Looking For Alibrandi - Changing Perspective. “Discuss how your understanding of the concept of change and changing perspective has been shaped by the novel, Looking for Alibrandi.”
... has demonstrated that change can be triggered by singular events. Michael Andretti also faces a similar change in perspective of his daughter. When Michael first discovers that Josephine is his daughter he says, “I do not want to see her. I do not want to love her. I do not want a complication in my life.” He is very negative and does not want to have anything to do with her. As the novel progresses, Josephine and Michael begin to bond together and enjoy each other’s company. Michael faces a change in his perspective on fatherhood. He is at first in denial and does not want anything to do with Josie, but as certain events unfold, he wants to become a big part of her life and get to know what he has missed out on. Michael’s change in perspective is a gradual one. Another major change in perspective seen in the novel is Josephine’s view of her own identity. Initially, Josephine believes that her appearance and ethnic background is the determining factor in her social acceptance. She also believes that because she is at a wealthy school on a scholarship and has no father she is looked down upon. When Josephine is told by a teacher at her school, Sister Louise that she was actually voted school captain but was given the role of vice captain because they felt she lacked the leadership skills and that her and her friends are in fact trendsetters within the school looked upon with envy, she has a sudden change in perspective on herself. She has always lacked self esteem and was very conscious of what others thought of her, but now has realised she is actually one of the most popular girls in school which is a great confidence boost for her. At that moment, Josephine says, “I knew deep down that I was wrong and I think that my emancipation began at that moment.” Also on the theme of identity is Josephine’s culture and her change in perspective of it. This is a more gradual change than her the perspective on herself, though there is one particular event which really makes her think about her culture. John Barton’s death makes Josephine realise that her culture and her family is not so bad. She realises that others have it much worse than her. Eventually Josephine decides, “You can’t hate what you are apart of.” At first Josie thought that her background stopped her from being herself but later realises that her culture makes up who she is and that she cannot break free of it. This change in perspective is also shown through the annual “Tomato Day.” This is an expression of the Alibrandi family’s heritage. Initially Josephine is ashamed of her family’s yearly ritual and would hate it if anybody found out about it, but in the end states that she will always take part in it because it is part of her culture and her culture makes up her own identity. Marchetta also demonstrates that having increased knowledge and knowing all the facts can bring about a change in perspective...