The Motorcycle Diaries Analysis

The ‘Motorcycle Diaries’ transforms the concept of discovery through Che’s indefatigable nature, thus leading to a new profound dimension of discovery, that was once left hidden; revealing both threatening and polarizing ideas, leading to a provocative change of thought about our society. Che has revealed these new dimensions of discovery within the text’s vignettes. Che has revealed that the Ocean has a metaphorical connotation for infinite discoveries, enveloping Alberto and himself, leading to new ‘self discoveries’. He shows how the ‘conquerors’ have ‘defeated’ many of the Native South American Empires, referring to the Aymara people frequently has ‘defeated by history’. These ideas thus lead to Che’s final realization for his kismet, that

he will be the ‘redeemer’ and ‘avenger’ for the Native American people, rising up against capitalism and Imperialism. Che’s novel has provoked ideas about change and has led to a new profound dimension of discovery about our society.

With in The ‘Motorcycle Diaries’, the reoccurring motif of the ocean is used to explore the symbolic values it holds, becoming the concept for both infinite discovery and self-discovery. Within the vignette ‘Discovery of the Ocean’ Che’s states: “Overwhelmed by this discovery, that signifies an infinite number of paths to all ends of the Earth”. Che’s use of a Metaphor symbolizes both how there are infinite discoveries to be made, and how the ocean has always been a front for new discoveries and knowledge; drawing upon a historical allusion to the days of explorers. This discovery of the ocean has a mesmerizing affect on Alberto, as this is the first time he is witnessing the ocean revealing how this ocean has also been a place of discovery for both self, and country, symbolizing the ‘infinite discovery’. This is shown by the intense natural imagery in the following extract: “For Alberto, it is a new, strangely perturbing sight, and the intensity with which his eyes follow every wave, building, swelling, then dying on the beach, reflects his amazement”. This aw that Alberto was left in reveals the sense of wonder and inquisition within both the characters and the responder, as such a rudimentary thing like the ocean can be interpreted as both knowledge and discovery. This further demonstrates how the ocean has always been significantly important for humanity, and has always been a front for new discoveries and for knowledge.

Discovery for humanity hasn’t always brought knowledge, it has in some cases led to the destruction of cultures and these ‘discoveries’ have been used for self-gain.

These discoveries have given us renewed perceptions and brought forth the realization of what Imperialism has done to many cultures, resulting in them becoming permanently scared. Within the ‘Motorcycle Diaries’, Che explores the Native American cultures that have been ‘defeated by history’, thus shaping much of his and consequently our ideologies about the greed that has plagued humanity. Che specifically focuses on the Aymara people within the vignette “Tarata, the new world”. Che explores these ideas within the following extract from the text: “Their stares are tame, almost fearful, and completely indifferent to the outside world. Some give impression that they go on living because it a habit they cannot shake”. Che use of adjectives puts emphasizes on how these people have been stripped of everything that makes them human. This adds to the overall characterization of the Aymara people, portraying them as empty shells, defeated and in turn pillaged by Imperialism, specifically by the ‘Spanish Conquistadors’. This discovery reveals the devastating aspects of the human experience and challenges the values that the modern society holds. This in turn provokes inquisition within the responder, as we begin to question the fundamentals of our society, as our Capitalistic society was founded on these principles of ‘Imperialism’. This leads to an intensely meaningful discovery of emotion and commiseration for these unfortunate people who were unlucky enough to be the product of Imperialism. This discovery of their ‘dehumanization’ reflects much of Che’s later ideologies, and subsequently leads to him attempting to be their redeemer, fixing the wrongs done to them by

history.

Both the infinity and the ruination of discovery have been explored, but the later implications of these discoveries influence can completely change a person, leading them to discover a unaccustomed ideology that may completely change their life’s. Che reveals this change in self within the vignette, ‘A note in the margin’, where is comes to the realization that he must be the one who will evoke this new profound aspect of discovery. Che’s states: “When the great dividing spirit cleaves humanity into two antagonistic halves, I would be with the people”. Che reveal his complete transformation within this vignette, through his use of symbolism, he implies that when society becomes divided between those who control, and those who obey, he will be with the ‘average’ people, and will be their salvation. This concept of salvation brought upon by Che’s spiritual epiphany reveals to us, the responder the impact of what such prior discoveries can have on someone. Thus these discoveries change the way we think, and can have a substantial affect on values that we hold. Che has done this through exploring both ends of discovery, one of positive and one of negative. He does this to contrast what defines humanity, through concepts of ‘new’ and ‘destruction’. This transforms the responder’s perception of the world, and this new rationality begins to spread, not only in the individual, but also spreading to the whole of society.

The ‘Motorcycle Diaries’, by revealing new dimensions of the world, provoke change within the responder; providing important insight into the real world, a place of endless discoveries that are both beneficial and harmful. These in turn lead to the discovery of new profound aspects of the world, shaping the conception of what fabricates our human experience. - 957 Words