English – Trial HSC
Belonging can be defined in many ways depending on the context, setting and/ or thing in a particular situation. Belonging can be defined as a person fitting in and/ or being an acceptable member in a particular place, environment, class or value. Belonging gives an individual a sense of security, love, memories, acceptance, unity and comfortability. Belonging gives an individual their sense of identity.
A strong sense of the concept of belonging is embodied within various texts, such as the Biographical memoir ‘Romulus, My Father’ by Raymond Gaita, song lyrics of ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’ by Paul Kelly and the film clip of ‘Ana’s Song’ by Silverchair.
Biographical Memoir – ‘Romulus My Father’ – By Raimond Gaita
1) Romulus longing for European landscape and nature (making him feel alienated)
Romulus’ attitude has been shaped by his upbringing in Europe whereas Raimond has grown up in Aus and has developed a different connection to the landscape.
* Belonging Quote 1 – ‘though the landscape is one of rare beauty ... father could not become reconciled to it. He longed for the generous and soft European foliage, but the eucalypts of Baringhup, scraggy except for the noble red gums on the river bank, seemed symbols of deprivation and barrenness’.
Technique – Ironic imagery of the landscape is used to develop a strong mental picture in the audience.
2) Mental illness disallowing Christine to belong
Her attitudes went against those of the typical 1950’s women’s expectations/ roles. The awareness and significance of mental illness was not fully understood and sometimes misinterpreted at this time meaning Christine’s promiscuity and lack of nurturing towards her family (due to her mental illness – bipolar) made it impossible for her to fit in to society. She didn’t receive empathy from the community which would have provoked her illness.
* Belonging Quote 1 – ‘sometimes she was obviously and deeply depressed. Desperately...