Essay Questions

Even in the presence of tragedy, love always finds a way to blossom. Citing instances from A G Riddle’s Departure provide illustrations in support of this statement.

A. G. Riddle in Departure magnificently, excellently, and splendidly presents the concept of love and how it sprouts and blossoms even in the presence of tragedy. En route to London from the USA, flight 305 encounters a catastrophe that leaves the passengers stranded in the English countryside where they have to struggle to cope. Written in a fiercely imaginative and largely propulsive way with thrilling twists of power, fate, and ambition, Riddle finds a way of incorporating love in this novel—a unique expression of his audacious and idealistic talent.

In the Departure, Riddle explores not only romantic love but also familial love. After the airplane crashes in the English countryside, an intricate bond and chemistry develop between characters Harper Lane—a writer who has to make life-changing decisions and Nick Stone—a natural leader who because of his self-importance takes on the role of leading the other passengers to prevent further misfortune. These two characters develop a connection that hints a more profound connection that surpasses imagination. As the novel progresses, even though the relationship between Harper and Nick remains quite undeveloped, their affections for each become quite clear as they both show interest in each other’s wellbeing.

Additionally, familial love is also expressed through Nicholas and Oliver. The two characters represent the pure form of love between father and son as they are willing to go against anything for the survival of each other. While this kind of love seems more protective of those in it, it also proves to be destructive for the other parties impacting negatively on them. Riddle, even in the face of the looming disaster, finds a way of incorporating the concept and theme of love in Departure.

Nick Stone is an emblem of responsible leadership. Using illustrations from A. G. Riddle’s Departure, provide illustrations to support this statement.

In Departure, the novel-write employs the character Nick Stone as an emblem of true responsibility in leadership. After the flight to London from the United States (US) loses its way and crashes into some English countryside, the passengers remain stranded, and as such, someone must take on the leadership role and lead the whole group to prevent more catastrophe from occurring. Even though no one had asked him to take on the role of leadership, Nick Stone exhibits a great deal of maturity and decides to act as a leader. Nick Stone’s sense of responsibility as a leader emerges as he takes on decision making, often aiming at achieving the greater good.

Additionally, Nick Stone, as a leader, is charged with the responsibility of deciding with regard to whether sacrificing the lives of some of the other passengers is necessary or will work towards enhancing the survival of many as opposed to working in favor of a few. However, this proves rather difficult for him following his belief in the preciousness of life of every passenger that had been on board the flight. As such, Nick Stone is often, throughout the novel, visualized as a person with the capacity to lead as he thinks of the best possible way to proceed in order to facilitate the survival of as many of the passengers as possible.