himself. I think it's fitting that the last few lines of the book are spoken by Julia, assuring Jason that "this isn't the end." Loved your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteJason and Julia's companionship that forms as their parents begin to fight more and more is the thing I enjoyed most about this novel. Seeing their outward resentment towards each other transform as they realized they needed each other to get through the tough times. I also really enjoyed how Julia supported Jason, not only with his poetry, but also through helping him develop socially. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I really like how you describe the relationship between Julia and Jason. I think your totally right about how there relationship is and how even with fights, she still really supports Jason. I like how you include the part about Ewan and Jason getting into his super nice car. I think that fact that she is still supporting him through college is really important to their relationship because it shows how even if she is far apart she still deeply cares for Jason. Great work!
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