The concept of belonging has been demonstrated through the two texts studied, “The Simple Gift” by Steven Herrick and “Be My Brother” by Genevieve Clay. Belonging is defined as a feeling of acceptance by the society in which one is a part of, belonging to a person, place or thing. This is clearly depicted through Steven Herrick's novel The Simple Gift and Be My Brother by Genevieve Clay. There are distinct themes that express the key concept of belonging throughout these texts, these include Isolation and Alienation and Relationship.
Isolation and Alienation is depicted through the free verse Herrick novel 'The Simple Gift'. Isolation and Alienation can be defined as a state of separation between people, places and things. Through reading the novel the perspective on Billy and how his father treats him contributed to him being isolated and alienated which was prompted by the abuse being carried out at home, then he finally decides that its time to run away and find somewhere, where he felt like he belongs. This is evident through flash backs occurring by Billy (page 15). This depicts that Billy was a normal teenager and had the same feeling a normal person would have but never expressed them, but once he had run away and met Old Bill and Caitlin he finally opens up and feels the sense of belonging. This is shown through the change on expression during the novel of Billy's feelings.
Isolation and Alienation is also depicted through the short film 'Be My Brother' by Genevieve Clay. This is evident throughout the film between Richard and his brother. This is depicted through camera shots and body language by his brother Damien. Many different shots are used to show us the feeling of embarrassment and shame towards Richard. This is illustrated by the way Damien is sitting, facing the opposite way to his brother and covering his face with his hoodie, showing us that he is embarrassed of his brother. At one stage, Richard stands up and plays and recording “I am...