Text to Self

 

Stand By Me illustrates how childhood friendships can shape our identity and influence our paths in life.

Gordie, who feels overshadowed by the memory of his dead brother and neglected by his parents, bonds tightly with Chris, who consistently pushes him to pursue his passion for writing.

This is similar to the kind of friendship in my primary school class, where the boys in our year level, which was only one class, was a very close group. Much like Gordie and his friends, our friendships ensured to support and help each other as we grew up. As we transitioned to a larger secondary school, many of these friendships dissipated, some went to other schools, or joined other friend groups, much like how after the boys journey in Stand By Me marks a turning point in their lives.

The film’s portrayal of how friendships shape our choices reminds viewers of the lasting impact those early connections have on who we become.

 

Text to Text

The theme of friendship is also a prominent theme in John Marsden’s novel Tomorrow, When the War Began. In both Stand By Me and Tomorrow, When the War Began, friendships are essential in helping the characters discover themselves.

 

For example, in Stand By Me, Gordie is portrayed as a quiet, introspective boy, but is able to fulfil his potential as a writer, largely due to Chris Chambers belief in him. Similarly, in Tomorrow, When the War Began, Ellie, the protagonist, becomes one of the leaders among her friends as they are faced with the challenges of an invasion. Both Gordie’s and Ellie’s growth relied on the friendship and trust from their friends, underlining the idea that friendships are crucial to allow young individuals to realise and reach their potential with confidence.

 

Text to World

 

The theme of friendship shaping one’s identity in Stand By Me can be related with the friendship between author J.K. Rowling and her childhood friend, Sean Harris. Rowling has often spoken about how Harris, like Chris in Stand By Me, was the first person to believe in her writing talent and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. This was during a significant time in Rowling’s life when she was unsure about her future. Harris’s belief in Rowling’s potential not only gave her confidence but also helped her see herself as a writer. Their friendship played a massive role in shaping her identity, much like how Chris’s encouragement helps Gordie Lachance in Stand By Me see his own potential as a writer. This highlights how friendships can have a lasting impact on who we become and can help us realise our true potential.