Comparing St Patricks College and Refugee Blues - Belonging
Belonging is the perceptions held by one’s self which enables them to be connected with others. It is the way of acceptance, having security, fulfilment and a connection in association to people, places, groups, communities and the world itself. The sense of belonging is affected by many factors such as understanding, choices, culture, relationships, and experiences. Due to these factors, it can be harder for some people to overcome the barriers of belonging, but may also be easier for others. In the poem, “St Patricks College” by Peter Skrzynecki, and “Refugee Blues” by Wystan Hugh Auden, it demonstrates how belonging can be difficult for some people. Whereas in the poem, “Feliks Skrzynecki” also by Peter Skrzynecki, it contrastingly shows how others find it easy to belong, even if they find it hard in other factors.
Belonging can be influenced by external forces. This can be seen in the poem St Patricks College where Peter was sent to the school because his mother was impressed by the uniform. For someone to belong to something, they must make their own decisions in life, understand their surroundings and build relationships with those around them. Skrzynecki lacked these qualities in “St Patricks College” and therefore, this resulted in him not belonging. The repetition of the phrase “for eight years” reinforces how long the alienation and detachment lasted for, implying that the feeling of not belonging did not change for eight years. Along with the use of first person throughout the poem gives a lifeless, disconnected tone which emphasises his loneliness. No relationships with students, teachers or anyone else were formed over his time there. Skrzynecki found it hard to belong to St Patricks College because the decision to go to the school was not his own, but rather his mother’s and therefore, belonging can be influenced by external forces.
In the poem Refugee Blues by Wystan Hugh Auden, it conveys the idea that it is society’s choice whether we belong or
Belonging can be influenced by external forces. This can be seen in the poem St Patricks College where Peter was sent to the school because his mother was impressed by the uniform. For someone to belong to something, they must make their own decisions in life, understand their surroundings and build relationships with those around them. Skrzynecki lacked these qualities in “St Patricks College” and therefore, this resulted in him not belonging. The repetition of the phrase “for eight years” reinforces how long the alienation and detachment lasted for, implying that the feeling of not belonging did not change for eight years. Along with the use of first person throughout the poem gives a lifeless, disconnected tone which emphasises his loneliness. No relationships with students, teachers or anyone else were formed over his time there. Skrzynecki found it hard to belong to St Patricks College because the decision to go to the school was not his own, but rather his mother’s and therefore, belonging can be influenced by external forces.
In the poem Refugee Blues by Wystan Hugh Auden, it conveys the idea that it is society’s choice whether we belong or