Julius Caesar
The concept of belonging is centred around the notions of identity, relationships, acceptance, and understanding. Thus, in order for an individual to feel a sense of belonging in their community, they must feel the support of others, and a sense of worth within their society. However, despite an individual’s desire to belong, this is not always possible as shown in the poem “migrant hostel”
Migrant hostel explores the emotions surrounding the migrant experience of detainment after arrival in Parks NSW. A tone of instability and insecurity is set by the prominence of nouns in the first stanza. “Comings and goings”, “arrivals”, “busloads” and “sudden departures” are positioned at the start of the line. This highlights the transient nature of the migrant hotel.
The simile “like a homing pigeon circling to get its bearings” creates a sense of the migrants desire for a home; a place of belonging. The image of circling suggests an accompanying feeling of dizziness and dislocation.
Their uncertain existence is elaborated in the third stanza. The simile, comparing the migrants to “birds of passage” who were always sensing a change in the weather” emphasises the absence of a fixed home for these people. They don’t not belong in their current location but are also uncertain of their future. This leads to a sense of dislocation and alienation from their current setting
A barrier, a symbol of not belonging is used in the last stanza emphasised the migrants lack of belonging to the Australian society. The simile comparing the barriers rising and falling to “a finger/pointed in reprimand or shame” further creates a feeling of discomfort and alienation. The use of contrast in the last two lines “that had only begun or were dying” highlights the influence of their incarceration on the lives within.
Contrastingly in 10 Mary street which a sense of comfort, routine and belonging is established in the first stanza. The words “shut” and “lock” creates a sense of security, yet
Migrant hostel explores the emotions surrounding the migrant experience of detainment after arrival in Parks NSW. A tone of instability and insecurity is set by the prominence of nouns in the first stanza. “Comings and goings”, “arrivals”, “busloads” and “sudden departures” are positioned at the start of the line. This highlights the transient nature of the migrant hotel.
The simile “like a homing pigeon circling to get its bearings” creates a sense of the migrants desire for a home; a place of belonging. The image of circling suggests an accompanying feeling of dizziness and dislocation.
Their uncertain existence is elaborated in the third stanza. The simile, comparing the migrants to “birds of passage” who were always sensing a change in the weather” emphasises the absence of a fixed home for these people. They don’t not belong in their current location but are also uncertain of their future. This leads to a sense of dislocation and alienation from their current setting
A barrier, a symbol of not belonging is used in the last stanza emphasised the migrants lack of belonging to the Australian society. The simile comparing the barriers rising and falling to “a finger/pointed in reprimand or shame” further creates a feeling of discomfort and alienation. The use of contrast in the last two lines “that had only begun or were dying” highlights the influence of their incarceration on the lives within.
Contrastingly in 10 Mary street which a sense of comfort, routine and belonging is established in the first stanza. The words “shut” and “lock” creates a sense of security, yet