Peter Skrzynecki

How does the poem relate to live oning? How does the poet show this?
A faction of family, heritage and tillage shape who we are. It is by means of the morals and beliefs which we take a crap grown accustomed to since birth that guides us in life, providing us with a personalised identity. Skrzynecki’s Ancestors highlights one’s unavoidableness to be able to link themselves to their heritage and their past in order to attain a sense of belonging. Skrzynecki reveals his alienation through the use of symbols such as the use of a ‘ roofy’, further emphasising his isolation as he does not belong to the circle. He describes his ancestors as ‘faceless men’ as they protrude as strangers to him. In the poem, Skrzynecki attempts to relate himself to his ancestors, but in incapable of doing so.
Heritage, culture and religion are interrelated. They are also a few of many factors which helps direct us in our lives. It gives us acceptance from others and a sense of belonging. The persona alludes to biblical allusions, to the cardinal Wise Men and their journey to find Jesus Christ. The pencil lead is symbolic of their enlightenment, their guide which gives them a sense of direction.



The persona questions their footsteps and in conjunction with the symbolic use of a circle, symbolising the parapet created among the persona and his ancestors, further emphasises a barrier created between them, his lack of trust and misunderstanding.
A combination of family, heritage and culture shape who we are and provide us with our unique personal identity. Throughout the poem, conflicting desires from within the persona is evident; he wants to belong and be able to connect to them, yet he is unsure of how to do so. It is also apparent that misunderstanding and a lack of trust in those who are closest to you testament result in feelings of neglect and isolation.If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay



If you want to get a full essay, wisit our page: write my essay .