An Important Event That Happened SPM 2010

Based on the novel Step By Wicked Step authored by Anne Fine, one important event that happened in the novel is the discovery of the green album which is Richard’s journal. The journal was found in a hidden room by five sudents, Colin, Pixie, Claudia, Robbo and Ralph. The journal titled, Read and Weep was read by Pixie which brought many realization to the five students, the sharing of their stories and also brought them closer together. Here are the elaborations on why the discovery of the journal was an important event in the novel.

The first and foremost reason is that it brought the five students closer together. It made them realize their similarities together that they never once knew. “ I’ve done it. Pixie’s done it. So has Claudia. You heard their stories.” They all realized that they were from dysfunctional families and each had their own stories and problems. The journal also made them sympathize with each other, they realized they all had problems and started to have an understanding of each other, they were no longer cold to each other and their friendship started heating up. “..Ralph thrust the precious little wooden cow and its small leg deep into Colin’s bag.” Ralph had done this in hopes of Colin realizing that leaving his house will not solve the problem and will only make matters worse. This incident shows that they started to console each other after hearing each other’s stories, and these all happened because the reading of the journal had made them open up, which leads to the next reason.

Other than that, after reading Richard's diary, the children learned about the hardships Richard and his family faced. This has prompt them to share their personal experience with their stepparent and step siblings. In the novel, each character was put into situations where they had to face adjustments in their lives. The children do not feel helpless or lonely because they realise that they are not facing their problems alone. They are able to seek solace and support from each other as they have an idea of being in each other's shoes. Each of them took turns to voice out their troubles and the rest of them discussed the problems together. For example, they understood the feeling of missing someone dear when Colin told them his story. Claudia sympathises with Colin and is shaken by his sad story. "'I pretend like that sometimes." Claudia confronted him.' The group also tried to help Colin understand that his plans to run away to look for his father will only add salt to the wound. '"Because,like Richard Harwick said, you'd just be piling one wrong on to another..."

Moving on to the next point, from the discovery of Richard's diary has made the children realise their roles in the family. With hindsight, Richard realises that he should not have ran away from his family as it will only pile one wrong to another. His disappearance only caused more problems and heartbreak for his mother and sister. In the end, when Ricard came home, he was welcomed with the cold silence of his empty home. His mother died of heartbreak over the absence of him His sister died during childbirth as she got married to Charles Devere at a young age so that she could keep up the search for him. "On my sixteenth birthday, I married Charles Devere... he has promised to keep up the search.' We can also see that the children understands that everyone is responsible to ensure a happy family. Pixie realises that by compromising with her stepsisters and stepmother, her life would be less miserable. After having a huge row with her stepmother, she finally agrees to let her stepsister, Hetty share a room with her. 'She can stay with me if she wants.' Her relationship with her stepsisters have improved tremendously. 'Each bedtime she creeps in and perches on the end of my downie.' Claudia who once despised her stepmother as loyalty to her mother, realised that giving her stepmother the cold shoulder will not improve the outcome of things. She saw that the dinner guests were being rude and stood up for Stella. Claudia showed up at the dinner table wearing the green pyjamas Stella bought her and complimented her. 'These are the green pyjamas you bought me. Aren't they beautiful?' This has made an impact on the guests' impression of Stella.

In conclusion, it is clear that the discovery of Richard’s journal was the core of the novel and made them open up to finally make their own stories known to mankind. They no longer had to face their problems alone and had someone to sympathize and connect with. The journal also made them realize their roles in the family, especially in Colin’s case and hopefully make him realize that running away is not going to help his situation.