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
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
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