Changing Self Essay
The texts studied in the Area of Study have been very significant in shaping my understanding of the concept of Changing Self. The novel Willow Tree and Olive, written by Irini Savvides, the short film Be My Brother (directed by Genevieve Clay, 2009) and the film About A Boy (directed by Paul and Chris Weitz, 2002), while different in form and cultural contexts, have both affirmed and challenged a range of ideas about Changing Self. One significant that these texts explore reflecting the complexity of changing self is that a change in self can involve a shift whether physical, emotional, social or intellectual change. Further, the texts explore the idea that a change in self can be facilitated by an external catalyst.
The novel “Willow Tree and Olive” by Irini Savvides explores the idea that changing self can involve a shift whether physical, emotional, and social or an intellectual change. Initially, Olive has experienced some trauma in her past, and only has brief recollections of it. She feels different from others and is detached from her family and friends because of the trauma. This is presented through the nightmares she recalls from the night of her rape: “It’s a memory – like a flashback, and I’m in it.” The use of the simile reflects the event that took place upon her and recalls what happens. Later throughout the novel, Olive has a new appreciation for her family and friends. This is reflected through, “Dance. Watch people. Go for walks. Write poetry in my head. And I fall in love. With my people and their passion for life, and their acceptance of me, even though I am different.” Here, Olive comes to the realisation that the people, who she loves, support her even throughout the horror and change she has experienced because of her past. Thus, a change in self can involve a shift and is clearly demonstrated through the novel “Willow Tree and Olive” by Irini Savvides.
Likewise, the film “About A Boy” (Paul and Chris Weitz, 2002) similarly explores the
The novel “Willow Tree and Olive” by Irini Savvides explores the idea that changing self can involve a shift whether physical, emotional, and social or an intellectual change. Initially, Olive has experienced some trauma in her past, and only has brief recollections of it. She feels different from others and is detached from her family and friends because of the trauma. This is presented through the nightmares she recalls from the night of her rape: “It’s a memory – like a flashback, and I’m in it.” The use of the simile reflects the event that took place upon her and recalls what happens. Later throughout the novel, Olive has a new appreciation for her family and friends. This is reflected through, “Dance. Watch people. Go for walks. Write poetry in my head. And I fall in love. With my people and their passion for life, and their acceptance of me, even though I am different.” Here, Olive comes to the realisation that the people, who she loves, support her even throughout the horror and change she has experienced because of her past. Thus, a change in self can involve a shift and is clearly demonstrated through the novel “Willow Tree and Olive” by Irini Savvides.
Likewise, the film “About A Boy” (Paul and Chris Weitz, 2002) similarly explores the