1. Who raised you to have the beliefs that you do when so many of the people surrounding you hold beliefs that are more traditional to your culture.
2. What made you attracted to Vidya when she is a women so atypical of your culture.
3. Be honest about your beliefs regarding equality for the sexes. Being so open to women’s rights, as an Indian male, what made you ask Vidya’s uncle for her hand in marriage? Did you know that it would offend Vidya? Did you actually want Vidya to go to college or were you just trying to make her happy?
I believe that Raman's response to question 1 would be similar to what Liz said in her character portrayal. Raman was raised in a family that held similar beliefs to Vidya's family. Raman is the brother of Vidya's father's sister's husband. Appa's sister most likely married a man with similar ideals to her own family. Since Vidya's father treated his wife and servants well, Raman was most likely raised to treat others, including women, as people with feelings. I would not say that he believed women were equal with men because he does still seem to accept many traditional Indian beliefs. But he is willing to be challenged in his beliefs and see another person's side. Raman is also very well educated. He wants to go to college in America. I'm sure he realizes women are not so supressed in the West. He is young and part of a new generation. His views may be expanding and changing based on his education.
For question 2, it appears Raman was attracted to Vidya for awhile. When they meet, he tells her he "noticed her some time ago." Who can explain attraction? According to Vidya they had never met until now, but if he had noticed her, he must have thought she was physically attractive. Again, as an educated man who is an avid reader and plans to go to America, his view of a woman's place is not so defined. He may find her different than the girls who do follow the traditional role and that is intriguing to him.
For question 3, I think Raman would say that he does really want Vidya to go to college. I think he admires her desire to learn because he encouraged her to go to the library and read. With his education, he probably does not want a wife that is not matched to his own intellect. However, even though he may value her as more of an equal, he has grown up living with and around certain traditions. I'm sure it is difficult to totally break free of certain traditions even if you don't agree with them when you are surrounded by other people who do follow them. We all often wrestle with things we were taught when we were young. We do see that Raman shows remorse for his actions and he appears to want to continue to grow in his understanding of Vidya's feelings and desires. He knows he is leaving India soon. He probably acted in haste with how he approached the marriage.
I looked back through the story to find the thread that leads to Raman's upbringing. what I found is circumstantial, but based on the small glimpse we get of Hindu beliefs, I think we can make some predicions. We know that Raman is the brother of appa's sister husband. The sister did not follow the tradition of living under the patriarch's roof. This tells me that either the husband did not follow the "traditions" and did not want to live there, or the sister persuaded her husband that it was not what she wanted. either way, we see that that side of the family does not hold with the traditions, be they caste restrictions, or subservient roles of women.
As to question number 2 - think of what Raman knows about Vidya: she is the sister of Kitta. We learn in the chapter prior to when Raman and Vidya meet for the first time, that Kitta and Raman are part of the group listening to the war news. When Raman sees Vidya for the first time, she is breaking all kinds of taboos to ask permission to visit the library. That must have made quite an impression - and perhaps he sees strong willed women as a positive thing, whereas a traditions bound young man would not. So while Vidya might be atypical of their culture, this must have been a breath of fresh air for Raman. The fact that Raman then stumbles in truly comprehending the extent of Vidya's unorthodox equality beliefs, only underscores that he is surrounded by many who are not progressives.
Question 3: this is rather funny: Vidya has the gumption to break down some barriers, yet she humbly accepts others, like the "out" house, and serving the men dinner before eating herself. But Raman has not broken with any traditions, other then meeting with Vidya on the sly. He is merely living within a structure that he sees as necessary. They do not inconvenience him in any way - if anything they have aided him in his educational pursuits (he has room and board as he goes to school in Madras). So the fact that he goes through the accepted lines of communication, because it suits him, is not really a break with his character. Sadly, he does not have to experience the inconvenience like Vidya does (note again the "out" house episode).
I think that Raman's open minded beliefs towards women are a sign of the times. Though there were times when Vidya questioned whether or not Raman truly would be able to view her as his equal, the historical backdrop of the text helps us to understand that Gandhi was working to change the inferior view that many Indians had towards women at the time. Vidya's family seemed to share some of the beliefs of Gandhi, and since Raman is linked to Vidya's family, he seems to share some of these open minded views. I think that so many of our beliefs and values are shaped by those who raise us and surround us. An entire culture of people can view women as inferior only if that is what they are raised to believe. When political figures, like Gandhi, help others to question these beliefs and values, people like Raman are enabled to challenge their thinking, especially when such controversial thinking is modeled by their loved ones.
As for what attracted Raman to Vidya in the first place, I would say it is the chemestry that brings any couple together. The spark is necessary for passion and love to bloom. But, the progressive views that he holds, along the progressive, equality minded views of those who surround him, that allowed him to look past, and perhaps admire the "against the grain" choices and views that Vidya demonstrates from the time of their very first encounter.
I agree with Liz, in that Raman is quite traditonal in many aspects of his character. As we discussed in class, authors of historical fiction must be true to the time period they are writing in. Raman and Vidya lived in India during a time that women were considered to be inferior to men. There are deep rooted cultural traditions that support this view of inferiority. For Raman to view Vidya as entirely his equal, as we might expect a man to act in the United States today might please Vidya, but would not be as believeable of a story line. It would actually compromise the authenticity of the storyline.
For question one, I agree with what Lisa said and what Liz explained during the "Who has the last word" activity. Due to the fact that Raman's family held similar views to Vidya's family, I feel he would answer that question explaining that he was raised to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Because of that, Raman did not have a problem valuing Vidya's opinions and allowing her to speak her mind. Since he was raised in a traditional Indian family, however, it is not surprising that he had some traditional views on family members and their "roles". It seems apparent that growing up in the family he did enabled him to see others as humans who have feelings and needs, despite their gender or caste in society.
I believe if Raman was asked question two, he would say that he was first attracted to Vidya for her physical attractiveness, much the way most people become attracted to someone else. I think he might then further explain that he was attracted to the way in which she was not afraid to voice her opinion and take a stand in her life. Due to the fact that Raman grew up in what was a more non-traditional Indian family (in that they treated even their servents with respect), Raman did not look at a woman who spoke her mind as a sign of rudeness or disrespect. It seems he was raised that all people have feelings, and because of that, he did not mind Vidya expressing hers. In fact, as Liz said, it may have been a breath of fresh air to hear a woman from the Indian culture speak her mind and want to live according to her own wishes and beliefs. That sense of independence and individuality could have been attractive to Raman.
I feel that Raman would answer the third question by explaining he feels women have a right to have their own beliefs and wishes and should be allowed to speak them as well. With that being said, I also feel that he still thinks of men as being a bit superior to women, as this appears evident when he arranged their marriage without Vidya's permission and when he "allowed" her to go to college. While he wants Vidya to have her own beliefs and live according to them, it does seem he feels he has the ultimate say in how those wishes will be carried out. That is why he most likely asked Vidya's uncle for her hand in marriage. Raman still felt that men had the "upper hand," and because of that, they make the decisions. He would probably explain that is why even though he was trying to consider Vidya's feelings in deciding to marry her and allow her to go to college, he alone made that final decision and asked her uncle for his permission without even consulting with Vidya first. Thinking the way he did and growing up in the culture he did, Raman probably did not think that decision would offend Vidya, but that she would be ecstatic about marrying a man who would even allow her to speak her opinion and have her wishes granted. In addition, I think Raman would explain that he had mixed feelings about Vidya going to college. Raman clearly felt school was important, and probably was pleased that he met a woman who also valued education. With that being said, I do not think Raman would have ever sought out a woman who wanted to go to college, as he was still a traditional Indian male. I feel he "allowed" Vidya to go to college because he wanted to honor her wishes and make her happy and not because he truly wanted a wife who had completed a college education.
Liz, I thought about your answer to question 1 and I think you're right that the Hindu beliefs are key to the difference between how some Indian families treated each other. When Vidya's uncle was coming to visit toward the beginning of the book, her father let the servants go for the weekend because the uncle did not treat servants well. He had become caught up in the ideals of the caste system. Vidya, and I believe her father, talk about how this separation by caste does not follow Hindu beliefs. Depending on the person or family, they live out what their heart believes. Raman talks about Hindu beliefs and therefore is more like Vidya and her family.
I also agree with Lauren in Question 1 when she says the times are changing in the book and the viewpoints of people who are followers of Ghandi are changing. Raman is a person who is open to changing traditional beliefs.
Krysta's explanation of how Raman is still a product of his culture, even if he does think beyond it, was very good. I can't help connect this to our own country. Many men in America may see women as equals, but there are many men who do not. They still carry a superior attitude and feel women have a certain place. Many women can now go to work and carry out the duties that were traditionally men's roles, but are still expected to carry out the traditional women's roles as well. In other words, many women have taken on more, but have not become equal. I'm not sure why it would surprise us that in 1940's India, Raman is a product of two ways of thinking. Let Vidya do more, but I'm still the man.
Lisa, you brought up a good point I had not yet thought of. Growing up in the time period I have, I have always believed that neither man nor woman are superior, but they are instead equal in their abilities and rights. I get appalled at times when I hear or read about situations where the men dominate the family and/or marriage and have the ultimate say in everything. I am so thankful we live in a time during which having a man and woman with equal rights and roles is an overall accepted way of living. Your comment, Lisa, made me think of two things. First, it really was not that uncommon in the 1940's to have the man be dominant in the household in just about every culture. Therefore, what we read about was quite similar to what was even happening here in America during that time. Second, even in today's time women aren't usually seen completely equal in society, generally speaking. Although we do have the same rights as men, the majority of society still sees it as a "woman's job" to clean the house, raise the kids, and cook the meals (of course this is not true in many families, I'm just speaking of our culture as a whole). Therefore, what we read about with Vidya's family was not only quite common for that time period, but it was also somewhat similar to what many families still practice here in America to this day.
1. Who raised you to have the beliefs that you did when so many of the people surrounding you have the more traditional Indian beliefs for your culture?
Well, I am a free-thinker and love to read. I read a lot and have seen other viewpoints seperate from those primarily associated with other members of my culture. I know that traditionally men in Indian view themselves more highly than females ecspecially if they are from a higher caste in society. However, I have done much reading by Ghandii and I respect his ideas that men and women should be seen more as equals. I have read that while Ghandi still respects traditional Indian culture he also feels that by depriving woman of equal rights is only hampering Indian economy from progressing and growing as well. I just feel that som of the traditions that have been put in place are very one sided and people have been blinded to other views and ways of thinking. If people educated themselves on other cultures and beliefs maybe they would be as open minded to change as I am.
2. What made you so attracted to Vidya when she is a women so atypical from other women in your culture?
Again, I am attracted to Vidya because she possess a personality so true to herself and strong. Vidya is unwavering in her beliefs and thoughts on what she wants in life. Remember that I told you I respect and read a lot of Ghandi's works... well Vidya is someone who I feel represents change for our culture and economy. If someone like Vidya can stand up for what she wants in life then what is stopping others from doing the same. I respect that strength in a person; regardless if he may be man or women.
3. Be honest when talking about your beliefs for gender equality. Being so open to equality and at times against tradition, what made you ask Vidya's uncle for permission to marry Vidya before asking Vidya herself. Did you know that she would be so upset? Also, when you said that you would allow Vidya to go to college did you truly want her too, or were you just trying to make her happy?
I did not know that I had done anything wrong by asking Vidya's uncle for permission to marry Vidya. After seeing how angry Vidya was with me I was embarrassed and realized why she was so upset with me. I know she thinks of me as much more free thinking than other Indian men of our time. HOwever, she must not forget that for years and years traditions have been kept and it is only natural that I grow up seeing these gender traditions being followed I would not be able to break away from them alltogether and completely at once. I truly meant it when I told Vidya I had a lot to learn and that I could learn from her. I know that I should have asked Vidya about marraige first before going to her uncle, but I was trying to be respectful to her families very traditional beliefs. It would have been different if Vidya's father had not been out of the picture because of the accident because he thought more along the lines of how I think and he has read and studied much of Ghandi's beliefs as well. I only hope that Vidya will forgive me. Then, I put my foot in my mouth again and told Vidya that I would allow her to go to college. I don't know why I said that. Again, I guess it is because it is so engrained in me. I didn't mean it like that. I respect Vidya's wish to go to college and of course I would support her through her dream of college. However, I just wish that we could be married and then she could go to college. I do not understand why she wishes to not be married to me until after she finishes college when she loves me and I love her.
For question 3, I agree with Lisa when she said that Raman would want Vidya to go to college because he would not want a wife who was not matched in intellect to him. I think this because Raman is very well educated himself. Raman himself is going to the United States to continue his studies there. I think he enjoys that he and Vidya sneak into the library to read together. Reading is a common bond that they share and he knows that if she was not so inquisitive and an equal match to him intellectually that he would become bored perhaps in conversation and life.
For question 2 I agree with both Lauren and Krysta what what attracts any couple to one another are "sparks" and that first meeting and glimse. You kind of know upon first meeting someone and through talking to them if they seem like someone of interest to you. I believe that Raman was initially attracted to Vidya because of her looks and then through talking to her he found that she was someone he really enjoyed conversation with and common interests such as reading and writing.
Some interesting points have been raised as far as how we view the equality issue even in the 21st century. In many ways Ghandhi was so far ahead of his time, that we are still looking to his teachings for inspiration. Heather, thank you for the dramatic interpretation! I was reading along not realizing that you were "allowing" Raman to speak for himself - and I was thinking it was you! I think you captured his line of thinking perfectly! Just a little metacognition here - this activity has opened my eyes to the possiblitlites of plumbing the depths of a character from a well-written book. We could never have inferred so much, or fleshed out a character so fullly if we had not had the germ of it all already planted in the novel.
1. Who raised you to have the beliefs that you do when so many of the people surrounding you hold beliefs that are more traditional to your culture.
ReplyDelete2. What made you attracted to Vidya when she is a women so atypical of your culture.
3. Be honest about your beliefs regarding equality for the sexes. Being so open to women’s rights, as an Indian male, what made you ask Vidya’s uncle for her hand in marriage? Did you know that it would offend Vidya? Did you actually want Vidya to go to college or were you just trying to make her happy?
I believe that Raman's response to question 1 would be similar to what Liz said in her character portrayal. Raman was raised in a family that held similar beliefs to Vidya's family. Raman is the brother of Vidya's father's sister's husband. Appa's sister most likely married a man with similar ideals to her own family. Since Vidya's father treated his wife and servants well, Raman was most likely raised to treat others, including women, as people with feelings. I would not say that he believed women were equal with men because he does still seem to accept many traditional Indian beliefs. But he is willing to be challenged in his beliefs and see another person's side. Raman is also very well educated. He wants to go to college in America. I'm sure he realizes women are not so supressed in the West. He is young and part of a new generation. His views may be expanding and changing based on his education.
ReplyDeleteFor question 2, it appears Raman was attracted to Vidya for awhile. When they meet, he tells her he "noticed her some time ago." Who can explain attraction? According to Vidya they had never met until now, but if he had noticed her, he must have thought she was physically attractive. Again, as an educated man who is an avid reader and plans to go to America, his view of a woman's place is not so defined. He may find her different than the girls who do follow the traditional role and that is intriguing to him.
ReplyDeleteFor question 3, I think Raman would say that he does really want Vidya to go to college. I think he admires her desire to learn because he encouraged her to go to the library and read. With his education, he probably does not want a wife that is not matched to his own intellect. However, even though he may value her as more of an equal, he has grown up living with and around certain traditions. I'm sure it is difficult to totally break free of certain traditions even if you don't agree with them when you are surrounded by other people who do follow them. We all often wrestle with things we were taught when we were young. We do see that Raman shows remorse for his actions and he appears to want to continue to grow in his understanding of Vidya's feelings and desires. He knows he is leaving India soon. He probably acted in haste with how he approached the marriage.
I looked back through the story to find the thread that leads to Raman's upbringing. what I found is circumstantial, but based on the small glimpse we get of Hindu beliefs, I think we can make some predicions. We know that Raman is the brother of appa's sister husband. The sister did not follow the tradition of living under the patriarch's roof. This tells me that either the husband did not follow the "traditions" and did not want to live there, or the sister persuaded her husband that it was not what she wanted. either way, we see that that side of the family does not hold with the traditions, be they caste restrictions, or subservient roles of women.
ReplyDeleteAs to question number 2 - think of what Raman knows about Vidya: she is the sister of Kitta. We learn in the chapter prior to when Raman and Vidya meet for the first time, that Kitta and Raman are part of the group listening to the war news. When Raman sees Vidya for the first time, she is breaking all kinds of taboos to ask permission to visit the library. That must have made quite an impression - and perhaps he sees strong willed women as a positive thing, whereas a traditions bound young man would not. So while Vidya might be atypical of their culture, this must have been a breath of fresh air for Raman. The fact that Raman then stumbles in truly comprehending the extent of Vidya's unorthodox equality beliefs, only underscores that he is surrounded by many who are not progressives.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3: this is rather funny: Vidya has the gumption to break down some barriers, yet she humbly accepts others, like the "out" house, and serving the men dinner before eating herself. But Raman has not broken with any traditions, other then meeting with Vidya on the sly. He is merely living within a structure that he sees as necessary. They do not inconvenience him in any way - if anything they have aided him in his educational pursuits (he has room and board as he goes to school in Madras). So the fact that he goes through the accepted lines of communication, because it suits him, is not really a break with his character. Sadly, he does not have to experience the inconvenience like Vidya does (note again the "out" house episode).
ReplyDeleteI think that Raman's open minded beliefs towards women are a sign of the times. Though there were times when Vidya questioned whether or not Raman truly would be able to view her as his equal, the historical backdrop of the text helps us to understand that Gandhi was working to change the inferior view that many Indians had towards women at the time. Vidya's family seemed to share some of the beliefs of Gandhi, and since Raman is linked to Vidya's family, he seems to share some of these open minded views. I think that so many of our beliefs and values are shaped by those who raise us and surround us. An entire culture of people can view women as inferior only if that is what they are raised to believe. When political figures, like Gandhi, help others to question these beliefs and values, people like Raman are enabled to challenge their thinking, especially when such controversial thinking is modeled by their loved ones.
ReplyDeleteAs for what attracted Raman to Vidya in the first place, I would say it is the chemestry that brings any couple together. The spark is necessary for passion and love to bloom. But, the progressive views that he holds, along the progressive, equality minded views of those who surround him, that allowed him to look past, and perhaps admire the "against the grain" choices and views that Vidya demonstrates from the time of their very first encounter.
I agree with Liz, in that Raman is quite traditonal in many aspects of his character. As we discussed in class, authors of historical fiction must be true to the time period they are writing in. Raman and Vidya lived in India during a time that women were considered to be inferior to men. There are deep rooted cultural traditions that support this view of inferiority. For Raman to view Vidya as entirely his equal, as we might expect a man to act in the United States today might please Vidya, but would not be as believeable of a story line. It would actually compromise the authenticity of the storyline.
For question one, I agree with what Lisa said and what Liz explained during the "Who has the last word" activity. Due to the fact that Raman's family held similar views to Vidya's family, I feel he would answer that question explaining that he was raised to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Because of that, Raman did not have a problem valuing Vidya's opinions and allowing her to speak her mind. Since he was raised in a traditional Indian family, however, it is not surprising that he had some traditional views on family members and their "roles". It seems apparent that growing up in the family he did enabled him to see others as humans who have feelings and needs, despite their gender or caste in society.
ReplyDeleteI believe if Raman was asked question two, he would say that he was first attracted to Vidya for her physical attractiveness, much the way most people become attracted to someone else. I think he might then further explain that he was attracted to the way in which she was not afraid to voice her opinion and take a stand in her life. Due to the fact that Raman grew up in what was a more non-traditional Indian family (in that they treated even their servents with respect), Raman did not look at a woman who spoke her mind as a sign of rudeness or disrespect. It seems he was raised that all people have feelings, and because of that, he did not mind Vidya expressing hers. In fact, as Liz said, it may have been a breath of fresh air to hear a woman from the Indian culture speak her mind and want to live according to her own wishes and beliefs. That sense of independence and individuality could have been attractive to Raman.
I feel that Raman would answer the third question by explaining he feels women have a right to have their own beliefs and wishes and should be allowed to speak them as well. With that being said, I also feel that he still thinks of men as being a bit superior to women, as this appears evident when he arranged their marriage without Vidya's permission and when he "allowed" her to go to college. While he wants Vidya to have her own beliefs and live according to them, it does seem he feels he has the ultimate say in how those wishes will be carried out. That is why he most likely asked Vidya's uncle for her hand in marriage. Raman still felt that men had the "upper hand," and because of that, they make the decisions. He would probably explain that is why even though he was trying to consider Vidya's feelings in deciding to marry her and allow her to go to college, he alone made that final decision and asked her uncle for his permission without even consulting with Vidya first. Thinking the way he did and growing up in the culture he did, Raman probably did not think that decision would offend Vidya, but that she would be ecstatic about marrying a man who would even allow her to speak her opinion and have her wishes granted. In addition, I think Raman would explain that he had mixed feelings about Vidya going to college. Raman clearly felt school was important, and probably was pleased that he met a woman who also valued education. With that being said, I do not think Raman would have ever sought out a woman who wanted to go to college, as he was still a traditional Indian male. I feel he "allowed" Vidya to go to college because he wanted to honor her wishes and make her happy and not because he truly wanted a wife who had completed a college education.
Liz,
ReplyDeleteI thought about your answer to question 1 and I think you're right that the Hindu beliefs are key to the difference between how some Indian families treated each other. When Vidya's uncle was coming to visit toward the beginning of the book, her father let the servants go for the weekend because the uncle did not treat servants well. He had become caught up in the ideals of the caste system. Vidya, and I believe her father, talk about how this separation by caste does not follow Hindu beliefs. Depending on the person or family, they live out what their heart believes. Raman talks about Hindu beliefs and therefore is more like Vidya and her family.
I also agree with Lauren in Question 1 when she says the times are changing in the book and the viewpoints of people who are followers of Ghandi are changing. Raman is a person who is open to changing traditional beliefs.
ReplyDeleteKrysta's explanation of how Raman is still a product of his culture, even if he does think beyond it, was very good. I can't help connect this to our own country. Many men in America may see women as equals, but there are many men who do not. They still carry a superior attitude and feel women have a certain place. Many women can now go to work and carry out the duties that were traditionally men's roles, but are still expected to carry out the traditional women's roles as well. In other words, many women have taken on more, but have not become equal. I'm not sure why it would surprise us that in 1940's India, Raman is a product of two ways of thinking. Let Vidya do more, but I'm still the man.
Lisa, you brought up a good point I had not yet thought of. Growing up in the time period I have, I have always believed that neither man nor woman are superior, but they are instead equal in their abilities and rights. I get appalled at times when I hear or read about situations where the men dominate the family and/or marriage and have the ultimate say in everything. I am so thankful we live in a time during which having a man and woman with equal rights and roles is an overall accepted way of living. Your comment, Lisa, made me think of two things. First, it really was not that uncommon in the 1940's to have the man be dominant in the household in just about every culture. Therefore, what we read about was quite similar to what was even happening here in America during that time. Second, even in today's time women aren't usually seen completely equal in society, generally speaking. Although we do have the same rights as men, the majority of society still sees it as a "woman's job" to clean the house, raise the kids, and cook the meals (of course this is not true in many families, I'm just speaking of our culture as a whole). Therefore, what we read about with Vidya's family was not only quite common for that time period, but it was also somewhat similar to what many families still practice here in America to this day.
ReplyDelete1. Who raised you to have the beliefs that you did when so many of the people surrounding you have the more traditional Indian beliefs for your culture?
ReplyDeleteWell, I am a free-thinker and love to read. I read a lot and have seen other viewpoints seperate from those primarily associated with other members of my culture. I know that traditionally men in Indian view themselves more highly than females ecspecially if they are from a higher caste in society. However, I have done much reading by Ghandii and I respect his ideas that men and women should be seen more as equals. I have read that while Ghandi still respects traditional Indian culture he also feels that by depriving woman of equal rights is only hampering Indian economy from progressing and growing as well. I just feel that som of the traditions that have been put in place are very one sided and people have been blinded to other views and ways of thinking. If people educated themselves on other cultures and beliefs maybe they would be as open minded to change as I am.
2. What made you so attracted to Vidya when she is a women so atypical from other women in your culture?
Again, I am attracted to Vidya because she possess a personality so true to herself and strong. Vidya is unwavering in her beliefs and thoughts on what she wants in life. Remember that I told you I respect and read a lot of Ghandi's works... well Vidya is someone who I feel represents change for our culture and economy. If someone like Vidya can stand up for what she wants in life then what is stopping others from doing the same. I respect that strength in a person; regardless if he may be man or women.
3. Be honest when talking about your beliefs for gender equality. Being so open to equality and at times against tradition, what made you ask Vidya's uncle for permission to marry Vidya before asking Vidya herself. Did you know that she would be so upset? Also, when you said that you would allow Vidya to go to college did you truly want her too, or were you just trying to make her happy?
I did not know that I had done anything wrong by asking Vidya's uncle for permission to marry Vidya. After seeing how angry Vidya was with me I was embarrassed and realized why she was so upset with me. I know she thinks of me as much more free thinking than other Indian men of our time. HOwever, she must not forget that for years and years traditions have been kept and it is only natural that I grow up seeing these gender traditions being followed I would not be able to break away from them alltogether and completely at once. I truly meant it when I told Vidya I had a lot to learn and that I could learn from her. I know that I should have asked Vidya about marraige first before going to her uncle, but I was trying to be respectful to her families very traditional beliefs. It would have been different if Vidya's father had not been out of the picture because of the accident because he thought more along the lines of how I think and he has read and studied much of Ghandi's beliefs as well. I only hope that Vidya will forgive me. Then, I put my foot in my mouth again and told Vidya that I would allow her to go to college. I don't know why I said that. Again, I guess it is because it is so engrained in me. I didn't mean it like that. I respect Vidya's wish to go to college and of course I would support her through her dream of college. However, I just wish that we could be married and then she could go to college. I do not understand why she wishes to not be married to me until after she finishes college when she loves me and I love her.
Heather Mahler
For question 3, I agree with Lisa when she said that Raman would want Vidya to go to college because he would not want a wife who was not matched in intellect to him. I think this because Raman is very well educated himself. Raman himself is going to the United States to continue his studies there. I think he enjoys that he and Vidya sneak into the library to read together. Reading is a common bond that they share and he knows that if she was not so inquisitive and an equal match to him intellectually that he would become bored perhaps in conversation and life.
ReplyDeleteFor question 2 I agree with both Lauren and Krysta what what attracts any couple to one another are "sparks" and that first meeting and glimse. You kind of know upon first meeting someone and through talking to them if they seem like someone of interest to you. I believe that Raman was initially attracted to Vidya because of her looks and then through talking to her he found that she was someone he really enjoyed conversation with and common interests such as reading and writing.
Heather Mahler
Some interesting points have been raised as far as how we view the equality issue even in the 21st century. In many ways Ghandhi was so far ahead of his time, that we are still looking to his teachings for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHeather, thank you for the dramatic interpretation! I was reading along not realizing that you were "allowing" Raman to speak for himself - and I was thinking it was you! I think you captured his line of thinking perfectly!
Just a little metacognition here - this activity has opened my eyes to the possiblitlites of plumbing the depths of a character from a well-written book. We could never have inferred so much, or fleshed out a character so fullly if we had not had the germ of it all already planted in the novel.