Ptilorus_Magnificus_and_John_Marsden_Big_World

EXTENDED RESPONSE BIG WORLD ON THE TRAIL TO PTILORUS MAGNIFICUS WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE How have the texts you have studied explored the concept of journeys' In your answer, refer to TWO prescribed texts. You must also refer to ONE text of your own choosing. Journeys can be made in many different forms and are a lot more complex than comprehended. Journeys are more than a simple movement as they impact on emotional, physical, spiritual and imaginative levels. Journeys allow the ‘traveler’ to make choices and deal with challenges which ultimately transforms them. Each journey is unique for each individual and the personalization gives authority to the journey which positions it to influence the traveler and transfigure their sense of identity. The individual nature of journeys is evident when comparing the two short stories Big World by Tim Winton, on the trail of Ptilorus Magnificus by Robert Adamson and related material where the wild things are by Maurice Sendak. Each author has used different literary techniques to enforce the notion that journeys are complex processes that are inherently different for all individuals. On the trail of Ptilorus Magnificus is an epic biography of Robert Adamson’s childhood and youth. Adamson represents the concept of inner journeys through exploring his own characters change and development from a childish perspective within a mature and sophisticated style. Adamson introduces himself in the book as a rather wild and imaginative, adventurous but too often care-less and unthinking boy whose obsession and devotion to birds leads him into an on going criminal career. Adamson appears to be caught up in his own little world and estranged from other children, as seen in his obsessive willingness to steal birds. He goes on haphazard mischievous adventures and it seems he does not plan to do the wrong thing however, simply do something that, at the present time, means everything to him. This fascination ends in him being sent away to a home for troublesome boys. Through Adamson’s personal narration, the audience gains an insight into his mind and his eccentric interests, growth and understanding of his own world. Adamson at the time of this excerpt is going through adolescence and discovering where he fits within his surroundings. As a refuge from his isolation he begins an imaginative journey into disciplined work and study on something he cares about, fishing and keeping birds. The linear structure of the events in the excerpt supports the narrator’s presentation of an inner journey as it assists in defining his changes and the consequences of the exploration of his youthful interest. Robert Adamson in on the trail of Ptilorus Magnificus and Max, the protagonist in where the wild things are, both feel a sense of isolation and confusion which drives them on their inner and imaginative journeys. Hence characterization is an effective technique used to explore the concept of journeys. Their alienation is shown through quotes “…. Max the king of wild things was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all” and (Said from a child welfare officer to Robert Adamson) “he told me I seemed different from the boys he usually escorted”. Both texts explore the emotion of children and the journey of finding where you belong and growing up. Where the wild things are is a 39 page book of minimal text and delightful artwork which both compliment each other and allow the reader to seamlessly pour through the adventures of Max. The plot is based on the fantasy and real consequences of a little boy’s mischief. He is lead into a sojourn because he was scolded and threatened to eat his mother up. His aggression results in his mother sending him to his bedroom in which Max’s imagination transforms into an extraordinary setting. The artworks reflect the fluctuations of Max’s imaginative journey as they vary from being humerous to scary at times however represent certain truthfulness about the energy and temperament of young children. The pictures appear to become larger and larger as Max gains control of the wild beasts (his emotions) through his fantasy dreams. The juxtaposition of fantasy and realism in the book creates a dream journey and a journey within the psyche. Omniscient narration reveals max’s growth as resonates with children’s inner experiences and provides important insights for and about children. Max’s engaging character reflects realistic child emotions and the dream creation of monsters in the text represent a healthy release of impulse, not a nightmare. Where the wild things are is a journey of self actualisation in which max ultimately realises the harmonious integration of an individual’s inner experience with their outer circumstances by the journeys end. This is seen through the quote “Max the king of wild things was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all”. Tim Winton’s Big world is a short story about the emotional journey of a young man and his lumbering best mate, Biggie. The story illustrates the concept of journey by using first person narration of the unnamed main character. After failing exams, the two characters set off in a ‘garden shed on wheels’ to fulfil their dream of escaping from their dead-end jobs and shabby town. Throughout this journey, Tim Winton allows the readers to see the perspective of the narrator, his opinions, thoughts and feelings about his situation. Hence, characterisation is an effective technique used to portray journeys. The narrator, driven by the prospect of change, strives to break away and begin a new journey for himself as seen through the quote. “I can’t believe we’ve done it… it’s a mad feeling” once the boys set off on the road. Tim Winton has used colloquial language such as swear words and slang to appeal to a younger audience. The mood and tone of the story fluctuates which represents the inconsistent nature of journeys and the challenges that may stunt them. The last line of Big world says, ‘In the hot northern dusk, the world suddenly gets big around us, so we just give in and watch’. This quote successfully conveys the concept of challenges within journeys and the difficulty of beginning a journey of change. Though journeys share common elements, through the analysis of the texts, Big world, on the trail of Ptilorus Magnifucus and where the wild things are, it is evident that journeys are individual in nature and a lot more complex then comprehended. Journeys are ultimately an exploration of our self as we grow, change and experience. They can be inner journeys of the mind and spirit, imaginative journeys of speculation and inspiration or physical journeys that challenge and extend people physically, intellectually and emotionally. No matter what the journey, it can be determined that due to our own unique identities the journey will always be a personal and incomparable experience.