Comparison Between 'Away And You Begin'

It is an individuals ability to engage in reflection that often leads them towards fresh and intensely meaningful discoveries. Whether these discoveries are emotional, creative, intellectual, physical or spiritual in nature, they are capable of altering the way they perceive themselves and others. Such discoveries are significant in Michael Gow’s play ‘Away’ and Margaret Atwood’s poem ‘You Begin’ explores this concept of discovery through language and poetic techniques. The poem is about an individuals relentless attempts to understand the world and paradoxically, comprehend the incomprehensible. Both composers, reveal that the ability to reflect upon and re-evaluate there attitudes and perspectives can prompt fresh and intensely meaningful
It is through these new understandings that individuals are able to both reconcile with themselves and the broader world. Gow states at the beginning of the play, that Gwen and her husband are involved in a lengthy search for a set of keys. This symbolises their ineptness and their need to gain a sense of control and security over their lives. The responders are not presented with a linear set of discoveries and positive transformations in Away; rather, they are forced to acknowledge the complex, comic, and tragic elements in the character’s lives. The change which is initiated in Gwen’s character, “no one asked them to come out to this country… I will not have you hanging around with that kind of life.’’ shows her insensitivity and ignorance which dismantles her relationship with her daughter and others. The use of high modal language and her pessimistic tone is employed to to parallel her character with a prejudicial attitude. Furthermore, as she is thrown into chaos by the storm, which acts as a catalyst for change “the fairies return and stage a spectacular storm” she comes into close contact and proximity with others where their comparison becomes the conduit for discovery and rediscovery. The employment of stage directions allows individuals to view the cleansing process set into motion by the fairies through the storm. Additionally it symbolises illusion versus reality which enables Gwen to expand her knowledge of herself and 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