Discovery of Self Through Creation

The act of creating — whether it is a story, a film, or a painting — brings the creator to a point at which he discovers important facts about himself. The parallels between the mother/child relationship in Penny’s story and her relationship with her own mother is an example of how a person can discover himself through writing. Sam’s realization that he is not willing to jeopardize Bastian and Luz’s future for his grade demonstrates that he does have what it takes to be a father. Bastian discovers through his painting that he can overcome the hardships that might keep him from developing his talent.

Penny learns through her story that a child seeking separation from her mother is natural. In Penny’s science fiction story, the Anima, a video game baby develops a consciousness and is able to use...