Belonging Is the Cornerstone Essay Example
Belonging Is the Cornerstone Essay Example

Belonging Is the Cornerstone Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (479 words)
  • Published: June 7, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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The idea that belonging is essential for individuals to find their identity is highly relevant to the prescribed text and related texts. Belonging serves as the basis for individuals to discover and define their identity. It is a crucial component that allows individuals to become part of something and establish a strong foundation for personal growth. Throughout various experiences and significant moments, a sense of belonging is developed and nurtured. Jhumpa Lahiri's novel The Namesake exemplifies this as Gogol gradually develops a connection and belonging to his Indian heritage and his family.

In the film Little Miss Sunshine directed by Jonathan Dayton, a dysfunctional family forms a strong bond as they discover more about their relationships and the future they face. Similarly, the arrival depicted in Shaun Tan's work portrays a central c

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haracter who struggles to fit in as an immigrant in an unfamiliar environment, far from the comfort of his home. All three texts delve into the concept of belonging and its development as they seek to establish their own identities.

In The Namesake, Gogol develops a close relationship with both of his parents, Ashima and Ashoke, and grows to value his Indian culture and family. Before Gogol was even born, Ashima had a deep connection with him. When he was born, she immediately bonded with him by knitting him sweaters, blankets, mittens, and caps. She also takes him in his pram for his immunizations. Similarly, we learn about Ashoke's train accident in chapter one, which inspired him to name his son Gogol after a renowned Russian author.

The significance of the train accident is that he was reading Gogol at the time. These two examples demonstrate

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how significant events can unite people. In Jonathan Dayton's film, it highlights social expectations imposed by others and the need to adhere to certain pressures. Each family member realizes the value of family after Olive participates in a pageant. Through a wide angled shot, the dialogue reveals Dwayne's statement of "I hate everyone," with the word 'Hate' being underlined three times.

In this passage, we observe Dwayne's choice to not conform to his family's expectations, leading him to isolate himself and remain silent. However, he eventually breaks his silence and expresses anger towards his family. It is during his sister's beauty pageant performance that he realizes she doesn't fit the standards, prompting him to join her and the rest of the family. This grand gesture brings them closer together and helps Dwayne develop his identity. On page 100, Gogol shows frustration with his name by stating that he torments himself. The author highlights how others don't judge Gogol by his name, yet he still feels like an outsider in both cultures. Consequently, he decides to change his name in order to fit into American society rather than adhering to his home culture.

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