INTRODUCTION:

Discovery can be a transformative process through which an individual is led to new

understandings and values. The texts studied all reveal how discovery is challenging and
takes time to rediscover who we really are. Michael Gows play Away conveys three
different families with different experiences. Their journeys throughout the play expose the
poignant impact that discovery can have on an individual. Each character is intrigued to re-
discover, through this discovery they recognise the impact of it on themselves and their
relationships. Similar to Gows characters as they desire to re-evaluate their perceptions of
the world, Tim Wintons short story Neighbours, Winton highlights the importance of
challenging discoveries which will change you, in order to fully embrace the insight
discoveries can afford. Through both texts, all characters experience a journey of self
discovery through which they develop profound new understandings and perceptions,
allowing them to form deeper relationships with themselves and the world around them.

Discovery is the catalyst for new beginnings, a profound process through which individuals
may face significant obstacles before achieving the rewarding outcomes. Coral realises that
she has to move on with the use of future tense in her line Ill be calm, interested, aware of
people. Ill look after myself. Ill get up at a proper time. Ill have fun. This reflects her
awareness that she needs to rediscover herself. She knows herself that she has to act
normal to people and live like a normal human being. Therefore, this line shows that
discovery is a profound process which may have difficulties and negative impacts but also
may have many positive outcomes. As Corals discovery shows her challenges she has to
face, she has to solve these problems over time and knows her reward at the end.

Ones true image is reflected through authentic relationships with others. Relationships offer
opportunities for new discoveries about one self. The connections that comprise these
relationships can reinforce or challenge embedded ideas of self, thus leading to new
discoveries. New views of oneself are often triggered by a desire to resolve a relational
conflict. Gows play, Away examines the role of relationships in self discovery through the
journey of Gwen, an abrasive and antagonistic wife and mother. Gwens lack of self
knowledge causes her conceited behaviour which damages her relationships. Gow uses tone
in Gwens line You were supposed to hurry. Ill have to do it all I expect. This is her first line
in the play, and we can see her behaviour towards others. It establishes Gwen as an abrasive
and self obsessed character which leads to alienating herself from her family and friends.
This line reveals Gwens true character to the people she is close to. Our close relationships
reflect our behaviour and let us change who we really are. Therefore, close connections with
others can prove our inner beauty and help us rediscover ourselves.

Discovery is a profound process, some discoveries can be confronting while others can have
rewarding outcomes. Tim Wintons uses a motif for seasons, As Autumn merged into
winter... they found themselves smiling back at the neighbours. This quote illustrates the
significance of time in genuine discoveries. Tim Winton uses the change in seasons as a
narrative device, the author highlights the role of time in facilitating new discoveries.
Without the passing of time, significant discoveries cannot blossom. Therefore, using the
seasons as a motif for the passage of time it conveys that discovery does not complete
straight away, it takes time to deal with significant consequences or positive outcomes.

In conclusion, discovery is a poignant and prolonged process indeed, this has been proved
throughout the story with the many related texts given indicating significant quotes relating
to the thesis. In order to completely discover oneself, there has to be many obstacles before
fulfilling a discovery. Discovery also allows new perceptions of the world and self discovery,
however, discovery can have many rewarding outcomes.