Belonging Is Difficult Because There Are so Many Barriers in Place to Prevent It
Belonging is an instinctive human desire that is difficult to obtain due to the immensity of barriers placed to prevent it. Belonging can be achieved through the development of relationships between others as well as the establishment of a connection to place. Furthermore one can choose to renounce the conventions of society and thus achieve personal understanding and belonging. Various barriers, such as language barriers and the inability to conform within society can lead to feelings of displacement and non-belonging. The subjective concept of belonging and non-belonging is explored throughout Shakespeare’s iconic play, ‘As You Like It’, Anne Frank’s ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ and Shaun Tan’s graphic novel, ‘The Arrival’.
Shakespeare’s comedy, ‘As You Like It’ expresses the notion that presence of bad/choose better word- relationships form a barrier for belonging while development of good/better word relationships, based on values such as friendship and love, promote a sense of belonging and can emerge in response to barriers. Say why he is so bitter-Oliver’s soliloquy reveals his hatred and resentment for his brother, expressing his desire to “see an end to him”. His sense of otherness is emphasises in the statement, “I am altogether misprized”. His separation is further exemplified through the presentation of his brother, Orlando, as his antithesis. Oliver’s abandonment of his filial responsibilities towards his brother lead to the exclusion of Orlando. The use of bestial imagery in Orlando description of his treatment as like that of a “stalling of an ox” and ‘horses are bred better’ reinforces his bitterness about his status within his family and the barriers placed on him by his brother. The biblical allusion to the ‘prodigal’ son reinforces Orlando’s feelings of exclusion and rivalry with his brother. This is furthered through the repetition of the motif “nothing” and other negative dictions, “unkept”, “gain nothing” epitomize Orlando’s feelings of
Shakespeare’s comedy, ‘As You Like It’ expresses the notion that presence of bad/choose better word- relationships form a barrier for belonging while development of good/better word relationships, based on values such as friendship and love, promote a sense of belonging and can emerge in response to barriers. Say why he is so bitter-Oliver’s soliloquy reveals his hatred and resentment for his brother, expressing his desire to “see an end to him”. His sense of otherness is emphasises in the statement, “I am altogether misprized”. His separation is further exemplified through the presentation of his brother, Orlando, as his antithesis. Oliver’s abandonment of his filial responsibilities towards his brother lead to the exclusion of Orlando. The use of bestial imagery in Orlando description of his treatment as like that of a “stalling of an ox” and ‘horses are bred better’ reinforces his bitterness about his status within his family and the barriers placed on him by his brother. The biblical allusion to the ‘prodigal’ son reinforces Orlando’s feelings of exclusion and rivalry with his brother. This is furthered through the repetition of the motif “nothing” and other negative dictions, “unkept”, “gain nothing” epitomize Orlando’s feelings of