A sense of belonging is integral to the development of one’s identity. However, this is an oversimplification of what constitutes to the development of one’s identity. Both belonging and identity complement one another, thus if one is unable to belong, then their ability to form and relate with their identity is compromised. It is only through finding a sense of identity, that contentment can be achieved, thus, belonging enriched. Within the Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy as you like it, and Fredrick McCubeen’s painting the pioneer, audiences are able to gauge that one cannot develop their identity if they do not belong. It is through the implementation of various literary and visual techniques that varying states of belonging to family and community are communicated, resulting in identity being shaped or not shaped.
A sense of belonging to family within As You Like It is integral to the development of a characters identity. Afilial conflict within the play is depicted through the relationship of Orlando and Oliver. This relationship has been contrasted through the relationship shared between Rosalind and Celia. Through the use of resentful tone as well as prose, audiences are able to glean that if one is unable to belong, then identity is compromised. In Orlando stating “I speak but brotherly of him” the audience is able to determine that they share anything but a “brotherly” relationship, thus due to their inability to connect and recognize each other as brothers, neither can truly belong in a family context. This results in a pathos of isolation for orlando, and he therefore experiences a weakened identity. It is through the mutual understanding of core values that belonging is enriched, thus shaping ones identity. Exemplified through the relationship of celia and roslind, and it is clear that the foundation for each girls sense of belonging is provided by one another, hence each girl is fueling the others sense of identity. The use of prose allows audiences...