Brother Dear by: Bernice Friesen and A Walk to the Jetty by: Jamaica Kincaid, are two short stories exploring the theme of independence. Bernice Friesen shows how family life can change the mind of a family member. The quality of one's life often determines how fulfilled they will be in their adult lives. Sharlene, the protagonist in Brother Dear, learns about independence from her older brother, Greg. At first, she is confused about what she should do, but at the end of the story she learns something she had never preciously considered. In addition, Bernice Friesen reveals the environment around Sharlene which further help build her mind toward independence. The city she lives in is not the best place to live and she needs to get her independence before it is too late. The protagonist in A Walk to the Jetty also faces similar family relations in comparison with Brother Dear.…
