Week #1 Post

In response to number 1.)

According to Alice Walker, "one cannot truly have freedom unless one becomes an outcast". This "theory" can be compared in both her poem, "Be Nobody's Darling", as well as in other works of writing that we have read in class thus far. The interpretation and definition of an "outcast" is both familiar among everyone, as well as a bit different, depending on the person. One, like Alice Walker, would define an outcast as an individual that is to be proud to be different and stand apart from the rest. However, an outcast can be also be looked upon as someone who does not fit in, someone who you would not want to be.

In comparison to other readings, "Fleur", and "Mrs. Sen's", "Be Nobody's Darling" is the simplest. Both Erdich, and Lahiri choose to focus on two characters in one scenario, as two different retrospects. They do this, whereas Walker seems to propose to a wider audience, where everyone that feels left out can find unity and hope in her words. When it comes to having true freedom with being an outcast, I can configure that Erdich would agree while Lahiri would not agree.

Erdich, the author of "Fluer" writes of two characters, Fleur and Pauline, Pauline being the narrator. One can gather that from Fleur's eyes, "outcast-hood" is individualism, as well as freedom. She chooses to live her live anew when moving to the new town. Although she is described by Pauline as one who could brighten up a room with her good looks, Fleur sees beyond that in regards to simply living easy. Based upon her past of being mysterious and practically being shunned away from her old town, Fleur starts new, showing to Pauline that being an outcast simply makes you an individual and you must make yourself happy. Pauline, however, sees things in a different light. Towards the beginning, Pauline is lost in herself and is invisible to everyone else. Pauline is wrapped around the fact that since she is invisible, she is a nobody. However, this is changed when Fleur comes into town and teaches her that YOU are in charge of who YOU want to be, and she does just that. These two woman find FREEDOM from their individuality/"outcast-hood".

On the other side of the spectrum we have Lahiri, the author of "Mrs. Sen's". Lahiri writees of two characters as well, Mrs. Sens and Elliot. Both characters are outcasts in their own ways. Mrs. Sens is still trying to adapt to the American culture, while Elliot is just trying to find himself and look beyond the life that he leads. The end of the story leaves the reader pondering, as it does not end with your typical "happy-ending". Mrs. Sens is forced to the farthest point where she can no longer strive to be independent. Elliot is left home alone, no longer with a babysitter. Lahiri seems to propose that there is not always a happy ending. **While being an outcast can give you freedom, freedom is often lonely.

One can summarize that being an outcast has both positive and negative aspects.


Courtney Bisher, Post 1 Comparison