In the short story ‘Mate’ written by Kate Grenville, the idea of not belonging is clearly explored. The story reveals a situation where Will Bashford goes to broad extents to fit in the small country town of Boolowa. The composer suggests that we can change our appearance but may not guarantee or alter our sense of belonging. This is evident through the use of imagery in the opening sentence. This depicts an image of a stereotypical farmer trying too hard to alter his appearance. Colloquial language is also used throughout the poem in ‘’city bugger’’, ‘’bloke’’ and ‘’no-hoper’’to identify the group as country Australians and include the reader as they recognise the known slang, the colloquial language unites the group and leaves a sense of belonging but also excludes Will Bashford.
Furthermore the concept of not belonging is evident in the effective use of repetition of ‘’rain’’ in a mocking tone highlights Will’s ignorance and naivety and reinforces the drought that the rural area is experiencing which accentuates Will’s further attempts to fit in amongst the bush talk. Allusion in the poem through ‘’Dorethea Mackellar’s poem: My Country’’ develops the concepts of love and passion for your own country as well as aligning the reader with Will Bashford who overtly tries to fit in. The short story Mate insightfully considers the concept of not belonging through the idea that we can change our appearance but it may not guarantee or alter our sense of belonging. Mate Emily Preece-Dwyer
In the short story ‘Mate’ written by Kate Grenville, the idea of not belonging is clearly explored. The story reveals a situation where Will Bashford goes to broad extents to fit in the small country town of Boolowa. The composer suggests that we can change our appearance but may not guarantee or alter our sense of belonging. This is evident through the use of imagery in the opening sentence. This depicts an image of a stereotypical farmer trying too hard to alter his appearance. Colloquial language is also used throughout the poem in ‘’city bugger’’, ‘’bloke’’ and ‘’no-hoper’’to identify the group as country Australians and include the reader as they recognise the known slang, the colloquial language unites the group and leaves a sense of belonging but also excludes Will Bashford.
Furthermore the concept of not belonging is evident in the effective use of repetition of ‘’rain’’ in a mocking tone highlights Will’s ignorance and naivety and reinforces the drought that the rural area is experiencing which accentuates Will’s further attempts to fit in amongst the bush talk. Allusion in the poem through ‘’Dorethea Mackellar’s poem: My Country’’ develops the concepts of love and passion for your own country as well as aligning the reader with Will Bashford who overtly tries to fit in. The short story Mate insightfully considers the concept of not belonging through the idea that we can change our appearance but it may not guarantee or alter our sense of belonging.
