Comparing ideas of displacement and belonging in the Edexcel Belonging anthology
I can identify similarities and differences between 'We Refugees', 'My Mother's Kitchen', and 'The Emigree'.
Comparing ideas of displacement and belonging in the Edexcel Belonging anthology
I can identify similarities and differences between 'We Refugees', 'My Mother's Kitchen', and 'The Emigree'.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Rumens, Zephaniah and Hardi all explore the impact of displacement on refugees and their sense of belonging.
- Zephaniah and Rumens may use language to reflect the hostile environment that refugees experience.
- In contrast, Hardi may be focusing on the upheaval and lack of purpose that displacement causes.
- Arguably, all three poems imply that displacement affects the refugees' connection to their heritage.
Keywords
Displacement - the action of moving something from its place or position
Belonging - a feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group
Refugee - a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution or natural disaster
Hostile - showing or feeling opposition or dislike; unfriendly
Heritage - the history, traditions, practices etc. of a particular country, society
Common misconception
That all types of negative feelings are the same.
There are nuances within negativity - some negative emotions might stem from fear, anger, jealousy or uncertainty.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Edexcel Belonging anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
The speaker is reminiscing about leaving her home as a child.
The speaker's mother is finally returning home.
The poem explores how easily we could all become refugees.