Reeve (author) creates an effective character called Shrike in this novel with many different emotion and feelings. in some cases he is an emotionless, raging beast. and in other cases he is careful of the emotions of others. an example of his heartlessness is when he chases Tom and Hester through Airhaven but in other cases he is interpreted to be caring for his friends, like when he agrees to help Tom and Hester get back to London. his fierce side is displayed when he says: “I work for the lord mayor and he has sent me to kill you!” this perfectly shows his carelessness to others. this comment puts the reader on the edge of their seat, terrified with what will happen next. this will interest the reader about the feelings of shrike as the character in that situation and the big decision that he has stated. also knowing the heartlessness it takes to take for him to commence with his objective.
his appearance is portrayed to be scary with his claws, ragged trench-coat and glowing green eyes. on the other hand, adding to his caring side, he has said to Hester: “you cant stay here child!” using the word child shows he may have cared for a child as well. he looks like a ferocious monster but he may be someone completely different on the inside, showing the effect of his possible experiences causes him to show his soft side.
This is why Reeve has made a very interesting character with many different sides.
This character may stimulate the readers mind, causing them to deeply think about the emotions and feelings about Shrike. They may feel concerned for Shrike as he has been through so much.they may feel torn that Shrike is made to be destructive but has positive intentions.
I believe that the most effective Shrike is that it might sadden the reader that Shrike is a caring character who has been put through so much, being transformed into a cyborg. He has done this to be united with his true love (hester). In return for him to undertake the hard transformation to a cyborg that he is used to do heartless duties when knowing his wrongdoing. and the sacrifices he makes to get his task done. E.g. “WHERE IS SHE? BRING HER TO ME!” this demonstrates his aggressive side by showing how he says things when determied.
The excruciating journeys shrike has endured has made him depressed but the thought of home being united with Hester is what keeps him going. It shows the dedication to his goal when he becomes a cyborg, affecting his life forever. and the consideration of the decision that cannot be undone changing his true given form into something completely different.
I think this characters feeling and actions cannot be justified as he has been used as an assassin to do terrible jobs for his only desire, to find his true love Hester. and that he must come to his own knowledge of his disgraceful actions and learn himself. but one thought lies: what about his conscience, wether he 100% knows what he is doing is un-forgiveful and just ignores his conscience and knowledge of wrong actions, or does he kill without thought. E.g. “BUT FIRST YOU MUST DIE.” this suggests that shrike is obviously a heartless character as this comment is shown in a very strong way, like the way the writing is all caps which always suggests an important comment.
This shows the mind-twisting effect that Reeve has truly created a amazing character. this is through the way he demonstrates the character by the comments he has put into shrikes mouth.
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