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Away Michael Gow Analysis

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Away Michael Gow Analysis
Away Essay
Discoveries and discovering can offer new understandings and renewed perceptions of ourselves and others. This is evident in Away by Michael Gow which focuses on aspects of discovery including realisations within oneself which can uncover further perceptions of ourselves or others. Gow also includes concepts based on the idea that the recognition that death is inevitable forces people to discover the meaning of life. Emotional turmoil and heartbreak may be a catalyst for discovery and acceptance of a situation and similarly, it must be discovered that healing can occur through love and reconciliation.
Realisations within oneself can uncover further perceptions of ourselves or others. During the play “Away”, Gow portrays Gwen as a distraught woman as she has a meltdown. This is as a result of her obsession with social status, wealth and material possessions which has turned her into a cynical, angry woman. Gwen’s initial realisation occurs when Vic, who saw a lost woman in Gwen, suggests a walk and uses the inclusive pronoun “us girls” to provide a gentle approach. Walking is used by Gow as a catalyst but also a metaphor for progress
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Harry and Vic are hoping the camping trip will help them overcome the shock of learning that Tom will die. “A few weeks just with ourselves. Just with you. It’ll be good.” Tom and his parents have accepted his inevitable death; however, there is still uncomfortableness between them in some situations. "Harry: when you've got your own family- Tom: do you want a drink or not?" In this scene, Gow uses the pause in Harry's dialogue to the show the tension which has been created. Their tent symbolises their social status but also their lack of concern for material possessions as they are more focused on improving their relationships and spending time together. This makes them a happier family than the other two presented in the

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