Alienation (Not Belonging) - A Creative Writing Exercise

Read an example of a short story with the theme of alienation HERE. 

After you have completed your reading, identify how the story follows (or does not follow) Paul Reuben's scaffold.

Can you think of an idea for your own composition? Use the scaffold to draft your own story. 

Mindmap - 2012

Belonging & Relationships - Ashoke Chapter One

Ashoke

Repetition

Quote: “For this he thanks his parents, and their parents, and the parents of their parents.” (p. 21)

Belonging is a complex process which can be perceived differently depending on the context of the individual. In The Namesake the author Jhumpa Lahiri demonstrates how one’s own relationships are tied closely to their sense of belonging in her use of repetition. In describing Ashoke’s situation of living three lives; before the train crash, after it and leaving India, he states that ““For this he thanks his parents, and their parents, and the parents of their parents.”  In demonstrating the notion that Ashoke has strong relationships; despite living in a foreign place, Lahiri shows that having these relationships leads him to feel as though he belongs. He is loved. He does belong. Hence relationships are conveyed as being tightly linked to belonging, and the strength of these relationships can lead to a strong sense of belonging. 

Belonging & Identity - Ashima Chapter One

Ashima

Emotive Language

Quote: “But nothing feels normal to Ashima.” (p. 5)

Belonging is a complex process which can be perceived differently depending on the context of the individual. In The Namesake the author Jhumpa Lahiri demonstrates how one’s identity is tied closely to their sense of belonging in her use of emotive language. In describing Ashima’s situation of living in a foreign land, she states that “But nothing feels normal to Ashima.” In demonstrating the notion that Ashima is lost, living in a foreign place. Lahiri shows that her lack of identity leads her to feel as if she is alone. She is alienated. She does not belong. Hence identity is conveyed as being tightly linked to belonging, and a lack of identity can lead to a lack of belonging. 

Context: Growing Up Asian In Australia

Click on the link below to view an interview with the author of Growing Up Asian In Australia, Alice Pung.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LZtfc7V2Mk

It gives an interesting insight into the context of the novel, as well as a look behind the scenes of the writing process.