Thomas Hardys The Sons Veto, Graham Greenes The Basement Room and al

Thomas Hardy's The Son's Veto, Graham Greene's The Basement Room and alan Sillitoe's Uncle Ernest In each of the three stories, 'The Son's Veto' by Thomas Hardy, 'The Basement Room' by Graham Green and 'Uncle Ernest' by Alan Silitoe, the respective writer conveys a sense of isolation regarding the central character. There are numerous similarities between the characters based on their common plight, but each story differs in the portrayal of these characters. The writer's effectively present the characters using a varying range of literary styles. In 'The Son's Veto' the disabled Sophy is denied happiness from not fitting in to a higher social class. Graham Green in 'The Basement Room' employs a surreal situation to demonstrate the vulnerability and naiveity of youth. 'Uncle Ernest' is a story, which adopts a dreary approach to Ernest's life. The opening descriptions of the three characters are very effective and induce stereotypical views. This applies to Ernest especially in 'Uncle Ernest' as we first hear of him wearing a "dirty raincoat" and looking as though he "hadn't washed for a month". These observations imply that Ernest is homeless and the use of "dirty" further emphasize the fact that something is wrong in his life. Sophy also stands out from everyone else in 'The Son's Veto' but for different reasons to Ernest. Hardy creates Sophy's character to be misplaced in society, as she is a "young invalid lady" and wheel chair bound. In contrast to this her "nut brown hair was a wonder and a mystery". Her hair is used to make reference to her history suggesting a mysterious and dark background yet its vibrancy allowed her to maintain a part of her character. The wheel chair depicts isolation espe... ...he war. The reader is overwhelmed with sympathy for Ernest, as nothing ever seems to result in happiness for him. Our sympathies lie with all three characters as their isolation has been conveyed to the reader effectively by each author. Philips loneliness is a result of a troubled up bringing which leaves him mentally scared for life. Sophy and Ernest on the other hand are similar to each other and unlike Philip. They both induce a sense of helplessness in the reader after a life of persistent disappointment denies them from any chance of happiness. It becomes almost inevitable that Ernest and Sophy would end up completely isolated as events throughout the stories favor this outcome. On the other hand Philip's situation is different, he is portrayed as a very vulnerable character and it's as if he is prevented from ever having a chance to live a life.