MELVIN BURGESS - TEACHERS' NOTES

Text taken from: Junk

Download the original text pdf file of Junk.  

About the book

A highly controversial teenage novel, Junk is a disturbing account of teenage homelessness and heroin addiction on the streets of Bristol.  It tells the story of Gemma and Tar, who run away from home and soon find themselves immersed in a world of drugs and prostitution. Some critics were outraged by the novel, as Burgess describes situations, conflicts and feelings without condoning teenage behaviour –but he does not fully endorse the adolescent point of view either.

In Junk, this balance is achieved through the handling of narrative technique: each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character -Gemma, Tar and the various people who become part of their lives. The result is a kaleidoscope of changing perspectives which allows the reader to get a deep insight into each character, particularly Gemma and Tar. Besides, this technique prevents over-identification with any one character or viewpoint.

Aims

When dealing with extracts, as in this case, one runs the risk of deriving conclusions from the perspective presented in that particular fragment. Some of the chapters may present an idealised view of drugs and their effects, linking them to an attractive illusion of freedom. It is important to follow the characters’ development to fully grasp the novel’s impact and encourage young readers to reflect on the controversial topics presented.

Notes for Teachers

The following notes correspond to the Junk reader's notes, where activities for reading groups can be found.

Before reading

• Activity 1: Open answer

• Activity 2: It's not a good idea to sleep rough. It is dangerous for a young person on their own. If you really find that you have no choice, here are a few rules that you should follow:
  •  make sure where you choose to sleep poses as little risk to your safety as possible
  •  try to get hold of a sleeping bag or blankets
  • never sleep directly on the ground - ensure there is some protection with cardboard or paper between you and the ground, but preferably sleep on a bench
  • always eat and drink something
  • make sure your hands, feet and head are covered to keep body heat in
  • never drink alcohol before sleeping as this causes dehydration and makes your body temperature drop. In extreme cases you could freeze to death. (From Connexions)

• Activity 3: Open answer

Read in detail

• Activity 1: Gemma is Tar’s girlfriend. Notice he thinks the dandelions have come out for her. This is confirmed on page 22: 'My girlfriend’s coming to stay.'

• Activity 2: Open answer

• Activity 3: Getting Ready to leave home
  

     WHEN CAN I LEAVE HOME?
Once you are 16, you can leave home without your parents' or guardian's permission.

     WHAT IF I'M UNDER 16?

If you're under 16, you don't have the right to leave home yet. But if you are unhappy, there are people who will listen and help you. If you don't 

want to talk to anyone in your family, you could speak to a teacher, a friend's parent, a relative or a youth group leader. There are also lots of

organisations that can help you, including ChildLine and the NSPCC. (Scotland Shelter)

• Activity 4: Notice the pun that leads to these jokes. Because he has named the squat 'Hotel D’Erelict', using a name which sounds French, the narrator presents as posh a place which is in fact 'derelict' (Cf. Glossary).

• Activity 5: Open answer

• Activity 6: It seems Tar has mixed feelings about running away. On the one hand, he seems proud of his independence and resourcefulness and glad that Gemma will join him. On the other, he misses his Mum and has left some very important things behind. If his crayons are fragile and that’s why he’s left them in his room, does this mean he is aware of the fact that he rtns serious risks by becoming and runaway kid?

After reading

• Activity 1: suggested answers:
  Sensitive (see how he reacts when he sees the dandelions)
  Tidy (see how he tries to clean the derry): 'It was still a tip, but at least it was a brushed tip.'
  Caring: he worries about his mother and his crayons, and he tries not to abuse Skolly’s kindness.
  Responsible: 'I just hadn’t thought… Albany Road was all right for me but not for Gemma. You get all sorts in there…'
  Apprehensive: he’s scared of his parents, afraid of what may happen to Gemma in the squat, of what might happen to the crayons if he took them with him.

• Activity 2: Open answer

• Activity 3: suggested answer:
  Tar is going through hard times but Gemma makes him happy and their relationship is a positive aspect of his life. In that sense, the relationship between them can be compared to a dandelion against a black background, a thing of beauty which contrasts with its circumstances. But dandelions are very fragile: when gone to seed the bright yellow flowers become a puff out of which hundreds of fluffy seeds are blown off by the breeze.

Extension

Activity 1, 2 & 3: Open answers