Mending Wall Journey Essay

Throughout literature, journeys and relationships formed within them are used as a device to portray the inner growth and development of one's ideologies. Robert Frost’s poem 'Mending Wall' conceptualises journeys as a metaphorical voyage of self discovery and understanding of relationships between humanity and nature. The journey portrayed in 'Mending Wall' depicts the contrasting principles between the speaker and his neighbour, formulating the central theme of self discovery in the poem. Moreover, Anh Do’s book 'The Happiest Refugee' presents journeys as a method of self discovery, through Anh’s various experiences with other people, the influence and impact of various relationships on his journey is shown. Throughout 'The Happiest Refugee'

Through his childhood, Anh’s father held a significant influence on him, emphasising the importance of hard work through the key phrase “He taught me that I could do anything” often repeated throughout the book to depict Anh’s convictions and beliefs. During the prologue, an adult Anh is shown to be carrying the beliefs passed down to him by his father, the self-belief and optimism still present within his mind. Throughout Anh’s teenage years, Anh’s path of self discovery began with the desire to become a comedian, an action heavily influenced by Ms Borny’s enthusiasm and encouragement. Through the use of foreshadowing, Anh Do portrays the profound impact of Ms Borny’s encouragement on his future “‘Anh, you’re a very talented storyteller.’ She had no idea how far that one line of encouragement would take me . . . until twenty years later” showing the result of his relationship with Ms Borny aiding in his path of self discovery. During Anh’s adult life, his relationship with his wife Suzanne heavily influenced his journey to reconcile with his father. During Anh’s childhood, his father enforced the phrase “If you find the right … happy for the rest of your life.” a quote Anh was reminded of upon his engagement with Suzanne, revealing his juxtaposed feelings by the contrasting dialogue “You still love him, Anh.’ ‘No I don’t. Not anymore”. The profound impact of this conversation is immediately shown; depicting Anh driving to his father and leading into the prologue of ‘The Happiest Refugee’. In ‘The Happiest Refugee’, the impact of various relationships on Anh’s journey of self discovery and growth is shown through the ideologies carried, choices made and the values held by Anh