Discoveries can be confronting and provocative, yet can introduce us to new ideas, values and enables us to have a renewed perception of ourselves and others as well as the surrounding environment. By learning about the discoveries of others, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves, thus transforming our own views on life, through self-discovery. The Robert Gray poem suite including ‘Journey: The North Coast’ and ‘The Meatworks’ as well as ‘Island Home’ by Tim Winton explores the view that discoveries of changed ideals and environments are transformative as they allow people to accept new values and attitudes. Gray uses descriptive language to invite the reader to broaden their perspective on the Australian landscapes he describes and consider the impact these landscapes have …show more content…
In ‘Journey: The North Coast’ Gray makes the responder experience the influence of both spiritual and emotional discoveries as well as self-reflection on the protagonist’s ideals and values about the importance of nature and the idea of ‘home’. “the train’s shadow like a bird’s” uses a simile which conveys the idea of freedom, which directly juxtaposes Gray’s previous environment “in a furnished room”, which discloses the impression that Gray was stuck in a restrictive environment. As the journey ‘continues’, throughout the poem, the language used to describe the environment around him becomes more common, displaying Gray’s his appreciation of the north coast’s natural landscape becomes greater. “the country bursts open on the sea-” uses explosive imagery to make the responder aware of the strong spiritual connection that Gray has with this landscape. The inspiration that Gray gains from rediscovering and reconnecting with the spiritual elements of his home, stimulate the development of new ideas in his life, such as being more aware and engaged with the natural environment as it brings about peace and