Arrays of alternative paths along physical expeditions are symbiotic with introspection, resulting in the reassessment of relationships where choices influence the direction travelled. Journeys are essential to escape perilous conditions and overcoming obstacles enables individuals to flourish in new environments. Tim Winton’s short story “Big World”, Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” and Shaun Tan’s picture book “The Arrival”, explores the complexity of journeys through challenges of prior understanding to evoke meaningful revelations and personal …show more content…
Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” describes the deliberation of a man at crossroads, where he is forced to choose a path to undertake. Initially, the presentation of infinite possibilities upon the emergence of alternative routes is illustrated through the autumnal imagery “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” establishes the archetypal dilemma of making the best judgement that enables progression at significant moments in life. The internal struggle between conflicting options and the speculative procedures within voyages is demonstrated through the extended metaphor in, “to where it bent in the undergrowth,” revealing a lack of foresight despite ruminations, highlighting the unpredictable paths and consequences journeys present. Furthermore, an individual’s determination of the course of their travels is a combination of chance and choice evidenced with low modality language in “then took the other… and having perhaps the better claim,” underpinning the arbitrary nature of journeys shaped by spontaneous decisions action making. Moreover, the personal nature of reflective insight on unalterable actions presented through their explorations is emphasised by the regretful tone in “I doubted if I should ever come back,” connoting the irreversibility of the past and significance of choosing the most appropriate path. …show more content…
Shaun Tan’s picture book “The Arrival” portrays the human condition of a refugee’s immigration as he navigates through the barriers of his new home. Depravation of freedom catalyses the abandonment of familiarity in search of a secure future, evidenced at the commencement of the voyage from a deteriorated city through dark grey tonal images of looming spiked tentacles contrasted with the minute family in the corner, emphasising the courage required to undertake emancipation from political oppression and perpetual fear. The ambiguities associated with the physical path of immigration compels internal encouragement, evidenced as the man continues his journey by boat with vectors towards the enormous, salient white cloud feature overshadowing the vessel; the disproportion highlights the insignificance of the immigrant and the light shade is symbolic of the imperative quality of self-assurance needed to face the unpredictability of venturing into an unknown future. Furthermore, forced flights from danger tests human ability of social adaptation to combat challenges and is exemplified when strangers assist the man with his assimilation through a sequence of pictorial anecdotes depicting the immigrant’s acceptance of the hospitality of others with similar horrific past lives, a cumulative force which accentuates the