Essay on two texts

Throughout our study of the poem illusions by Michele Williams and the cartoon
Cradle to Grave by Michael Leunig. They both clearly highlight their strong
views on an individuals identity. Assessing both composers views and putting
both pieces into comparison of each other we are able to identify similar and
different views from both creators. Williams and Leunig have different idea on
the basis of conformity and how society is engrossed into it. But both composers
share the overlapping view of what conformity ultimately leads to. We are able to
detect how both composers value individuality and that they are extremely
critical of one conforming. We learn that the critical view on conformity comes
from the belief from both composer that when and individual conform it strips
and absorbs their individuality which ultimately leads to artificial identity.
Michele Williams uses her poem illusions to display her views of a personal
identity and hoe some individuals are judges for expressing individuality.
Williams places and individual persona in an unfamiliar environment where she
doesnt feel comfortable and is forced to conform to avoid the pain of taunting
jeers the person uses conformity as a scape goat so that she does not face
criticism, this may stop critics judging the persona but at the same time the
forcing of conformity has striped her of her individuality and personal identity
and left only artificial and manufactured identity displayed to society. Williams
emphasises the point that conformity is a complete sponge for an individual
identity where is the sonnet the persona is alone and no longer has to conform
she is able to be herself, without my shades, when nature is truly free. Through
the comfort in being alone and not having to conform and conceal true identity
the persona is able to develop a strong more natural and true sense of identity

this is relevant in the sonnet when the person talks about confidence unfolding
and courage rippling outwards.
Leunig cartoon cradle to grave puts off a powerful message that in society today
there is no individuality because it has been absorbed again by the sponge of
conformity therefor leaving no person identity or creativity. Leunig has displayed
this through many speeding cars in the fore ground and middle ground all with
the drivers heading from left to right with the same expression on their faces this
is the first message of how society is conforming but what makes it more power
is the cradle and grave direction post in the middle of the top third section of the
cartoon which indicates how society is to focused on the destination and not the
journey, too caught up in conforming. Leunig has also put the city like
atmosphere in the back ground to create the impressing and realisation that he
is talking about modern and city life society. Ultimately Leunig has successfully
conveys a message very similar to Williams that conformity strip individuals of
their personal identity
In conclusion Michele Williams and Michael Leunig has both susses fully convey
the very similar message of how conformity soaks up an individuals identity.
They both conveys there messaged extremely different not only from the
difference in a cartoon to a poem but the different interpretation of conformity
and its different from and the way it can make a persona feel and act. By
comparing both poems it was clear that both poets are extremely critical of
conformity and that they both value individuality and the belief that individuality
lead to a true sense of person identity.