The Casual Vacancy By J. K. Rowling: An Analysis

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The frog in a well is indeed a fitting phrase for describing The Casual Vacancy, by J.K. Rowling as readers take a sneak-peek into the true nature of society that Rowling perceives. It is noticeable how small everyone’s problems are in the big picture, yet get treatment as if the world will end any minute. The Casual Vacancy mimics society by illustrating a small English town, Pagford, which is in shock after the death of Barry Fairbrother. Upon his death, what is supposedly a pretty town reveals itself to be a town at war with each other: those with privileges versus those without it, wives disagree with their husbands and teenagers plot against their parents. Now, the empty seat on the parish council, which Barry Fairbrother leaves, is the …show more content…
To begin, humans generally want to be happy, which is typical. Whether it is in a fictional novel or in authenticity, anyone can feel the desire to be happy and always want to live a blissful life. In any situation, some individuals are happier than others, like, “Right now, Kay thought, she’s [Terri Weedon’s] happier than I am” (Rowling 72). However, in the end, it is one’s own duty to create a more joyful environment for oneself. Although there may be others who also effect the amount of delight in one’s life, per say a child, ultimately, it is up to the person to make an effort to become happy or happier. There are many circumstances that effect a person’s happiness. In modern society, some couples experience lack of excitement between them or they just lose their feelings for each other, similar to Samantha Mollison who appears in The Casual Vacancy as Miles Mollison’s wife. If these situations in reality are akin to Rowling’s novel, then the cause of dissatisfaction and distress is most likely because people do not reach their own expectations in their relationship, which in effect hurts the pair and those around them. Next, it is important that people take care of others and their community no matter what. Including and recognizing some persons into a part of a big circle is all a part of taking care of others. Everyone should be able to participate in any activities, regardless of the person and their circumstances. That is why attending to the needs of others who are poor, have disadvantages or are weaker than others is a duty that people, as a community should take care of. The Casual Vacancy models what it means to be responsible for the safety and well-being of others regardless of that person, ‘“By reminding us that people living in the Fields are part of our community too,’” (Rowling 384). Although it is unsure to some whether individuals discuss about getting

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