Analysis of Peter Skrynecki´s Migrant Hostel and 10 Mary...

Through an individual’s intrinsic desire to develop meaningful connections with society, place or heritage, they forge their own sense of self-identity by overcoming the barriers in place. In Peter Skrzynecki’s poetry, particularly â€Å"Migrant Hostel† and â€Å"10 Mary Street† we witness an individual’s experience of segregation to eventual connection in the world they live. Skrzynecki’s insightful poem â€Å"Migrant Hostel† explores the notion of impermanence and uncertainty in an individual’s experience where stability is essential to develop an identity and sense of belonging. The poem illustrates the disorientating nature of a migrant hostel where the people within yearn for sanctuary in the Australian community. This idea is instantly reflected through the negative connotations in â€Å"no one kept count† representing a sense of anonymity in the atmosphere through a lack of individual significance. The enjambment and juxtaposition of the â€Å"comings† and â€Å"goings† highlights the transient and uncertain nature of the hostel environment where they were â€Å"left wondering who would be coming next†. The intrinsic desire of human nature to develop meaningful bonds with people that share similar adversities is displayed through simile and symbol of a â€Å"homing pigeon circling to get its bearings †. Furthermore, the alliteration in â€Å"memories of hunger and hate† convey their previous experiences hindering their search for harmony and permission into the broader community. This notion is further