A Rage For Curiosity Analysis

How is the concept of discovery conveyed through the representation of people and society in the feature article “A Rage for Curiosity”?

“A Rage for Curiosity” is a profound and well-written poignant feature article by the acclaimed social commentator and journalist for the Australian newspaper, Phillip Adams. The writer illustrates the importance of curiosity to facilitate learning and discovery. Adams discerning article is an insightful and competent piece about society stuck in the clutches of apathy and boredom. The writer aims to show the ignorant and oblivious attitude society possesses, as boredom is most commonly sought in today’s time and era leading to lack of zest and desire to discover. Curiosity is the essence of life, without …show more content…
With the use of Jack Stranger he shows that there are still people who are still enthused by the possibilities of everything around them a quote displays this attribute “...Jack was interested in everything…” His name “…Jack Stranger…” is suited to his character as he finds everything ‘strange’, fascinating or peculiar. Adams divulges that through the process of close observation and thought, a thrilling and pure experience of discovery can be made. He compares and contrasts the boredom of the current generation with the immense curiosity Jack Stranger “...someone…who was never bored…” stating he was a man who holistically experienced discovery. He discovers that there are only a few people who remain constantly curious and ready to make new discoveries. Adams uses alliteration to illustrate his sheer dislike of boredom and how it equates almost as sinful as humans are capable of accomplishing so much “…boredom is a blasphemy…” His tone is increasingly passionate throughout the article as he applies the use of emotive language within the title “A Rage for Curiosity” which signifies that he is enraged and disgusted towards the attitude of apathy in today’s …show more content…
He shares some of his personal viewpoints and states what he wants to experience right now. He wants to “…re-read books…hear all the music…look at scenery…the ruins…the languages…” he has a desire to learn and discover new cultures, natural worlds “…surreal…ancient plants…” and societies. Adams infers that a part of discovery is the process of exploration “…spent exploring...we’re still making discoveries…” Part of his own self-discovery is that he is fully aware that time is on the verge of running out, yet he has only achieved a limited amount of discoveries. He reinforces the key aspect of humans needing to have a desire to discover and experience new things. Adams uses an analogy “…like the Sydney Harbour Bridge…day they finish painting it is the day they start again…ditto for exploration” to demonstrate that one does not know everything and things change and evolve as part of the process of