Identity Is Innate to the Notion of Affinity

"Identity is innate to the notion of affinity"

It is not the comfort of affinity, rather the endeavour to belong that shapes one's identity and sculpts the perceptions required to contemplate the true notion of acceptance.

Raimond Gaita's Romulus my father and Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands depict the feeling of isolation juxtaposed by a warm and secure sense of affiliation. This is in contrast to the apathetic mood in W H Auden's poem Refugee Blues.

RMF accounts a boy's changing impressions of his father. Gaita details how the positives and the few negatives of Romulus' character inadvertently shape his identity. Vivid imagery of lush European forests reflects Romulus feeling ill at ease with the "barren Australian landscape". However, through his endeavour to belong and through the perceptions acquired from relationships, he moulds his identity in accordance to the situations he faces.

In the realization of his love for Raimond and Hora, Romulus develops a stable identity that aids his connection with his family and in turn, the Australian way of life. The juxtaposition of this notion of acceptance through the connection with his loved ones to the initial isolation provides him with security and establishes a stable identity.

Extended irony juxtaposes this to Christina's sense of isolation in Australia. Her attained artificial "comfort in the company of men" ultimately prevents her from developing an independent and secure identity. Through irony, juxtaposed to Romulus, she remains lost in solitary confinement

With a strong first person portrayal, Raimond gradually transforms his own identity from a dependent and impressionable child to a mature open minded individual. "...the truth was that i virtually had no interest in farm, preferring to read." reflects the formation of Raimond's own independent identity that gives him a sense of security and comfort. His attempt to contemplate the true notion of acceptance is rewarded in a better relationship with Hora and Romulus that shapes his character, developing a sense of affinity with most of the people in his life. Raimond's character is a true instance of how a strong identity aids the path to a sense of belonging.

In stark contrast, RB develops a sense of apathy, depicting the German Jewish expatriates developing an unhealthy, inclusive identity. Their perceptions of society remain confined to disgust due to the oppression. Auden's use of inclusive language with words such as "ours" and "we" coupled with the lethargic tone throughout the poem draws empathy from the reader. Furthermore, it underpins the notion of isolation and the insecurity. The need to shape identity and perceptions to locate a sense of belonging within