Interpersonal Communication Elements

Interpersonal Communication Elements

Found in “My Sister’s Keeper”

Kim Harnish

Rasmussen College

Introduction to Communication

Ms. Anne Kerber

June 17, 2010

Interpersonal Communication Elements Found in “My Sister’s Keeper”

The film “My Sister’s Keeper” is the story of how the Fitzgerald family is defined by the leukemia of their older daughter, Kate. It is in the film’s first scene we where we learn that Anna, the youngest child was conceived through the use of genetic engineering for the purpose of creating a perfect genetic match with Kate. Each member of the family presents their perception of the family’s struggle through flashbacks. The interpersonal relationships can be seen by examining two of the key communication elements; compromising and artifactual communication. The use of conflict styles and artifacts can lead to a deeper understanding, mutual respect and a new feeling of closeness in our interpersonal relationships.

Compromising is the strategy of “meeting each other halfway “often results in the satisfaction of being able to maintain the peace while accepting any loss that may occur (DeVito, 2009, pg. 280). Compromises usually occur in win-lose situation, that is to say where neither side gets all of what they want, but each make concessions to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both.

The use of this strategy is seen in a scene that explores the aftermath of a very emotional argument between Sara and Brian over his decision to remove Kate from the hospital to spend the day at the beach. The fight is a result of Brian’s decision is allow Kate to spend the day at the beach and Sara’s deeply felt fear that this cause severe harm to Kate. An ultimatum is delivered, either Sara comes with them or Brian will file for divorce. Kate eventually arrives at the beach where she encounters her family; she wordlessly communicates her acceptance of Brian’s position. She walks down to where Brian and Kate are sitting, quickly giving Brian a...