Human Condition - Away by Michael Gow

Literature has always been a powerful tool to reflect the human condition, capturing various aspects of our existence such as emotions, mortality, and transformations that define us as a species. Through plays, poems, and visual arts, artists have been able to delve into the depths of human experience, shedding light on the complexities of our lives. In this essay, we will explore how the play "Away" by Michael Gow, the photograph "Woman on Bondi" by Marco Bok, and the poem "Ode To A Nightingale" by John Keats, offer insights into the human condition, presenting both similar and contrasting views on these fundamental aspects of humanity.

Firstly, let's delve into Michael Gow's play "Away," which was first published in 1986. Set in Australia in the 1960s, in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, the play delves into themes of mortality, loss, restoration, and transformation. Through the character of Tom, who embodies the role of Puck from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Gow explores the idea of healing and restoration.

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Tom's death serves as a catalyst for the other characters to undergo a process of transformation and renewal. The play-within-a-play, "The Stranger On The Shore," further emphasizes the themes of love, sacrifice, and rebirth, symbolized by the lighting of the bonfire.

Gow's portrayal of Coral's journey towards healing also highlights the theme of loss and restoration. Through her soliloquy and interactions with other characters, Coral undergoes a profound emotional awakening, symbolized by the repetition of the line "What angel wakes me from my flowery bed?" This awakening is further reinforced by her role in "The Stranger On The Shore," where she experiences a significant change and ultimately finds acceptance and restoration.

Similarly, the character of Gwen undergoes a transformation, shedding her materialistic mentality and embracing a new perspective on life. The storm in the play serves as a metaphor for cleansing and renewal, bringing about a change in Gwen's attitude and behavior. Her emotional breakdown and subsequent seeking of forgiveness from Jim signify her growth and transformation throughout the play.

Through these characters and their journeys, "Away" reflects the human condition by exploring themes of mortality, loss, and transformation. The play serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human existence and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Turning our attention to the photograph "Woman on Bondi" by Marco Bok, we are presented with a visual representation of the human condition. The image captures a moment of contemplation and solitude, reflecting the universal experience of introspection and self-discovery. The woman's gaze towards the horizon symbolizes hope and possibility, highlighting the human capacity for resilience and renewal. The setting of Bondi Beach adds a sense of serenity and tranquility to the image, inviting viewers to reflect on their own lives and experiences.

Finally, John Keats' poem "Ode To A Nightingale" offers a lyrical exploration of the human experience, delving into themes of mortality, beauty, and transcendence. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Keats invites readers to ponder the fleeting nature of life and the eternal beauty of art and nature. The nightingale, with its timeless song, becomes a symbol of immortality and the enduring power of creativity.

In conclusion, literature, art, and poetry have the ability to reflect the human condition in all its complexity and nuance. Through works such as "Away" by Michael Gow, "Woman on Bondi" by Marco Bok, and "Ode To A Nightingale" by John Keats, we are able to gain insights into the fundamental aspects of our existence, from mortality and loss to transformation and renewal. These works serve as a testament to the enduring power of art to illuminate the human experience and offer solace and understanding in times of uncertainty and change.

Bibliography:

Gow, Michael. "Away." 1986.

Beckett, Wendy. "Michael Gow's Away." Glebe: Pascal Press, 1993.

References

• Marco Bok's "Woman on Bondi"
• John Keats' "Ode To A Nightingale"
• Review of Michael Gow's "Away" by Sydney Morning Herald