Peter Skrzynecki

People may see belonging as a good thing. However it can come with a cost. Belonging can be seen as a sense of security, achievement or for a purpose. A sense of belonging can emerge from the connections made with people, places, groups and communities. There are different concepts of belonging and they can be described through the use of various language and visual techniques. 'In the hierarchy of human needs, belonging is considered the most important individual need' this can be further explored through Peter Skrzynecki’s poems ‘St Patrick’s College’ and ‘Felix Skrzynecki ‘and in the graphic novel ‘The Arrival’. Both composers use various ways of interpreting belonging and not belonging. Through the use of techniques, we can gain a greater understanding of belonging and its costs.

In the poem ‘St Patricks college’, Skrzynecki reflects on some of his experiences of St Patricks college in Strathfield. Peter questions the social, educational and spiritual value of his school experiences at the college. Through a cliché, Skrzynecki states that his mother only sent him to that school because she wanted to give him “what was best”. This quote allows the reader to be explicit with him as everyone has experienced what their parents thought “what was best”. Peter Skrzynecki in St Patrick’s College is accepted to the school; however it isn’t evident that he wants to be accepted. The poets choice of verb ‘carry’ in “carried the blue, black and gold” conveys the burden he feels in wearing the St Patricks uniform for eight years, as well as the effort of trying to fit in to the school environment and failing. Instead of using the word ‘wear’ skrzynecki demonstrates that being forced to wear something you are not entirely comfortable with does not mean you belong. The mood and sarcastic tone in the phrase “I’d been privileged to wear” suggests that he is worn out and tired as well as when wearing his uniform he has no pride whatsoever. It adds a heavy tone as it implies