




In this life, each individual person is only in control of their own specific actions, and sometimes we are not even completely in control; our daily lives are subject to change due to things such as the environment or other human interaction. Perhaps, it is unjust to say that we are in control of our actions – but we do really control something – we do have the authority over the conscious decisions we choose to make. By choosing to branch out from daily routine there is the opportunity to express the uniqueness each individual possesses. This belief is reflected upon in the writings of David Foster Wallace (“This is Water”) and Mary Oliver (“The Journey”). It is very intriguing that two distant people with contrasting writing styles seem to be conveying a similar point about the power of mindset and the capability of fully understanding the conscious choices made in daily life. Both pieces of literature written by the authors have a theme of uplifting inspiration in the reader, challenging them to be the best they possibly can. More importantly, both authors are ultimately conveying the point they wish to express, but it is how they accomplish similar feats with such drastic differences occurring. Through an analysis of the similarities in “This Is Water” and “The Journey”, it is evident there are vast differences between the two texts; this is significant to the concept that individual uniqueness should be embraced in all aspects of life.

It is immediately noticed that when these two texts are compared, there is a similarity between what each author is conveying regarding personal awareness. Each of the authors writes to encourage the readers to be aware of their current state in life, almost suggesting to challenge the typical, repetitive livelihood most people fall victim to. This relates to the concept of each individual’s power of mindset and choice, which Wallace suggests breaking free from typical routine can result in self-empowerment, “But most days, if you’re aware enough to give yourself a chance, you can choose to look differently” (Wallace 6). Similarly, Mary Oliver produces the same point, but with a much different style. Oliver writes more unusually, almost like a riddle, but the point is clear that she too believes individuals should be aware of their lifestyle, and be open to exploring new experiences and adventures, "One day you finally knew what you had to do" (Oliver 1). By expressing similar ideas about personal awareness in variating forms, there is a phenomenon that connects these two texts through content, yet they still deviate through the manner in which they are written. Both Wallace’s and Oliver’s points about being aware in the modern world enhance the ideology that individuals should express themselves in ways that are perhaps atypical but are therefore more unique.

Through analytical comparison it can be discovered that "This Is Water" and "The Journey" incorporate a massive amount of importance to conveying the significance of demeanor. Relating back to the opening statement about the mind and how it is the only thing we can truly control, Wallace and Foster write supporting arguments that suggest similar philosophy about an individual’s attitude. Regardless of any situation, no matter how dreadful, no matter how exceptional, having an attitude that is positive can only enhance the individual’s current position, “The only thing that is Capital-T True is that you get to decide how you’re gonna try to see it (the world)” (Wallace 6). And this sensation of benefitting personal outlook creates a radial effect that can possibly reach others. However, it is important to note, that no one can change another’s mindset despite favorable intentions and pure-hearted help. After all, the mind is the only thing each individual can solely control. This reveals an alternative detail about concepts being conveyed by the two texts - that you can only "save" yourself by incorporating valuable demeanor, “Determined to do the only thing you could do – determined to save the only life you could save” (Oliver 1). This correlates to the idea that Oliver is encouraging individuals to focus on their own personal demeanor, not because she is against helping others, but that she is acknowledging each individual’s attitude is subject to change by only their own specific demeanor they carry. The importance of individual’s demeanors strengthens the correlation of the significance of breaking free of the all too common “default setting” and embracing individual uniqueness.

A reoccurring theme throughout the comparison of the two texts is the contrasting writing styles each author uses. While the messages each writer is conveying are similar, which many comparisons can be drawn from, there are underlying differences that spark curiosity. David Foster Wallace writes his piece of literature in a much less structured manner, often incorporating informal techniques that are almost comical, “(If anybody feels like perspiring [cough], I’d advise you to go ahead, because I’m sure going to. In fact, I’m gonna [mumbles while pulling up his gown and taking out a handkerchief from his pocket])” (Wallace 1). The absence of a serious tone towards a speech with a serious message is peculiar – yet it is still very effective. On the other hand, Mary Oliver writes her poem in a distinct style, variating from Wallace’s tone. Wallace and Oliver ultimately convey the same message, but Oliver writes more ominously with a sense of mystery, "the wind pried with its stiff fingers at the very foundations, though their melancholy was terrible" (Oliver 1). It is critical to examine the length of the two texts. Oliver sends the same directive with a substantially less length; her poem is a mere 36 lines (154 words), while Wallace’s speech takes an entire 8 pages (2,881 words). Despite the difference in the length of the content of the two texts, both have a substantial amount of similarities in the message being transmitted. Importantly, the contrasting differences pointed out between two texts with similar context peculiarly supports what the content of the texts is conveying, to embrace individual uniqueness. Through an analysis of what is complementary, the subtle distinctions become enlightened.

By analyzing the comparisons in “This Is Water” and “The Journey”, it is apparent there are considerable differences between the two texts; this is momentous to the concept that individual uniqueness should be embraced in all facets of life. Whether “This Is Water” or “The Journey” are interpreted as texts about the journey of life, escaping the “default setting”, or decisions during transitional times it is assured they share similarities regarding the author's outlook on self-awareness and demeanor. The similarities in context are complemented by the profound differences in writing technique. This phenomenon of correlating texts having a divergence is not only surprising but also speaks about the insight gained from reading these two texts. By incorporating differences and each writer writing with their own specific and unique approach there is the further suggestion that everyone should embrace what makes them different. In the modern world, where so much is similar or repetitive, it is rewarding to see the rare occurrence of people actually choosing to diverge and grasp onto what makes each individual different. David Foster Wallace's and Mary Oliver's works of literature are compelling people to become aware of their life and to assimilate positive demeanor. Perhaps, after considering all the similarities and differences it is significant to note that these authors accomplished great writing feats all by following their passion for writing and reaching others in ways that are specialized to the way they enjoy constructing their different texts. This expresses the message to all readers that there is not a right or wrong way to live life – life should be lived as each individual chooses to live it. Each individual will have a different life than anyone else, making it unique to them, and them alone - and this concept should be fully embraced. Although we find comfort when we share similarities with others, it is the differences we have that makes people unique. This is the most beautiful reality in the world.



