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In 'Ransom' by David Malouf, change emerges as a central theme, driving the development of its characters. Key figures such as Priam, Achilles, Hecuba, and Hermes each undergo significant emotional and psychological transformations. Priam's journey from ignorance to enlightenment highlights the essence of fatherhood and leadership. Meanwhile, Achilles transitions from a noble warrior to a figure consumed by grief, only to find empathy through Priam’s influence. Hermes evolves from a trickster to a guide, showcasing the spectrum of change’s impact in the narrative. Change is depicted as a powerful force that shapes identities and drives connections between characters.
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Change Angus, James & Jayden
Change is the development of evolutionary transformations. In Ransom, this involves the changes characters undergo, whether they be emotional or psychological.
WHAT IS CHANGE? • Change plays a massive role in Ransom, with pivotal moments in the novel occurring due to change of heart and change of mind. These are exemplified through the characters of Priam, Achilles, Hecuba and Hermes, just to name a few. Priam ‘changes’ Achilles mind in to ransoming Hector’s body by referring to fatherhood and Achilles’ own personal reflections also have a influence in changing Achilles mind. This particular change is just one example of emotional and psychological change in Ransom.
Priam undergoes a transformation from an ignorant person to someone who is newly exposed to the world. Thus becoming more open minded and less uninformed on the simple things such as the griddlecakes and how to be a proper father whilst also being a king. Throughout this change he was acting in many ways that are similar to that of a child.
Achilles Part 1 Achilles undergoes the change from a respected noble warrior to a man enraged with grief, acting irrationally with his treatment of Hector’s body. Furthermore the divine intervention of the gods further fuels his rage and causes him to lose his mind. “You expect that…jackal, that noble bully, to be moved by this touching pantomime?”
Achilles Part 2 He goes from a warrior to a jackal, a noble bully. Then from this to an empathetic being. This is in part caused by Achilles reaction to Priam, who he perceives to be his father, this triggers an emotional change. “’Father,’ he says again, this time aloud, overcome with the tenderness and his trembling frailty. ‘Peleus!, Father!’”
Hermes changes in the eyes of Somax and Priam, from Orchilus, a mortal, to Hermes the God. He does this to trick the journey-goers into believing that Achilles is anticipating their arrival. “But I should introduce myself. My name is Orchilus. I am one of Lord Achilles men, one of his fearsome Myrmidons.” Hermes goes from a playful trickster, to a welcomed presence who gives them hope and offers guidance in their troubles. Such as, crossing the Scamander river.
Hecuba Hecuba develops her viewpoint of Priam’s journey from being worried about his survival, to understanding what he must do in order to retrieve their son’s body. “He has always been afraid of this controlled rage in her.” This quotation shows the power she holds in the relationship, yet Priam prevails in convincing Hecuba through his reasons for this journey. This shows that Hecuba is able to be reasoned with.
