Discovery- Emma

As human beings we all experience life in a similar way embarking on our journeys as individuals in the large world.   Through life’s journey we make a range of discoveries that impact on us in number of ways.   Most of these discoveries are minor and shape us in a subtle but consistent way much like the chisel of the sculptor but every now and then we experience life altering discoveries or epiphanies that cause us to reflect on who we are or where we are going which alters our fundamental individual values.   The novel Emma by Jane Austen shows discovery through the protagonist Emma who learns through self reflection to be more considerate of others. The theme of discovery is also a theme of many other composers as it is a quintessential component of life and relationships and allows us to develop a greater understanding of self and others. These include the movie “The Blind Side” directed by John Lee Hancock. It follows the story of Michael and his life struggles, he discovers that although you may encounter struggles in life there is always a way to conquer them. Discovery is then further depicted in the song “The Reason”, Hoobstank that shows through first person narration and reflective tone a sorrowful look at his past.
The central theme of Austen’s novel Emma is discovery and self reflection.   Perhaps the main discovery for the novel’s main character and title Emma is her discovery of real love towards Mr Knightley. Austen takes the reader on the journey with Emma as her friendship with Knightley evolves into a deep and passionate love of him. Emma decides that love is for her and ends up marrying Mr Knightley quite contradictory to her thoughts at the start ('I have never been in love and it's not my way.'). Austen cleverly develops the character of Emma throughout the novel by taking her through a series of relationships with other characters with Emma initially experiencing love vicariously through others. Emma’s first experience of love is the failed...