American Lit
What is a theme, exactly? And how would you go about finding it in a piece of literature?
The 'theme' is often used to describe a topical issue that runs through the story.
I would go about finding the theme in a piece of literature by paying attention to the title and the chapter titles; focusing on what the main hero and other characters are doing; identifying the central conflicts in the story; and concentrating on the specific details or characterization of the individuals in the story.
Choose one of the themes listed below to discuss in detail. Explain how this theme is developed in the novel, including specific characters and events. Use the questions and definitions provided below for guidance in discussing these themes.
The theme I chose is Gender.
Esperanza is not a significant supporter of the gender positions that continue to keep women in her neighborhood demoralized. The men on Mango Street abuse not only their wives but also their daughters and imprison them in the home. Many times just being a woman can cause reason for such abuse. This is a fact that can be observed in the beatings which unfortunately Sally continuously gets, and also in the rape of Esperanza. Esperanza presents us with an analysis of the way men and women relate to each other and refuse to abide by the demands applied to her sex by marriage or perhaps acting in a womanly way. For our character, disobeying gender position and staying independent is considered an act of rebellion as well as a source of power.
Relate this theme to a personal observation or experience, showing a connection to the novel.
I have no personal observation or experience of gender issues. However, even though I am a woman, I would have to say that men get persecuted far more than women for not conforming to biased standards. I always hear people say "be a man" or "a real man does this". I never hear someone say "be a woman" or "a real woman would do that". That being said, the same example I have given
The 'theme' is often used to describe a topical issue that runs through the story.
I would go about finding the theme in a piece of literature by paying attention to the title and the chapter titles; focusing on what the main hero and other characters are doing; identifying the central conflicts in the story; and concentrating on the specific details or characterization of the individuals in the story.
Choose one of the themes listed below to discuss in detail. Explain how this theme is developed in the novel, including specific characters and events. Use the questions and definitions provided below for guidance in discussing these themes.
The theme I chose is Gender.
Esperanza is not a significant supporter of the gender positions that continue to keep women in her neighborhood demoralized. The men on Mango Street abuse not only their wives but also their daughters and imprison them in the home. Many times just being a woman can cause reason for such abuse. This is a fact that can be observed in the beatings which unfortunately Sally continuously gets, and also in the rape of Esperanza. Esperanza presents us with an analysis of the way men and women relate to each other and refuse to abide by the demands applied to her sex by marriage or perhaps acting in a womanly way. For our character, disobeying gender position and staying independent is considered an act of rebellion as well as a source of power.
Relate this theme to a personal observation or experience, showing a connection to the novel.
I have no personal observation or experience of gender issues. However, even though I am a woman, I would have to say that men get persecuted far more than women for not conforming to biased standards. I always hear people say "be a man" or "a real man does this". I never hear someone say "be a woman" or "a real woman would do that". That being said, the same example I have given