Violence in Sleep Rough Tonight Anonymous 10th Grade

Sleep Rough Tonight, written by Australian author Ian Bone, addresses the idea of cultural violence and the effect it has among teens. The novel follows Alex, a young and troubled teenager who learns some tough lessons about life and growing up. As a challenge Alex ends up sleeping rough in the city and has to overcome the dangers that go with it. Bone develops ideas and themes through a range of narrative techniques. Bones characterisation of Alex allows us to follow his personal development. The vivid description of the settings in the novel is another significant aspect. Marta is another character that plays a considerable role in the story. Similarly, the characterisation of ‘The Jockey’ and the development of him throughout the novel is highly influential in the novel.

In the novel, Bone effectively develops a theme of violence. The characterisation of the protagonist helps a reader relate to his decisions in tough situations. Throughout the novel, Alex is developed as an outsider which causes him to be bullied at school, “He was back in the toilet again. Dragged into the red-brick building by a giant with acne and bum fluff. Another dunking.” (Page 1) In the beginning he is arrogant and thoughtless, trying to be the class...