Peter Skrzynecki Migrant Hostel

Migrant Hostel is an account of Peter Skrzynecki’s time in the migrant hostel, yet it is ambiguous and could apply to many immigrants. This suggests that many people were struggling to find belonging as immigrants in Australia.

A general experience is emphasized in the first stanza by the use of “us” in the 2nd last line. The last line of the stanza poses a question to the reader “Who would be coming next.” This technique is used to engage them in the poem. It also underlines the uncertainty and insecurity immigrants felt whilst living at the migrant hostel.

In Migrant Hostel we are presented with the arrival of post-war migrants who’ve come from a war-torn Europe to Australia in hopes of starting a new life, however the reality is quickly