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Comparison of Far from the Madding Crowd and A Thousand Splendid Suns

Theme

A prevalent theme within both stories is: difficult circumstances can either make or break an individual.

Visual Representation

[i]

Explanation

The picture shows stones that can either have good or bad influences. It is an analogy of stumbling blocks being used as stepping-stones. Conversely, it also illustrates that by choosing not to utilize the stumbling blocks usefully, they become malevolent. In relation to the theme, it illustrates how difficult circumstances can be beneficial. Likewise, it illustrates how similar circumstances may be destructive. In summary, throughout both stories, characters develop either negatively or positively when encountering stumbling blocks.

Relation to Thesis

The characters in both books experience rejection, dysfunctional marital relationships and the hypocrisy of spouses in their lives. These experiences either prompt characters to persevere and seek resolution or fall in defeat. The picture is an effective device in illustrating the two probable effects of these hardships, resolution or calamity.

#Theme #Visual Representation

Comparison of the Books

Thesis Statement

In Far from the Madding Crowd and A Thousand Splendid Suns hardships such as rejection, dysfunctional marital relationships and the hypocrisy of spouses either result in triumph or misfortune.

#thesis statement

In Far From the Madding Crowd, Gabriel’s strong character and Frank’s weak character are seen as a product of their different reactions to their encounter with rejection.

Utilizing Rejection in Far From the Madding Crowd

Quote

For example, this is evident in Gabriel Oak’s encounter with Bathsheba Everdene. Moreover, within the field in Norcombe Hill, Gabriel proposes but is rejected by Bathsheba who emphatically states; “‘No—no—I cannot. Don’t press me any more—don’t. I don’t love you—so ‘twould be ridiculous’…‘Very well.’ said Oak, firmly, with the bearing of one who was going to give his days and nights Ecclesiastes forever. ‘Then I’ll ask you no more’ ”. (Hardy 20)

Explanation

Gabriel resolves to no longer bother Bathsheba. At this point in the story, he makes a decision to stay faithful to Bathsheba without ever asking for her hand in marriage. Throughout the book, Gabriel is shown attending the garden and being a close friend to Bathsheba. As a result of her rejection, Gabriel demonstrates his dedication throughout the commencement of their relationship. This subsequently leads to their wedding. Ultimately, rejection is beneficial to Gabriel since it causes a chain of events, which lead to his marriage to Bathsheba.

Succumbing to Rejection in Far From the Madding Crowd

Quote

On the other hand, the opposite is seen in Frank’s relationship with Fanny. More specifically, outside of the church, Fanny pleads for a second chance after going to the wrong church saying;

“‘shall it be to-morrow, Frank?’ she asked blankly. ‘To-morrow!’ and he gave vent to a hoarse laugh. ‘I don’t go through that experience again for some time, I warrant you!’ ‘But after all…the mistake was not such a terrible thing! Now, dear Frank, when shall it be?’ ‘Ah, when? God knows!’ He said, with a light irony, and turning from her walked rapidly away”. (Hardy 68)

Explanation

Fanny makes the mistake of walking into the wrong church on her wedding day. Since it is a very humiliating experience, Frank decides to reject her plea for another wedding day. As a result, Fanny is broken by his rejection and becomes impoverished. Their relationship within the book is a perfect example of the devastating cause of rejection. More specifically, he regrets his actions after Fanny’s death and consequently rejects Bathsheba. Therefore, Fanny and Frank’s relationship demonstrates the devastating effects of rejection.

Visual Representation

[ii]

Explanation

The picture illustrates how small choices have significant influences in the future.

It is an analogy of reaping—the tree—what is sown—the acorn. Moreover, by sowing bad seeds, negative influences are reaped. In relation to Frank’s rejection, it illustrates how his rejection, leads to Fanny’s death. As a result, he also rejects Bathsheba, which further demonstrates the impact of his actions. In summary, Fanny experiences calamity because she gave into the stumbling block of Frank’s rejection.

#rejection #far from the madding crowd

Likewise, in A Thousand Splendid Suns, rejection leads to Laila’s love for Tariq and Mariam’s misery.

Utilizing Rejection in A Thousand Splendid Suns

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Similarly, this is evident in Laila’s reaction to her mother’s rejection. After the death of her distant brothers, the narrator orates Laila’s thoughts as she contemplates within to herself; “The hopes dashed . . . it is hard to feel, really feel, Mammy’s loss . . . Ahmad and Noor had always felt like lore to her. Like characters in a fable. Like kings in a history book . . . It is Tariq who is real, flesh and blood . . . in Laila’s heart, her true brother is alive and well”. (Hosseini 126)

Explanation

Laila does not have a real relationship with her brothers because they are fighting as soldiers in the war. This causes Laila’s mom to grieve excessively and ignore her. At this moment in her life, Laila consciously acknowledges that she is much closer to Tariq. This affirms that Laila dealt with her mom’s rejection through her affection towards Tariq. There is a clear connection made which demonstrates the utility of rejection in Laila’s life. Thus, the rejection she encounters consequently results in her love for Tariq.

Succumbing to Rejection in A Thousand Splendid Suns

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Similarly, this is also shown in Jalil’s wives attempt to discard Mariam. Accordingly, as Mariam eavesdrops, the narrator explains;

“She keeps hearing Jalil’s wives say, ‘you may not get another opportunity this good.’ And neither would they. They had been disgraced by her birth, and this is their chance to erase, once and for all, the last trace of their husband’s scandalous mistake. She is being sent away, because she is the walking, breathing embodiment of their shame”. (Hosseini 45)

Explanation

Jalil’s wives adamantly hate Mariam. They want to get rid of her because of the shame she brings to their family. In order to do so, they arrange a wedding with Rasheed. Mariam gives into their rejection and marries him. Their relationship is a perfect example of the devastating effects of rejection since Rasheed becomes very aggressive. More specifically, he abuses her verbally, physically and consequently emotionally. In summary, the rejection Mariam gave into leads to a catastrophic marriage and eventually her death.

#A Thousand Splendid Suns #rejection

Additionally, in Far From the Madding Crowd, Bathsheba benefits while Boldwood is driven to insanity as a result of dysfunctional relationships.

Utilizing Dysfunctional Marital Relationships in Far From the Madding Crowd

Quote

After struggling with Troy, Bathsheba reflects on her relationship with Gabriel. Hence, as she wonders and daydreams, the narrator orates her thoughts stating; “Finding her self preceded in forethought by Gabriel Oak, for whom she began to entertain the genuine friendship of a sister. Of course, she sometimes thought of him in the light of an old lover, and had momentary imaginings of what life with him as a husband would have been like”. (Hardy 165)

Explanation

Troy constantly disregards Bathsheba and lies to her. As a result, Bathsheba looks for a way to distract herself from her circumstances. She does this by looking at Gabriel Oak as her true companion, instead of Troy. In doing so, Bathsheba builds the foundations of her feelings towards Gabriel. Moreover, she utilizes her situation, which later benefits her. More specifically, in the end, Bathsheba marries Gabriel because of the terrible relationship she has with Troy. Furthermore, Bathsheba develops a loving relationship with Gabriel as a result of her dysfunctional marital relationship with Troy.

Succumbing to Far Dysfunctional Relationships in From the Madding Crowd

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Conversely, Boldwood shows the devastating effects Bathsheba’s vanity has on him. Accordingly, as Gabriel walks on a route homeward, he encounters Boldwood who exclaims;

“Oak, you know as well as I that things have gone wrong with me lately. I may as well own it...I had some faint belief in the mercy of God till I lost that woman. Yes, He prepared a gourd to shade me, and like the prophet I thanked Him and was glad. But the next day He prepared a worm to smite the gourd and wither it and I feel it is better to die than to live”. (Hardy 154-155)

Explanation

Boldwood falls deeply in love with Bathsheba and asks for her hand in marriage. Bathsheba, however, is indecisive and plays with his emotions. As a result, Boldwood is driven to madness. Moreover, he succumbs to the circumstance, even to the point of insanity. Moreover, this illustrates the theme since Boldwood gives way to his circumstances. In addition, it is as a result of his passive yielding that he is driven to madness. Therefore, Boldwood demonstrates the devastation of stumbling blocks since he does not seek resolution.

#dysfunctional marriages #far from the madding crowd

Likewise, in A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam is shown the true meaning of womanhood and Mammy and Babi’s relationship breaks as a result of dysfunctional marital relationships.

Utilizing Dysfunctional Marital Relationships in A Thousand Splendid Suns

Quote

Similarly, Mariam learns the true meaning of womanhood early on in the novel. Accordingly, in the Kolba, Nana rebukes Mariam and exclaims; “There is only one, only one skill a woman like you and me needs in life, and they don’t teach it in school . . . Only one skill. And it’s this: tahamul. Endure . . . It’s our lot in life, Mariam. Women like us. We endure. It’s all we have”. (Hosseini 17)

Explanation

As a result of the many hardships she experiences, Nana develops a robust character. More specifically, the distain she had felt as a pregnant servant helps her develop resilience. Nana recollects the times she was given daunting tasks as a servant. She attempts to show Mariam the true character of a woman in Afghanistan, endurance. Thus, Nana reveals the strength she gains from her relationship with Jalil. Therefore, Nana reveals the value of her dysfunctional marital relationship as a test of strength.

Visual Representation

[iii]

Explanation

The picture illustrates the affect pressure has on coal to create diamonds. In relation to the theme, pressure is a symbol of the tough circumstances, which cause the development of characters, from coal to diamonds. More specifically, the picture relates to Nana’s strength, which she gains from her dysfunctional relationship with Jalil. As a result of the hardships she faces, Nana develops endurance and strength. Those are character traits she displays throughout the book. Thus, the visual representation illustrates how coal, which represents Nana as a pregnant slave, may turn into a diamond, which represents Nana as a robust mother.

Succumbing to Dysfunctional Marital Relationships in A Thousand Splendid Suns

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Likewise, Mammy and Babi demonstrate the catastrophic results of their dysfunctional relationship. More specifically, in Kabul during the spring of 1987, Mammy scornfully reprimands Babi saying; “That’s your business, isn’t it, cousin? To make nothing your business. Even your own sons going to war. How I pleaded with you. But you buried your nose in those cursed books and let our sons go like they were a pair of haramis”. (Hosseini 100)

Explanation

Babi sends his two sons off to war adamantly believing that they are fighting for greater good, the freedom of Afghanistan. Mammy is distraught as this influences her overall mood throughout the story. She struggles with depression, which impacts her relationship with Laila. Since Babi sent his sons to Afghanistan, Mammy constantly shows signs of hopelessness and rage towards Babi. Her emotions greatly increase after the death of Ahmad and Noor. Moreover, Mammy and Babi’s awful relationship leads to catastrophe since they fail to resolve their problems.

#A Thousand Splendid Suns #dysfunctional marriages

Similarly, in A Thousand Splendid Suns, hypocrisy gives Gabriel resilience and Boldwood defeat.

Utilizing Hypocrisy in Far From the Madding Crowd

Quote

On the other hand, Gabriel develops resilience despite the Bathsheba’s reluctance to marry. More specifically, as they were on the field in Norcombe Hill, Gabriel is aroused then let down by Bathsheba when he states;

“‘I can make you happy’, said he to the back of her head, across the bush. ‘You shall have a piano in a year or two—farmers’ wives are getting to have pianos now—and I’ll practice up the flute right well to play with you in the evenings.’ ‘Yes; I should like that…Wait, wait and don’t be improper…No; tis no use.’ she said. ‘I don’t want to marry you’”. (Hardy 18)

Explanation

Bathsheba rouses Gabriel’s feelings by being flippant. Likewise, she toys with his emotions, making him feel as though she wants to marry him. However, in an instant, she reveals that she does not actually want to marry him. In spite of this, Gabriel shows his love for Bathsheba by waiting for her in devotion. As a result, Bathsheba’s hypocrisy accentuates Gabriel’s authenticity. Her character contrasts with Gabriel’s and greatly benefits him all through the story. Hence, Gabriel gains resilience throughout the story because of Bathsheba’s hypocrisy.

Visual Representation

[iv]

Explanation

The picture illustrates how actions, such as shooting a gun, may cause a reaction, the backward force of the gunshot. More specifically, the picture symbolizes Bathsheba’s hypocrisy, which causes Gabriel to become a sincere friend. Moreover, after facing her hypocrisy, Gabriel resolves to demonstrate a steadfast and authentic personality. In relation to the theme, Gabriel encounters the stumbling block of Bathsheba’s hypocrisy, which is influential as a stepping-stone. In contrast to Bathsheba’s actions of deceit, Gabriel resolves to become an honest friend. In summary, Bathsheba’s actions of hypocrisy cause Gabriel’s reactions of sincerity.

Succumbing to Hypocrisy Far From the Madding Crowd

Quote

The succumbing to hypocrisy is likewise evident in Bathsheba’s relationship with Boldwood. For instance, as they retire in the back part of the room, Bathsheba fakes her interest in Boldwood saying;

“‘I have every reason to hope that at the end of the five or six weeks, between this time and harvest, that you say you are going to be away from home, I shall be able to promise to be your wife’ she said, firmly…She had been awe-struck at her past temerity, and was struggling to make amends without thinking whether the sin quite deserved the penalty she was schooling herself to pay” (Hardy 95)

Explanation

Bathsheba is faking her interest in marrying Boldwood. The narrator reveals that she does not mean what she says and is preparing for the consequences to come. As a result of her hypocrisy, Boldwood is driven to madness. This illustrates the theme of being broken by hardships since Boldwood could not mentally handle Bathsheba’s insincerity. Moreover, it illustrates the devastating effects of hypocrisy. As a result of Bathsheba’s insincerity, Boldwood consequently becomes insane and hopeless.

Visual representation

[v]

Explanation

The picture epitomizes Boldwood being broken by Bathsheba’s hypocrisy. The sharp knife cuts right through the rope, breaking off one strand at a time until the last one remains. The knife symbolizes Bathsheba’s insincerity, while the rope symbolizes Boldwood being torn apart. In relation to the theme, it shows how Boldwood is broken by the hardship of Bathsheba’s deceit. Similarly, it shows how damaging hypocrisy is to an individual. Thus, the picture illustrates how Bathsheba’s hypocrisy causes Boldwood’s brokenness.

#far from the madding crowd #hypocrisy

Lastly, in A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam benefits from Jalil’s hypocrisy and later is broken by Rasheed’s insincerity.

Utilizing Hypocrisy in A Thousand Splendid Suns

Quote

Similarly, Mariam realizes her father’s hypocrisy and resolves never to speak to him again. Accordingly, on the bus heading for Kabul, Mariam tells Jalil how distraught she feels saying; “I used to worship you . . . On Thursdays, I sat for hours waiting for you . . . I thought about you all the time . . . I didn’t know you were ashamed of me”. (Hosseini 50)

Explanation

Jalil deceives Mariam into believing that he loves her as she grows up. However, after her mother’s death, Mariam realizes that Jalil did not care for her and resolves never to speak to him again. Although she is overcome by the truth, she is also resolute. Mariam shows that she is no longer a slave to her father’s lies. Moreover, she illustrates how unwavering her decision is since these are the last words she speaks to Jalil. In relation to the theme, Jalil’s hypocrisy leads Mariam to realizing that she no longer needs to depend on him. Furthermore, she matures as a woman since she is finally capable of seeing his deceitfulness. Accordingly, in light of Jalil’s hypocrisy, Mariam greatly benefits since she finally recognizes that he is a hypocrite.

Succumbing to Hypocrisy in A Thousand Splendid Suns

Quote

Conversely, Mariam is a victim of Rasheed’s hypocrisy. Accordingly, after Rasheed spitefully spits the rice all over the kitchen floor, the narrator describes the horror that is to come saying;

“Soon, Rasheed returns with a handful of pebbles and forces Mariam’s mouth open and stuffs them in. He then orders her to chew the pebbles. In her fear, she does as he asks, breaking the molars in the back of her mouth. He tells her, ‘Now you know what your rice tastes like. Now you know what you’ve given me in this marriage. Bad food and nothing else’”. (Hosseini 94)

Explanation

Mariam cannot give Rasheed a son because of constant miscarriages. Every time Mariam gets pregnant, Rasheed treats her with great care because of the child. However, as soon as Mariam miscarries, Rasheed abuses her verbally, physically and consequently emotionally. Mariam’s inability to give Rasheed a child exposes his hypocrisy. Rasheed is never satisfied with Mariam’s effort because of high expectations he places on her. In relation to the theme, it illustrates how Rasheed’s insincerity breaks Mariam’s spirit. Consequently, Mariam is miserable as a result of Rasheed’s hypocrisy.

#succumbing #hypocrisy #A Thousand Splendid Suns

Father Figure Skating by Odd Thomas

Background

Odd Thomas is a rapper who uses music to explain the development of his life. He grows up experiencing rejection, dysfunctional marriages and the hypocrisy of his father, which form his personality. All of his past experiences make him the person he is. Moreover, his life story is relatable to the books since Odd Thomas has been made by the hardships he faces.

Lyrics

Who can paint a picture of my outcome? Still won't make a difference where I come from. You can walk away from me There's nothing more to say to me I'm father figure skating. Try to tell me something cause it's different now, But let me count the ways that I can show you how. You got a lot to say to me But really you just playing me.

Born 11-19-76 in the midst of conflicts, Me the quick fix. From the potential tomb, to the womb, to the emergency room, escaped doom, soon to bloom. Even though my pops plan could never defeat us, Cause between us, when I was a fetus, was greeted by Jesus. He introduced me to a world that turns, and burns, Where hate is the worm that spreads the germ. Never concerned, cause I made through the pregnancy term. Learned at an early age that you must stand firm. So I breathed, stretched, blessed the Lord. They used a double-edged sword to clip the cord. It was my first taste of pain with much more to come, Screaming while they extract the mucus from my lungs. With me the new addition makes the family complete. We made it home in stolen car seat. And it's all sweet and calm until your mom gets beat. Call it common occurrences doomed to repeat Cause home was a prison and a nursery combined We learned how to deal because we never could malign. Cause daddy was a misfit chasing crime My mom had to be a father at the same time. But when you live by the gun, you end up getting shot So you can rest in unrest Pop.

Skate to California State at the age eight. Now with a step-dad everything's great. I start to get attention for the first time, And in the public he fronts and tells everyone he's mine. We develop a kinship, a father-son relationship, But good things often come to an end, you get stripped. We got a new addition to the family, And since he's the seed of my step-dad's tree, he found no obligation to invest in me. The best of me considers that he's testing me with lessons of letting me Feel withdrawn. As time grew on We found it very difficult to get along. So it was better to jet instead of letting him get me upset Cause running away begets trying to forget. I met the beat and felt complete. The unique sense of concrete Deletes all these feelings of being weak. The past pain was forgot Cause hip hop was everything my pops was not. It was life, love, a place to build, A place to get acknowledged when I flexed my skill. It was platform, a stage, a place to shine, A spot of acceptance to say "He's mine." See, hip hop was the place where it all began And helped me father figure skate around a step-dad's hand.

#Lyrics #Christian Rap #Musical Representation

Relation to Thesis and Theme

Throughout the song, Odd Thomas highlights the tragic events that led to his love for hip-hop. He begins with the dysfunctional marital relationship of his parents. For example, throughout adolescence he states; “We made it home in stolen car seat. And it's all sweet and calm until your mom gets beat…Cause daddy was a misfit chasing crime. My mom had to be a father at the same time”. This demonstrates his horrible childhood. Odd Thomas shows this specific theme within the song to demonstrate how it results in his emptiness. Moreover this later aids him in finding worth in hip-hop. Additionally, Odd Thomas mentions the hypocrisy of his stepfather.

For instance, after skating away from his previous family in California, Odd Thomas develops a relationship, which fails as he explains; “We develop a kinship, a father-son relationship, but good things often come to an end, you get stripped. We got a new addition to the family, and since he's the seed of my step-dad's tree, he found no obligation to invest in me”. In doing so, his stepfather shows superficial love for Odd Thomas. This not only shows his stepfather’s hypocrisy but also the subsequent rejection that he experiences.

More specifically, when he grows older, Odd Thomas explains why he ran away saying; “Feel withdrawn. As time grew on, we found it very difficult to get along. So it was better to jet instead of letting him get me upset, cause running away begets trying to forget”. This affirms how rejection led to more emptiness.

Moreover, the outcome of all the hardships is his deep love of hip-hop. Accordingly, after experiencing a great amount of stumbling blocks, they influence his love of hip-hop as he explains; “It was life, love, a place to build, a place to get acknowledged when I flexed my skill. It was platform, a stage, a place to shine, a spot of acceptance to say ‘He's mine’. See, hip-hop was the place where it all began. And helped me father figure skate around a step-dad's hand”. In summary, the past experiences of dysfunctional marital relationships, hypocrisy and rejection mold his present success in hip-hop.

#Hip Hop #Rap

Works Cited

Books

Hosseini, Khaled. A Thousand Splendid Suns. New York: Riverhead Books, 2007. Print.

Hardy, Thomas. Far From the Madding Crowd. New York: Random House Inc., 2001. Print

Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYwWC7taUqo

Visual Representations

[1] http://teescale.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/stumblingblockssteppingstones2.jpg

[2] http://www.focus2grow.com/Portals/61541/images/Sow_What_You_Reap.jpg

[3] http://img2.joyreactor.com/pics/post/funny-pictures-auto-diamond-coal-364302.jpeg

[4] http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/files/2011/02/14104_87_2.jpeg

[5] http://www.colourbox.com/preview/1729163-989104-sharp-knife-cutting-rope-on-dark-background-with-copy-space.jpg

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