Q: How does Herrick develop ‘belonging’ as a theme in the simple gift? What does the novel say about this theme? A: Herrick says no matter where you belong, you will always be a part of something and belong somewhere. In the book ‘The Simple Gift’, Steven Herrick, which is the author of the book, is telling readers about the development of belonging. Herrick develops belonging as a thing and that is important. Herrick says that no matter where people belong, everybody will have a place to stay and be a part of life.
Herrick uses this belonging idea as an important part of life. Herrick uses Narrative perspective, language and characterisation to develop an idea on what belonging is. Herrick uses Narrative perspective as an important part of the book, he develops is by the use of 1st person poetry, and that people have different ideas or views from a perspective. Herrick, through the perspective of the story, clearly demonstrates that it is hard to belong.
When Herrick tells the story in the way he does, Herrick is trying to make a point of perspective. Herrick clearly shows this by the first person perspective. Herrick develops belonging with the combination of perspective and thought fullness. For example when Caitlyn and Billy meet for a date, Herrick makes the perspective of both of the characters very different. This quote clearly says that Caitlyn and Billy both feel a different side on what to do and what to feel for each other.
Herrick develops language in the book from the use of the different types of characters. Herrick demonstrates that people have different ideas of belonging, in the language ‘The Simple Gift has’ Herrick, through the language of the book/characters, clearly demonstrates that it is hard to belong. Herrick shows this by basing the theme of the book and the characters on their language and how they react with one another. Herrick shows that belonging is not dependent on what people look for.
Herrick is basing belonging as a thing, where people/characters of the story are being located and he shows it by the characters outlining the different elements on language and how it relates to belonging, for example Old Bill is based on a foul-headed guy, he swears at Billy for nothing, but just because he doesn’t care about anyone or other people. This quote/example explains the formal/unsatisfactory language the effect belonging has on this book. Herrick develops belonging as a theme to the use of characterisation, to demonstrate that each idea of belonging can be different to each individual.
Herrick, through the character of Billy, clearly explains/shows that it is hard to belong, especially when people are alone and with nobody. Herrick shows that belonging is based on not where the person lives, but also who their living with. For example Old Bill says ‘I watched the Old Sky until he was out of his sight and I looked up into the sky, the deep blue sky that Old Bill and I shared’, quoted from the character Billy, this example clearly shows that, It wasn’t supposed to be where It made him feel comfortable and look as though he belonged somewhere.
With Herrick saying about belonging, he says that if people do not live in a home or even if you live in the streets, no matter where people are, they still belong somewhere. In the Simple Gift, Steven Herrick points out the idea of belonging by the use of Narrative Perspective, Language and Characterisation. Herrick is trying to explain the ideas, I have previously stated. Herrick explains belonging as a natural place to be somewhere and a happy and fun place to be. Finally, Herrick is saying that belonging is very important and each individual should experience and be a part of belonging.
