“The real voyage of discovery consists in not seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust. Consider the quotation above and consider how perceptions of discovery vary according to personal, cultural and social contexts and values.
Discovery is a part of human condition; its inevitability is inescapable and is at the core of any personal growth. However, just as most things are a product of their context, any realisation is highly dependent on the personal, social and cultural construct, and as a result the nature and impact of a discovery is highly variable. These discoveries are not limited to the physical; it is often a breakthrough of self-knowledge that is of more influence, an idea thoroughly explored in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, …show more content…
This self-discovery experienced by Valjean in his realisation that he can emancipate himself from his identity as “Prisoner 24601” is highlighted in the use of high angle camera shots, demonstrating the vulnerability and struggle he is experiencing in light of such unexpected kindness. This change of morals has a ripple effect, impacting the relationships that develop over the course of the film, whilst completely remoulding his personal values. Like Prospero, he chooses mercy over revenge– “You are free; there are no conditions, no bargains or petitions”, the effect of which is evident when given the opportunity to kill his nemesis Inspector Javert he instead shows compassion. Costuming plainly stresses the change in power, with Javert in rags and Valjean, as Monsieur Le Mayor, in uniform. His life was plagued with trials and tribulations but it is his discovery of the ideals of right judgement and spirituality that has allow him to overcome them. It was his personal struggles in the past that provide the lens to see his discovery as an opportunity for
Discovery is a part of human condition; its inevitability is inescapable and is at the core of any personal growth. However, just as most things are a product of their context, any realisation is highly dependent on the personal, social and cultural construct, and as a result the nature and impact of a discovery is highly variable. These discoveries are not limited to the physical; it is often a breakthrough of self-knowledge that is of more influence, an idea thoroughly explored in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, …show more content…
This self-discovery experienced by Valjean in his realisation that he can emancipate himself from his identity as “Prisoner 24601” is highlighted in the use of high angle camera shots, demonstrating the vulnerability and struggle he is experiencing in light of such unexpected kindness. This change of morals has a ripple effect, impacting the relationships that develop over the course of the film, whilst completely remoulding his personal values. Like Prospero, he chooses mercy over revenge– “You are free; there are no conditions, no bargains or petitions”, the effect of which is evident when given the opportunity to kill his nemesis Inspector Javert he instead shows compassion. Costuming plainly stresses the change in power, with Javert in rags and Valjean, as Monsieur Le Mayor, in uniform. His life was plagued with trials and tribulations but it is his discovery of the ideals of right judgement and spirituality that has allow him to overcome them. It was his personal struggles in the past that provide the lens to see his discovery as an opportunity for