Belonging comes from an understanding, or knowing, that an external sense of being comes from an internal sense of connection and security . This critical analysis will describe how the text “Stolen” by Jane Harrison relates to the concept of belonging. Stolen is a play that tells the story of five indigenous children who were stolen from their families and forced to grow up in institutions, following the European way of life. Children were separated from their community and treated inferiorly. Their value was considered minimal and useful only to Europeans as slaves. “Stole” is an example of not belonging to the environment in which one lives. Children are robbed of their parents, their culture and traditions, and their homelands to which they belong. They are forced to live in institutions that are unfamiliar to them, where they are stripped of their culture and forced to live in the European way. They have no place in institutions, which has a negative impact on their lives. The piece “Stolen” gives emotional resonance to a political issue. The emotional power comes from the stories told. The purpose of the play “Stolen” was to raise awareness of the trials and tribulations that Aboriginal people have faced and still face. The play chronicles the experiences of many indigenous children forced into institutional care. For many Aboriginal people, the term “stolen” was also used as a tool of mourning. By telling their stories, they were able to let go of part of their past and gain security in knowing that their voices were heard. Many Aboriginal people have struggled to recall their childhood memories, but revealing their past publicly has brought comfort to many. "Stolen" demonstrates to society...... middle of paper ...... that it is based on real events that happened in Australian history. “Stolen” is a compilation of true facts and real events regarding stolen indigenous children, combined in the lives of five indigenous people. “Stolen” demonstrates children’s need to belong. It depicts the stories of the Stolen Generation and the struggles and trials they face. Through symbolism, the lives and belonging of five children are expressed. The Stolen Generation belonged to their families and not to institutions. Force through power leads to a lack of belonging in children's lives. They had no understanding of what was going to happen and were disconnected from the heritage. They remained isolated and alone. In their hearts, they were connected to their family, but outwardly, their being was created by authority figures. Works Cited Stolen, by Jane Harrison