A Short History Of Nearly Everything Analysis

The process of discovery is ever occurring and allows for new insights and critiques of firmly held and socially established-beliefs and attitudes. This understanding of discovery is embodied in Bill Bryson’s scientific catalogue, ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’ (hereafter ASH), which provides a literary gateway for readers to expose themselves and to garner an understanding of the impacts of various complex historical scientific , which in previous contexts were inaccessible to the common layman due to the unavailability of education. Additionally, Client Eastwoods melodrama in ‘Gran Torino’ (hereafter GT) centres around cultural discoveries by following a prejudiced war veteran in Walter Kowalski as he comes to accept the Vang Lor …show more content…
Through observing Walter Kowalski’s derogatory comment in ‘How many swamp rats can you get into one room?’ followed by a close-up showing his evident disgust and then him spitting on the lawn is evidence of his disdain towards his new Hmong neighbours. Note that Walt considers himself a true American, represented by the flags he flies on his porch but this is indicative of how nationalism is a flawed concept as from his last name, Kowalski, he is a Polish immigrant. This shows nationalism can lead to racism which creates clashes between cultures that exist within the same community whereby all misunderstandings could be cleared with dialogue between the two cultures. The first time we see this occur in the film is between Sue, one of the Hmong neighbours and Walt in his truck, where she explains that they immigrated over due to the outcome of the Vietnam War and how they fought on the American side. The shifts in perspectives of the over-the-shoulder shots from being behind Sue as Walt asks her questions about the Hmong people and similarly being behind Walt as Sue answers allows audiences to feel directly involved in the conversation by allowing them to observe reactions whilst simultaneously showing the forming of a bond between Walt and Sue. This bond ultimately transitions into Walt being invited over by Sue for the BBQ they are hosting. This already reveals a distinct change in Walt’s outlook as compared to before when he made the ‘swamp rat’ comment. Similarly while at the BBQ, Walt is exposed to the Hmong culture represented by him trying the Asian beer and the groans he gets when he touches the girls head. Sue however, has the patience to explain the traditions and Walt, although begrudgingly, accepts them even though he thinks that these traditions “Sound dumb.” This directly