Section I Question 5

Here are some notes/thoughts about examples that can be used in answering the final question of Section I.

IN YOUR VIEW, WHICH TWO OF THESE TEXTS MOST EFFECTIVELY EXPLORE HOW FEELINGS OF BELONGING AND NOT BELONGING MAY SHIFT OVER TIME?

JUSTIFY YOUR VIEW WITH REFERENCE TO TWO TEXTS.

Text One

The framing of the image of the two sisters as young girls through the window is symbolic. It depicts the closeness of their relationship and how they would play with their dolls house ‘side by side, always.’

The description in ‘but inseparable bonds in life can be unexpectedly shattered’ shows though how belonging can change over time. The word ‘inseparable’ when juxtaposed with ‘always’ shows how relationships can change over time.

Text Two

The line ‘the man is hugging his child’ can be juxtaposed with the line ‘the man and the child are hugging.’ In both cases there is evidence of belonging, however the action is reciprocated in the latter example.

The description in ‘they hug each other for a long moment’ shows that feelings of belonging can occur over time. At the end of the poem, the line ‘they will go inside and eat dinner together’ shows that even in transition, belonging can exist.

Text Three

The juxtaposition of ‘having no name to call on was having no past; having no past pointed to the fissure between the past and the present’ shows the influence of time on relationships and belonging.

The metaphor ‘a place of emptied of beginnings’ shows that even from the start, belonging can be taken. Feelings of belonging may change over time, and even in some cases not even eventuate.

Text Four

The interjection ‘but there was also something else in the air … though it took me a moment or two before I heard it’ shows that time can unexpectedly influence one’s feelings of belonging or not belonging to place.

The references to ‘insomnia’ and the temperature of the day as the ‘hottest’ day known shows that over time, both internal and extrinsic factors can influence one’s sense of belonging.

The marker expects a 'mini-essay' in this section. Remember then to compose your response with an introduction, body and conclusion.