Identity

Question 1

Thesis(Identity)

Answer 1

An inner sense of balance allows the individual to belong harmoniously in the world. The composer illustrates that healing from traumatic events and self-discovery are essential in finding our identity

Question 2

Miles’ identity

Answer 2

Miles’ identity is challenged as familial roles are subverted. This is seen through,’stuck taking care of Harry, stuck taking care of Dad, stuck taking care of everything.’ The use of repetition conveys accumulation of pressure on Miles as he is obliged to surrender his childhood innocence and take on an imposed identity,that is being a fisherman.

Question 3

Identity (tree quote)

Answer 3

Favel Parrett reveals that unresolved traumatic events fracture our being . This is evidenced by the way Miles memory sequence fractures the narrative. Through visual imagery ,‘ it never looked right when it grew back. It was missing bits,’ the composer aims to emphasise to the reader that similarly to nature our experiences whether good or bad are permanent. However, by better understanding the past we are able to understand ourselves better and move forward.

Question 4

Quote (light vs darkness)

Answer 4

It made the dark water sparkle

Made the ocean a giant mirror reflecting the sky

Question 5

Light vs darkness analysis

Answer 5

Joe and Miles have a sense of cathartic freedom knowing that their free from their fathers grasp. Miles now appreciates the ‘ocean’ which metaphorically represents the versatility of the human experience even after losing Harry. This reality is reflected in Miles’ observation of the revitalising light in nature reflecting the deep water. This serves to highlight that we can move past tragedy by focusing on the positives and failure to do so will result in a downward spiral seen from Steve Currens’ anomalous behaviour.

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

Favel Parrett demonstrates to the reader the importance of letting go as it is imperative in finding our own identity and having a sense of balance