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. 

Using The Rubric - Weekend Task

While The Simpsons is not the ideal source for a related material, there are other examples that are as accessible and far more acceptable.

Read the following extract from Growing Up Asian In Australia by Alice Pung. Answer the following questions.  

• How has context (personal, cultural, historical and social) shaped perceptions of belonging?
• How can a sense of belonging emerge from the connections made with people, places, groups, communities and the larger world?
• How can aspects of belonging be considered in terms of experiences and notions of identity, relationships, acceptance and understanding?

• Seemingly, Amy's relationship with her Grandad was strengthened with his passing. Is this possible? What does this teach us about belonging?
• The concepts of time and belonging are linked throughout the text. How is time used by the author to explore the concept of belonging in the text?
• Re-read the last paragraph of the text. Choose a quote from there that speaks to you. What does this quote say about belonging?

If you think that this is a text that you would like to further explore as a related material; or simply as it interests you, you can find more information about the author here and here. 

Using The Rubric

The Simpsons: Season 20 Episode 2
Lost Verizon

Bart feels left out after realising he is the only kid in this day and age without a cell phone, so he tries to work in a country club as a golf ball finder to earn money for it. He then finds Denis Leary's phone instead.

Belonging related materials are everywhere. While this activity does not endorse popular sitcoms as a suitable choice, it does allow us the opportunity to see how we can identify the role that Belonging places in our everyday lives. 

After viewing the episode, answer the following questions from the Rubric with a partner. 

• How has context (personal, cultural, historical and social) shaped perceptions of belonging?
• How can a sense of belonging emerge from the connections made with people, places, groups, communities and the larger world? 
• How can aspects of belonging be considered in terms of experiences and notions of identity, relationships, acceptance and understanding?

Interesting websites that may help you in this activity can be found here and here.