Notions Of Psychological Growth Edith example essay topic

Many novels today relate to a journey that is undertaken by a character that presents a version of the readers historical past. These journeys in particular mostly seem to deal with either the physical or psychological side to a traditional quest, it is this psychological journey that is evident and heightened in Joan London's text 'Gilgamesh'. London's text involves a young Australian farm girl 'Edith' embarking upon such a psychological journey. Her ideals over this particular time reflect her personal psychological growth in such areas as representation of gender and both self and social acceptance. London employs certain narrative conventions to assist in the understanding of such themes and issues. London's uses of such narrative conventions help heighten an understanding of the themes and issues through her presentation of setting, characterisation and representation.

The story begins in the homeland of England nearing the end of the First World War. It is set in a rather anomalous image of a London household, with very many Russian influences, little privacy and much gossip as it is described as "a gloomy country house. ". . Often throughout this particular time in the London setting many references are made towards the soldiers returning from the war. ".. an artilleryman from Melbourne, who wept like a baby in his sleep". Such a statement seems to promote negative connotations towards the events unfolding.

London's strong use of imagery is shown here, as she challenges for the first time the representation of gender. It is shown in this particular example where London gives the impression of a stereotypical male descried as, "an Artilleryman from Melbourne'. This particular stereotypical representation of gender is soon challenged as she states, "who wept like a baby in his sleep" such a statement seems to employ certain feminist ic connotations, Resulting in the reader responding negatively towards the issue of war. It is such disturbing images as that just described that result in our characters migrating to Australia The Australian bush setting throughout the text is also promoted as having somewhat negative connotations. The Australian outback is seen as harsh, isolated, rough and an unforgiving way of life often described as "a land without romance" and such the main influence of Edith's values and attitudes.

From very early on within the text we as readers were given the impression of the Australian environment as an unforgiving way of life. For a lady-like image to survive in such a p heliocentric society it must have been close to impossible, As for a Edith to survive in such times she would have had to been both physically and mentally strong, courageous and independent, all such notions of psychological growth Edith would soon undergo. Throughout this time Edith was faced with many demanding issues more than often or not in opposition with one another as she experiences Birth and Death, Lust and Hatred along with the class restrictions of poverty and riches. Such a hard childhood growing up alongside such issues as well and enduring the hardship life of the Australian bush, seem to help model Edith into a "never say die" style of living But it wasn't until the death of Edith's father Frank that the idea of mental growth seemed to appear to myself as a reader.

As it all began with the arrival of two visitors that we as readers could finally conclude that mental change was occurring within Edith, which will be discussed shortly. Both the original setting and that of the Australian Outback both seem to deal with physical principles. The original setting back in London looked at the effects of the First World War, while the Australian outback looks at another side of physical combat, the physical way of life, the struggle to survive. The issue of conflict is also dealt with in Australia, as the group settlement's conflict with the environment as well as there battle with the banks as depression sets in, is similar to the conflicts experienced in the war. It is the presence of such events as death and poverty that Edith benefited greatly from the influence of outside characters.

As Edith's progressed throughout her journey she was exposed to various characters all in which who influenced her psychological discharge to some degree. The first and that which first encouraged Edith to take the first steps in the forward direction of mental growth was the construction of a character Leopold. Leopold first arrives in Edith's life as a visitor along with his friend Aram to stay with Edith's and her family for a duration of time. Throughout this time Leopold seems to influence Edith is such a manner as to foreground his dominance by manipulating her attitudes and beliefs. Such beliefs seem to challenge the gender restrictions constructed in the society they live in. Examples are foreseen throughout the text as Leopold often amazes Edith with his knowledge of the unknown.

"The telling of the tale Gilgamesh, which symbolically somewhat resembles the life Aram and Leopold " Such influences seem to encourage Edith to challenge the ideologies of the society that is constructed in the text. The ideas of courage and romanticized notices of travel (should she remain loyal to the life her father once lead) all seem to be brought out by the character Leopold. Leopold can be seen as a character that promotes Edith's mental growth, with another character of equal importance relating to Edith's growth is Mr. Five Percent Mr. Five Percent was an extremely important character, as he was somewhat seen as an outsider compared to the characters that proceeded him. He unlike his predecessors seemed to promote the values and beliefs constructed in society, reinforcing the notions of gender construction with such statements as "In the fight between a Woman and the World, Allah will always back the World" as well as those of class restrictions, the very boundaries Edith has overcome at this particular time in the text.

It is important to note even though Mr. Five Percent didn't really influence Edith in any direct manner, he resembled an 'assessment', a point in which all the previous development was to be tested if you will. In Edith's case the ability to disregard the assistance of a wealthy male. Demonstrating to the reader how Edith had progressed along her psychological journey was very important as it allowed the reader to relate towards Edith as becoming more independent. The issue of independence was also dealt with amongst the text earlier. The particular issue of the birth of Edith's son was a point in time where certain notions of independence became to associate themselves with Edith. Throughout the time of the pregnancy Edith was often questioned about her pregnancy by guests at the Sea House, and replying more often that not dishonesty, in fear of being marginalized within society.

As the ideas of post madrigal sex in this particular time was seen as sins, and those who practiced such methods were labeled if you will as 'sluts'. This particular time early on within the text saw Edith covering up her pregnancy, hiding herself. Although throughout the progression of the journey we begin to see the benefits of Edith's shift in character, as she no more needs to cover up the life her son leads. It is also important to note Edith does encounter many other characters each bringing their own contribution to the mental growth of Edith.

This is seen along Edith's voyage as she travels to many different cultures, meeting many different characters with a wide range of personalities. By observing Edith's interaction with these characters we could see how her own personal attitudes and beliefs were being manipulated to resemble each personality, bringing out different qualities within Edith. Sure enough it was the result of such characters that helped complete Edith's journey and sent her home. Gilgamesh is a tale of a journey, and no journey would be complete without the return of a wiser being.

Gilgamesh does just this with the resolution coming in that last chapter "Return". As Edith returns to Australia she is first to notice that not only herself has undergone change, but that of the Australian way of life has also been affected by time. Her mother Ada has passed away from an illness while her sister had converted to Christianity. Despite the sudden impact of the previous events Edith is lucky enough to find another love, one who goes by the name Lawrence. Lawrence plays an extremely important role as he somewhat resembles a father figure and brings some form of stability into Jims life.

In the end we are all go on psychological journey's in one way or another, and whether we notice it or not is up to us. For as the journey is seen as the process of evolution, the very process that makes us both physically and psychological better human beings. Gilgamesh shows the journey of how an individual will grow as a person and learn, to become stronger, more compassionate individuals. Although a novel can be an historical journey that presents a version of our historical past, it is the psychological journey that the characters undergo that allows the readers to become more familiar with the novels themes and issues. Just by reading the book we as readers gain a deeper understanding within ourselves, between the way we used to look at the themes and issues dealt with within the story and now. Just one mad who shit up cunt.