A Walk to Remember and The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks - Research Paper Example

Introduction The novels of Nicholas Sparks are able to provide insight into the deeper levels of human nature, specifically with universal themes that relate to love and romance. In his two novels, “A Walk to Remember,” and “The Last Song,” there is a focus on romance among younger children. This is combined with several literary techniques that are able to show different types of character development and understanding of what is occurring in the novels. The interest that Sparks’ has toward creating a specific picture with his novels is then able to provide the reader with a specific perspective of life and the components surrounding human nature. Background of Nicholas Sparks Sparks was born in 1966 in Omaha, Nebraska. By 1969, Sparks moved with his family to Los Angeles with his father as a student at the University of Southern California. Sparks went on to attend the University Of Notre Dame, where his first focus was on track and sports. However, he strained his tendon and was unable to race in track for a given time. Without anything to do, he began to write, with his first book “The Passing,” being written while he was on bed rest. In 1988, Sparks graduated with a degree in Business Finance; however the calling of writing novels continued to call him while he moved into finding different career fields. His second novel was written in 1989, known as “The Royal Murders.” This book was never published and swayed Sparks from writing. He went through several jobs with law, starting his own business and working in real estate. It wasn’t until 1994 that Sparks was able to move back into writing with his third novel, “Wokini” being published by Feather Publishings. The success of Sparks began with his fourth novel, written in 1994, known as “The Notebook.” This was instantly bought by Warner Brothers as a novel then was sold to New Lines Cinema for a film production. This gained international rights and became a selection of the Literary Guild for its success. To date, this has sold over 10,000,000 copies worldwide and continues to remain popular for the story line and literary approach. Since this time, Sparks has written an average of one novel per year, most which have been produced into not only novels but also with several film productions that have followed his story lines. To date, Sparks has written over 15 novels, all which have gained prestige and which have been built into films and best - selling novels on a global basis (Willow Holdings, http://www.nicholassparks.com/AboutNicholas.asp?PageID=1). A Walk to Remember The novel, “A Walk to Remember,” was written in 1999 as the third novel that was published by Sparks, and which immediately gained rights for film production by Warner Brothers. This book is centered on the two characters, Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan who become close friends and who teach each other valuable lessons as they move into their adult hood. The friendship and the way that Sparks focuses on the relationship and development of these characters, as well as the themes that are centered around the development of both Landon and Jamie from a social and humanistic perspective all add into the depth of this particular novel. The themes developed in this particular book are designed to show elements of religion, the concepts of love and the ability to break identity and boundaries between two individuals of different backgrounds with love as the main concept. Part of the success of this novel is known for being written for an American audience in 2004. Many state that this is because of the social themes that Sparks used, specifically which were Judeo – Christian in nature. The events in politics, such as 9/11 and the wars that were continuing to cause conflict immediately drew the nation to this book. The desire was to find the family and friend values, as well as finding morals and values from the story line that was developed. Sparks states that, the main themes in this book were a combination of this and moving back into the values of true love and innocence. He states, “This was a story of beauty, power and innocence of first love. I also wanted the novel to show the power of faith. Ironically, in setting out to write about first love (which I did), I created a strong redemptive element that came from Jamie’s faith” (Williams, 17). The use of religion as well as the different concepts that apply to morality, then crossed over with the morality of love, including innocent and sweet love. These main themes in this novel allow Sparks to show a different set of ideals toward value, morality and the home values that many in America grew up with, all which show a different approach to this book. The Last Song The newest novel that Sparks has written is “The Last Song,” a novel about a young girl of 17, Ronnie. The main focus of this book is on the divorce that Ronnie’s parents go through when she is 17, which immediately leads her father to move to New York from North Carolina and leaves him estranged from his family for three years. The attitude that Ronnie has leads her mom to believe that she needs to spend the summer with her father. When going to his home, the novel unravels through the music composition that her father is working on, which leads to the ability for Ronnie and her father to come together. Similar to the other novel, the focus of this writing is to display a component of love, specifically between the love of a father and daughter. More importantly, this shows the concepts of family and the importance of relationships among individuals that are in a family unit. “The Last Song” is known for carrying specific themes, all which are linked to the intent of Sparks in the creation of the novel. Through the book, he tries to find the different complications and confusions that are a part of growing up as a youth of parents that are divorced, as well as social issues that center around this. For instance, the main character, Ronnie, is shown drinking, clubbing and partying with friends through the book. The attitude that she carries is transformed when she meets her father and begins to alter her opinions about the divorce and what occurred. Showing this particular change and focusing on Ronnie as a child who is considered as “bad,” but is able to change by the end of the book. This was specific to the way that Sparks wanted to write the novel, which was to make Ronnie as a character that was not likeable, but was able to have a sense of compassion surrounding her as the novel continued. This character development was central to the main parts of the book because of the ideas of love and the changes that Ronnie goes through when connecting with her friends as well as her father (DeYoung, http://www.connectsavannah.com/news/article/101030/). Comparison of Themes The way in which Sparks writes, as well as the different concepts that he applies to his books are known to carry themes that are always in what he writes. This is first based off the idea of tragedy, with his specific appeal to the idea of sadness and the ending of different concepts. Each of his novels is known as ‘tear – jerkers’ and will develop until they lead to a tragic ending. Often, this is related to romance, which Sparks also uses continuously through his books for character development. More specifically, Sparks associates with romance, love and the ending of this romance because of his background and appeal to the different types of love. Other aspects of his life, such as family values, morality and the development of different characters, are common among his novels, all which provide different associations with the main themes. This allows each of his novels to carry the same underlying themes and points of view (Williams, http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20100403_Sparks_relishes_writing_books___movies.html). The different concepts that are in “A Walk to Remember” and “The Last Song” are known to relate to each other, specifically because of the author’s intent in the character development in both books. “A Walk to Remember” is one of the only novels that have a focus on a teenage character and the development of love that is a part of the main novel. In “The Last Song,” Sparks pointed out that he began writing by focusing on the idea of developing a teenage character. The only difference between the two was based on the development of a female character, as opposed to a male. This led to a different set of scenarios, scenes and themes that were related to love and what many experience when they are in these formative years. However, the use of using a teenage character in both books was for development of this age and also provided Sparks with the ability to create family values and love that are seen through the eyes of youth (Making Of, http://makingof.com/posts/watch/1507/nicholas-sparks-discusses-the-last-song). In both books, are several similarities with the development of both youth and the different problems that both run into. Even though Sparks focuses on a different type of theme for both, such as the identity of the character, there are other similarities that allow one to define the concept of values, morals and family identity in both experiences. For example, when describing Ronnie, he shows how the character of being a youth creates different controversies and comes with a questioning of identity among those at this time. At one point, Sparks writes, “In a strange way, Ronnie reminded him of Megan. She was an oddball, a free thinker, and stubbornly independent, too. On the surface, she was unlike anyone he could ever imagine finding attractive, but… her dad was great, her brother was a hoot, and she was just about as smart and caring as anyone he’d ever met” (Sparks, 206). The identity that Sparks creates through Ronnie, specifically through this perspective, shows her with specific characteristics of youth. As this continues through the novel, the identity becomes layered, with Ronnie displaying both the rebellious sides of youth as well as the deeper controversies that come from her father and the lack of family love that she continues to rebel against. The same concept of identity can be seen in the main character of Landon and Jamie both carry through the book. Landon is first seen as a rebel and is often getting into trouble in the church and in school. This is similar to the identity of Ronnie at the beginning of the book, with her desire to club and be with her friends. Landon is seen as more mischievous and doesn’t care as much for the consequences among adults. The identity that Landon creates, similar to the one that Ronnie has, begins to change as he sees Jamie and allows him to look through her perspective. Since Jamie’s identity is opposite of Landon, it leads him to alter the way that he thinks of and relates to different scenarios. At one point, Landon notes that his rebellion and mischief should change, specifically because of the innocence of his love. When talking to Jamie’s father, for instance, he states “ ‘ I’m sorry for those things I used to do when I was younger, and I’m sorry I didn’t always treat the Jamie they way she should have been treated. But from now on, things will change. I promise you that” (Sparks, 180). This particular point shows the identity of Landon and also portrays how the innocence of love for Jamie allows him to change his identity for the better and for love. The identity of the characters in both of the novels is not only similar because of the way that each are developed. Other aspects of both novels, specifically in relation to the themes, are also prevalent in both books. One of the continuous themes in Sparks books is based on the different ideas of love and romance. The processes that are used to do this are based on habitualization and defamiliarization with what is expected for a romance novel. Habitualziation refers to circumstances that are common among society and are considered habit forming. In terms of romance, Sparks uses the ideas of the first love as well as the love of a father to create this specific understanding. However, he then creates a defamiliarization with these common habits through the character development and through his specific ideas about love and the formation of different characters as they begin to recognize different components through the book (Spanich, 1). There are several different ways in which the development of love and romance carries the ideas of habit and defamiliarization. This theme is common in both books and becomes central for both character development and for the tensions and controversies in the book. At the beginning, one can see that Ronnie is a typical teenager who sees her parents not out of love, but instead through the daily problems that occur. For instance, Ronnie states “Okay, she wasn’t the worst mom. She really wasn’t” (Sparks, 7). This particular attitude stays as Ronnie is not seeing through the book as she struggles with both parents. When a sense of love comes from her father, it creates the defamiliarization of Ronnie. For instance, one scene shows him playing her classical pieces from grade school and asking her where she has been. He combines this with an invitation to fly kites later. Showing this type of love from a father, as well as the character response from Ronnie, shows how the ideas of love as a theme create a different portrayal of Ronnie when responding to love. This same concept is seen through the struggles of Landon. The type of love is different and is reflective of first love and innocence. This begins with Landon’s attitude toward love and the youth that he reflects. For instance, a beginning scene in his class shows him looking at the 90% of girls, with his desire to begin seeking out the one that would be fun to flirt with (7). This beginning attitude is one that is habitual and expected from a teenager at this age, similar to the beginning attitude that Ronnie had. However, as the novel progresses, Landon’s attitude toward love begins to change and turns from this portrayal into one that is more innocent. This changes the way that Landon looks at love and provides different character development for Landon. Both Landon and Ronnie go through similar changes when experiencing the ideas of love. Even though it is defined through a different character or situation, it alters the character development that is a part of both of the novels. This allows Sparks to create a deeper understanding to love and how it can change what one is going through. The idea of love is not only important with the main character development of Ronnie and Landon, but also becomes important in defining the character relationships that are a part of each novel. Sparks holds several levels of importance with the different relationships that are formed in each novel, specifically because of the focus on family values in both novels. This begins with the male and female romances that are included in both books. This continues with what is known as symmetrical style relationships between each sex, making the gender specific characters to seem not as important. The concept of a symmetrical relationship is one that is no longer defined as gender, but is instead defined roles, identity and the character development that is occurring. In both of the novels, is the focus of the symmetrical relationship, not only with the primary characters, but also with secondary relationships that are formed throughout the book (Hubbard, 113). In “Walk to Remember,” the symmetrical relationships are held between Landon and every individual he interacts with. The idea of love, as well as relationships, is not defined by the gender of Landon. Instead, it is defined by the interactions that occur as he relates to others. For instance, his relationship to Jamie moves from being gender specific to being a symmetrical relationship, in which both relate to each other on the same level. This is what brings in the innocence of love that both experience and which allows Landon to change. This is followed by symmetrical relationships with surrounding friends, all which identify the older behaviors of Landon and what is occurring with the love. The parents and those who see Landon in different viewpoints also relate to this and all show the reoccurring theme of not only love, but also relationships that hold value and relationships that form the characterization of what is occurring. This allows the idea of family and community values to become a central component throughout the book. The same symmetrical relationships are defined with Ronnie and the way in which she relates to others. For instance, when faced with a boy that likes her, she acts similar to how she would with her other friends. Her experience with clubs and the parties that she enjoys all point to her independence and characteristics that are not feminine or masculine in nature. Those who relate to her don’t see her as feminine or masculine, but instead define her characteristics in a different way. The way that she relates to her father and those surrounding her all move into symmetrical relationships. The different concepts that Ronnie sees then become symmetrical in nature and provide her with different conflicts and relationships. The symmetrical relationships and the way that Ronnie looks at specific situations and people then allows Sparks to show the same family values and allows one to see how this can be approached with the formation of different viewpoints and with symmetrical relationships. Conclusion The international best – selling author, Nicholas Sparks, has several different thematic materials used as a major part of each of his novels. In both “A Walk to Remember” and “The Last Song,” are specific focuses that intertwine with each other. The concepts of identity, love, relationships and value all add into universal themes that are associated with each of the books. Developing the main characters through these main themes then provides the ability to understand the capabilities of each character differently, including a social, cultural and humanistic nature (Mays, http://www.themiscellany.org/index.php/news-archives/75-1999/982-author-nicholas-sparks-remembers-his-catholic-roots). The result is the ability to reach a different audience while using universal themes that different readers can easily associate with. Works Cited 1. DeYoung, Bill. It’s A Wrap: Nicholas Sparks on The Last Song. 2009. Retrieved from: http://www.connectsavannah.com/news/article/101030/. 2. Hubbard, Rita. Relationship Styles in Popular Romance Novels. Communication Quarterly (33), (2), 1985. 3. Making Of. Nicholas Sparks Discusses The Last Song. 2010. Retrieved from: http://makingof.com/posts/watch/1507/nicholas-sparks-discusses-the-last-song. 4. May, Dierdre. Author Nicholas Sparks Remembers His Catholic Roots. The Catholic Miscellany, 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.themiscellany.org/index.php/news-archives/75-1999/982-author-nicholas-sparks-remembers-his-catholic-roots. 5. Spanich, Ryan. Literary Love Making in Nicholas Sparks Novels. Colby College: 2006. Retrieved from: http://digitalcommons.colby.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1037&context=ugrs. 6. Sparks, Nicholas. A Walk to Remember. Warner Books: New York, 1999. 7. Sparks, Nicholas. The Last Song. Grand Central Publishing: New York, 2009. 8. Williams, Joe. Sparks Relishes Writing Books and Movies. Philly Entertainment, 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20100403_Sparks_relishes_writing_books___movies.html. 9. Williams, Stan. Morality in Hollywood: An Interview With Author Nicholas Sparks. Catholic Exchange, 2002. 10. Willow Holdings. Nicholas Sparks Official Website. 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.nicholassparks.com/AboutNicholas.asp?PageID=1. Read More