Deconstruction of Cross My Heart

Deconstruction of Cross My Heart

I have read Maureen McCarthy’s novel Cross My Heart (1993) from cover to cover and I honestly believe that this text thoroughly explores the context of Australian teenagers during the 1990s.   As with almost all texts, McCarthy’s novel encourages many multiple readings.   This is mainly due to the discursive background of each individual.   These multiple readings can be categorised into three categories:   the dominant reading, the alternative reading, and the resistant reading. All three of these readings will be mentioned within this essay. The positioning of each of the main characters is also apparent within the novel.   Positioning will be mentioned within this essay, and it is important to be aware that a character’s positioning does not need to remain the same throughout the novel and can change as the text develops.

The stereotypical Australian teenage context apparent in this novel is one of carefree attitudes, opportunities, innocence and simplicity.   This novel positions teenagers as having arguments with their parents, but being able to resolve them.   Teenagers are also positioned to run away from their problems for a short period of time, but to return home when things get too tough.   Freedom is an important factor amongst typical teenagers, and so is an element of trust in all relationships.   In addition, teenage girls that accidentally fall pregnant are most likely to either adopt the baby out or have an abortion rather than keeping it.   Teens are vulnerable, and yet full of hope.   Some minor characters in this novel appear to fit this context.  

  She longed to be among them suddenly, to be apart of that easy careless joking world of gym boots and boyfriends, school and future plans, and more than anything, the feeling that life was in front of you, that it was simply there for the taking. (Page 84)  

Throughout the text there are two main characters, Michelle, a small town teenage girl and Mick an ex-criminal with a violent...