Belonging

‘An individual’s interaction with others and the world around them can enrich or limit their experience of belonging’

Discuss this view with detailed reference to your prescribed text and one other related text of your own choosing.

The concept of belonging dates back to Ancient Greece, during which Aristotle referred to this basic drive as an ‘impulse to form partnership that is present in all men by nature.’ Similarly, Abraham Maslow’s hierarchical model of human needs accentuates humanity’s instinctive and psychological desire to associate with and to be well regarded by our peers. An individual’s state of congruity is two-fold. While the ramifications associated with dissention can undermine one’s sense of belonging, this feeling of alienation acts as a precondition to overcoming the challenges one faces. Therefore inspiring a well-constructed and refined self-perception. William Shakespeare’s 17th century play As You Like It in correlation with Jodi Picoult’s novel My Sister’s Keeper are both timeless representations of the way in which belonging prevails in all facets of life. Both composer’s essentially reveal that ‘an individual’s relationship with others can enrich or limit their experience of belonging’ and this notion is extended by means of dramatic techniques such as irony, characterisation and dialogue as well as literary techniques such as first person, imagery and personification.

It is the fractured and disconnected family relationships that in essence foster a sense of dislocation, therefore igniting a multitude of psychological ramifications. The protagonist of Shakespeare’s play, Orlando, shares a relationship with his brother, Oliver that can be likened to the intense and strained relationship evident between Kate and Anna. Oliver’s ruthless nature, when juxtaposed with Orlando’s gentle nature, is exhibited through the use of animal imagery, ‘his horses are bred better for.’ This imparts that Orlando is greatly affected by his...