Wounds and Wisdom
Rianna Alli
ENG4U1-03

Stereotypical remarks are often made of people who come from a broken family, are living in an un-safe, un-stable environment, and are in any way, different. These remarks typically suggest that those who fall into any of the categories above, are of less value to society. It isn’t uncommon that emotional distress can cause an individual to have trouble preforming to society’s standards. However, those who have gone through dramatic and life changing experiences at a young age are not any less likely to grow into being a successful and well-rounded individual. In both novels, Lullabies for Little Criminals written by Heather O’Neill and Room written by Emma Donoghue, the young protagonists, Jack and Baby, suffer through experiences that not many children go through and have to overcome their horrific pasts in order to transition into a better future. At times, Jack and Baby’s probability for success seems unlikely as their bright futures are dimmed but, both manage to prove themselves against all of the stereotypical remarks directed towards them, and progress past all of their original obstacles. Both characters also lack a true home; but, what they lack in environment, they gain through the relationships they develop with their family members. While neither child belongs to a set social class, both often find themselves alienated from others; this leads them to discover their true identities. Unfortunately horrific traumas are experienced by each protagonist, but this leads them to evolve into tougher individuals and gain courage within themselves. When a child is raised in economically poor and unstable conditions it is often believed that the child’s growth will be affected in a negative manner; however these two novels prove that experiences that arise from instability actually produces a more self-enlightened