English Assessment Task
Area of Study - Change
"Changes in a person are often the result of their learning more about themselves and how they fit into the world around them."
As one journey's through life, countless opportunities arise which force us to challenge and question societies values and in turn affects the way in which we perceive the surrounding world, and our inner selves. The way in which we choose to perceive these changes and the level at which a society experiences change strongly influences our discovery and realisation of varying factors of life and self. This particular nature of change is explored through several texts including Miroslav Holub's, short poem 'The Door', which although deceptively simple successfully conveys an interlocutory feel which helps convey the fear that often accompanies change as Holub urges the responder to allow change to 'enter'. Similarly, Gwen Harwood's poem, 'The Glass Jar', reflects not only a child's fear of change, or self-discovery, but also a child's opposition to change suffered as a direct result of growing up, and acquiring more knowledge and understanding about oneself and their future world.
Barn Owl in flight Tyto alba. Français : Chouette...
Glass jars
A barn owl in captivity.Harwood continues to address the inevitability of change in 'Father and Child' where physical and emotional variations that occur as a result of growing up and the passage of time are directly addressed. These issues are once again reinforced in both Harwood's sonnet 'In the Park' and in a documentary presented in 'Australian Story' by the ABC television network, titled 'Queen Leah' both of which feature a significant female character, having had children, reflecting on their life to date. However, unlike in 'In the Park' where the mother unwillingly confronts changes that have occurred over time, and their impact on her life; her present world and self, 'Queen Leah' tracks the life...