How Journeys Challenge and Broaden Understanding of the World: "Father and Child," "Spring Hall," and The Shawshank Redemption Anonymous 12th Grade

Through the overcoming of past obstacles, a journey may be a catalyst towards the broadening of one’s understanding of the world. Gwen Harwood’s poem Father and Child explore new understandings of mortality engendered by a transformed perspective, whilst Les Murray’s Spring Hail delves into a broadened understanding of life provoked by an abandonment of the past. Frank Darabont’s film The Shawshank Redemption ultimately encompasses both of these notions, thus allowing for a greater understanding of the world.

A journey of maturation requires a change in perspectives, which inevitably leads to a broadened understanding of life. In 'Father and Child', Gwen Harwood illustrates this shift in attitude through the characterisation of a female persona at two stages in her life. The metaphor in ‘Barn Owl’, "Master of life and death" illustrates the incongruous power the child possesses, but the oxymoron 'wisp-haired judge' alludes to the immaturity and ignorance of the young girl. Furthermore, the symbolism in 'I saw those eyes that did not see mirror my cruelty' reflects a change in perspective from an ignorant child not understanding the significance of shooting an owl to conceding the severity of her act. Thus, the persona undergoes...