Discoveries Act as a Catalyst for Change in Attitude

"Discoveries act as a catalyst for change in attitude and action."

In most literary texts, events of discovery stimulate a change in both the behaviour and perspective of an individual. These discoveries shape our very state of being, molding our values and often defining the person we become. Jane Austen's classic novel 'Emma' conforms to this notion with the characters of Emma and Mr Knightley experiencing profound discoveries and consequent evolution. In the novel, 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime', Christopher, the main protagonist, goes through a process of self-discovery when he runs away in search of his mother and explores the unfamiliar. While in the song 'Bulldozer', by Cold War Kids the central theme is of a couple in a relationship 'starting anew' and moving on from the past. Under each of these circumstances, there is a clear representation of the stages of discovery and the consequential change in attitude and action.

The most significant discovery made by Mr Knightley in the novel, is his love for Emma. Introduced in the opening chapter of the novel as a sensible man and an intimate friend of Emma's family, their relationship is almost the crux of the novel; occupying much of the time that Austin spends on plot development. In essence, dramatic tension is built between them through a series of plot events. This discovery however, does not just build the character of Knightley, but rather evolves the character of Emma into a lady of elegance.

At the outset Emma establishes her position very succinctly when she states, "I have never been in love; it is not my way or my nature and I don't think I ever shall." Knightley and Emma seem to share a somewhat brother/sisterly relationship, relationship of honesty, confidentiality and integrity. Knightley does give a subtle indication of his underlying feelings for Emma, when he employs honest disclosure, "There is an anxiety, a curiosity on what one feels for Emma. I wonder what will become of her." Although by no means does Mr Knightley allow Emma to be self absorbed, as Jane Austin shows, using an authorial comment; "Mr. Knightley, in fact was one of the few people who could ever see faults in Emma Woodhouse, and the only one who ever told her of them." This is an important point, as Emma, being the self-indulged, self-righteous young lady she was, would presumably not normally greet criticism with such acceptance. Mr Knightley uses the device of a rational observation, when he states, "You have been no friend to Harriet Smith, Emma." This displays Knightley's aptitude for conveying uncomfortable truths to Emma. It is a mark of the fortitude of their friendship and the high regard that Emma holds for Mr Knightley that she consents to his opinion.

Mr Knightley takes a rational approach to the events in the novel, perceiving only stark reality, whereas Emma has her own perspective on reality, which often proves to be a rather warped sense. Austen uses these contrasting approaches to build dramatic tension, which seems on the brink of explosion at several points of the novel. One in particular is Mr Knightley's scolding criticism of Emma's behaviour at Box Hill towards Miss Bates, where he says, "How can you be so unfeeling to Miss Bates? How could you be so insolent in your wit to a woman of her character, age and situation? - Emma I had not thought it possible." He helps Emma to feel remorse for her attitude towards Miss Baites, a minor discovery in this process, identifying her intolerance of others and consequently regretting her attitude. Austen uses irony as a comment on the characters in this scene, as verbal sparring is taking place at Box Hill while in a metaphorical sense the characters are 'boxed in' or claustrophobic. This tension, like jealousy, is only a typical progression into true love. Emma and Mr Knightley not only discover each other, but realize real love, which both had doubted they would cross. Acting as a catalyst for change, this discovery, evokes dramatic change in each character. The change in Emma is perhaps most evident, as she is made to realize her faults, and form a more accurate perspective of herself.

An equivalent process of discovery is demonstrated in the Cold War Kids song 'Bulldozer'. Nathan Willet depicts a situation that has occurred in his life through the medium of music and what seems to be a series of never ending metaphors. The song begins by establishing the instability of a relationship and conveying the need for difficulties to be overcome to prolong it. Willet uses the vivid metaphor of "Honeymooners move in wet cement"; to illustrate the notion that the couple's love is moving very slowly and is constricted. Proceeding chronologically, the speaker confides their insight that the current situation is unstable