Belonging Analysis Essay Example

like an only child” the simile shows the content, safety and security the garden gives Feliks unlike the society in which he is thought of as an outcast. Therefore this reveals the solidarity between Feliks and the nature as it is referred to as only child. A child is valued, cared for and important; this shows how devoted Feliks was towards his garden. The surroundings of nature shape both Mr Mead and Feliks individuality which consequently doesn’t allow them to conform, resulting in withdrawal from the rest of society.

Our individuality sometimes doesn’t allow us to conform to the expectations of society. “In ten years of walking by night or day, for thousands of miles he had never met another person walking, not once in that time” it shows the conforming society in which Mr Mead lives. The fact that he has not met anyone walking in ten years tells us that people don’t pay attention to the environment and are more occupied with their daily lives because everything can be done from the ‘comfort of your own home’, thus you never see people roaming the streets anymore.

Mr mead must be careful when he goes walking because “lights might click on and the faces appear and an entire street be startled by the passing of a lone figure” the word “ startled” depicts that it is unusual to find people walking at night as it is not the norms of society. However being the rebellious Mr Mead, he won’t compromise his individuality because society doesn’t approve of what he loves doing. therefore he chooses not to conform by going against expectations. This shows he values his

individuality over conforming to society.

On the other hand, Mr Mead does not conform to their way of life, however, his presence in his ‘community’ in itself, show a sense of connection to a place and so complying to society unknowingly. Feliks skrzynecki “kept pace of his owns minds making” it indicates that Feliks is a true individual and nothing can influence or change him to conform. Also, Feliks only wanted to follow what he believed was right and only wanted to keep up with the expectations he placed for himself.

Feliks chose not to learn the language which created a barrier to conforming to the expectations of Australian society. “On the back steps of his house/ bordered by golden cypress” the word “bordered” communicates that Feliks is deliberately attempting to isolate himself from society who refuses to accept him because he doesn’t want to conform. Surroundings and where we live, society expectations all determine whether we conform or become individuals which all play a role to help shape our perception on belonging .

Mr Mead and Feliks skrzynecki individuality create a barrier to adjust as they value who they are more than what society thinks and expects of them which can cause being ostracised and rejected. Safety, security and acceptance contribute to many key factors of belonging. Cultural belonging is uncontrollable as it is given and cannot be changed. Identity is what we do about our Morales and values which we have choice to change.