Skrzynecki reveals in Ancestors that he is developing a stronger sense of belonging with his family.
Techniques:
Rhetorical questions
The series of rhetorical questions dramatises and heightens Peter's sense of urgency to understand his relationship with his ancestors.
Setting
The alienating landscape in the setting of 'Mountains' and 'A moonlit plain / Of grasses and sand' enables Peter to clear his mind of complications and focus on his struggle.
Imagery
In the first stanza the visual imagery of 'shadows' and 'bearded, faceless men' are ambiguous as the shadows and men have no identity; thus, Peter feels unsatisfied. However, by the fifth stanza, 'their faces become clearer'.
Furthermore, Skrzynecki's use of gustatory imagery in the simile 'tongue dry / As caked mud' and in the personification 'wind tastes of blood' emphasises that his dream affects his senses.
This progression in imagery, from vague and haunting images to more specific and powerful ones, shows Peter's growing closeness to his ancestors.