follow the directions and make a short essay with “Borders” short story by Thomas King
Respond to the test prompt above in three separate, complete paragraphs. Begin your response by restating the question and including the title and author in the selection.
Paragraph 1: R-Restate the question. State the story title and author’s name. What type of border did the character have to cross? Societal? Geographical? Relational? Personal? Name the person that has been affected by a border crossing. Give a short overview of their experiences.
Paragraph 2: A and C-Answer and Cite from the story. How was the individual from the story affected by their experiences? Cite from the story to show evidence. Choose at least one quote from the story to support your answer.
Paragraph 3: E-Explain -Explain your thoughts about the individual's experiences(Think about: how you can relate to the person and/or how it changed your understanding of the concept of the many different types of boards we have talked about in Unit 5.)
Paragraph 1: In the story "Borders" by Thomas King, the character had to cross both geographical and societal borders. The individual affected by the border crossing is the narrator's mother. She is a Blackfoot woman who has always identified herself as a member of the Blackfoot tribe and refuses to acknowledge the geopolitical borders imposed by the government. Despite being repeatedly questioned at the border crossing, she steadfastly declares that she is Blackfoot and carries a tribal identification card. Throughout the story, she experiences the frustration and discrimination that comes with refusing to conform to the geopolitical borders.
Paragraph 2: The experiences of the narrator's mother in "Borders" profoundly affect her. She faces numerous challenges and prejudices due to her refusal to acknowledge geopolitical borders. King writes, "The border guards, it seemed, didn't like my mother's politics. Or maybe it was her skin" (King). This quote shows that her defiance of societal norms and refusal to conform to the imposed borders brings her into conflict with the authorities. She experiences discrimination and hostility, yet she remains steadfast in her identity and beliefs.
Paragraph 3: The experiences of the narrator's mother in "Borders" made me reflect on the countless individuals who have had to grapple with the inherent complexity and injustice of borders. While I may not have personally encountered the same challenges as the narrator's mother, I can empathize with the desire to assert one's own identity in the face of societal pressures to conform. This story has deepened my understanding of the various types of borders we have discussed in Unit 5, such as geographical, societal, relational, and personal borders. It has highlighted the significance of not only recognizing these borders but also challenging and questioning their existence when they restrict individuals' identities and freedom.