Looking for a way to approach this question by using the text Romulus My Father.
'Understanding nourishes belonging... a lack of understanding prevents it.'
So far thinking that I could maybe focus on understanding the land which allows Raimond to 'belong', and understanding his family to 'belong'.
Any other ideas?
You could also link the understanding with the notion of acceptance, which to a large extent does influence whether someone belongs- migrants were "tolerated but seldom accorded the respect they deserved;" this is why it is hard for Romulus and the other migrants to forge a sense of belonging with the Australian community. Romulus and other migrants also cannot belong because they cannot adapt to the landscape- "Though the Australian landscape is one of rare beauty, to the European eye it seems desolate..."
You could also talk about acceptance, or rather the lack of acceptance and understanding which ensures that Christina can never belong to Australian society- "She could not settle in a dilapidated farmhouse in a landscape that only heightened her isolation." And her vivacity and failings as a mother is starkly contrasted with Romulus's moral worth and dignity; "My father's devoted care of me contrasted obviously with her neglect and this fuelled hostility towards her." Ostracised by the Australian community, Christina cannot belong.
Hope this helps
