How does society influence an individuals perception of himself? How does it influence an individuals perception of others?
The protagonist in Slaughterhouse Five is not effected by society's influences. Billy lives a weak and pathetic life by Earth's societal standards and does not adhere to their norm's at all. However, he is still greatly influenced by the Tralfmadorian's "society." Whether the Tralfmadorian world actually exists, or is just a fictional product of Billy's imagination, he chooses to follow the way they live. By doing so, Billy is almost directly disputing Earth's societal norms. Vonnegut is satirically drawing attention to the fact that society is emotionally disconnected from life by portraying Billy in this manner.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Beloved
How does society influence an individuals perception of himself? How does it influence an individuals perception of others?
In Toni Morrison's Beloved, Sethe's perception of herself is molded by her past experiences as a slave. Every one of her future actions and thoughts are made through the lens of a former slave. Without having lived the terrible live as an enslaved being, Sethe would have never made the decision to kill her own children. In a sense, she committed that act of violence because she believed that death was a more favorable option to enslavement. Sethe simply wished to hurt her children "lovingly" before the slave owners could do it violently. The novel documents Sethe's recovery from slavery and the transition into becoming her own true identity. This recovery is necessary because her perception of herself as a slave, and as a survivor rather than an individual, is as detrimental as it is lasting, and it is a direct influence from the society of that time.
In Toni Morrison's Beloved, Sethe's perception of herself is molded by her past experiences as a slave. Every one of her future actions and thoughts are made through the lens of a former slave. Without having lived the terrible live as an enslaved being, Sethe would have never made the decision to kill her own children. In a sense, she committed that act of violence because she believed that death was a more favorable option to enslavement. Sethe simply wished to hurt her children "lovingly" before the slave owners could do it violently. The novel documents Sethe's recovery from slavery and the transition into becoming her own true identity. This recovery is necessary because her perception of herself as a slave, and as a survivor rather than an individual, is as detrimental as it is lasting, and it is a direct influence from the society of that time.
Monday, January 23, 2012
The Stranger
How does society influence an individuals perception of himself? How does it influence an individuals perception of others?
In Part 1 of Camut's, The Stranger, the main character lives a life independent of societal influence. Meursault goes through each day living in a manner that suits only himself. His persona is exemplified in the way he handles himself during his mother's funeral, which becomes an important event throughout his trial. During the funeral, Muersault fell asleep several times and exuded an attitude of indifference. This gave others the perception that he didn't care for his mother and acted, according to societal standards, very innapropriately. However, Muersault was ignorant to their thoughts of him and carried on as usual. The rest of the novel documents Muersault's developing character and self awareness. By hearing others express their thoughts on Muersault during his trial, he finally sees how his actions are perceived by others, and realizes that he is hated. This is the point at which Muersault allows himself to be influenced by society and becomes cognizant of its effects on him.
In Part 1 of Camut's, The Stranger, the main character lives a life independent of societal influence. Meursault goes through each day living in a manner that suits only himself. His persona is exemplified in the way he handles himself during his mother's funeral, which becomes an important event throughout his trial. During the funeral, Muersault fell asleep several times and exuded an attitude of indifference. This gave others the perception that he didn't care for his mother and acted, according to societal standards, very innapropriately. However, Muersault was ignorant to their thoughts of him and carried on as usual. The rest of the novel documents Muersault's developing character and self awareness. By hearing others express their thoughts on Muersault during his trial, he finally sees how his actions are perceived by others, and realizes that he is hated. This is the point at which Muersault allows himself to be influenced by society and becomes cognizant of its effects on him.
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