The homecoming

Definition

The homecoming refers to the return of a character or characters to their place of origin or a familiar environment, often serving as a moment of reflection and resolution in a narrative. This concept can explore themes of identity, belonging, and the changes that occur over time, while also revealing the underlying absurdities and surreal elements present in human existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In many narratives, the homecoming serves as a pivotal moment that forces characters to confront their past decisions and relationships.
2. The portrayal of the homecoming can highlight the absurdity of life, as characters may find that their previous notions of home have drastically changed or become irrelevant.
3. Surrealist influences often manifest during the homecoming, with scenes characterized by unexpected events or illogical circumstances that challenge the characters' perceptions of reality.
4. The theme of homecoming can evoke strong emotions, such as nostalgia, regret, or disillusionment, reflecting the complexities of returning to one's roots.
5. In absurdist works, the homecoming may culminate in a realization that traditional notions of family and belonging are fundamentally flawed or unattainable.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of homecoming challenge traditional notions of identity and belonging in narratives?
  • The concept of homecoming challenges traditional notions of identity and belonging by presenting characters with a stark contrast between their past expectations and present realities. When they return home, they often confront changes that have occurred both within themselves and their environment. This can lead to feelings of alienation or disconnection from what they once considered familiar, ultimately highlighting the fluidity of identity and how it evolves over time.
• Discuss how absurdist elements are incorporated into the theme of homecoming in literature and theater.
  • Absurdist elements are often woven into the theme of homecoming by depicting characters who return to a setting filled with illogical occurrences and chaotic relationships. The incongruities faced during their return can reflect the absurdity of their situation, illustrating that life does not follow a predictable narrative. Characters may experience surreal interactions that emphasize their inability to reconnect with their past selves, underscoring the inherent meaninglessness in trying to return to a 'home' that no longer exists.
• Evaluate the significance of surrealism in shaping the emotional landscape during a character's homecoming journey.
  • Surrealism significantly shapes the emotional landscape during a character's homecoming by transforming familiar settings into uncanny environments filled with bizarre imagery and unpredictable events. This distortion enhances emotional tension, forcing characters to navigate their complex feelings about returning home. The surreal aspects serve to heighten the contrast between expectations and reality, ultimately leading characters to confront deeper truths about their identities and relationships, as well as prompting reflections on what 'home' truly means in a world full of absurdity.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that emphasizes the inherent meaninglessness of life, often depicted through illogical situations and nonsensical events in literature and theater.

Surrealism: An artistic movement that seeks to challenge the conventional perception of reality by blending dream-like imagery with bizarre elements, creating a sense of the uncanny.

Identity Crisis: A period of uncertainty and confusion in which an individual questions their sense of self, often triggered by significant life changes or experiences.