Belonging Romulus My Father

An individuals concept of belonging may differ to that of someone else, this however, does not mean the one does not belong, nor does it mean one is greater than the other. ”Despite an individual’s desire to belong to a group or community, this is not always possible”. Those with differing views to someone else may take this view and, it is because of this varying attitude, that belonging is what you make it. This ideal may be further understood by studying and analysing “Romulus, my father” a memoir by Raymond Gaita, James Camerons “Avatar” and Shaun Tan’s “The lost Thing”. With a thorough analysis of these texts a deeper understanding of what it is to belong will be clear.
Shaun Tan’s “the Lost Thing” is an excellent text to help understand this ideal Tan’s colour use is a subtle example of juxtaposition that can be found throughout the text. The city scope is created using dull, drab greys and browns with the occasional dry, depressing red thrown in. These colours present the city as one of conformity and non-expression. Clashing with these dreary shades, is the creature with its vivid red. This vibrant splash of colour forces the creature to stand out. This contrast suggests the persona and creature do not belong, yet their facial expressions and body language suggest they are home in their environment. The use of juxtaposition highlights and supports the idea that belonging is what you make it.
Another subtle difference is Tan’s shape choice. The polar opposites of the cityscape against the creature are an example of Tan pushing the boundaries of belonging. While the cityscape is constructed with rigid, square components giving it a repetitive, unimaginative feel, the creature on the other hand, is formed using expressive, curvaceous and unique shapes to oppose the cityscape. Once again this shows that despite rejection from society, if you accept your differences and other people, then you belong, as belonging is what you make it
This societal rejection is...