An individuals interaction with others and the world around them can

enrich or limit their experience of belonging. Discuss this view with

detailed reference

Interaction between individuals provides a foundation of belonging. Particular connections
and relations are distinctive according to whether the multifaceted concept of belonging is
enriching or limiting. Raimond Gaitas, Romulus My Father is a memoir that portrays these
positive and negative experiences by exploring the synergy that is belonging. Gaita
demonstrates the enriching and yet limiting effect of an unfamiliar landscape on a
protagonist Romulus, whose cultural foundation causes a bias and a subsequent struggle to
belong. However this physical struggle to belong is built upon a juxtaposing and yet
enriching memory of what Romulus desires. A strong cultural heritage with dominating
values and ethics, leads to the formation of lifelong and enriching bonds. This occurs whilst
barriers to belonging form from the elements which provide Romulus with a sense of
security. Similarly, Herzls, Der Judenstaat pamphlet illustrates how a cultural schism either
limits an individuals sense of identity. Individuals strive to escape persecution or strengthen
their cultural foundation as they endeavour to reach a common goal of reaffirming their
beliefs whilst escaping discriminating communities. However enriching this may be, by
forming a Jewish state, Jews are purposefully alienating themselves from the wider world
and limiting their own cultural diversity. Both texts explore how although an experience may
be elevating, its degree of enrichment may not outweigh the limitations that consequently
occur.

Security is often provided to an individual encountering alien environments or situations
through a congregation based on backgrounds, ideals or ethnicity to form a smaller community
within a greater society. In Romulus My Father by Raimond Gaita, protagonist Romulus is
presented with an unfamiliar and daunting environment where he sought out security and a
sense of belonging, As soon as my father arrived at the camp, he asked the man who greeted
new arrivals whether there were other Romanians. Hindsight conveys a notion of a lifelong
bond formation between Romulus and minor protagonist Hora. This bond depicts the
enrichment formed between like-minded and culturally alike characters that provide a strong
sense of belonging. However this same bond is formed on a bases of insecurity and failure to
assimilate which illustrates a limitation to both characters cultural enrichment and therefore
their belonging to a wider, more diverse community. This friendship is built upon both cultural
similarities and ideological ties which demonstrate the multifaceted nature of belonging via
highlighting the importance of social bonds that allow individuality and identity, known as
character, which is an imperative trait to both Hora and Romulus. This individuality is based
upon idiosyncratic differences. However, due to similarities in values and morals both
characters are portrayed as being highly influential on Raimond especially and respected by a
wider community. This demonstrates how an individuals interaction with others can enrich
their sense of belonging.
Romulus is deeply affected by the pedigrees of culture which shape his experience of belonging
and influence the way in which he relates to the Australian landscape. Cultural dislocation
proves to be a limitation to Romulus sense of acceptance as he feels restricted by a chasm of
cultural dissimilarity. Use of tactile imagery shows Romulus strong connection with his
homeland and his desire for the soft and European foliage portrays. He continues with this
mentality by surrounding himself with Balts, (immigrants) and an artificial European
aesthetic, the pepper tree. Romulus discontent with the Australian landscape is emphasised
through parallelism with his wifes adverse attitude to the topography, desolate symbols of
deprivation and barrenness.. Gaita uses a dysphemistic and hyperbolic description of
Christines cultural dissimilarity, the vast landscape with only crude wire fences. The
dislodgment of both Romulus and Christine reiterate their negative view on the Australian
landscape with a parallel provided with their aversion to an unfamiliar culture that they
knowingly avoid, inevitably limiting their experience of belonging. This desolate attitude
towards an Australian setting is shared between adult characters depicted in the memoir,
however these ideals are juxtaposed with Raimonds epiphany and connection to the land that
provides a culturally and enriching connection between identity and setting for protagonist
Raimond. This connection demonstrates how and individuals interaction with the world around
them can enrich their experience of belonging whereas Romulus and Christines connection
illustrated their environments possible limiting traits.


Der Judenstaat Paragraph
Synthesis Paragraph
Conclusion



















An individuals interaction with others and the world around them can
enrich or limit their experience of belonging. Discuss this view with
detailed reference


Intro:

Our sense of belonging is individual and unique to each of us. It is shaped by our
individual perspectives, experiences and often reflects how we see ourselves. An
individuals interaction with other people and the world around them does pose the
potential to either enrich or limit their experience of belonging. Our perception and
attitude influence the ways in which we can belong to or with certain groups, people or
landscapes. Our perception is shaped by our past experiences and influences, thus each
persons sense of belonging are unique. It is through this that the way individuals
interact with each other and the world around them is influenced, which in turn can
either enriches or hinders ones sense of belonging. This notion is evident in the memoir
Romulus, My Father by Raimond Gaita and the petition by Vincent Lingiari, Gurindji
Petition to Lord Casey, Governor General. The two texts address this notion through
exploring the different aspects that give way to an enrichment or hindrance of ones
sense of belonging.







This essay was a band 6 - some teachers gave it full marks and a few gave it close to full
marks... whatever this essay may be, I hope it helps :)
Enjoy,
Tash
An individuals interaction with others and the world around them can
enrich or limit their experience of belonging. Discuss this view with
detailed reference
Considered a fundamental aspect of being human, belonging is an ambiguous concept which
can offer individuals a sense of identity, security and connectedness. Experiences of belonging
are closely related to a persons interaction with others, as positive experiences can enrich their
sense of belonging, and negative experiences can limit their sense of belonging. An individuals
limited experience of belonging through their inability to positively interact with others can often
incite them to reject the majority through acts of defiance, self-alienation and rebellion. This
notion is extensively explored within Peter Skrzyneckis poem, St. Patricks College, from the
anthology Immigrant Chronicle, and Stanley Kubricks 1971 film A Clockwork Orange as both
texts illustrate the protagonists limited experience of belonging through their interaction with
others leading to their acts of defiance. Conversely, Peter Skrzyneckis poem,10 Mary Street-
also from the anthology Immigrant Chronicle-explores the notion that it is through the positive
interaction with others that an enriched sense of belonging can be established.

OR

An individuals interaction with others and the world around them can limit their experience of
belonging solely due to their culture. This is portrayed in both Peter Skryzneckis poetry and in
the short film directed by Michael Weisler, Missing Her. The poem Migrant Hostel identifies that
a culture will seek out people of the same culture in order to create a sense of belonging. The
poem Postcard identifies that belonging to a place is achieved through experience. The short
film Missing Her shows how ones culture can alienate.









Structure
An individuals interaction with others and the world around them can enrich or
limit their experience of belonging.
There are TWO key parts to this essay question that you will need to address in your
response.
a. An individuals interaction with others and the world around them
You need to spend some time asking yourself these questions:
Who or what does the speaker/individual interact with in this poem?
Why does this interaction occur?
b. can enrich or limit their experience of belonging
You need to spend some time asking yourself these questions:
What is the individuals experience of belonging that is communicated in my
poem?
Does this interaction enrich the individuals experience of belonging? Why/How?
Does this interaction limit the individuals experience of belonging? Why/How?
As you can see, writing an essay requires A LOT of thinking BEFORE you start
writing.
Once you have written your answers to the above questions, then you can formulate
your TWO hypotheses, you can go and see if the evidence from the poems actually to
supports your hypotheses by filling in an evidence chart.
Remember that ultimately you will ONLY be writing on ONE of these hypotheses
the one that YOU determine has the most evidence to SUPPORT it.
Your essay structure will be similar to this:
P1: Introduction outline hypothesis, say something briefly about each poem what
its about and/or how it links to your hypothesis
P2: First poem and hypothesis two pieces of evidence to support first half of
statement (who or what the individual interacts with) then a linking phrase mid-
paragraph similar to it is this interaction that leads to as you them move on to your
two pieces of evidence that supports the second half of your hypothesis (whether this
interaction enriches or limits the individuals experience of belonging).
P3: Second poem and hypothesis (but remember your linking phrase to show there is
a logical relationship between your previous paragraph and this one) two pieces of
evidence to support first half of statement (who or what the individual interacts with)
then a linking phrase mid-paragraph similar to it is this interaction that leads to as
you them move on to your two pieces of evidence that supports the second half of
your hypothesis (whether this interaction enriches or limits the individuals
experience of belonging).
P4: Conclusion find a memorable quote from someone memorable (former prime
minister, Shakespeare etc) that links to your hypothesis about belonging. Restate
your hypothesis and your texts discussed in essay.
I hope that helps! I dont want to be TOO prescriptive with structure please feel
free to play around with it! BUT please make sure that you have a strong argument
that responds DIRECTLY to the essay question and that allows you to provide
RELEVANT and meaningful EVIDENCE to support it. Note: in English EVIDENCE =
quotes as well as analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of techniques to achieve
the composers desired purpose.






An individuals interaction with others and the world around them can enrich or limit their
experience of belonging. This statement can be readily depicted through various texts which
include Raimond Gaitas memoir, Romulus My Father and Universal Studios 2004 film,
Hating Alison Ashley. Both of these texts involve various techniques that assist in portraying
the concept of belonging to both an environment and to relationships. Belonging is a concept
that is more complex than it first appears. It may be experienced on many levels between
belonging and not belonging, be it to a family, a friendship, a place or a surrounding
environment. It is a perception that is shaped within personal, cultural, historical and social
contexts. Belonging is to fit in or to be accepted in a particular place or environment, to feel
comfortable and connected to other individuals. Alternatively it may be isolation or alienation
from others, to feel estranged or at odds with the environment.
Raimond Gaitas memoir, Romulus My Father demonstrates how an individuals interaction
with others and the world around them can enrich or limit their experience of belonging to an
environment. Gaita uses first person throughout the book, not only to express his
experiences but to articulate both his mother and fathers experiences of belonging to their
surroundings also. Romulus is a migrant to Australia who always considered himself
Romanian. Gaita often expresses Romulus as being at odds with the environment, never
reconciling to the Australian landscape, whose foliage and vegetation seemed symbols of
deprivation and bareness. This statement is symbolic of how he feels towards Australia and
demonstrates how Romulus chose to only see the negative aspects of his surrounds and
focused more on his desire to be back in Europe amongst soft and gentle foliage. These
two simple descriptions of different landscapes are instantly juxtaposed and express
Romuluss feelings of loneliness in...














Interaction is the very inception of belonging. Whilst the concept is multifaceted and
complex, there are distinctive interactions that either enrich or limit an individuals experience
of belonging. This is highlighted through examination of Gaitas RMF and other texts, which
each explore the synergy that is belonging.
The pedigrees of culture forge the basis of an individuals experience of belonging. impact
on the way in which individuals relate to a particular geographic environment. Collectively,
culture and environment can be an enriching force of connection; despite this, cultural
dislocation can also limit ones sense of belonging. Gaita feels limited by a chasm of cultural
dissimilarity. His use of tactile imagery creates a strong connection between Romulus and
his homeland as he yearns for soft and European foliage. This idea is reinforced as he
attempts to manufacture an artificial European aesthetic in Frogmore by surrounding himself
with the pepper tree and other Baltic immigrants. Romulus rejection of Australian Flora and
Fauna is furthered through parallelism with his wifes adverse attitude to the topography.
Gaitas hyperbolic and dysphemistic description: the vast landscape with only crude wire
fences effectively illustrates Christines state of cultural dissimilarity. The displacement
experienced by Romulus and his wife is reiterated as their distaste for the Australian bush is
paralleled with their aversion to a culture that is too unfamiliar to embrace; inevitably limiting
their experience of belonging.
Romulus limited relationship with Australian environment and culture is juxtaposed with
Raimonds enriching connection and avid experience of belonging. Gaita conveys this
through a potent use of pathetic fallacy as Raimond finds solace in the sparse scrub and
open bushland whereas his father perceives the bush in a manner that implies its
deficiency: desolate symbols of deprivation and barrenness. This blatant conflict of















Interaction is the very inception of belonging. Whilst the concept is multifaceted and
complex, there are distinctive interactions that either enrich or limit an individuals experience
of belonging. This is highlighted through examination of Gaitas RMF and other texts, which
each explore the synergy that is belonging.
The pedigrees of culture forge the basis of an individuals experience of belonging. impact
on the way in which individuals relate to a particular geographic environment. Collectively,
culture and environment can be an enriching force of connection; despite this, cultural
dislocation can also limit ones sense of belonging. Gaita feels limited by a chasm of cultural
dissimilarity. His use of tactile imagery creates a strong connection between Romulus and
his homeland as he yearns for soft and European foliage. This idea is reinforced as he
attempts to manufacture an artificial European aesthetic in Frogmore by surrounding himself
with the pepper tree and other Baltic immigrants. Romulus rejection of Australian Flora and
Fauna is furthered through parallelism with his wifes adverse attitude to the topography.
Gaitas hyperbolic and dysphemistic description: the vast landscape with only crude wire
fences effectively illustrates Christines state of cultural dissimilarity. The displacement
experienced by Romulus and his wife is reiterated as their distaste for the Australian bush is
paralleled with their aversion to a culture that is too unfamiliar to embrace; inevitably limiting
their experience of belonging.
Romulus limited relationship with Australian environment and culture is juxtaposed with
Raimonds enriching connection and avid experience of belonging. Gaita conveys this
through a potent use of pathetic fallacy as Raimond finds solace in the sparse scrub and
open bushland whereas his father perceives the bush in a manner that implies its
deficiency: desolate symbols of deprivation and barrenness. This blatant conflict of














Romulus My Father/ Watchmen- Belonging
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An individuals interaction with others and the world around them can enrich or limit their
experience of belonging.
Belonging is a complex and ever changing perception of ones self that is tested, altered and
ultimately reflected upon as the epitome of upheld beliefs and expected moral actions
determined by the influence of our surroundings which is determined by our place within the
societal cohort. Belonging as stated is an inward reflection of your upheld moral code
formulated by the company you keep and the choices you make which determine at heart
the nature of your belonging. Within biographically written Romulus My Father by Raimond
Gaitia and Watchmen a nostalgic noire-esk representation of the conflict between the USA
and Soviet Russia in 1985 directed by Zack Snyder the notion of belonging extends beyond
the simple ties of friendship and belonging through instinctive impulse but a developed,
undervalued and heightened sense of an interpreted belonging towards individuals and their
beliefs but within their environments. Belonging to an environment presents itself in the
sharing of common interests, this societal belonging allows for the individual to belong within
a society, although at times the sense of conforming can restrict the expressions of
individuals who are opposed to set beliefs and can lead to instances of not belonging.
Within the setting of Romulus My Father the notion of holistic belonging is adapted to an
immigrant family whose belonging is evident in the beliefs central to their existence which
uphold inherent practices of its family members, Romulus, Christine, Raimond and their
emotional interpretation of their surroundings and towards each other. Romulus who is the
title character expresses his belonging as a belonging to place. Romulus demonstrates
connection to people through his belonging to his home land of Romania, Always
considered himself a Romanian use of definite diction stressing always suggesting the
relationship.























Romulus My Father
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1. An individuals interaction with others and the world around them can enrich or limit their
experience of belonging.
The ways in which we belong, and not belong have a clear connection with the ways we
interact with others and the world around us. It is through relationships and a sense of
belonging with other people, peoples inner sense of belonging and connections to
environments and places that enrich or limit ones sense of belonging. People are enriched
as a result of strong relationships that provide security and develop a sense of belonging.
Similarly, connections to places and environments can enhance a sense of belonging. A lack
of these interactions can make it difficult for a person to build connections. These ideas are
explored in Raimond Gaitas book, Romulus, My Father which strongly focuses on how
relationships with people, the environment, society and ourselves defines the degree to
which a sense of belonging is established and maintained. Similarly in the cinematic
adaption of Truman Capotes novel, Breakfast at Tiffanys, the audience views different
dimensions of belonging and reflects on how interactions with others and the world
aroundHolly Golightly influence the her sense of belonging.

Relationships and they way they enrich our lives, sense of identity and how they form the
way in which one belongs is a significant theme throughout Romulus It is accepted that
relationships can enrich our lives and strengthen a sense of identity. The extent to which an
individual feels a sense of belonging is often linked to the nature of the relationships they
have built. In RMF two significant relationships explored are those between Raimond and his
father Romulus and Raimond and Hora... The strength of these two relationships enriches
Raimonds sense of belonging, regardless of the other dimensions of his childhood that
would normally limit a childs sense of belonging. He showed me the connection between
individuality and..























Romulus My Father
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ROMULUS MY FATHER, THE ISLAND

Belonging is about finding a sense of place in the world which can be due to a strong sense
of connection with others. For those who dont belong and cannot find their place they are
faced with problems of alienation and loneliness from others or feel estranged or in conflict
with the environment. These different aspects are reflected in the texts Romulus my Father,
Raimond Gaita and The Island, Armin Greder. These texts portray the concept of belonging
and not belonging, whether it is to family, a relationship, place or environment.

Romulus my Father conveys how an individuals relationships are central to our sense of
belonging and help us find natural connection whether it with environment or people.
Raimond Gaita uses first person throughout the book to express his experiences as well as
his mother and fathers experiences of belonging to surroundings. Romulus is a migrant to
Australia who always considered himself Romanian. Although Romulus Gaita does not feel
at home in Australia he belongs due to the connection he has with those around him. The
use of high modality verb choice suggests pleasant nostalgia about events. Most evident in
Romuluss recollections of his father, I loved him too deeplyno quarrel could estrange us,
which displays the sense of belonging he feels with his father. This relationship is evident
after Christina dies, we came together as son and husband with the woman whose remains
lay beneath us. Raimonds aspect of belonging is familial.
Juxtaposed against Raimonds belonging is Christines inability to belong. Christina is
ostracized by the Australian community, due to her promiscuous, unfaithful ways and
inability to properly care for her son, Raimond. Christina is described as a troubled girl, who
longed for company. This conveys her misfit personality, blinding her from connecting with
the environment she is shown, wishing for bigger and better things she neglects those
around her...























Home

Miscellaneous
An Individuals Interaction with the World
Around Them Can Enrich or Limit Their Sense
of Belonging
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An individuals interaction with others and the world around them can limit or enrich their
experience of belonging. Belonging is central to how we define ourselves: our belonging to
or connection emerges from interaction with people and places. Belonging is a distinct
identity characterised by affiliation, acceptance and association. Belonging is shaped by
personal, cultural, historical and social contexts. By increasing their understanding of
themselves and the world around them they can limit or enrich their experience of belonging.
These judgements are epitomised in Peter Skrzyneckis Immigrant Chronicles, a collection
of poems that consists of 10 Mary Street and Migrant Hostel, which detail the migrant
experience and the barriers which limited their experience of belonging. Contrasting
perceptions of belonging are presented in the well profound novel Looking for Alibrandi by
Melina Marchetta which highlights the limitations in belonging due to racial difficulties
encountered within society.
Skrzyneckis poem 10 Mary Street tells the story of the house that Peter and his mother
Kornelia and his father Feliks moved into in 1951, after arriving in Australia from Germany. It
also features an in-depth description of his childhood in relation to living at 10 Mary street.
Also included in this poem is the description of the connection that Peter has with his
parents. A reoccurring theme of time is present throughout the poem 10 Mary Street. This is
shown with the constant repetition of the line for nineteen years. The use of this repetition
allow us to engage as to how long Peter had stayed at the house as well as to reinforce the
long period of time in which he had enriched his experience of belonging to the house as
well as his parents. The garden is also an important aspect of their lives, where the poets
parents watered plants grew potatoes like adopted children, stressing their strong
connection to the home. To Peter, who was a child himself, the...




















Romulus
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An individuals interaction with others and the world around them can enrich or limit their
experience of belonging

Belonging is a concept universal to humans and is essential aspect of peoples lives. An
individuals experience of belong could be both enriched and limited from their interaction
with the world around them. The memoir Romulus, My Father, written by Raimond Gaita and
the graphic novel by Shaun Tan, The Arrival both incorporate prominent aspects of the
concept of belonging. Through their representation of various elements in the text, ideas
about family unity and the sense of connectedness with the environment both show how the
experience of belonging is enriched, yet limited to a certain extent.

Through the interaction between Raimond and his father, Romulus, a sense of family
relationship is established in Gaitas memoir. The moral and ethical values of Romulus along
with the innocuous nature of Raimond enforce the importance of a strong family unit. I know
what an honest man is; I know what friendship is I know because I remember these things in
the person of my father. This repetition of the word I in the statement reinforces the strong
connection, both morally and spiritually between father and son. It accentuates the enriched
sense of belonging experienced by Raimond through his interaction with his father.
However, limitations in their sense of belonging are also portrayed by Gaita in his text. My
fathers vulnerability changed my attitude to Frogmore. In his sighs I heard our isolation and
for the first time I felt estranged from the area. Here, the fractured bond between Raimond
and Romulus is show. Frogmore has somewhat become a symbol of their family unity and
with his father now falling into insanity, Raimond begins to feel isolated from the area. This
elucidates how a weak family unity detracts his belonging to the surrounding, highlighting the
limitations of belonging in a foreign environment without the essential..























Romulus, Between Shades of Gray and the Kite
Runner Essay
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An individuals interaction with others and the world around them can enrich or limit their
experience of belonging

The base for an individuals experience of belonging begins with the tempestuous walk we
undertake throughout our life. Through our cold days of solitude we long to reach the
sunlight which will thaw the chill of isolation. Most achieve this goal easily, creating a
network of relationships and solidifying their place in the world. However, for others, this
journey endeavoured only ends in tragedy and regret. Through the novels of Romulus, My
Father, Between Shades of Gray and The Kite Runner, we see the ramifications of the
pursuit of acceptance, safety and the right to be content.

Through Romulus My Father, the withdrawal of Christina highlights the negative effects of
her inability to belong. She becomes deeply depressed, and her isolation and inability to
function in her new home diminishes her self-acceptance. Although she attempts to connect
with Raimond and Romulus, her efforts fail. She cannot belong even to her own family.
Through symbolism of the meat in the lines below, Raimond Gaita shows the great depth of
Christinas longing for connection with her family, and the impact of the consequences of her
actions upon her son.
Perhaps she and my father had discussed the chances of reconciliation, for the time she
was here she tried harder than ever to care for me and the house. She made curtains for the
windows, cleaned and occasionally cooked. On my eleventh birthday we lit the stove and
she cooked ... She burnt the meat, but so rare was the experience of her preparing any kind
of meal that I have since had a fondness for burnt meat.

With the character of Romulus, the pursuit of belonging is not undertaken. He simply has no
desire to belong; however, his actions and karakter make him able to solidify his place in
the world. He interacts with those around him without a need for acceptance, and thus
achieves a goal that he...





















Romulus
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An individuals identify defines their ability to belong, thus ones interactions which develop a
personal identity are integral in belonging. This concern is highlighted through Raimond
Gaitas memoir Romulus My Father which explores the implications of personal interactions
on self-identity and hence implications on sense of belonging. Similarly, Franz Kafkas novel
Metamorphosis explores a mans altered identity as a result of personal interactions and the
subsequent result on the mans sense of belonging.

The environment is fundamental in the development to which an individual forges a personal
identity, and thus is essential in enhancing or restricting ones belonging. In Romulus,
Romuluss lack of identity hinders his belonging, as he is unable to forge his identity in
Australia. Romulus, having always considered himself Romanian, struggles to identity
himself with Australian landscape.
He longed for the generous and soft European foliage, but the eucalypts of
Baringhupseemed symbols of deprivation and bareness
The use of symbolism highlights Romuluss lack of identity in Australia, to which is attributed
to the landscape. The deprivation and bareness of the land reflects Romuluss inability to
connect, and thus his lack of identity in Australia. The juxtaposition of the Australian
landscape to the European landscape further emphasise Romulus lack of identity as he
connects only to the beautiful trees of Europe and fails to embrace the Australian
landscape. The environment is crucial in development of ones personal identity and hence
crucial in belonging, thus Romuluss inability to connect, and consequently his lack of identity
limits his experience of belonging.

Similarly, the interaction with environment in shaping a sense of identity is further explored in
Romulus. Throughout the memoir Romulus fails to understand the environment, and as a
result doesnt develop an identity.
He set fire to the stook in order to kill the snake....