Discovery- the Meatworks Speech

Good afternoon teachers and year 12 students, today I would like to share with you my experience on what I have discovered about discovery. My perception of discovery has changed overtime ever since childhood to this present. As a child, I have always thought discovery was the act of uncovering a secret or a special item, or creating a spectacular scientific invention that would amaze and inspire other people. As years passed, I have realised that discovery is something not required to be planned or have a specific aim, but rather something that can be unexpected, challenged, lost/ forgotten or questioned. It could even include self-discovery about an individual or a group that motivates them to explore information and concepts by embracing new knowledge. Through the poem “The Meatworks” composed by Robert Gray and the Novel “1984” written by George Orwell, it enabled to me to develop a further understanding of discovery.

In the poem “The Meatworks” it explores the concept that discoveries can vary accordingly to personal and social contexts and values. The accumulation of sensory imagery and strong emotive language provides a sense of panting and grunting, which reflects the harsh sounds of the slaughtering house. Additionally the present tense presented in the line “…the slaughtering…” alludes to the concept of agony and death associated with the occupation of the persona. This also reflects the persona’s perspective on his job as repulsive and sordid image through the use of alliteration in the line “…sticky stench of blood…” coupled with verbs highlighted in the line “but I settled for one of the lowest-paid jobs, making mince…” This quote implies that the persona did not want this particular job, however due to financial insecurity, he “…settled for once of the lowest paid job…” Also in the quote, “…it slipped, slippery as a soap…” metaphorically alludes to the personas inability to grasp his job as it goes against his personal morals and values....