Sweet Sorrow: How David Nicholls presents growth in relation to coming of age.

Abstract

This article explores how David Nicholls presents the growth in relation to coming of age in Sweet Sorrow. I explore themes such as the opposite sex, sex, drugs and family tribulations; which lead the protagonist Charlie to ‘Come of Age’. Furthermore, discussed throughout the article is the breakdown of Charlie’s home life, which is a key factor in why he has no aspirations for himself. The article also explores how by joining ‘The Company’ the reader sees the growth of Charlie as a person through meeting and falling in love with Fran and by also realizing there are things he would like to do with his future, something which he had no desire of doing at the beginning of the novel. Another topic discussion in the article, examines why Nicholls’ writing becomes relatable for the reader which in turn makes it easier to see growth through coming of age within Charlie.