Roddy Doyle's "The Commitments"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the character Joey "The Lips" Fagan from Roddy Doyle's short novel "The Commitments" is not the main character but he is one of the most compelling because, without him, the novel and the band would be quite different and not as interesting. The author points out that his role seems like a mentor, but in the end, he acts more like a destroyer because he allows the women to come between the band and the music and he cannot take the pressure or responsibility of a real life with real commitment. The paper relates that his most important contribution, which he brings to the band, is their success; his leadership teaches them that they can be a success and that they can make more out of their lives.

From the Paper:

"Joey plays several different roles in the novel. He is a musician first of all, and a good one, so he acts as a teacher to the other band members, many of whom are just learning how to play or sing. He is a professional, and so the others want to be like him, so he is a type of mentor too. He has done what the teenagers want to do, and so he can show them the ropes and maybe make their lives a little easier. He is somewhat like a savior, creating something from nothing and watching it grow and mature, but he is also human, and he runs away when the going gets too tough. He is not honest, and he is odd, but he is also the reason the band was successful."

More papers on Roddy Doyle's "The Commitments":

• Book Review # 103419 : "Dialogue and Character in Roddy Doyle's "The Dinner"
• Analytical Essay # 135363 : "The Big Sleep" and "The Adventure of the Speckled Band"
• Term Paper # 117550 : "Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle"

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