Compare The Depictions Of Parents In At Least Four Articles

Compare The Depictions Of Parents Inat Least Four 4of The Assigned W

Compare the depictions of parents in at least four (4) of the assigned works in the unit, “Reading and Writing about Families.” For this test, you may use your textbook and MLL resources, but you may not use outside research. Be sure to organize your essay around a clear thesis statement and offer specific examples to support your ideas. Use MLA format. Use in-text citations. Use present tense when writing about literature. Essays should be at least 500 words/ 2-3 pages in length.

Paper For Above instruction

The depiction of parents in literature offers a compelling lens through which to examine the evolving understanding of family dynamics, cultural expectations, and individual identities. In analyzing four assigned works from the unit “Reading and Writing about Families,” it becomes evident that portrayals of parents are complex and multifaceted, reflecting diverse societal norms and personal struggles. This essay explores these depictions, highlighting differences and similarities to illustrate the broader themes of authority, nurturing, conflict, and cultural influence embedded in parental portrayals.

Firstly, examining the work by Sherman Alexie, “The Only Traffic Signal on the Reservation Doesn’t Flash,” reveals a nuanced portrayal of a Native American father figure. Alexie presents a paternal character grappling with the societal limitations imposed on his community and personal aspirations. The father is depicted as authoritative yet caring, embodying a protective instinct amidst adversity. His relationship with his son underscores themes of resilience, cultural heritage, and the struggle to reconcile traditional values with contemporary realities (Alexie, 1993). This depiction highlights the emotional complexity inherent in parental figures who serve as both guardians and symbols of cultural continuity.

Contrasting this, Jhumpa Lahiri’s “Interpreter of Maladies” offers a different perspective on parental roles, emphasizing emotional distance and cultural dissonance. The parents in Lahiri’s story are characterized by their quiet, restrained approach to parenting, often overshadowed by their concerns about maintaining cultural identity in a foreign land. Their relationship with their children, particularly in the context of marriage and cultural expectations, illustrates a more subdued depiction of parental authority and nurturing. Lahiri demonstrates how cultural conflicts influence parental behavior, often resulting in a disconnect between parents and children but also highlighting subtle moments of affection and understanding (Lahiri, 1999).

In the works of Alice Walker, notably “Everyday Use,” the depiction of a mother’s relationship with her children reveals themes of empowerment, cultural pride, and divergent parenting styles. Walker’s mother is portrayed as pragmatic and protective, yet also proud of her roots and suspicious of her children’s aspirations that conflict with her values. The story underscores the tension between traditional parenting grounded in cultural heritage and the desire for children to forge their identities independently. Walker’s portrayal emphasizes that parenting involves both nurturing and governing, shaped by cultural identity and personal experiences (Walker, 1973).

Finally, in the novel “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls, the depiction of parental figures diverges significantly, portraying a tumultuous and sometimes neglectful relationship between parents and children. Walls’ parents are depicted as flawed individuals whose unconventional lifestyles and personal struggles impact their children’s lives. Despite their shortcomings, Walls’ narrative also emphasizes resilience and the capacity for forgiveness and understanding. The complex depiction underscores that parental love can manifest in various forms, including sacrifice and mutual growth, even amidst chaos and dysfunction (Walls, 2005).

In conclusion, these four works collectively demonstrate that depictions of parents in literature are multifaceted and culturally embedded. Whether portrayed as resilient protectors, emotionally distant figures, proud cultural custodians, or flawed but loving individuals, each narrative reveals how parenting reflects broader societal values and personal identities. These representations challenge simplistic notions of family and highlight the nuanced realities of parental relationships, emphasizing that depictions of parents are as diverse as the families they represent.

References

Alexie, Sherman. “The Only Traffic Signal on the Reservation Doesn’t Flash.” The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, Grove/Atlantic, 1993.

Lahiri, Jhumpa. “Interpreter of Maladies.” The New Yorker, 1999.

Walls, Jeannette. The Glass Castle. Scribner, 2005.

Walker, Alice. “Everyday Use.” The Library of America, 1973.