In The Folk Museum Poem

823 Words4 Pages
Although belonging is about the desire of acceptance, a study of Peter Skrzynecki’s poetry and Von Trapped, depicts a compromise between one’s personal vision and the demands enacted by society. Whilst protagonists may be instinctively drawn to belonging, without a strong emotional, cultural and philosophical connection, they may suffer feelings of alienation and detachment. Evoking a sense of discomfort and disassociation, Skrzynecki’s poem ‘In the folk Museum’, explores the struggle of an individuals search for cultural certainty and emotional connection in order to belong. This positions Skrzynecki in a world where he can find no personal satisfaction. Skrzynecki’s feelings of estrangement are registered through the establishment of…show more content…
The first stanza suggests that he is unable to distinguish his ancestors through referencing them as “shadows” in “Who are these shadows” Skrzynecki’s inability to recognize his ancestors are is furthered in “faceless men”. The shadows enigmatic presence registers that although Skrzynecki’s ancestors are present to him their significance evades him. Through the use of visual imagery Skrzynecki emphasizes the overpowering and intimidating presence of his ancestors in “Standing shoulder to shoulder” The “Ancestors” ambiguous nature is explored through the use of rhetoric in “What secrets do they whisper in to the darkness”. The unnatural “their eyes never close” furthers their constricting presence. The shadows formidable presence is highlighted in “From the circle around you”. Skrzynecki’s search to understand their significance is expressed through his many questions. Skrzynecki is compelled to understand his ancestors looking at how they guide him towards a future and questioning how to connect to the past in “To what star do their footprints lead?” Skrzynecki is rendered speechless and his failure to connect is articulated in the simile “Your tongue dry as caked mud. The poet uses the unknowability of his ancestors to represent, his failure to connect with them and therefore ultimately his inability to
Open Document