Write an essay about the theme of family in “My Name is Leon”

Introduction ;

-This theme is at the heart of the novel

-1980’s Britain
-Story of a young boy’s journey through the foster care system
- Leon is looking for the warmth and stability that a family offers

Paragraph ;Point 1

-Leon is mixed race

-Faces big challenges within the foster care system
-Jake is adopted ,so Leons family falls apart
- huge gap in Leon’s life ..angry ,confused,lost

Refer to novel

Pragraph 2;Point 2

-Motherhood is central to the theme of family

-The difference between Maureen and Carole
-Maureen provides a sense of belonging which leon desires
-But he constantly yearns for the maternal bond with his mother

Refer to novel

Pragraph 3; Point 3

-The novel presents alternative form of family

-Absent fathers
-Family outside of the home (Tufty /Mr.Devlin)
-Maureen non biological family offers more love /support that traditional biological family

Refer to novel

Conclusion

-In conclusion the novel explores the web of family relationships

- Examining the impact of race, socio economic factors and the foster care system on the
family
-Also shows the ability to cope with familial changes