An orphan is a person who has lost both parents, either through death or abandonment, and is therefore left to fend for themselves without the guidance and support of a family. The theme of orphanhood has been a common one in literature and film, often used to explore themes of abandonment, loss, and the search for belonging.
One of the most famous examples of the orphan theme is the story of Oliver Twist, a young boy who is born into poverty and is eventually abandoned on the streets of London. Throughout the novel, Oliver struggles to find a sense of belonging and is frequently mistreated by those around him. Despite these hardships, he remains determined to find a place where he belongs and eventually finds a home with a group of reformed thieves.
Another well-known example of the orphan theme is the story of Harry Potter, a young boy who is orphaned at a young age and is raised by his abusive aunt and uncle. Despite being mistreated and neglected, Harry discovers that he is a powerful wizard and eventually finds a home at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Throughout the series, Harry struggles to come to terms with his past and find his place in the wizarding world, ultimately learning to embrace his identity as a powerful and capable individual.
The theme of orphanhood can also be seen in more contemporary works, such as the film "Lion," which tells the true story of Saroo Brierley, a young Indian boy who is separated from his family and ends up being adopted by an Australian couple. As an adult, Saroo becomes determined to find his way back to his birth family, using Google Earth and other resources to track down his hometown and eventually reunite with his long-lost mother.
Ultimately, the theme of orphanhood touches on universal themes of loss, belonging, and the search for identity. Whether through the experiences of Oliver Twist, Harry Potter, or Saroo Brierley, the stories of orphans serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding a sense of belonging in the world.
