Identity Theme in the Rugmaker of Mazar-E-Sharif - 1605 Words

Rugmaker of Mazar-E-Shariff By James Petherick Essay Question: Analyse how an idea is developed in a text (or texts) you have studied In the text, The Rugmaker of Mazar-E-Shariff, written by Robert Hillman and Najaf Mazari, an idea which is developed is identity. We can see this idea developing through the character ,Najaf Mazari. He begins living in the worn torn country of Afghanistan, then he becomes a refugee at the Woomera Detention centre and finally his visa is accepted and he begins a new life in Melbourne. His identity is developed due to these circumstances and environments he finds himself in. We first see Najaf’s identity develop while he is living in Shar Shar and Mazar-E-Shariff, in Afghanistan. His identity is developed†¦show more content†¦According to the UNHCR, three million refugees make this journey annually. The next stage of Najaf’s development in identity is when he makes the dangerous but successful journey to Australia and is transferred to the Woomera Detention Camp, in South Austr alia. His identity is developed, shaped and changed due to the different Rugmaker of Mazar-E-Shariff By James Petherick circumstances he encounters whilst in Woomera. The first development in Najaf’s identity is brought upon by the racial the tension amongst the refugees in the camp. An example of this, is during food service when the person serving the food favours his fellow countrymen and gives them more food than other ethnicities. We see Najaf stand up to this circumstance and solve the problem by himself serving the food to ensure even amounts are given to everybody. His decision to stop the racial tension, which could escalate to a fight, is based on his identity he had back in Afghanistan and how he strongly disliked conflict and his Muslim beliefs. The way that the Woomera detention centre is like â€Å"Mars† to Najaf is a also a circumstance which leads to a development in his identity. The customs, ways of life and traditions in Australia, are totally different to what Najaf experienced while living in Afghanistan. An example of this is shown in the text, as Najaf states †Å" In my country we bake our own bread, here in Australia big factories bake the bread, then put in plastic bags... It does not