In the essay titled "Why does change happen?", the author explores the constant presence of change in various aspects of life, emphasizing its persistent nature even when attempts are made to resist it. The essay contends that change can be observed through personal development and gaining a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life. It notes that significant life events have the ability to reshape our perception of others and prompt us to reevaluate our thoughts and attitudes, as exemplified in both the novel Looking for Alibrandi and Ian Mudie's poem "My Father Began as a god". The main point conveyed is that growth is inevitable, encompassing both physical transformations and emotional shifts.
The novel "Looking for Alibrandi" depicts the transformation of Josephine Alibrandi due to her grandmother Nonna's revelations about her past. Initially, Nonna is portrayed as a self-centered and overbearin
...g figure, concerned only about her own reputation within the Italian community and consistently interfering in Josie and Christina's lives. These perspectives are reinforced when Josie dismisses Nonna's critique of her behavior at the beach, accusing her of being constantly preoccupied with other people's opinions. However, as the story progresses, Josie gradually discovers the hardships that Nonna faced in the past, particularly in her relationships with Francesco and Marcus Sandford. This newfound understanding engenders Josie's empathy toward her grandmother and prompts a shift in her attitude.As Nonna shares her past with Josie, she experiences a realization that she lacks knowledge about certain aspects. This newfound understanding leads to personal revelations for Josie, as she learns more about herself and eventually forgives Nonna. Josie recognizes that her previous beliefs were inaccurate and based on stereotype
related to education, age, class, and gender. Consequently, her arrogance diminishes, and she begins to view people in a different light, resulting in positive changes in her life. Josie has undergone a transformation from a headstrong and short-tempered girl to a responsible and seasoned young woman. Moments that alter perspectives and shape experiences contribute to these life-changing advancements. One such moment involves meeting her biological father, Michael Andretti, which significantly influences her self-esteem. Initially, their encounter is filled with unhappiness and reluctance on Michael’s part, as he wants nothing to do with Josie and refuses to acknowledge her existence. His negative demeanor is evident through his repetitive statements of disinterest. Struggling with hurt and rejection, Josie confronts Michael, only to be met with cold dismissal. Despite this rejection, there is a part of her that desires further interaction with him. Prior to this confrontation, the absence of a fatherly figure in Josie's life led him to be metaphorically referred to as a "myth," as she had no face or name to associate with him.Josie perceived him as an irresponsible individual who abandoned a pregnant woman to handle all the difficulties without even bothering to make any contact.
Josie spent her whole life resenting her father because she believed he was the reason for something, but she discovers that he didn't even know Christina was pregnant. This discovery completely changed Josie's perception of her father. While having an argument with Carly Bishop, Josie turns to her father for assistance, and that is when her perception of him shifts. "..knew how it felt walking alongside one's father." After getting the opportunity to know her father, Josie realizes that
they have many similarities; she aspires to become a barrister and be like him.
Despite her initial hostility, Josie eventually recognized the potential for friendship with Michael. Through regular meetings and shared experiences, they gradually grew to accept each other. Michael also underwent a change in perspective, as he formed a bond with Josie and genuinely enjoyed spending time with her. By listening to Michael, Josie gained insight into herself and reconsidered her judgments about others whom she previously envied. As change persists, our attitudes evolve, and we reassess our prior thoughts and beliefs to adapt to our shifting environment.
John Barton's death deeply impacted Josephine, causing her to reconsider her previous opinions of him. During her HSC exams, she receives the news that John has taken his own life. The narrative style of the journal allows the reader to witness Josie's shifting perception of John throughout the novel. Before his death, Josie believes that John possesses everything one could desire – he is the school captain, intelligent, wealthy, attractive, and popular. However, after his untimely demise, Josie's emotions are conveyed in a first-person perspective. Initially, she is overwhelmed and unable to comprehend why someone with no apparent issues and a carefree life would choose to end their own life.
Despite the initial shock of John's death, Josie manages to move beyond her anger and empathize with his feelings of isolation. She understands that he lacked self-confidence and suffered from depression due to constant regulation of his actions, thoughts, and behavior. John eventually reached a point where he saw no purpose in life and lacked the bravery to shape his own future. While he expressed the belief that
"the future is mine, to do whatever I want with it," he ultimately surrendered his life instead of taking control. This realization makes Josie recognize the importance of not taking life for granted and acknowledges that her own actions were inhibiting her freedom.
Following John's death, Josie makes a pivotal decision. The utilization of a first person narrative brings attention to Josie's conviction in fighting for her own liberation. She contemplates how John had to perish for his freedom and acknowledges that she is alive to accomplish hers. By the story's conclusion, Josie comprehends that she has already attained emancipation. Upon reflection, she realizes it transpired gradually over time rather than at a specific instant. Throughout the novel, an assortment of occurrences and encounters progressively unfold, prompting Josie's transformation and growth as she gains insight into the individuals in her life.
The grown-up Josie's previous preconceptions are discarded as we witness her transformation. Similarly, the poet's changing attitudes towards his father are clearly depicted in "My father began as a god." Unlike Josie, who initially held a high opinion of her father, the poet compares his father to a god when he was a young child. He employs a simile to illustrate this view. The poet also makes a biblical allusion, equating his father's teachings with the Ten Commandments by mentioning that the laws were immutable and brought down from Sinai. However, as the poet enters adolescence, his perception of his father undergoes a shift, which is emphasized through the repetition of "shrank and shrank."
Mudie’s father is not only physically smaller to his grown son, but his ideas are also seen as no longer immutable. The negative
tone, with the words “foolish small old man,” is used to highlight Mudie’s dismissal of his father. The use of increasing modality in “strange.. to stranger.. and strangest” tells us that he experienced a further change as he grew older. Like Josie, the poet encountered changing circumstances and growth, allowing him to see his father in a new light. As an adult himself, the poet realizes that his father wasn’t infallible, and accumulation is used to emphasize his father’s positive qualities such as “honesty, generosity, and integrity.” As a person grows and matures, they undergo experiences that change their perception, just like Josie in Looking for Alibrandi. Change is triggered by various events and experiences that can alter our perception of others and ourselves as we grow. Once our perception changes, our previous beliefs and thoughts towards others are reevaluated to adapt to our changing surroundings. These texts have shaped our view about the concept of change and have taught us that change is inevitable.
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