Feeling alone, sad or even depressed are all feelings that at some point every normal human being will experience. But how does one pick up the pieces and come out of the pain and sadness? Everyone has a different way of repairing themselves and trying to get their life back in order. Some people have recreational outlets to make themselves feel better such as friends, families or hobbies. However, others will keep their feelings inside making the healing process that much harder.
In Bessie Head’s novel A Question of Power the main character Elizabeth is forced to go through a very traumatic healing process. Elizabeth suffers a mental breakdown and is plagued by different characters that haunt and torment her. This categorizes Elizabeth as being crazy and she is forced to be isolated from regular society and has to deal with a majority of her problems by herself. Fortunately, Elizabeth is able to eventually see hope and faith in the positive things that surround her. Once Elizabeth starts realizing the positive things and people around her she is able to start the long journey of repairing her broken spirit.
The first real signs that Elizabeth is on her way to recovery is the interest she takes in gardening. I think Elizabeth sees gardening as an outlet, something that she is able to care for and have control over. Elizabeth takes particular interest in the plant called the Cape Gooseberry. I think Elizabeth relates to the plant on a somewhat personal level, “A complete stranger like the Cape Gooseberry settled down and became part of the village of Motabeng,” (pg. 153). Like the Elizabeth the Cape Gooseberry is also an outsider to the land. I think Elizabeth is able to see that a lot of things on this earth are considered “out of place” and this inspires her.
Elizabeth also finds hope through the “real people” that are introduced to her life. Kenosi and Tom both prove to be strong influences in Elizabeth’s repair. Both Kenosi and Tom show Elizabeth true acts of kindness and Elizabeth is able to see that there is good in the world and people that truly do care for her. Elizabeth embarked on a long and strenuous journey to hell and back. In the end Elizabeth was able to see that if she surrounded herself with positive things that she could conquer her fears.
1 comment on The Journey to Recovery
-
robburton
said 4 months ago
Add a comment
To add comments without entering your email and image verification, you must be logged in. Login or Join Blogster
