The concept that connection to a place can create a sense of security, comfort and contentment and develop relationships, forging a sense of belonging is exploring in ‘As you like it’ through juxtaposition of the court, a place of darkness and threat, to the Forest of Arden, which is a biblical illusion to the Garden Of Eden. After the first act, situated in the court, where characters are banished and there is no sense of security or comfort, Act 2 takes place in the Forest, where Duke Senior is making his opening speech. “Now my Co-mates and Brothers in Exile” is the introduction, and already the audience feels safe and comfortable, as a sense of unity is provided. This juxtaposition sets up the idea that the forest is a place of belonging, where everyone is united and has a connection to a place. As Duke Senior speaks, he says, “Which like a toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head...” This metaphor states that unsuspected happiness was found in the forest of exile (the jewel).
Through this established connection to place, relationships develop such as the reunion of Oliver and Orlando, as Oliver is transformed through the forest’ magic. He says, ‘I do not shame to tell you what I was, since my conversion so sweetly tastes, being the thing I am”. Shakespeare uses these techniques and quotes to explore the concept that a connection to a place can bring a sense of belonging as relationships develop, creating a sense of security, comfort and contentment.
The picture in Shaun Tan’s picture book, “The red tree” also explores this concept of belonging coming from a connection to place and relationships to create a sense of security, comfort and contentment. Instead of encouraging this, as Shakespeare did, Tan highlights the consequences of not having these connections and the lack of belonging that the young girl is faced with. Many characters are in the image, but no relationship is created between them. Everyone is alone, turning their backs on those around them. The only connection is between 2 characters holding hands, juxtaposing with the young girl, who is completely alone. This presents a stark contrast, as she has no connections to the place, no sense of security and comfort, as shown through her posture and position in the image. It highlights the concept that not having these connections leaves one feeling isolated in society, with no identity and a lack of belonging, as shown through the lack of connections.
The symbolism of the fish with the gaping mouth and tear highlights her despair and loneliness, as a result of this lack of connections. It is hovering over her, symbolising the emotions always over her, becoming a burden. It forces her to be isolated, leaving her to question her identity, which is not flourishing as she lacks connections to a place, the development of relationships and a sense of security and comfort.
The film, “The Rabbit Proof fence” relates to the in-depth concept of belonging in ‘As you like it’ through the exploration of connection to place, especially in Indigenous Culture. In the first scene, the aerial camera shot moving over the wide landscape with the voiceover of Molly, “Our people, the Jigalong people, we were desert people then, walking all over our land,” explores the concept of connection to land creating a sense of belonging. The use of 1st person creates a personal and strong sense of connection to land. The connection is made clear, before it is taken away, emphasising the sens eof belonging it brings, as they feel a sense of comfort, security and contentment at the beginning.
As well as a connection to place, I was challenged at the barriers that can prevent an individual to belong, as these were highlighted in ‘As you like it’. The gender expectations are one factor that creates a barrier, preventing one from expressing their true identity, as their gender provides social expectations, creating their identity. Here, I cannot imagine one’s sense of contentment and comfort being found. Shakespeare uses this play to challenge this idea through Rosalind who cross-dresses as Ganymede in the forest. Dramatic irony is used, as the audience knows that Ganymede is Rosalind, but Orlando doesn’t. This allows her to step out of her social expectations and grow in her true identity, highlighting the barrier of gender expectations that prevented her from belonging before.
Barriers that prevent belonging are also present in ‘Rabbit Proof Fence’. The culture of the indigenous people prevents them from belonging to the white society, as they are persecuted and seen as inferior because of their race. The shot of the three aboriginal girls in a cage on a train symbolises their treatment like animals, not humans, because of their race. They do not have a sense of security and comfort as their identity is being taken way from them, forging the environment for lack of belonging.
I am convinced Shakespeare continues to deliver deep and thought-provoking plays with hidden messages that keep being revealed, centuries after they were written. Belonging has been interwoven in the cleverest way, encouraging students like me to delve deep and continually gain knowledge and wisdom. Now the question remains, do you belong?
