1. With the process of self-discovery comes the need of assistance and obstacles to overcome. The difficulties of discovery have been presented throughout the image “Self-Help” by composer Michael Leunig throughout many means. This is evident throughout the salient image of the individual clinging on the falling bookshelf labelled ‘Self Help’, this allows Leunig to capture the attention of the audience to the vector of this image; the falling bookshelf. This presents the idea that an individual in the process of self-discovery may place themselves in danger, amongst many other matters. Discoveries can also be intense and meaningful in ways that may be emotional, physical or spiritual. This is evident though the symbolism of the falling bookshelf further exemplifies how one’s inner self can reach beyond their external capabilities in attempt to help themselves and in doing so, place them into risky situations that have the potential to damage their mental, physical and emotional health.
2. Discoveries and rediscoveries may alter an individual’s perception of themselves, and/or the world around them. They can be confronting and provocative. Composer Michael Leunig’s visual “Self-Help” effectively communicates the issues of going through the process of self-discovery alone as Leunig emphasises the need of assistance throughout the process. This is evident as the individual in the image is in need of help, as he hangs onto a tumbling bookshelf. Similarly, Michael Gow presents the issues of going through the process of self-discovery lonesome through the central character of Tom. Tom suffers from a terminal illness and understands that he may not last much longer. As Tom is alone in his illness and is unable to control his emotions, he is overwhelmed and frightened. Hence, he takes out his anger on those around him. In turn, Tom places himself in overwhelming situations like the individual in the “Self Help”, such as losing his virginity. In Act four, Scene two, Tom attempts to have sexual intercourse with Meg, “I want to do it once, just once” Tom says to Meg through his mournful tone of voice. This evidences how Gow expresses to the audience that Tom is afraid of not experiencing what the world should offer before his time is up. The people in Tom’s life are affected but unable to help him or heal his illness just as the people in the photo’s body language demonstrates their clear horror however they remain passive as they are not able to help him as it is too late. Both characters experience difficulties and obstacles as they go through the process of self-discovery alone.
3. Composer Michael Leunig’s text “Self-Help” extends the notion of discovery through many techniques presented. The salient image of the individual on the falling bookshelf thoroughly expresses the issue of self-discovery as it portrays the need of assistance and the barriers the individual may face in the process. Irony is also presented as the “Self-Help” bookshelf suggests that searching for discoveries may often lead to even greater obstacles to overcome. In doing so, Leunig aims to point across how it is important to find truth from within rather than external sources as he presents how the books that are meant to help us may sometimes bury us with more problems. The black and white tones place emphasis on the salient image and conveys to the audience the issue of self-discovery as he is the darkest element of the image, displaying that he needs assistance, however is not being assisted on his journey to self-discovery. Leunig also uses vectors from the light bulb as it illuminates the bystanders while the man is in the dark, symbolising that the protagonist is being engulfed by lonesomeness and struggles on the process of discovery. Leunig portrays the ineffective nature of individuals as the bystanders watch the man fall with the bookshelf and there are no signs to show the bystanders offering any assistance. Additionally, the facial expressions significantly portray the difficulties of discoveries; the ineffective horror of the audience evidences that discoveries can have different effects on different people. Finally, the technique of juxtaposition is evident between the two categories in the library; Fiction and Self-Help. As the Fiction bookshelf remains standing while Self-Help bookshelf falls, this further expresses the idea of how it is easier to remain in a world of fiction and fairy tales than it is to pursue truth through self-discovery.
