Michael Gow: What Makes Away Worthy Of Study?

What makes away worthy of study?

Michael Gow effectively encapsulates a range of inter relating themes to allow the plot to have a strong sense of meaning. Gow’s realistic approach to the universal themes allow the audience to connect with the story as they are all relevant with current societal issues. These issues pertain to dysfunctional family structure and struggles. Most characters face one or many issues throughout the novel ranging from: grief and loss, to the healing power of nature to overcome obstacles within a journey, to the power of a journey to find one’s identity. Away is worthy of study as these universal themes are all explored in depth, giving an insight of life and issues pertaining to the 1960s to 1970’s (when the
Novel was based) and how families dealt with them.
At the start of the novel, Carol and Roy are grieving over the loss of their son due him being conscripted to the Vietnam War and tragically dying. Coral contrasts between Rick’s fate and their son’s. This is shown through her dialogue with Rick as Coral pretends she is unaware of conscription and the dangers of war, when in fact Rick is the one who is unaware of her great loss. Coral then continues to express her repugnance for conscription. She compares the life that Rick will live, growing up to get married, have children and have a mortgage on a home to the life that her son tragically lost almost as if it were a lottery. Through this, the audience gain a strong understanding of Corals perspective towards conscription and how families are deeply affected. Coral also displays her significant grief and loss at the start of the novel as she is displayed as a ghost/passive figure. Her silence conveys her inability to function with in society as she is still grieving over the loss of her son. This is displayed in Act 1, Scene 2 when Gwen tries to have a conversation, “If we ever get to start. Did you enjoy the play?” with no response Gwen tries again, “Are you well?”. Still Coral continues to just ignore her. Her alienation towards socialising enhances her significant loss and how she hasn’t overcome this yet. Roy displays his loss and grief by removing himself from Coral. Roy slowly loses touch with Coral as Coral is slowly losing touch with society. He forms an aggression towards Coral when he says, “Jesus Coral, in the last war practically every family lost someone or knew someone who died. They managed. They picked themselves up and went on”. He also treated her like a child. This is shown when Roy says, “I thought I told you to wait in the car”. This tone creates an atmosphere of Roys controlling character and the need for dominance. This is significant to the novel as well as a worthy novel to study as it conveys issues in which families faced whilst the Vietnam War was occurring and the grief and loss that many families faced due to conscription and the number of soldiers lost.
Similarly, Away also uses the healing power of nature to overcome obstacles to show characters growth and change. This is shown close to the end of the novel by the storm. This storm is symbolic for change and connects all the families together and the audience witness internal change within characters. For example: Before Gwen faced the harsh storm, she was very hierarchal in terms of economic status and her strong beliefs appeared to be rude and insolent. She was also very materialistic and economically fearful she will lose everything. Gwen’s materialistic view is shown when she is in a conversation with Tom, Vic and Harry, “We’ve got a brand new caravan. Everything you could want”. Gow also explores her spiteful nature when Gwen says, “They both work, don’t they? In a factory, isn’t it? I’m sure that’s what I heard. A lean-to. They shouldn’t be going on a holiday if they can’t afford one”. Through this dialogue, Gwen’s strong perception is shown on lower economic classes and her disgust for Tom’s family to be going on a holiday. However, after the storm and the discussion with Tom (The catalyst for change), Gwen’s representations of self- worth change dramatically. She no longer is materialistic but she also reconciles with her-self and family. By the end of the play Gwen has transformed into the stereotypical suburban housewife. This shows her physical and emotional growth and transformation.
Another example of Gwen’s change from the storm is her different responses to the two plays which effectively helps Gwen to break away from materialism.
At the start of the Novel Gwen expresses her disappointment for “A Midsummers Night Dream” and the lack of interesting material throughout the play, whereas in “Stranger on the shore”, her enthusiasm was high as she lead the production and slowly became more appreciative of individuals rather than materialistic possessions. All of this is finished off when through gesture; Gwen leads the applause for “Stranger on the shore”. This makes Away worthy of study as the audience will gain a responsive idea of nature’s power to patch up family issues and the after effects. The effects that will change character’s lives for the
better
The final universal theme conveyed refers to the power of a journey to find ones identity.
This is faced mainly by Tom, who is facing a life threatening disease, Leukaemia. Tom throughout the novel acts as a catalyst for change, helping characters find who they are but also travels on an inner journey himself. Toms own physical journey is towards a fast approaching death which is shown through dialogue between Tom and Meg when he says, “I was told the infection was running its course”. But his acceptance of his fate enables others to be healed. This journey is shown when Tom’s doctor has given the short time period in which he has to live, prompting and encouraging Tom to have sex before he dies. His immaturity and teenager lifestyle is shown when he and Meg are on the beach and Tome tries to seduce Meg into having sex with him. Tom constantly uses repetition of his dying status to make people feel sorry for him. This is shown when Tom says,” So how about it? Help me. I’m going to get sick again. And I won’t get better. Your parents won’t find out”. Through the use of syntax, Gow emphasises to the audience how it is Toms Last chance and the great significance and importance this would have on Tom. Meg reluctantly refuses. This then prompted Tom as he learned to accept his illness he also learnt that family time is far more important than sex. He turned to listening to people such as Coral. Tom being the catalyst for change not only helped to change Corals and other
characters’ lives but also his own. This can be seen as Tom continues to perform in the play, instead of running from his problems, he battles them head on. This prompts the audience to consider what is ultimately important in our lives due to Tom’s journey. It also considers how relevant it is to Australians and how this play enables the audience to lean about the deeper meaning of life.
Conclusively, Away effectively encapsulates inter relating themes to allow the plot to have a stronger sense of meaning. Through the use of universal themes and Gow’s realistic approach, the audience gains a deeper understanding as they are current societal issues which is why Away is worthy of study.