Elaborate on theme of "belonging." What is it?Elaborate on the theme of belonging, and if there are any good texts to read based on this theme it...

The theme of belonging is one found, most typically, in
adolescent literature. Given that many tees are trying to find their place and their
identity, this theme is very popular in literature geared towards this
group.

The theme is grounded in situtations which surround
alientaiton, bullying, estrangement, and internal weakness. That being said, the novels
examine situations which speak to common issues that teens
face.

Outside of the adolescent group, other novels meant
for adults deal with the same theme of finding a place for one's
self.

There are many novels which approach this them.
Typically the novels deal with one problem so as to flush out the concept completely for
the reader; other times, many issues are raised so as to define the existence of
multiple problems one faces in life and how to overcome them when one feels
overwhelmed.

A list of novels which contain the theme of
belonging are:

1. Of Mice and Men-
Steinbeck: This story speaks to the journey of two men who are looking for their place
in the world.

2. Speak- Anderson: This
story is the about a high school girl looking to find her place after being
raped.

3. Twisted- Anderson: This
novel is about a high school boy looking for his true place in life by being
"bad."

4. Monster- Myers: This novel
is about a boy who is charged with murder and trying to find out his place in the world
given all others are judging him based upon the fact he has been charged with a murder.
He feels as if he does not belong in the world given all see him as a
monster.

5. The Uglies series-
Westerfeld: These novels are about girls turning 16 and becoming pretty. The theme comes
from the fact that it takes a very specific period in a girl's life to
belong.

6. The Awakening- Chopin: A
story of a woman searching for herself and her place in the
world.

7. "Desiree's Baby" (short story)- Chopin: The story
of an adopted girl who has grown, married, and had a child. Desiree becomes an outcast
and feels as if she has no other choice but to remove herself from
society.