How Does One Find Refuge in a Text - Essay Example

How do you Find Refuge in a Text? Tackling problems in life is a great endeavor for some people. There is possibility that some may prefer suicide asthe best means and some fall into the pit of depression when they confront with the hard realities of life. But some others prefer to escape to a neutral place and lead a secluded life unnoticed by anyone. Any sensible person must be aware that suicide is not a solution or remedy for the existing problems as the problems still exist even after the particular person’s death. And an absconding will also not bring any consolation as it will be always haunting our soul. Therefore, I decided to find another means when I thought that I may lose the control of my mind and fall into the depth of depression. Being the child of a single parented family, literally, alienation was my companion. As my father was a businessman, he could not contribute significant time for the family, and the mother was busy with household activities. This forced me to be an introvert who does not wish to break the shell of seclusion. Even at school days, I preferred not to get noticed and always wished to be alone. Though I had the greatest desire to be one among the friends to enjoy the nectar of life, I felt something prevents me. It is after viewing my behavior, the counselor at school suggested me turn my attention to reading so that I can get relief from the worst thoughts that surround me always. The books I came through during the first stage of my reading did not draw my attention and they were not much effective in changing my attitude to life. But when I happened to read “Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Last Letter” to his wife, it ignited a spark in my life. It was a heartrending letter that will certainly fill tears in one’s eyes. The first and the most important thing about the letter is that it reveals the last moments of Captain Scott. While he was going through the last moments of his life, he was not at all bothered about himself but his worries were about his wife and child. It was a letter written in 1912 when Captain Scott was at his final Antarctic camp. His letter to Admiral Sir Francis Bridgeman clearly unveils Scott’s anxiety of his family and his hope that he and his companions have created a good example. The letter has exerted tremendous influence for the United Kingdom polar heritage. Actually I was not at all interested to read a letter, especially the one written before 101 years. But the very title, “To My Widow” attracted my attention. As far as I am concerned, it was strange to read a letter beginning with such a title. The salutation, ‘Dearest Darling’ provided me a hint about the background of the letter, that is, the author of the letter might have dead or committed suicide after writing the letter. So I read the letter with keenest interest and now I’m sure that it contributed some changes in my life. Though I do not claim that it was a drastic change, I am sure that the reading has helped me a lot to attempt a reanalysis my behavior and conduct. While reading through Captain Scott’s letter, it provided me the opportunity for self-introspection and I compared my life to that of the Captain. Scott, in the very beginning reveals his wife the reality or the present status of affairs, that is, the less chance of escape from such a frozen and terrible climate in the Antarctic. Scott tells his wife, “Dearest Darling – we are in the very tight corner and I have doubts of pulling through” (Scott). This enabled me to brood over my attitude to life. Whenever I am confronted with the hard realities of life, I wished to be in the cocoon and never shared my problems with others. Here Captain Scott taught me the first lesson that one should reveal one’s heart to the dear and near ones in order to attain peace of mind. It would be better than heaving or suppressing it into one’s heart which may ultimately lead to depression or some other psychological disorders. The salutation and the title of the letter again forced me to think upon the status of the Captain’s wife, how she would react to such a situation. The thought that she would live for her child also motivated me. This also instilled in me the thought that the feeling of loneliness is complementary that one should always live for others. I always thought of myself and never found sufficient time to recognize the problems of others. The first paragraph of the letter unveils the affection and attachment between the husband and the wife. Considering this fact, I could not even imagine the severe pain he undertook while writing the title ‘To My Widow.’ When I paused for a while to compare my pain of isolation with that of the hapless mother, the small child and the unlucky Captain, I suddenly felt that my pain is alleviating. The way the Captain narrating the things and incidents really startled me. He gives his wife a detailed description of the events and the proceedings and prepares her to face the realities or imminent dangers which may hamper the smooth flowing of her life. This was also new information to me because I always had kept the false notion that we should not reveal our problems and difficulties to others. That is why I always wished to keep a distance with my parents and friends and worn the veil of happiness. Therefore, they could not easily get into mind and identify the root cause of my problems. To speak connotatively, I shut the doors of my heart to others. The Captain never missed to refer to even the least important things in his letter to wife. This clearly indicates how he observed things. The way he narrates the death of one of his companions is also noteworthy. He says, “Poor Titus Oates has gone – he was in a bad taste - the rest of us keep going and imagine we have a chance to get through but the cold weather doesnt let up at all.” (Scott). One of the best portions I read from the letter is where the Captain urges his wife to think sensibly on matters regarding her future after his death. He is sure that his child will be safe with his mother. He insists her to look after him properly and teach him to love his country. That was really heart touching for me and it was the first time ever in my life I found such a father and husband in one person. The Captain’s words are really thought provoking and capable of rousing the love of nation in one’s mind. Here I got the chance to witness the love and caring of a father even on the verge of death. This really wet my tears and I feel proud to be the reader of this letter. Scott also persuades his wife for a remarriage after his death and reminds her, “- when the right man comes to help you in life you ought to be your happy self again” (Scott). He forces her for a second marriage not only for her happiness but also for a good parentage for his son. I have also noted the care and consideration from the side of father who has terribly realized that he mot have a come back to life. After reading this, I really wished to be such a father who is the wealth of the family and nation. The description of the terrible climate - 70 degrees below zero, the frightful storm, and so on really throws light to the real suffering of the Captain and his team. It is great wonder for me to think upon Captain Scott and his frozen fingers to write such a motivating letter. After reading the letter, I am sure that I am rejuvenated in a way and try my best to imprint most of the qualities of Scott in my life. Now I am not under the chains of seclusion or alienation which really haunted me during my school days. Being in the company of friends and relatives, I very often recollect that particular moment in my life which provided me the prospect of reading Captain Scott’s letter. Even now, whenever I feel discomfort, I would read the letter to pacify my mind and body and bring it to the former stature. To conclude, I can certainly say that this letter has really motivated me to throw off my seclusion or alienation and aim to obtain the heights in my academic as well as professional career. This letter can be aptly regarded as a model for the students to sketch in their lives. Thus, I can assure you that this letter is dependable as a refuge on which one can approach wholeheartedly. Work cited Captain Robert Falcon Scotts last letter, March 1912 (Provided by customer). Read More