Cultural Encounters Are A Common Occurrence In Human History
Cultural Encounters Are A Common Occurrence In Human History Their Im
Cultural encounters are a common occurrence in human history. Their impact varies on cultures and individuals especially as they relate to questions of identity and self-worth. The cultural encounter in such a case becomes fundamental to one’s perception of oneself and the cultures to which s/he relates. Explore how cultural encounters are manifested in literary works, specifically short stories from An Anthology of Short Stories from Five Continents, with particular reference to “Bella makes Life” by Lorna Goodison. In the process of answering the TMA, you should make sure to include the below five sub questions: 1) How is the concept of cultural encounter treated in the short story ‘Bella Makes Life’? 2) Is the author, Lorna Goodison, aware of the cultural encounter theme? How does she manifest that awareness in terms of ideas and her selection of words? 3) Are the main characters of the short story aware of the cultural encounter theme? How does the author express their awareness? 4) What role do “clothes”, as treated in the short story, play in highlighting the theme of cultural encounter? 5) How is the final encounter between Joe and Ms. Blossom used to highlight the theme of cultural encounter in “Bella Makes Life”?
Paper For Above instruction
Cultural Encounters Are A Common Occurrence In Human History Their Im
Cultural encounters have played a significant role throughout human history, shaping societies, influencing individual identities, and fostering both conflict and understanding. Literature, as a mirror of society, often reflects these encounters, revealing their complexities and nuances. The short story “Bella Makes Life” by Lorna Goodison exemplifies the theme of cultural encounter through its vivid characters and symbolic elements. This paper explores how the concept manifests within the narrative, the author's awareness of it, character perceptions, symbolic use of clothing, and the significance of the final encounter to the overarching theme.
1. Treatment of Cultural Encounter in “Bella Makes Life”
In “Bella Makes Life,” the theme of cultural encounter is subtly woven into the fabric of the story through the interactions of characters and the symbolic significance of their clothing and environment. The protagonist, Bella, navigates her identity amid her cultural heritage and the influences of the external world. The story depicts her internal conflict and her engagement with various cultural symbols, especially clothing, which serve as physical representations of cultural identity and change. The narrative shows that cultural encounters are not static but involve negotiation, adaptation, and sometimes resistance. Bella’s interactions with her environment and her efforts to reconcile her internal cultural identity with external expectations highlight the ongoing process of cultural encounter.
2. The Author’s Awareness of the Cultural Encounter Theme
Lorna Goodison demonstrates a keen awareness of the cultural encounter theme through her poetic diction and vivid imagery. Her choice of words evokes a sense of tension between tradition and modernity, emphasizing the fluidity of cultural identity. Goodison’s language often juxtaposes traditional Jamaican cultural elements with contemporary influences, highlighting the ongoing negotiations involved in cultural encounters. Her use of metaphor and symbolism, especially in describing clothing and environments, manifests her understanding of cultural contact as complex and multilayered.
3. Awareness of Characters Regarding Cultural Encounter
The main characters, particularly Bella, are depicted as being conscious of their cultural surroundings. Bella’s internal dialogue and her engagement with her cultural symbols, such as clothing and rituals, suggest a deep awareness of her cultural identity. The author expresses this awareness through Bella’s reflective narration and her conscious choices, like wearing traditional attire, which serve as acts of cultural affirmation. Other characters may be less explicitly aware, but their actions and attitudes reflect varying degrees of recognition and negotiation of cultural identity. The story thus portrays characters as active participants rather than passive recipients in cultural encounters.
4. Role of Clothes in Highlighting the Theme of Cultural Encounter
Clothing in “Bella Makes Life” is a powerful symbol of cultural identity and change. Traditional garments represent cultural heritage, while modern attire signifies external influences and adaptation. The story uses clothes to embody the tension between these forces; for example, Bella’s choice to wear culturally significant attire during certain rituals underlines her connection to her roots. Conversely, when characters adopt Western-style clothing, it suggests engagement with external influences and sometimes, a loss or transformation of cultural identity. The detailed description of clothing emphasizes the ongoing negotiation between preserving tradition and embracing change—central to the theme of cultural encounter.
5. The Final Encounter Between Joe and Ms. Blossom
The culmination of the story, the encounter between Joe and Ms. Blossom, encapsulates the theme of cultural encounter by illustrating the intersection of different worlds and perspectives. Their interaction reveals underlying cultural tensions and mutual recognition, highlighting how cultural differences can lead to understanding or misunderstanding. The way they engage—through dialogue, gestures, or symbolic acts—serves as a metaphor for broader cultural exchanges. This final meeting underscores the ongoing process of cultural negotiation and the potential for harmony or conflict, making it a pivotal moment that encapsulates the story’s exploration of cultural encounters.
Conclusion
“Bella Makes Life” by Lorna Goodison effectively illustrates the multifaceted nature of cultural encounters through its characters, symbols, and narrative techniques. The author’s conscious awareness of the theme is reflected in her language and symbolism, while the characters' behaviors reveal their own engagement with cultural identity. Clothing, as a tangible symbol, underscores the negotiations involved in cultural contact. Ultimately, the final encounter encapsulates the ongoing dynamic of cultural exchange, emphasizing that cultural encounters are integral to human identity and societal development.
References
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