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Analysis Of The Happiest Refugee

Decent Essays

Belonging to a person or group of people is the fundamental basis for happiness in life, bringing a sense of similitude, comfort, and safety, impacting on the choices you make and your life’s course. Two things that greatly influence an individual’s perspective of belonging are your family, and social status, as they can shape how a person perceives themselves, and ultimately how they perceive belonging. The heart-warming story of a Vietnamese refugee portrayed in the memoir “The Happiest Refugee” (2010) by Australian author and comedian Anh Do reveals how important an individual’s sense of belonging is, as it influences who you are, and what you will become. The bond between people who unconditionally love and support each other creates a powerful sense of belonging and safety that empowers individuals to never give up, no matter what the circumstance. When Anh was on the boat from his previous home of Vietnam, it was attacked by a band of pirates who threatened to take his baby brother Khoa’s life in the absence of valuables such as gold. However, his father had no intention of letting this happen, and shouted “‘We must save the child! We will fight to the death to SAVE THE CHILD!’”. The capital letters and repetition of the phrase emphasise the power conveyed by the words, creating a stressful tone that highlights the urgency of the situation. When Anh’s father shouts “‘SAVE THE CHILD’”, the audience realises the profound love that he felt for his son, and was willing to

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