Saturday, August 29, 2009
Group B Golden Lines
Golden Lines "Golden lines" are powerful quotes that automatically provide interesting discussion material. Many students find it much easier to select something the author said than to come up with their own reactions. Therefore, Golden Lines are an easy and effective strategy for gathering information to discuss.Post your Golden Lines for Marshfield Dreams to invite discussion.Please respond to each others' golden lines entry.
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Near the conclusion of the novel, there was a line at the end of the chapter "The Diary" that really struck me. Not only did I think it was great writing, but I thought that it was an insightful moment for Vidya's character as well. The line states, "Living in a fairy-tale world but failing to see my prince when he tried to rescue me." p. 222
ReplyDeleteI feel this line is important because it was truly when Vidya realized that she loved Raman and let him slip away. Also it was significant because up to this point in the story, Vidya had let her headstrong ways and her idea of what her "life's plan" should be consume her thoughts so much that she didn't pay attention to what was going on right in front of her. Throughout the story, she was very strong in her conviction not to get married and conform to having the life of a traditional Indian women - a women whose purpose was to be a good wife and serve her husband. She only let herself see the negative aspects of marriage. However, when she did find a gentlemen whom she loved and who understood her ambitions, she let her former thoughts on non-conformity overtake any positive aspect that a marriage might bring. It was almost as if she didn't want to change her mind about marriage because she had thought about a certain way for so long. She didn't want to let herself see something good in marriage. Later, Vidya realized that she could integrate her desire to go to college and become a wife in a way that would still make her happy. I wonder if now Vidya will truly live in a fairy-tale world...
I wonder the same thing Jessica. I would like to see where Vidya would be right now and where she ended up.
ReplyDeleteThat quote you mentioned was a very strong quote in the story. Vidya was so focused on her future and wanting to attend college. When Raman made his proposal I thought she would have been happy to be with the boy that she cared for and had similar views as she did. I couldn't understand her anger at first about him not asking her and allowing her to go to college as she desired. I felt that she was very lucky to have found someone to marry that she cared for, but would also be able to do things she wanted. At the time this story was written women marriages were arranged, women did not attend college and their job was to serve their husband. Vidya was very lucky that she would be able to attend college and marry the one she loved. Many women back then did not have that luxury. Currently, women have the same rights men do. We can choose our career and who we want to marry.
Jessica and Graciela,
ReplyDeleteI was struck by the same quote near the end of the novel. "Living in a fairy-tale world but failing to see my prince when he tried to rescue me." (p.222) I remember feeling somewhat disappointed in Vidya when I read this. Throughout the book, I was proud of her journey for empowerment. I admired her for choosing education over marriage even though this went against her culture. When she equated her situation to that of a fairy-tale it didn't seem like the same girl to me. I questioned why she needed a prince to rescue her now.
In the final chapter of the novel, Vidya wrote to Raman before they were to be married. I really felt a sense of hope and inspiration she had for their future. It was exciting considering all of the hardships she had already endured in her young life.
ReplyDeleteVidya described America as "Young. Pulsing with potential. Different from us in ways I can only imagine...A nation dedicated to the idea of freedom, the ideal for which we are fighting...A nation with the promise of liberty and justice for all" (p. 242). I found it interesting to see the connection between America establishing independence from the British and India striving for the same.
The quote on page 222 leaves me with conflicting feelings about why Vidya thought that. I think she was at a tug-of-war stance, where her culture said women shall marriage and marriage should be held to the utmost importance verses what she believed was important, her education. Even though she wanted more fore her life, I feel she had a sense that Raman might be the one for her as he truly understood her and was willing to learn more about her, something unheard of in India 1940. Maybe, he was her prince charming ... but I still question the line, "when he tried to rescue me." Was she talking about the possibility of moving to American with him?
ReplyDeleteI also loved the quote on page 229, after Vidya and her mom had the conversation about the day her father injured. "She reached for my hand and pressed it, and warmth flowed from her fingertips into mine. A great weight seemed to life itself off me, as though a stone that had been weighing down my heart finally rolled away.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a beautiful feeling/message, as Vidya and her mother were finally able to talk about the day her father was injured and her amma wanted Vidya to know that it was not her fault. Even though Vidya was blamed herself, her mother lifted the guilt off of her.
Towards the end of the book after Raman asked Vidya to marry him, she became very upset. One statement Vidya made was “not unless you treat me as an equal” (Pg. 218).
ReplyDeleteI think this statement continues to demonstrate Vidya’s views on life. Vidya’s strong will and determination persists. She feels it is necessary to know that Raman will treat her equally and trust her opinions in important decisions in their lives. I am proud that Vidya stood up for her own convictions. She has worked too hard both educationally and emotionally to revert back into a subservient role.
Kristyn,
ReplyDeleteI thought you chose a very powerful quote from the story. I feel this quote truly supports my views of Vidya’s dreams of independence. She is a young woman that has aspirations and desires to make her own decisions. This was evident throughout the entire book by her drive to continue to educate herself.
Jessica M.
ReplyDeleteI also like the golden line you chose from the story. It truly was a touching moment betwee Vidya and amma, especially since Vidya felt so much guilt about her father's injury. What I was thinking when I read this quote is that some things are universal, such as the comforting touch of a mother. Even though the novel takes place in India, during a different time period, where the culture is so very different than that of ours, I could relate to the way that Vidya felt as her mother gave her such a comforting touch.