Compare and Contrast

    Analyzing the passages, what I have come across is how the character has matured over the period of time. The lead character, Conor decides to spend a year on a trip because of mere enjoyment and boredom and to drastically change his normal routine. He decides to take the trip around the globe to help people because he had money. The character was immature as he decides to spend a year in Nepal because the idea sounded thrilling and he could portray himself as a selfless man. As the passage states, “I would make sure to say the word orphans really loudly so everybody with earshot knew how selfless I was”. Whereas, the second passage states “I had always wondered where that sadness came from; leaving had never seemed like a big deal to me. And now here it was, that same desperate sadness, filling this very room” reveals the transformation in the character’s nature. It reflects the maturity level which Conor has attained from his first stop, Nepal. From the immature boy Conor, he turns into a mature man who develops the love of humanity and realizes the need of care for them. He transforms into a father of eighteen children, not because he was qualified but because he showed up when they needed him and proved a parent. He felt unchanging, immortal love for people who needed them not because of any materialistic thing but because of sheer connection of hearts.

The two passages the transformations of an irresponsible man into a responsible man who is ready to provide love and affection to homeless orphans who need it most despite of his needs and wants. In the first passage he preferred his life; his desire to roam and spend the savings to enjoy the life but later he prefers the lives of others.