Comparison of the surfer -judith wright and strictly ballroom
INTRO - thesis, texts
In order to feel a true sense of belonging, one must endure and overcome challenges, for in doing so they gain an appreciation of self and self worth. Conversely, those who do not test themselves and the barriers, can only experience a superficial sense of belonging that can not result in a deep connection. Judith Wright’s poem “The Surfer” presents an individual who puts himself up against the waves everyday, and thrives on the feeling he gets when he conquers them. Luhrman’s film “Strictly Ballroom” is focused around the standards of ballroom dancing by which an individual must abide in order to be accepted; the protagonist, Scott Hastings, finds in Spanish dance, a passion that allows him to successfully act against these norms. Both “The Surfer” and “Strictly Ballroom” notably exemplify the awareness and appreciation of self and self worth that is achieved from triumphing over challenges and to reach an enhanced sense of fulfillment.
PARA 1- the surfer
As a consequence of persistence and endurance, difficult tasks can be conquered and this can significantly benefit the individual, heightening their sense of self worth and consciousness of belonging.
This idea is portrayed in “The Surfer”, as the individual defeats the waves everyday, although undergoing pain every time. The euphoric feeling he gets as he rides the wave is worth the pain he suffers.
As the surfer dives through the wave, a shock of pain is to be born, as with “thorns in the face, stinging”. The use of kinesthetic imagery conveys to the reader just how harsh the pain is and “the gulls went wheeling in air as he did in water, with delight” is symbolic of freedom. The comparison made between the two, shows that he is not bound by restrictions.The word choice “delight” is also important as it evokes the significant amount of joy that the surfer feels when in the water. Wright uses the metaphor “last leaf of gold” to imply that the last moments of belonging must come
In order to feel a true sense of belonging, one must endure and overcome challenges, for in doing so they gain an appreciation of self and self worth. Conversely, those who do not test themselves and the barriers, can only experience a superficial sense of belonging that can not result in a deep connection. Judith Wright’s poem “The Surfer” presents an individual who puts himself up against the waves everyday, and thrives on the feeling he gets when he conquers them. Luhrman’s film “Strictly Ballroom” is focused around the standards of ballroom dancing by which an individual must abide in order to be accepted; the protagonist, Scott Hastings, finds in Spanish dance, a passion that allows him to successfully act against these norms. Both “The Surfer” and “Strictly Ballroom” notably exemplify the awareness and appreciation of self and self worth that is achieved from triumphing over challenges and to reach an enhanced sense of fulfillment.
PARA 1- the surfer
As a consequence of persistence and endurance, difficult tasks can be conquered and this can significantly benefit the individual, heightening their sense of self worth and consciousness of belonging.
This idea is portrayed in “The Surfer”, as the individual defeats the waves everyday, although undergoing pain every time. The euphoric feeling he gets as he rides the wave is worth the pain he suffers.
As the surfer dives through the wave, a shock of pain is to be born, as with “thorns in the face, stinging”. The use of kinesthetic imagery conveys to the reader just how harsh the pain is and “the gulls went wheeling in air as he did in water, with delight” is symbolic of freedom. The comparison made between the two, shows that he is not bound by restrictions.The word choice “delight” is also important as it evokes the significant amount of joy that the surfer feels when in the water. Wright uses the metaphor “last leaf of gold” to imply that the last moments of belonging must come