Year 11 Changing Perspectives Essay (Looking for...

Personal Growth Practise Essay â€Å"The process of changing perspectives inevitably contributes to personal growth.† Analyse how this idea has been represented in your prescribed text, â€Å"Looking for Alibrandi†, and one related text of your choosing. As individuals, when faced with gruelling or traumatic experiences, we are often compelled to feel a sense of loneliness and seclusion. However, it is precisely these times of isolation, through reflection and a willingness to embrace the situation that can force us to reconsider the original outlooks we hold, often resulting in a greater appreciation for life and a deeper understanding of who we truly are. This idea is clearly communicated in the feature film ‘Looking for Alibrandi’ (1999)†¦show more content†¦A close up camera shot of Josie’s languishing facial expression as John’s body passes by, suggests the inner emotional turmoil she is experiencing, yet simultaneously the passing coffin signifies her acceptance of him slowly moving away from her, out of her life. The idea of her acceptance of John’s death is further reinforced at the end of the scene through Woods’ use of symbolism. The subsequent shredding of his letter, follo wed by the release of the pieces out of the window symbolically serve to represent her ‘letting go’ as well as allowing John the freedom that he has always longed for. Josie’s feelings of isolation and separation following John’s death are captured during the bus ride scene where a closeup camera shot of Josie’s facial expression is juxtaposed to that of a group of laughing boys, totally oblivious to the inner turmoil that she faces. It isn’t until towards the end of Winton’s novel that Pikelet is confronted with the spontaneous death of his father, a significant catalyst that simultaneously compels him to irrevocably reconsider the importance of family; suddenly being left with only a mother, and helps him to develop a greater appreciation for life by understanding the instantaneous nature of death- â€Å"My father’s death hit me with a force that seemed targeted and personal.† The metaphorical portrayal of death here, clearly communicates the severity of the impact on