Mentalities in Transition: Character Analysis in "Away" and "Schindler's List" Jeromy Wong 12th Grade

Transitions are made in moments of realisation that are taken up by characters in texts. These moments of realisation allows said characters to undergo transitions that affect their actions, thoughts and feelings. In Michael Gow’s “Away” the characters Gwen and Coral originally face behavioural problems. Gwen, who is materialistic, tries to maintain high living standards. It is later that Gwen becomes more aware of the effect of her behaviour and finds the true meaning to life. Coral is still in mourning with the loss of her son in Vietnam. As the story progresses, Coral takes steps that will lead up to the deterioration of her social awkwardness and the rebirth of her normality as a social human being. Transition is also seen in Steven Speilberg’s film “Schindler’s list,” where Nazi war profiteer Oskar Schindler is also materialistic and greedy, with desires of self interest. Due to certain events, Schindler starts to transition to someone who values human life and is no longer blinded by only his wealth and self interest. At the end, Schindler understands that human life is invaluable.

Over time, transitions are developed in Gwen to change her from her materialistic self. Her materialistic attitude is derived from her...