An individual’s identity is shaped by the way they perceive their connections with others

and the world around them. How is this view represented in your prescribed text and one
other related text of your own choosing?
Our idea of belonging and acceptance can emerge from connections made with other
people and the larger world. Belonging is a complex and abstract concept which provides us
with happiness and security. It is a fundamental human need to be intrigued in order to
know the answers to things and find our sense of acceptance. This premise is explored
through Joseph Conrad’s book, ‘Heart of Darkness’, and Hayao Miyazaki’s film, ‘Howl’s
moving castle’. Each of the texts has a wide range of ideas on how belonging is formed
through connections made with other people and the world.
Connecting ourselves with the rest of the world is one integral part of how we define
ourselves. The theme of identity is demonstrated through Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’. ‘At
that time there were many blank spaces on the earth, and when I saw one… I had a
hankering after’ tells us Marlow wants to fill the blank spaces in Africa on the map by
discovering and travelling around the whole continent. The use of hyphen indicates his
desire to explore the world and reveals his wants to truly feel where he belongs by
understanding his surroundings. Throughout the novel, first person narration is used but
the narrator remains anonymous. This use of first person narration allows us to relate to the
character’s inner thoughts. Therefore, we generate compassion towards the natives
because they are treated inhumanely by the Europeans. ‘No warning voice of a kind
neighbour can be heard by the whispering of public opinion?’ depicts that long time of
isolation can alter the condition of a human being, which also implies that belonging is an
intrinsic desire for individuals. Conrad used poetic language to give a clear visual of the
physical setting inside and outside of Africa, for example, ‘the sun set; the dusk fell on the
stream. This use of imagery depicts Marlow’s experience away from home and again
displaying how belonging is an intrinsic desire for individuals.
Similarly, the concept of belonging is again interpreted in the animated movie ‘Howl’s
moving castle’. The motif of home is explicit. The witch of the waste living in the middle of a
totally empty wasteland is completely isolated. The juxtaposition with the great magician,
Howl who loves his friends and family living in a moving castle is a contrast. The approach of
belonging is clear here as both characters show the audience that belonging is an intrinsic
desire for human beings, which is a notion mentioned in ‘Heart of Darkness’. Miyazaki uses
a medium shot to show the audience Howl’s relationship with Sophie during the bombing
attack on Sophie’s home. This shot symbolises his love for Sophie and will do whatever it
takes to protect her. Also, showing successful relationships between people will encompass
caring, compassion, empathy, a sense of having a place in the world, being part of a
community and feeling accepted. Sophie said ‘its …you’re scaring me. I have this weird
feeling you’re going to leave. Howl, tell me what’s going on! Please. I don’t care if you’re a
monster’ to express her concern and love for Howl, showing that human beings are
constantly and simultaneously work to fulfil their needs to find a sense of acceptance. In
the scene where Howl turns into a monster, a close up shot is used to further demonstrate
their love as Sophie kisses him. She doe not care what Howl looks like illustrating the affinity
of the couple and their intangible desire to belong. Non-diegetic sound is used throughout
the movie. The soft and gentle soundtrack creates a melancholy mood for the experience
away from home and displays the similar idea of belonging being an intrinsic desire for
individuals in Heart of Darkness.

Belonging is a complex and abstract concept which provides us with happiness, security and
forms a greater sense of self. An individual’s identity can be adjusted from connections
made with other people and the larger world. This instinctive human need is exhibited
through Joseph Conrad’s book, ‘Heart of Darkness’ and Hayao Miyazaki’s film, ‘Howl’s
moving castle’. The analysis of these two texts inquire ideas of belonging that is an intrinsic
human need and ultimately, relationships with people and the world are the connections
where individuals find the truest sense that they belong.