One of the major themes explored in literature is the idea of belonging. It can either create a feeling of warmth and home or it can do the polar opposite and raise the idea of loneliness and the feeling of being outcast. Each idea of belonging helps to draw the audience in and create a type of relationship between the text and person. The idea of belonging doesn't just have to be an idea, anyone can belong if they truly try. Aspects of belonging can be seen throughout the poetry of Peter Skrzynecki, particularly in 'Feliks Skrzynecki' and 'Migrant Hostel' as well as 'The Breakfast Club' directed by John Hughes. Both Peter Skrzynecki and John Hughes demonstrate just how important the ideas and aspects of belonging are in literature and how they help bring the feeling alive. .
In Peter Skrzynecki poem 'Feliks Skrzynecki' the narrator tries to belong to a country he never knew and only belongs in the aspects which have been unknowingly passed down to him, by his bloodline and heritage. It also shows the sense of the father and son belonging to each other. On the surface he seems to fit in with Australia having immersed himself into the culture however has a deep connection with his polish heritage and Poland itself. This is shown in the cliche "Kept pace only with the Joneses of his own minds making," This shows the sense of belonging to Australia is only surface deep as it uses an Australian Idiom. The second half of the quote displays his choice to not belong to the culture and that he chooses his own standards. Individuality. .
In contrast to this sense of not belonging , it shows the close relationship between Peter and his father, Feliks, "My gentle father." This quote shows Peter's attitude towards his father has a soft and gentle nature. Originally this personal pronoun depicts the closeness between them, but as the cultural ties prove to weaken and the alienation he feels towards his father's heritage.