Inner Journey- Alibrandi, My Place, the Road Not Taken

“Journeys always challenge and change the people involved”

Inner journey is a reflective journey of the mind and spirit filled with uncertainty, challenges and conflicts as one undergoes development towards a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. The growth we derive from such journeys can present us with an avenue for self-discovery and self-evaluation, leading us to challenge and perhaps even change our ways of thinking. A physical journey accompanies and ignites the inner journey, and is often the catalyst for change in the individual. The concept of journey is prevalent in the prescribed text ‘My Place’, an Australian novel composed by Sally Morgan, ‘The Road Not Taken’, a poem by Robert Frost and in the non-prescribed text ‘Looking For Alibrandi’ written by Melina Marchetta.
‘My Place’ is as a journey of silence to speech for the composer Sally Morgan. From being identified as a ‘grubby five year-old’ in her youth, Sally develops into a mature adult with a distinct awareness of her Aboriginality and heritage. The techniques of symbolism and dramatic irony are used to portray the inner journey of Sally Morgan.
Symbolism is found in the preparation for Sally’s wedding, where Mum and Nan attempt to cover the bare earth with fake plastic flowers. The bare soil is representational of the Aboriginal people, their love and respect for even the most arid land. In contrast, the plastic flowers are commonly linked to florists and white society. This conveys to the responder Mum and Nan’s ongoing attempts to conceal their Aboriginality.
Dramatic irony is implemented when sally and family decide to name their new dog “Blackie” but then decide to change the name later on. Sally is, at this stage, oblivious to her Aboriginality and the implications the word “Blackie” carries. At this point, the responder is aware of sally’s complete lack of aboriginal identity in her life.
‘My Place’ is a journey of ignorance to self-knowledge and...