Departed/Belonging Speech Essay

Ayesha 12EA2 – Ms. Crothers
Prescribed Text: Migrant Hostel (poem, Peter Skryznecki)
Supplementary Text: The Departed (film, Martin Scorsese)
‘More than anything else, belonging is about finding a sense of place in the world.’ Do you agree? Argue your point of view, referring to at least one of Peter Skyrzynecki’s poems studied in class and one related text of your own choosing.

Good morning/afternoon teachers and fellow students. As I consider the concept of belonging I understand that we all feel the need to belong. The need to ‘fit in’, to feel wanted, accepted, secure. Just like food, water and shelter, belonging is a fundamental need, without it we no longer feel valued. This complex concept is essential to humans, it is more than a desire, it is a need. Being the age that you are, immediately makes you part of a group, whether you’re a baby boomer, gen X’er or gen Y’er, society already has a perceived perception of your identity. Every one of us desires to be associated with and accepted by those around them because knowing where we belong is crucial in knowing who we are, and where we find our sense of place in the world.

Belonging is explored in Peter Skryznecki’s poem “Migrant Hostel” and Martin Scorsese’ 2006 film “The Departed”. Through the use of literary and film techniques both texts successfully illustrate how belonging is integral to humanity and that it is physically, emotionally and intellectually needed for mankind to have companionship in order to find a sense of place in the world.  

Skryznecki’s “Migrant Hostel” talks about where he and his family spent living in after immigrating to Australia from Poland. He describes the unpleasant migrant journey indicating a sense of belonging as well as alienation.

E.g. 1 Simile is used in the lines “Nationalities sought each other out instinctively, like a homing pigeon”. This creates imagery of the migrants forging alliances, also a paradox is used in “pigeons”, as birds represent...