Individual and collective human experiences

Focus question:

How do texts represent individual and collective human experiences?

1. Identify the key words that are used to describe the novel by the panellists.

2. What does Wendy Harmer compare the novel to (there are two things)?

3. What are the different reactions to the novel? Why do you think they had different reactions to it?

4. One of the panellists is deeply moved by the novel - what does he say are the aspects that moved him?

5. If the plot is not fresh or new, why do the panellists still enjoy it?

6. What does Parrett do to the word “Dad”, according to one panellist? Why is that effective?

7. Why is the change of perspective effective? What is the example of this given by a panellist?

8. Why is this book different to Breath by Tim Winton, according to Jennifer Byrne?

9. Why is it a “classic first novel”?

10. What are the themes of this raised by this discussion?

Individual and collective human experiences

Potential question: Human experiences can be both unique and universal. How does studying your prescribed text and ONE other related text deepen your understanding of this notion?

Much of the appeal of Past the Shallows lies in its ability to explore timeless concerns that humanity has always faced yet still tell an engaging story that is unique to the experiences of the individual characters. This is especially true of the extremely distinct setting in which the story is placed. The Tasmanian landscape is frequently drawn on in great detail by Parrett, and the reader is always aware of the very unique small-town, coastal experiences of the characters. The notion of “individual human experiences” could also be analysed within the universe of the novel—from the childish naivety of Harry and Aunty Jean’s well-intended aloofness to Dad’s horrifying anger, each character has their own motivations, personalities and shortcomings that bring the novel to life.

However, the text allows us to understand that, while every human has their own upbringing in different environments with different people, some aspects of our lives transcend such borders. The universal themes presented in the novel, such as that of family, violence and humanity’s intrinsic connection to the natural world, are ones that are only enhanced by the specific experiences of the characters as it allows for a more realistic depiction of such concerns. That is, as responders, we still seem to relate to many of the emotions evoked or concerns explored in the text despite it not being entirely reflective of our own lives.

Significant collective human experiences in the novel (themes and motifs)

Relationships and dysfunctional families

Connection to the natural world

Coping with responsibility

Grief

Water and the ocean

Memory

TASK

Complete the worksheet on Setting

Setting Worksheet

PEEL paragraph

How does Past the Shallows represent individual and collective human experiences?

Although human experiences feel unique to individuals, commonalities between experiences can create a sense of the universal. We see individual and collective human experiences in Past the Shallows through its representation of the ocean. Each of the brothers’ experience the ocean in a different way. For Joe, it is a vessel for freedom, but for Miles and Harry it is a place that represents fear and danger. When the author claims, 'Miles knew the water. He could feel it and he knew not to trust it', the repetition of the word “knew” indicates a personal relationship with the ocean. Miles is connected to the ocean on a deep level, meaning that he understands that it can betray those who enter it. Furthermore, the water symbolises the relationship and the complexity of the relationship that Miles has with his father. He knows his father and he knows equally not to trust him. However, the ocean also represents a collective human experience. The novel describes the ancient qualities of the ocean, alluding to the fact it has been experienced by people and cultures since the beginning of time. This message is reiterated by the final comment that: 'Harry was free to stay here now. Free to run along this beach until the end of time.' The repetition of the word 'free' ironically creates universal connotations of the freedom people get from the ocean and the metaphor of 'end of time' suggests that the ocean is capable of preserving the souls of those lost at sea, making it a universal afterlife for all those whom it has drowned. The individual and collective experience of the ocean in Past the Shallows, develops the concepts of the multifaceted nature of the ocean and humanity’s intrinsic connection to the natural world.

TASK

Colour code this paragraph on individual and collective human experiences in Past the Shallows for each of the elements of a complex PEEL paragraph.

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