7B from Hay War Memorial High School responding to Rap Point 2
a) The bird images in the book represent different feeling such as feelings
of being trapped, distress, happiness and freedom. They also represent Luke.
The image of the bird on the page beginning “Just when Luke felt he could
burst with happiness…†is actually Luke’s shadow and it shows him
swinging high and free. He is bursting with happiness, colour and enjoyment.
The bird image on the page beginning “Even school looked more exciting
…†represents the fun which Luke sees the school as now being. The bad,
bleak school has been replaced by a more gentle and colourful school. The
smile on the face of the bird is welcoming Luke as he strides happily
towards the school.
b) The image on the page beginning “Luke reached for his brush …†is
powerful and effective because it looks as if Luke is stepping into the
painting and into the watermelon. The fireworks effect inside the watermelon
gives the impression that it is bursting with life, joy and excitement. The
opening of the watermelon looks like a bird’s wing span and tail and the
chunks of watermelon flying about also look like birds.
