Magda Szubanski

Discovery has numerous meanings and is unique for each person. For instance, for the Hungarian scientist, Albert Gyorgyi discovery consisted of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.

Discoveries either encouraging or pessimistic are often challenging, however, it is these provocative discoveries that allow one to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, others and the world around them. This is explored in both the Tempest written by William Shakespeare and Who do you think you are? Magda Szubanski directed by Kay Pavlov, SBS 2010.

The Tempest challenges the barbaric nature of human enslavement through the native, Caliban. The unpleasant treatment of Caliban by his master Prospero forces the responder to fathom

Szubanski challenges the brutality and animosity of conflict. She questions the purpose and the lasting effects of war. The voiceover is utilised to paint war as a grotesque cemetery of rotting corpses and disfigured bodies. Szubanski realises through this grotesque scene why her grandfather would run out of the house screaming without any reason. The purpose of war is challenged by her uncle in the interview when he says “what country was he fighting for, I wonder”. This statement has a profound impact on Szubanski as the close-up shot of her face captures her lachrymose expression. This accentuates the frivolous nature of war and the melancholy it brings. All in all, Magda appraises the responder that conflict is heartless and that it can have lasting psychological impacts on both the veteran and their

This is seen when Miranda finds out the treachery of Antonio, “the ivy which had hid in my princely trunk”. The metaphor of Antonio as the ivy highlights his duplicitous nature and implies that he is like a poison that corrupts individuals when given the opportunity. This allows the responder to fathom that Antonio is a Machiavellian opportunist and that evil can dwell in anyone. Miranda also learns how fleeting life is, “All which it inherit, shall dissolve”. Through the use of foreshadowing, Miranda learns the notion of impermanence. It makes her realise that nothing lasts forever. Therefore, Miranda’s discovery allows her to become cognizant of humanities flaws and makes her reevaluate her place in the