How Past the Shallows Links to Texts and Human Experience Before you begin your analysis of Past the Shallows, it's a good idea to read up on what the Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences is about so you know how to relate to the module in your assessment. Let's take a look at the syllabus! Year 12 Common Module - Texts and Human Experiences In this common module students deepen their understanding of how texts represent individual and collective human experiences. They examine how texts represent human qualities and emotions associated with, or arising from, these experiences. Students appreciate, explore, interpret, analyse and evaluate the ways language is used to shape these representations in a range of texts in a variety of forms, modes and media. Students explore how texts may give insight into the anomalies, paradoxes and inconsistencies in human behaviour and motivations, inviting the responder to see the world differently, to challenge assumptions, ignite new ideas or reflect personally. They may also consider the role of storytelling throughout time to express and reflect particular lives and cultures. By responding to a range of texts they further develop skills and confidence using various literary devices, language concepts, modes and media to formulate a considered response to texts. In short, this module is about deepening your understanding of how texts represent the individual and collective human experience. This can include examining how texts represent human qualities and emotions associated with, or arising from human experiences. You can read more about Texts and Human Experiences in our guide here! Below we are going to run through the key links between the Common Module Syllabus and Past the Shallows. Link #1: The Paradoxical Nature of Family Students explore how texts may give insight into the anomalies, paradoxes and inconsistencies in human behaviour and motivations . . . In Past the Shallows, the role of family is paradoxical. In many ways family represents safety and intimacy. For example, the brothers' relationship with each other, their mother and granddad. However, their relationship with their father subverts this expectation as Steven is physically abusive, cruel, and dangerous. Link #2: Challenges Assumptions about Monstrosity . inviting the responder to see the world differently, to challenge assumptions, ignite new ideas or reflect personally. . The contrast between Steven, the boys' father, and George Fuller, the town 'monster', demonstrate that true monstrosity is not external, but intrinsic. Despite George's deformities, harry finds a place of respite, love, and protection in his home. On the other
hand, his father, a figure that traditionally represents love and protection, is monstrous in reality. Link #3: The Individual and Collective Human Experience of the Ocean In this common module students deepen their understanding of how texts represent individual and collective human experiences. The experience of the ocean in both individual and collective in past the Shallows. Each of the brothers' experience the ocean in a different way. For Joe, it is a vessel for freedom, for Miles it is a place