Discovery: the Fringe Dwellers and Dolly

To encounter the concept of both physical and metaphorical exploration is the act of discovery, which can either be positive or negative, planned or unplanned. However, through discovery individuals will find new understanding and renewed perceptions of themselves as well as others. In all aspects, discoveries can be profoundly meaningful in ways that can be emotional, creative, intellectual, physical and spiritual. This will be examined in the play “”Rainbow’s End” by Jane Harrison, the film “The Fringe Dweller’s” by Bruce Beresford and the novel “Looking for Alibrandi” by Melina Marchetta as they all portray attributes of self-discoveries, discoveries about each other and about the world they adapt to and live within.

The importance of discovery through learning has been represented throughout the play “Rainbow’s End” as Gladys discovers the true wonders that education makes to one’s life. As Errol describes the encyclopedia as being “most beneficial. It will open up a world of dis..[…] A lifelong love of learning […] allowing them to reach their full[est] potential.”(p.134) Gladys begins to visualise one of her dream sequences in which she sees Dolly in a graduation robe and clapboard hat. This dream sequence emphasizes Gladys’ perspective of the importance of knowledge as she sees the encyclopedia as a beneficial factor for Dolly to learn and become a successful graduate through the knowledge the books contains. As Gladys did not have the opportunity to learn, she understands how important it is for Dolly to gain an education she truly deserves for her to move forward and assimilate.

In the play “Rainbow’s End”, the audience can foresee the discovery of the individual and the family unit. Despite the generational differences of the three Aboriginal women, Nan Dear, Gladys and Dolly, the audience discovers that they have commonalities between each other due to their shared experiences. Through the play, Nan Dear is seen as being constantly over protective