Let It Go - Journeys

Type of text: visual/poem/cartoon

Title of text: let it go

Composer: Michael Leunig

Source: http://www.leunig.com.au, The Traveling Leunig: Penguin Books.6

Date published: 1990

Identify the main ideas in the text.

This cartoon portrays a figure walking along a pathway, and is seen to be originating from this figures mind. Behind this illustration, the words, “Let it go, let it all unravel, Let it free and it can be, a path on which to travel”, are shown. The element that shows the figure walking along a path originating from his mind, immediately shows the responders that the journey this figure is taking is imaginative. The line “a path on which to travel” also indicates imaginative journey. The cartoon exposes the concept that obstacles are involved with imaginative journeys. The words “let it go, let it out” represents an initial difficulty of embarking on this imaginative journey. The words “free” and “unravel” suggest imaginative journeys are limitless.

overall, the point of the cartoon is to be proactive, and let your troubles disappear so you can be free, and start your journey, so you can move on and be at liberty.

Examine how the text explores the concept of ‘the journey’. How does this text shape your understanding of the area of study? Make reference to the language and visual techniques used by the composer.

Imaginative journey is a journey of self-exploration with the conclusive goal of knowing yourself better. They take us from reality and transfer us into unreal existence. Leunigs ‘let it go’ shapes the responders knowledge and understanding of ‘the journey’ by including both visual and language techniques. The image and the small verse depict the nature of imaginative journeys and how they are induced. With the small poetic text on the side included, a short rhyme is used to engage the audience.

The Pathway symbolises the inner thoughts and feelings flowing without any restrictions out of the little man or the figures head, which...