Physical Journey Essay Example

ambiguous nature at this point in the migrants journey is given when Skrzynecki states ‘That had only just begun or were dying’. Initially, the migrants were treating the migrant hostel as a prison, an inescapable trap that was preventing them from any form of acknowledgement in society.Through choice, pessimism turns into optimism as the migrants claim the hostel to be the temporary ‘home’.

The concept of choice is dealt with in the migrants change in perspective as they choose to accept the fact that they could be obtained for some time. Feliks Skrzynecki is the poets father in this poem and is a tribute to his dignity and stoicism. Peter chooses to accept that his fathers heritage is not as close to home as it was for his father. Feliks Skrzynecki is a physical and cultural journey experienced by Feliks and narrated by Peter.Throughout the poem, it is obvious that Feliks expresses high admiration towards his father in dealing with the hardships he faced throughout his transfer.

Despite this, Feliks chooses not to follow in his fathers footsteps as he adapts to the culture of this new environment, “watching the stars and street lights come on, happy as I have ever been”. This is a powerful statement suggesting Feliks has found contentment is his struggle faced with unfamiliarity’s. The gambling behind Feliks’ decision to live his life in his own world has taught him to learn from his father’s experiences.Peter Skrzynecki poem ‘Feliks Skrzynecki’ has elevated the concept of ‘choice’ as he alludes to influences behind Feliks’ choice to let go if his heritage and find comfort in his new and challenging world.

Leaving home

is another poem in Skrzynecki’s collection and ironic to the concept of choice and the freedom behind it. In this case, Peter who we assume is the protagonist, is forced on his transfer for employment to a location away from home. Peter feels powerless in the decision making behind his journey, “dull witted, frog mouthed obedience. People make choices to meet personal satisfaction and achievement. Peter’s feels powerless and as though his freedom has been robbed from him.

Frustration further emphasis the resentment of his transfer and his restriction from freedom, “i waited three hours, for a two minute interview”. Allusion to the artist Marc Chagall “the fiddler from Chagall’s village, was inviting me to dance” suggests that he was losing control of his own life and was being made to dance to another persons tune.The ideologies behind choice in the ‘leaving home’ can have a bigger impact on the audience than Skrzynecki’s other two poems. From Peter’s transfer, the audience can learn the power behind ‘choice’ and its gamble.

Choice is the power or opportunity to choose. Peter Skrzynecki’s poems allude the the abuse of power restricting choice, and the consequences/benefits that come about from the freedom of choice. The contrast of restriction and leniency forces the audience to think, changes their views and broadens their understanding and appreciation behind the concept of choice.