Migrant Hostel

Belonging explores the idea of rejection and alienation within a foreign society along with acceptance gained from like-minded individuals. This feeling of rejection and alienation in ‘Migrant Hostel’ is heightened by the imprisoning style of the hostels. The restrictive diction in the phrase “a barrier at the main gate sealed off the highway” denotes the sense of entrapment felt by the migrants. This is a physical, cultural and mental barrier, which represents the perceived attitude of the wider external society which creates a sense of self alienation and entrapment by acting as a constant reminder to themselves that they are not wanted, and this causes the profound feeling of contempt. The “highway”, is a metaphor for a sense of confident change which leads to the life opportunity of growth and enlightenment, but is restricted to those who possess an Australian identity. The personification of the gate, “as it rose and fell like a finger pointed in reprimand or shame”, highlighting the remorse and blame they feel as a result of their conflicting heritage. The ominous tone of the poem’s last lines, “that had only begun or were dying”, reinforces the restrictions imposed on the migrants, and implies the death and loss of the old; an old that may represent an old life, tradition, expectation, value or culture or an old way of thinking. Being withdrawn or isolated from the world or from a certain group or individual causes a lack of belonging, which can be damaging, as belonging is so central to one’s needs.
Despite the barriers, belonging is an emotional and/or physical connection to a place, cultural group and oneself, however, one may encounter various challenges to find a sense of identity. Peter Skryznecki in ‘Migrant Hostel’ explores the migrant’s sense of displacement in their Australian culture, because of their process of assimilation to maintain a predisposition to their old traditions and customs. Skryznecki uses the simile “like a homing pigeon” to show...