When Mr Pirzada Came To Dine

Do you ever think about how people accept you everyday? At high school, numerous individuals from different backgrounds and beliefs are mingling with each other everyday, which shows that people accept you despite your beliefs. The theme for the poem “THE ARMBANDS” in October Mourning by Lesleá Newman and the theme for “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine” is acceptance of people despite their beliefs, which is shown numerous times in these works.
Many examples from the poem “THE ARMBANDS” show that the theme is about acceptance of other people. One couplet states, “Though we are many, we are standing as one” (32). This quote refers to the many green and yellow wristbands distributed at the University of Wyoming to stand up for Matthew Shepard being
Pirzada Came to Dine” contains many examples which support the theme of acceptance. The short story states, “ Hindus and Muslims had set fire to each other’s homes. For many, the idea of eating in the other’s company was still unthinkable. It made no sense to me… into successive cups of tea.” Lilia says this when her father informs her about the conflicts occurring in Dacca. Lilia is confused on why the 2 religions fought over there when Mr. Pirzada and her family got along just fine. Lilia asks these questions since she and her family accept Mr. Pirzada in their house, however the 2 religious groups in the Eastern Hemisphere aren’t able to do the same. Additionally, the text states, “Yes, let’s carve it...tabletop with newspaper” during the time Mr. Pirzada is carving the pumpkin for Lilia. This event shows how Mr. Pirzada and Lilia become even closer, as if they are uncle and niece. The affection that Mr. Pirzada shows to Lilia in this scene shows that he accepts her despite her different beliefs in Halloween and American culture. Also, Mr. Pirzada is scared for Lilia when she goes out alone. The text states, “Mr. Pirzada knit his brow together… his eyes contained a panic I had never seen before.” Mr. Pirzada shows how much he cares about Lilia, but in the end he doesn’t go trick-or-treating with Lilia and Dora. After this, the Lilia learns that war was to be waged on East Pakistani soil. This shows how accepting and caring Mr. Pirzada is, which differs from the people waging war in South