NOTES FROM AN AMATEUR WRITER #50 - Revisiting Childhood With Storm Boy and Mr Percival
Notes From an Amateur Writer #50
This Blog series is an exercise in creative writing. Sometimes expressed in short story form, sometimes as a journal, or just my thoughts written down. It is a nursery of sorts for the stories that are on their way, or yet to be written.
This is post 21 in @dragosroua's January 30 day writing challenge.
Revisiting Childhood With Storm Boy and Mr Percival
I remember watching a film as a child called Storm Boy. It is classic Australian movie, based on a novel by the author Colin Thiele. I must have been very young the first time that I saw it, given it was filmed in 1976, and I was born in 1972, but it made a lasting impression on me. Though I hadn't seen it since then, I still especially remember the wild and stunning beauty of it's location – The Coorong in South Australia – and the friendship that the young boy forms with a pelican.
I had always intended to give the film another viewing, but I think, at some level at least, I feared it wouldn't be as good as I remembered it to be, and I may destroy one of my warmest childhood memories. Seems I needn't have feared though, having just watched Storm Boy again, and it is everything I remember it to be.
Storm Boy is the story of a young boy named Mike, who lives with his father – a fisher man – named Hide-Away Tom. They live in the sand dunes in the wilds of The Coorong in South Australia, near the mouth of the Murray River. Mike meets an Aborigine name Finger Bone who lives in the area, and together they form a friendship. Their bond is developed when they discover three orphaned pelicans, and Finger Bone encourages Mike – who he calls Storm Boy – to adopt them and give them a chance to live.
Eventually Storm Boy's father makes him release them back into the wild. They have now fully grown and are ready to fend for themselves, but Storm Boy is devastated at losing his friends. He doesn't attend school, and has very little human contact. Finger Bone and the pelicans are his life.
One of the pelicans - Mr Percival - returns and the friendship continues. Until hunters kill Mr Percival. Finger Bone and Storm Boy search everywhere to find him, to no avail. Eventually Finger Bone finds his body and gives him a burial, having already explained to the young boy the central role that pelicans play in Aboriginal creation lore. And having laid Mr Percival to rest, he finds a newly orphaned pelican chic in need of support.
The movie ends with Finger Bone telling Storm Boy, as they watch over the newly found chic, that "perhaps Mr Percival is starting all over again. Birds like him never die."
I remember watching this and being completely at ease with the fact that, first of all, a white child formed a friendship with an aboriginal drifter. It wasn't until later in my upbringing that I came to realise that society in general frowns upon cross cultural friendships, especially in Australia between whites and our first inhabitants. But I had already learned a better way – all friendships are valuable – and I learned it from this film. It made perfect sense to me, and still does.
There were two other valuable lesson in this film for me that set the tone of my attitude to important issues. One was our relationship with, and treatment of animals. And the other was our appreciation of nature, and her incredible beauty.
Mr Percival was always a childhood favourite of mine. I remember wanting to have a pelican friend also. Even later in life when I saw pelicans in the wild I would refer to them as Mr Percival. Perhaps it is magical thinking, but being friends with, and equal to a wild animal such as a pelican seems logical to me. I never struggled to understand how it came to be. And I felt Storm Boy's devastation when Mr Percival was shot and killed by the hunters.
Finger Bone's ending statement implying the cyclical nature of life was a little gift that sunk in, eventually, to my way of thinking. I'm not saying I have that as a truth, just as a pleasant memory, and a counter balance to the life-hating and child-blaming beliefs that were officially handed to me as a child. This film became my secret place of life affirming and dream enhancing memories. I like to think it kept me safe until I had the strength, and common sense, to decide for myself what I wanted from life.
I have never had the chance to visit The Coorong, but the visual beauty of the film has always stayed with me. Its impact upon my love of, and attitude towards nature is significant. I have known many places in Australia that are similarly spectacular. But I believe this location has a degree of the mythological for me. Perhaps that is why I have never visited it. I wish to keep it pure and unadulterated - just a preserved memory.
The thought of living wild, having animals as friends, and knowing Aborigines with knowledge that goes back a long way seems perfectly acceptable and normal to me. I'm glad I never lost touch with how the fantastical could be possible. And one way to do that is to write and tell stories – stories that often originate in our childhood experiences.
Images sourced from unsplash.com and used with permission, or personal screenshots.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you liked it then please like, comment, and follow.
@naquoya
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Links to earlier works
- Fiction
My Fiction Writing Collection
Writing Myself Out of Existence
When the Levee Breaks
- Blog Posts
Notes #1 - #39 - Notes From An Amateur Writer Collection
Notes #40 - Read, Write, and Face the Future
Notes #41 - What Are Some Of Your Favourite Books?
Notes #42 - Website Review: Fiction University
Notes #43 - Seeking a Community Of Writers
Notes #44 - What Are Some of Your Favourite Characters?
Notes #45 - When Madness Came Knocking
Notes #46 - Why Do I Write?
-Ramble On (Humour based travel blog)
Introducing My New Travel Blog
Making a Deal With the Devil
-Poetry
You have just described the value of fiction. I have met quite a few people who have scorned reader's of fiction (or viewers too) as a waste of self-improvement time. But all good fiction speaks to the something deep in our psyche, that we can't put into words. We feel it, but don't fully understand what we are feeling. The author (and occasionally the director) manage, with their skillful use of words/imagery, to allow us to have a better understanding of our feelings. I've read many of the classic authors, and they really managed to grasp the ephemeral, subtle relationships between people, and the relationships people have with themselves. I believe when we can understand where we are coming from, it becomes possible to build on that and journey further.
The role of literature in human life is difficult to assess. The book brought up not one generation of people. Unfortunately, in modern society, the role of literature is underestimated. There is a category of people who says that literature has outlived its usefulness as a kind of art, it was replaced by movie and television. But there remains the category of people that recognizes and values the importance of literature in our lives.
As you know, books have two main functions: informational and aesthetic. From generation to generation with the aid of books was passed on the experience accumulated over the centuries, in books store knowledge, was etched opening.
The book was a platform for the proclamation of new ideas and worldviews. In difficult situations people resort to the book and draws from her wisdom, strength and inspiration. Because the book is universal, one can find the answer to any question.
Through its aesthetic function, literature teaches a wonderful, kind, generates moral principles. Books form not only moral ideals, but the ideals of appearance and behaviour. The heroines and heroes of books become role models. Their images and thoughts are based on their own behavior. It is therefore important, during the formation of personality refer to the correct books which will give the right guidance.
In the entire period of its centuries-old history our people have created highly artistic literature. She is at a decent place in world culture.
Fiction has enormous socio-political, educational and cognitive role, because it presents a history of the people, their struggle for their freedom, for their successful and happy life, a battle against national and social oppression.
In the literature fairly is public reality: the various periods of life for all people, aspirations and hopes of the people.
Fiction is a kind of art, which is the most powerful tool of human cognition, a tool that affects what is happening reality. Literature shapes the human mind, his will and mind, his feelings and strong human character, namely, forms the identity of the person.
The Creator of the literature summarizes the various life incidents and events that then builds the model images, and it shows his personal attitude to the event or incident. The importance of the writer and his work, and, consequently, the literature affect how truthfully and correctly displayed and expressed the interests and dreams of people. Artistic creation is meant to serve the people. In literature we know the past, present and, of course, see the future dreams of man. In the imagination begin to form the latest concepts at heart, born unknown until now feeling. Only literary works and writings we perceive in the first place your heart, and then a practical mind and common sense.
Literature is based on humanistic views and beliefs, endorses, is eternal and imperishable universal values. It is close, very necessary for mankind. The writers and creators of literature in a completely different genre works represent diverse segments of the population, reveal the talent and the gift of a simple man, praising the work of the people. And instill this interest in their own history, love to the native land-mother, parents and friends, to their fellowmen and to their brotherly peoples...
Literature helps and supports a person in difficult moments of life's journey, encouraged by the exploits for their neighbors and for the sake of others, gives strength to overcome various of life's troubles, directs and guides the path to the correct solution of important problems. Just that she is valuable to us and to each people separately.
Thus, the role of literature in all ages and in modern times - to help man to understand himself and the surrounding world, to awaken in him a desire for truth, happiness, to teach respect for the past, for knowledge and morality handed down from generation to generation. To take advantage of this possibility offered by the books or not is a personal choice of each individual.
You have so accurately described the role of fiction in our lives!!! You have concisely said what I was trying to say:
Fiction is a kind of art, which is the most powerful tool of human cognition, a tool that affects what is happening reality. Literature shapes the human mind, his will and mind, his feelings and strong human character, namely, forms the identity of the person.
This is the value of fiction, isn't it? The gift of the storyteller. The ability to take the input of life - good or bad - and create an output for others that resonates, and communicates a core truth about life as the storyteller - and listener/watcher -experience it.
I think you have explained the fundamental value of fiction, and what it can truly mean to one who willing to open up and go on the journey within it.
I'm certainly glad I had this film experience at a young age. It perhaps laid down core beliefs within me that were more life affirming, and future-proofing than the ones that were also being 'gifted' to me.
Thanks for your wonderful comment.
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Thank you :)
I saw this film on wonderworks sometime in elementary school. It's been so long that all I can remeber is the relationship between the boy and the Aboriginal. Thank you for jogging my memory.
I understand totally. A time of healing is necessary. I'm going through the same thing today. I'm glad you are writing. I will follow your journal because I think I can learn some things about writing and also the human heart. I have memories from childhood and pictures of what is right from my dad's record collection, cartoons and reruns of 60s cartoons and sitcoms. Most of it is trash but every once and a while a gem pops up and I see that there was a reason it was in my head. When it pops up I will share this gem with you. :)
Writing for me is very cathartic. A lot of what I write about is on similar themes. I do try to blend in the element of entertainment, so as not to be too self indulgent, but it certainly starts as a journal type of writing. Some develop into short stories, or even more humorous pieces. But the main thing is it starts, I get words out of my head - and get stuck emotions and ideas out with it. I think there is a lot of value in that.
Turning ones life experiences into stories is of value for others. Or articles like this one. And those memories that pop up, like you are experiencing can be shining a light on something. Who knows. This particular story intrigued me for the longest time, and re-watching it brought back its powerful lessons for me.
Definitely share. I try to answer all the comments I get here at my blog, or from comments I leave on other's blogs. Hopefully I don't miss any. Thanks for the comment :)
Thanks. I'm beginning to see there are writers here who put efforts into building a community. I will be back.
Sounds like a fantastic movie. The bit about birds like him never die is really provoking. I like that way of looking upon the world
It truly is a fantastic movie. The memory of it stayed with me all these years, so it had to have something powerful about it. Glad it retained that on second viewing. I also was struck by those words about the birds. Great culmination to the film and its message.
I haven't heard of this movie but your description of it makes me want to watch it. The story sounds like a touching one! There are many stories about children with animal friends, especially dogs (Old Yeller, Where the red fern grows, etc) but this is the first I have heard about a pelican buddy.
This was an early Australian film industry classic. It has fallen out of modern consciousness though. However, it always stayed in my memories. I downloaded it again through iTunes, and watched it that way. It is a touching film. For me especially given childhood connections, but it still stands as a story of value and meaning.
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You're a great story teller @naquoya and just by describing your thoughts about the story made me know a little bit more about you.
You are a good person and I believe that friendship should not be limited to those people of the same race. We will come to know each other if we keep our minds and our hearts open. :)
I wish you the best. ^^
Thank you for your comment. I'm glad you could appreciate the words, their meaning, and the overall tone of the piece of writing. It was interesting re-watching this film, and remembering how it had shaped my views as a child - even beyond my awareness at that age.
There is a lot we can learn from one another, and from nature. I believe this. If we are willing to receive, that is.
Thanks again. All the best to you also :)
All the best to you as well.
Yes, it's amazing how one story can stick to your life forever and it becomes a part of who you are as well.
Glad I read this and glad I met you. :)
Awww mate, that sounds like a wonderful tale! I'll make sure to get a copy of it. Your retelling was gripping, and I couldn't take my eyes off of it. It really feels like something that's great to watch for people in their formative years. Gives a sense that all life is special. Thanks for sharing it and how it impacted you growing up!
It did make a lasting impression on me, so I have always wanted to relive it again. Finally gave it its chance and I tell you, I was so relieved that it did stand up, story wise. Yes it is a dated film, but the child-like beauty inherent in the story is still there.
Good lessons to get at such a young age.
You write very well. I always enjoy your posts. I would love to have a pelican friend, too. That would be cool!
Thank you, I appreciate it. And it was a dream of mine for so long to have a pelican friend. Still is, to some degree :)
Right... Maybe one day, living our days out on an island beach, if we are lucky... we'll make pelican friends, lol.
You'd make a great storyteller :)
I've heard that a couple times before, maybe... 😏😏😏
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