In the novel Against The Tide by Irini Savvides, a recurring theme is the concept of family. Savvides skillfully delves into this theme by employing descriptive language and literary techniques like poetry and imagery. Through her verse novel, she effectively explores the various types of families and the collision of different cultures. Furthermore, Savvides delves into Effie’s relationship with her family and her thoughts on them on Australia Day in the initial part of the book.
And finally, the impact of Effie’s brother’s death on both her family and the school community, which is like a family. The story begins with Effie and her family spending Australia day at Bondi beach. It reflects on Effie’s Greek culture and her reluctance to enter the water, stating “but my family does not taste what I imagine is the sweetness of salt on ocean-kissed lips. We are haunted instead by the ocean sating its hunger so long ago, on our first delicacy.”
In her novel Against The Tide, Savvides employs poetry to effectively convey the theme of family and provides a thorough understanding of it. A particular passage focuses on Effie’s emotions while being at the beach with her family. Through the use of poetry, Savvides depicts Effie’s feelings towards her Greek culture, suggesting that they can only be found on the sand and not in the open water. Initially, Effie seems to be somewhat ashamed of her family and culture, as they prefer to sit on the sand rather than venture into the water. She reflects on the possibility of a different world where Greeks would embrace water and find a purpose in it, hinting at her longing for change in her life.
The verse novel Against The Tide introduces several characters, with Katie and Effie being prominent due to their contrasting family backgrounds. Irni Savvides utilizes descriptive language to highlight the stark differences between these families. Through imagery, Savvides portrays the distinct lifestyles of the Greek culture and traditions in contrast to Katie’s average Australian family who enjoy swimming. The imagery employed by Savvides effectively conveys to readers the two contrasting dimensions of each family, exemplified by Effie’s love for ocean swimming: “I head into the ocean and out to the first buoy.” Family emerges as a central theme in this excerpt, particularly with the significant role of Effie’s brother’s death in Against The Tide. As a customary practice, the family visits Bondi beach every Australia day where “the last place I saw him/and he was smiling and fearless/buoyant with hope and desire.”
Rita (Effie’s mum) vividly portrays her son on the fateful day, evoking cherished family memories. In this instance, Savvides employs imagery to depict the unfolding day and conjures a mental image of the young boy celebrating Australia day at Bondi beach. Initially, Katie and Effie are strangers, completely unaware of one another’s existence. However, as the novel progresses, they become aware of each other and develop a friendship. Initially a small family, which includes Katie and Effie, the group expands with the addition of Matt. Gradually, the dynamic transforms into that of a school family as relationships deepen over the course of the book.
This shows that the novel Against The Tide by Irini Savvides revolves around the theme of family. In conclusion, it is evident that Savvides has successfully created a comprehensive portrayal of family in the novel. Examples include Effie’s sentiments towards her family, the merging of Effie’s and Katie’s families’ backgrounds and cultures, the formation of a familial bond within the school community, and the impact of Effie’s brother’s drowning on Australia day on the family. These instances clearly demonstrate the profound exploration of the theme of family throughout Irini Savvides’ book Against The Tide. (By Nick Richards)
