Discovery Essay

Discovery Essay Various texts epitomize the notion of change and transformation through the process of a discovery. Through countless themes, composers’ vigorously convey how the process of discovery allows for the individual to change progressively. This notion is employed in the play ‘Away’ by Michael Gow which explores the effects of new ventures and adaptations with the wider community and their attributes towards this contemporary found change. Synonymous in idea, Jeannie Baker’s “Mirror” illuminates the transformative concept of discoveries and the resulting impact these have on individuals. Both composers’ effectively explore the concept of discoveries to bring about these imperative changes that allows for the unveiling of one’s introspection of themselves and the society. Discovery of self may be a collaborative process that triggers new understandings of the individuals and their worlds. It is through these new understandings that individuals are able to both reconcile with themselves and the broader world. This concept is unveiled in Michael gows play away, were gwen enters the transformative process and changes her attitude and values towards herself and the broader world. Gwens character presents a collaborative process which initiates change, “no one asked them to come out to this country... I will not have you hanging around with that kind of life.” Her insensitivity and ignorance dismantles her relationship with her daughter and others. This is exemplified through the use of a high modal language and her pessimistic tone which is employed to parallel her character with a prejudicial attitude. Furthermore, as she is thrown into chaos by the storm, she becomes in close contact and proximity with others were their comparison becomes the conduit for discovery and re-discovery. This is evident through the actions of gwen as her world is shaken and influenced by the destructive nature of the storm. Gwen is faced by a storm which would act as a catalyst for change, “the fairies return and stage a spectacular storm.” The employment of stage directions allows individuals to view the cleansing process set into motion by the fairies through the storm. The storm also symbolises illusion versus reality which enables gwen to expand her knowledge of herself and she realises she must let go of her materialistic trait in order to establish a new sense of understanding of the world around her. thus, the collaborative process that individuals embark on triggers new understandings of themselves and the broader society. Discoveries can lead to new worlds, values, stimulate new ideas and enable individuals to speculate about future possibilities. Discoveries aid individuals and their society through new understandings and renewed perceptions. “mirror” by Jeannie baker is an innovative picture book, comprised of two parts and is designed to be read simultaneously. Reading it in this form allows individuals to speculate a day in the life of each of the two boys shown on the cover- one boy who lives in the Valley of the Roses in Morocco and another in urban Australia. “mirror” explores the daily lifestyle of the two differing cultures, where Baker uses the technique of mirroring to highlight similarities between the cultures despite their obvious cultural and geographical differences. Individuals are

bought to discover new worlds, values and fresh understandings as the Moroccan family enjoy their first home computer and on the other hand the Australian family has bought a colourful handwoven carpet which is a reoccurring motif baker has utilised. The motif connects the cultures as one and builds a long distance relationship with the two families. The carpet represents a significant aspect of the discovery process in relation to Michael gows ‘away’ which explores the stimulation of profound ideas as a result of the discovery process. The process of discovery of different cultures allows individuals to become united as one unique family and therefore be the mirror of each other. Thus, discoveries lead the unification of ideas, values and beliefs in a society. The concept of exploration is through unveiling truths that allow for both the affirmation and question of beliefs and attitudes. These challenges and affirmations work hand in hand in allowing for the assessment of self and giving value to the collaborative process of discovery and re-discovery. Gows play ‘away’ exhibits the notion of discovery through several characters discovery of self as they embark on a discovery which leads them to an innovative understanding of themselves. This is further reinforced through the character of coral, who is stuck in a static situation and she is unable to communicate with the broad society. She internalised her pain and dialogue with others replaced by internal monologue. Through the storms transformative nature it helps her to change in comparison with gwen, ‘I’ll be good, I’ll improve watch me get better.” Her transformative process is clearly identified through Gow’s employment of truncated sentences and first person pronoun. She eventually withdraws from her own world and becomes part of a new world where she is able to express herself. “I’m walking....I’m walking” exemplifies that coral has accepted her transformation and that her process of transformation is leading up. This is shown through the use of anaphora where she accepts this transformation. First person pronoun and repetition represents her personal aspect of a discovery and she is leaving her past behind. Ultimately as individuals unveil truths and barriers, it allows for the collaborative process of discovery and re-discovery. In conclusion, Gow’s play ‘away’ and baker’s ‘mirror’ accurately show a distinctive connection on the main idea of the discovery process. Both texts relate to the concept of discovery can lead to new worlds and values and allow individuals to speculate about future possibilities.