Peter Skrzynecki's Use Of Poetic Techniques In Migrant Hostel

Peter skrzynecki emigrated from Germany to Australia in 1949, shortly after the conclusion of World War two. His first two years in Australia were spent living in a migrant camp in New South Wales. It is from this brief section of his life where the inspiration for Migrant Hostel derived. Migrant Hostel deals with the emotions surrounding the detainment migrants experience after arrival in Australia. Skrzynecki manipulates the use of poetic devices to portray the absence of belonging in this poem. One device in which this can be seen is where he utilizes tone effectively. He chose to depict a tone of insecurity and instability by placing significance on the nouns in the first stanza. Such as “comings and goings”, “arrivals”, “busloads” and
Their new home which is shared by strangers can be seen to cause strain on the individuals. Their constant “wondering” as to “who would be coming next” was emphasised by the use of enjambment. By allowing “who” to fall at the beginning of the line it highlights their uncertainty of their new neighbours. Being put in a mass home with other immigrants they are almost excluded as members of Australian society. This can be seen in the final stanza, where Skrzynecki uses physical symbols to show their exclusion. The “barrier” at the main gate, “sealed off the highway/ from our doorstep”, these physical symbols suggest the migrant’s perception of their lack of welcome or belonging within Australia. The closing line of the poem “that had only begun / or were dying” highlights how their incarnation had a universal effect on them. None of the immigrants felt as though they belonged or were permanent. The subject of this poem uses carefully chosen diction to position the audience to feel empathy towards the migrants, to share in their exclusion. Therefore, Skrzynecki successfully portrays the theme of belonging or absence of by using poetic devices such as tone, enjambment and