What We All Long For
When it comes to close reading, I believe a large aspect has to do with the careful interpretation of the author’s observations and overall message. As readers, we are forced to try and understand the foundations used to structure great novels. Not only this, but the development of certain fictional characters plays a huge role in mounting the plot of a story. Nevertheless, these character developments can often go unnoticed (like the growth of a family member or house pet). Therefore, I have learned that one key strategy to close reading involves a concise gathering of data as the story progresses. This includes highlighting, annotating and making notes on margins to track the progression of a piece and its characters. What We All Long For has especially taught me to keep a
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close eye on cultural references in the ethnically diverse city that is Toronto. Some literary pieces also contain historical references – like the emigration of Tuyen’s family from Vietnam – that are crucial to understanding the circumstances of a novel, play, etc. Close reading also involves the ability to detect patterns in themes or lessons while asking questions about these at the same time. The passage of Dionne Brand’s novel that I chose to analyze also illustrates how certain characters can embody an element of modern society.
“The restaurant became their life. They were being defined by the city. They had come thinking that they would be who they were, or at least who they had managed to remain. After the loss of Quy, it made a resigned sense to them that they would lose other parts of themselves. Once they accepted that, it was easy to see themselves the way the city saw them: Vietnamese food. Neither Cam nor Tuan cooked very well, but how would their customers know?” (Brand 66).
Examining this passage carefully, it first touches on a constant theme which discusses the pressures immigrants face when adapting to a new country.
As a cultural reference, it also exemplifies the rapid shift in ethnical backgrounds in Toronto. Despite this massive change, however, Brand argues that the social and political views amongst society have remained the same. This is where I can personally consider and relate to her argument. In a class discussion, I voiced how families are often forced to make significant changes to their lifestyles to be successful in their new country. The passage significantly relates to my family’s experiences as immigrants from Mexico. Although maybe not as drastic as Tuyen’s family, we still had to make some sacrifices to integrate ourselves amongst society. Some of which actually turned out to be positive. Hereupon, I believe Dionne Brand did an excellent job in addressing this very pressing theme, especially as more people continue to enter the city and country. Aside from Tuyen and her family, it can also be argued that this passage articulates that cultural challenges that Jackie, Oku and Carla face in this predominantly Anglo-Canadian society as
well.
close eye on cultural references in the ethnically diverse city that is Toronto. Some literary pieces also contain historical references – like the emigration of Tuyen’s family from Vietnam – that are crucial to understanding the circumstances of a novel, play, etc. Close reading also involves the ability to detect patterns in themes or lessons while asking questions about these at the same time. The passage of Dionne Brand’s novel that I chose to analyze also illustrates how certain characters can embody an element of modern society.
“The restaurant became their life. They were being defined by the city. They had come thinking that they would be who they were, or at least who they had managed to remain. After the loss of Quy, it made a resigned sense to them that they would lose other parts of themselves. Once they accepted that, it was easy to see themselves the way the city saw them: Vietnamese food. Neither Cam nor Tuan cooked very well, but how would their customers know?” (Brand 66).
Examining this passage carefully, it first touches on a constant theme which discusses the pressures immigrants face when adapting to a new country.
As a cultural reference, it also exemplifies the rapid shift in ethnical backgrounds in Toronto. Despite this massive change, however, Brand argues that the social and political views amongst society have remained the same. This is where I can personally consider and relate to her argument. In a class discussion, I voiced how families are often forced to make significant changes to their lifestyles to be successful in their new country. The passage significantly relates to my family’s experiences as immigrants from Mexico. Although maybe not as drastic as Tuyen’s family, we still had to make some sacrifices to integrate ourselves amongst society. Some of which actually turned out to be positive. Hereupon, I believe Dionne Brand did an excellent job in addressing this very pressing theme, especially as more people continue to enter the city and country. Aside from Tuyen and her family, it can also be argued that this passage articulates that cultural challenges that Jackie, Oku and Carla face in this predominantly Anglo-Canadian society as
well.