Journeys of Emotional Discovery: The Motorcycle Diaries and Wide Open Road

Exploring new findings can lead people to reassess their point of view and acquire a fresh perception of their surroundings. This concept can be analyzed in connection to your assigned text as well as a related text.

The connection between the prescribed text The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara, 2003 (nonfiction/memoir) and the music video Wide Open Road by The Triffids, 1986 is examined.

The introduction begins with a thesis that directly addresses the question, while also introducing and elucidating the importance of the texts to be examined.

Embarking on adventures can lead to a reevaluation of our perspective, uncovering truths about ourselves and sparking emotional reflection. In Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara’s memoir The Motorcycle Diaries, he reflects on his life-changing journey across Latin America with friend Alberto Granado, urging readers to view society through personal interactions. Similarly, The Triffids' 1986 music video for Wide Open Road, written by David McComb, depicts the emotional impact of an impulsive reaction to heartbreak. Despite differing reasons for traveling, both works delve into the emotional development that can arise from novel experiences.

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The topic sentence is a direct link to the question being discussed.

Firstly, the prescribed text is introduced, followed by an analysis of its structure, writing style, and genre.

Examining figurative language using appropriate evidence

The Motorcycle Diaries is structured as a series of 46 brief diary entries over nine months starting from December 1951. Each chapter represents a unique moment of discovery, challenging our established world view. Aleida March, Guevara's daughter, introduces the book by portraying him as 'increasingly sensitive'.

The original journal was 'rewritten by Ernesto himself as a narrative', signaling a shift from subjective to objective language and elements of bildungsroman in the memoir.

The initial chapters directly challenge the reader’s familiarity with Guevara and set the stage for the revelations to come with the translated titles ‘so we understand each other.’ By acknowledging the ‘man he used to be,’ the author explains how the adventure began. Guevara describes his notes as ‘mental photographs,’ emphasizing the thoughtful construction of his personal perspective. Introducing his reflective writing style, he personifies the ocean as a ‘confidant’ that keeps secrets. Through vivid imagery in ‘the discovery of the ocean,’ Guevara portrays the ‘moon silhouetted against the sea, smothering the waves with silver reflections.’ The use of sibilance enhances Alberto’s sensory experience, showcasing Guevara’s fondness for using figurative language to evoke a contemplative mood.

Introducing a new paragraph through a hyperlink that connects to the previous one.

Textual analysis is connected to the thesis through different mediums such as film, music, and lyrics.

The final sentence connects back to the main argument of the thesis.

Wide Open Road, like Guevara's The Motorcycle Diaries, sparks viewing interest and guides the viewer's discovery with strong images that affect the viewer emotionally. The gradual layering of instruments as the band emerges from misty clouds suggests confusion. Darkening silhouettes become substantial, then fade into the landscape as a wide shot reveals a lone vehicle solidifying with the increasing musical beat. The journey in both works becomes a process of discovery with a strong emotional impact. McComb's lyrics metaphorically explore a visceral reaction as 'drums rolled off in my forehead' and 'guns went off in my chest' in response to a relationship's surprise ending.

Accompanied by a crisp drum beat and low saturated colors, the opening lines of the song add intensity with a close-up of McComb. The singer describes his experience of ‘carrying the baby just for you’, symbolizing shared hopes and sacrifice, while a car appears on a dusty road coinciding with the line ‘crying in the wilderness’. Tracking shots and fleeting images of trees and landscape suggest movement at speed, as the chorus repeats the title line ‘wide open road’. The wide shot of a vast blue sky for ‘big and empty’ illustrates a sense of loss as the chorus ends, representing the road trip through the countryside as an emotional escape. The discovery made on this trip is an acceptance of what has happened.

In contrast to the previous statement, the topic sentence is related.

Evidence is presented in the text.

The argument incorporates related text.

Analysis is connected to discovering oneself

Guevara's reason for his tour was primarily exploration and entertainment, in contrast to McComb's focus on political activism. He shares his perspective and geographical knowledge through descriptive passages that typically open a chapter, such as 'the seven lakes road'. The different size lakes are surrounded by alluring forest, with a personified 'scent of wilderness caressing' their nostrils, yet this scenery 'begins to grate'. Travelling at a 'tranquil pace' only allows a glimpse of the surroundings at a 'superficial level' and limits the discovery of the true essence of the terrain. In the Cuzco chapters Guevara suggests that true understanding requires a stop of several days to successfully experience the spirituality of each site whereas McComb continues to drive through towns almost unseeing.

Following the second chorus, we see tracking shots of semi-suburban industrial landscapes as we observe a service station attendant shaking her head, arms folded, displaying a noticeable lack of welcome - a stark contrast to Guevara's experiences with the hospitality of those he encountered. McComb reveals how he distanced himself from family and friends, likening it to cutting off limbs, delving into the pain that comes from self-imposed isolation.

Concluding with a lamenting flute and lyrics expressing deep loneliness- 'I reach out to touch you, then I realise'. The key hint to the individual revelation lies in the word 'realise'. Captivating aerial views of eerie landmarks and dusty cityscapes emerge through clouds before the refrain echoes with a diminishing 'It's a wide open road', indicating that life offers plentiful opportunities following the journey of self-discovery.

The topic sentence indicates a distinction between the texts.

Exploration of a particular chapter involves moving from personal experiences to achieving a deeper understanding.

While McComb prefers solitude, Guevara embraces interaction as a way to gain insight into himself and the world around him. In the chapter 'stowaways,' detailed accounts of their actions are provided as we witness Guevara and Granado sneaking onto a ship unlawfully. Their alignment with the 'friendly' workers is contrasted with the harbormaster who is depicted as 'nasty' and 'hostile,' suggesting a developing socialist belief.

When caught by the captain, the travellers admit they had not ‘thought through’ the consequences before agreeing to work for their passage. Their humble chores of potato peeling and deck cleaning provide a glimpse into the realities of everyday life and Guevara recounts their shared moments of reflection leaning ‘side by side on the railing’ and looking out on the sea. Repetition of ‘vocation, our true vocation’ provides a dawning realization that both Guevara and Granado will remain ‘always curious’ displaying the soul of true adventurers.

Conclusion summarized the thesis and outlines how the question has been resolved.

Experiences can provoke emotional reactions that alter our perspective of the world at large. While McComb takes solitary travels as a way to cope with inner pain, Guevara finds solace in companionship and building camaraderie with fellow travelers. Wide Open Road depicts a personal escape to make sense of inner turmoil, whereas The Motorcycle Diaries prompts a wider exploration of people and their environments. Whether journeying through the Australian outback or Latin America, these texts demonstrate a deep emotional insight into humanity and our world.