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A CANDLE FOR SAINT ANTHONY The novel A Candle for Saint Anthony presents some issues for consideration that are as worthwhile to the reader as for its entertainment value. The novel uses the contrasting features and backgrounds of the two main characters to present the issues of discrimination, education and relationships. The issue that arises earliest in the novel, and is used as the catalyst for the friendship of the two main characters (oddly enough), is the one of discrimination. The novel shows how discriminative behaviour is acquired. In the novel, it show how the family can influence a person’s attitude, in this case, his father, who has prejudiced ideas of Catholics, which, as explained by his mother was a result of “some unfortunate experience when he was younger”. Justin is also influenced by his friends, or at least their authoritive figure e.g. Bradley’s father, who classifies people as ‘spags’ or ‘wogs’ if he believes them to be totally un-Australian. However, whether discrimination can play a part in forming positive relationships is questionable and very unlikely, and has probably been put there purely for the progression of the story and its entertainment value. Relationships as an issue a