Discoveries That Broaden Understanding: Katherine Mansfield and Robert Gray Anonymous 12th Grade

The discoveries can be transformative for individuals as they develop new ways of viewing themselves and society; however, sometimes broadening one’s understanding can have detrimental effects. Robert Gray and Katherine Mansfield, in their writings, portray how these negative discoveries may cause the persona to reject aspects of a specific lifestyle. Gray encourages his readers to critically examine the world and its immorality by portraying a morally problematic society in his poem Meatworks. Gray further questions society, portraying the negative ramifications of consumer waste throughout his poem Flames and Dangling Wires, informed by Gray’s demythologised interpretation of Buddhism. Similarly Mansfield’s 1922 short story The Garden Party evokes a socially confronting realisation in the persona, causing the reader to question the superficial facets of human existence. Through discoveries individuals learn of their responsibility for the world around them which has a lasting effect on their lives.

Composers portray the transformative effects of discoveries which lead to moral questioning and renewed values. Gray’s poem Meatworks criticises the slaughtering industry, informed by Gray’s practise of vegetarianism. The use of...