Challenging existing perspectives leads to the discovery of new perceptions of ourselves and the world Leyla Meharg 12th Grade

The process of discovery is often catalyzed by a provocative environment which compels the individual’s opposition to existing values, engendering the realization of one’s own ideas, inherently encouraging the formation of renewed perceptions of ourselves and the world. Such voyages of discovery are a key feature of Robert Gray’s imagist poems The Meatworks and Flames and Dangling Wire (Flames), where Gray draws on aspects of his Buddhist connection to nature to create dystopic realities which challenge the audience to reconsider their individual values in light of the detrimental effects of consumerist societies. Alternatively, in his 1948 short story A Perfect Day for Bananafish (PDB), J.D Salinger criticizes the consumerist environment of post-war America, as a catalyst for protagonist war veteran Seymour’s opposition to the banality and egocentricity of life, which congruently leads renewed perceptions of himself and society. All texts lead the audience to re-evaluate their own values, leading to a deepened understanding of themselves and their broader society.

The contemplation of past experiences in provocative and confronting situations can often lead to a rediscovery of values which challenge pre-existing perceptions....