The two comparative texts, Paradise of the Blind by Huong Thu Duong and Buchi Emecheta’s the Bride Price explicitly reflect changing values and perspectives of the modernistic 1970s and the post colonial era of the 1930s respectively. Through the exploration of familial and traditional values and the affect on the individual, the authors portray the struggle of the clash between tradition versus modernism. The books further reflect that an individual’s identity and their deeper understanding of the world can be investigated through the interactions of external forces and the bonds established within their community.
Duong and Emecheta notably explore family values as a beneficial force in attaining one’s place in society though can lead to …show more content…
Furthermore, in the exploration of traditional values and the depiction of the growing aspirations of new generations, especially of the coming of age female protagonists. Paradise of the Blind effectively executes the reality that transcends the outdated outlook of the communist revolution, the idea that tradition eliminates individuality, and the progressive deterioration of their way of life. Through the eyes of young Hang, the world is a haunting image of inhumanity and suffocation, the path becomes a race of determination, to survive with dignity. Duong depicts Hang’s struggle to satisfy those around her, “They all began to talk at once. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise, so I nodded mechanically, greeting them one after the other, moving my lips politely in silence.” (Huong, Paradise of the Blind, 2002, p. 151), the juxtaposition focuses on the continuous pleasing of others before herself, that led to the eventual lack of self discovery and happiness. Conclusively, the forceful upbringing between a devoted communist leader and a resentful aunt undoubtedly affects Hang’s impression on humanity, ultimately this leads to an utter numbness in Hang’s life, “But I no longer felt the stab of sadness, the despair that had weighed me down as a child.” (Huong, Paradise of the Blind, 2002, p. 174), the personification and emotive word choice accentuate that she has let go of her miseries and worries, no longer carrying the burden of other people. Henceforth, the use of tradition as a major role in the construction of psychological maturity is present explicitly in Paradise of the
Duong and Emecheta notably explore family values as a beneficial force in attaining one’s place in society though can lead to …show more content…
Furthermore, in the exploration of traditional values and the depiction of the growing aspirations of new generations, especially of the coming of age female protagonists. Paradise of the Blind effectively executes the reality that transcends the outdated outlook of the communist revolution, the idea that tradition eliminates individuality, and the progressive deterioration of their way of life. Through the eyes of young Hang, the world is a haunting image of inhumanity and suffocation, the path becomes a race of determination, to survive with dignity. Duong depicts Hang’s struggle to satisfy those around her, “They all began to talk at once. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise, so I nodded mechanically, greeting them one after the other, moving my lips politely in silence.” (Huong, Paradise of the Blind, 2002, p. 151), the juxtaposition focuses on the continuous pleasing of others before herself, that led to the eventual lack of self discovery and happiness. Conclusively, the forceful upbringing between a devoted communist leader and a resentful aunt undoubtedly affects Hang’s impression on humanity, ultimately this leads to an utter numbness in Hang’s life, “But I no longer felt the stab of sadness, the despair that had weighed me down as a child.” (Huong, Paradise of the Blind, 2002, p. 174), the personification and emotive word choice accentuate that she has let go of her miseries and worries, no longer carrying the burden of other people. Henceforth, the use of tradition as a major role in the construction of psychological maturity is present explicitly in Paradise of the