Change is a process everyone experiences throughout his/her lifetime. Change can alter a way of life either in a good way or a bad way depending on how you approach it. Through studying the focus area "changing self" it has becomes clear that change is more beneficial if we view it in a positive way and show acceptance. The texts that have effectively shaped my understanding of change is the play "Away" by Michael Gow, the short story Sky-High by Hannah Roberts, the movie The Shawshank Redemption and Shane Gould's Autobiography Tumble Turns.
The play Away by Michael Gow shows three families whose members must undergo change in order to save them selves and their family's relationships. One character in particular that has dramatically changed is Gwen. Gow presents her to be a woman who greatly believed in controlling every aspect of her life. She was very bossy and demanding and acted like a constant victim. All she cared about were he possessions and Gow shoved this through her attitude. "We've got a new caravan, everything you could want in it. Have a lovely time in your tent". We learnt that this behavior was caused by her Gwen's fear of insecurity and poverty that she experienced during the depression. This is the reason why closed herself away from any form of change. However a storm hit during their holiday and destroyed everything Gwen ever took pride in as she looses all her possessions. This storm acted as a vehicle for the personal change in Gwen. Evidence of her change is seen through her reconciling with her family and her new compassionate behavior. Gwen had accepted that she cannot control every aspect of her life and as a result we see the capacity for human warmth come through in her character.
A main theme that Gow focuses on is that to be in agreement with the natural world is essential if one is to be in touch with oneself. This is now presented in Gwen as she turns to nature for the first time for help instead of turning to medication.