Introductions
1. In my interpretation, the three texts, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Into the Wild and Miss Potter all powerfully link the ideas of belonging and the impact on an individual’s sense of belonging.
2. Belonging is a powerful state which can allow humans to feel a sense of purpose and acceptance. Sharing similar values, feeling a sense of individuality, achieving close relationships and feeling a sense of connectedness all influence an individual’s sense of belonging. However, when these influences are not present one may be forced to choose not to belong. With not belonging comes certain disadvantages, but it can often lead to a greater sense of individuality. In Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”, Kate Grenville’s “The Secret River”, and Sean Penn’s “Into the Wild” the most powerful influences on an individual’s sense of belonging are explored.
3. An individual’s sense of belonging can be impacted on by a number of influences, including family, their community, their own choice and also an individual’s skills and abilities. Through my text, The Crucible by Arthur Miller and my related texts, “Into the Wild” directed by Sean Penn and Hover Car Racer by Matthew Reilly these influences can be explored through techniques such as dialogue, imagery and repetition and through style and form.
4. An individual’s sense of belonging is influenced and founded upon various elements of the multifaceted concept of belonging. Of the many aspects of society that exist, individuals find belonging from various sources. To this end there are just as many influences which negatively impact and individuals sense of belonging and therefore they have the issue of not belonging. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, “They Don’t Care About Us” by Michael Jackson and “American Psycho” by Brett Easton Ellis, individuals within each text are exposed to many sources which powerfully influence their sense of belonging.