In the selection "The Literature of the Middle East and South Asia," Laura Winkiel states that stories from this region help us understand the complex questions that Middle Easterners and South Asian people ask as they stand at a crossroads of cultural and religious change. This statement particularly applies to the story "The Red Candle." In this story, the protagonist, Mariam, finds herself at a crossroads as she struggles to navigate the conflicting expectations of her community and her own desires.
Mariam is a young woman from a conservative Muslim family living in Pakistan. The society around her is undergoing rapid modernization, with changes in culture and religious practices. Mariam is torn between the traditional expectations placed on her as a woman and the desire to pursue her education and career. She wants to fit into the modern world but also feels a deep sense of obligation to her family and community.
This crossroads is illustrated through the conflict Mariam faces when she develops feelings for a non-Muslim man named John. Her family and community would strongly disapprove of this relationship, as interfaith marriages are not accepted. Mariam is forced to confront the clash between her own desires and the expectations placed on her by her society.
Another example of a crossroad in this story is Mariam's internal struggle with her own faith. She questions the teachings and beliefs she has grown up with and begins to explore different philosophies and ideologies. This existential crisis further contributes to the complex questions she faces as she stands at the crossroads of cultural and religious change.
The story's setting, taking place in Pakistan during a time of rapid change and modernization, creates a mood of tension and uncertainty. The details of weather, place, and time help convey this mood. The story is set in the hot and dusty streets of Lahore, a city facing the clash of tradition and progress. The heat and dust add to the stifling atmosphere Mariam finds herself in, as she tries to navigate the expectations and conflicts of her society.
In conclusion, "The Red Candle" exemplifies the complex questions Middle Easterners and South Asian people ask as they stand at a crossroads of cultural and religious change. The story highlights the struggle of its protagonist, Mariam, as she faces conflicting aspirations and expectations. The setting of the story further enhances the theme of tension and uncertainty. The story serves as a lens through which readers can gain insights into the challenges faced by individuals in these regions as they grapple with change and tradition.
Respond in a well-organized essay, and make sure your answer is written in complete sentences.
Respond to one of the questions below. Include at least two supporting details or examples.
A. In “The Literature of the Middle East and South Asia,” Laura Winkiel writes: “These stories help us to understand the complex questions that Middle Easterners and South Asian people ask as they stand at a crossroads of cultural and religious change.” Explain how this statement applies to one of the selections you read. Be sure to include the title of the selection and explain the crossroads that it illustrates.
B. Setting and mood are important elements in many of the stories in this unit. Choose one story and describe some aspects of its setting: where it takes place; what mood is created by the details of weather, place, and time; and how this setting helps to convey the theme of the story.
C. What did you learn about the role of women in the societies described in the reading selections in this unit? Describe how the women cope with the conflicts they encounter.
Note: If you respond to essay (C), you may not choose the similar essay in the Unit 3 Unit Test.
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MAKE IT SHORT
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MAKE IT SHORTER
"The Red Candle" is a story that exemplifies the complex questions Middle Easterners and South Asian people ask as they face cultural and religious change. The protagonist, Mariam, is at a crossroads as she navigates conflicting expectations and desires. The setting of the story, taking place in Pakistan during a time of rapid modernization, creates a mood of tension and uncertainty. The story provides insights into the challenges faced by individuals in these regions as they confront change and tradition.
DO C
"The Red Candle" shows the complex questions faced by Middle Eastern and South Asian people in the midst of cultural and religious change. Mariam, the protagonist, must navigate conflicting expectations and desires. The setting in Pakistan during a time of rapid modernization creates a mood of uncertainty. The story sheds light on the challenges individuals in these regions face in reconciling tradition and progress.
1 answer