Your response should include the following to receive the points in parentheses:
• Respond in one or two paragraphs.
• Answer is written in complete sentences.
Choose one of the following two prompts.
1. "I am a citizen of the world" is a key line in the story When Greek Meets Greek." Compare and contrast how this line relates to the events of "When Greek Meets Greek" and another selection in this unit
"I am a citizen of the world" is a key line in the story "When Greek Meets Greek." This line reflects the protagonist's perspective of seeing himself as a global citizen rather than identifying solely with his Greek heritage. In the story, the protagonist, Jim Argyll, is a Greek immigrant living in America. He becomes caught up in a fraudulent scheme orchestrated by fellow Greek immigrants, ultimately leading to his downfall. Despite his specific cultural background, Jim recognizes the importance of transcending national borders and embracing a broader world view. This line reveals his belief in the interconnectedness of all people, regardless of nationality.
Similarly, this theme of being a citizen of the world can be observed in the poem "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus. The poem is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty and expresses the idea of America as a haven for immigrants and a symbol of hope. Lazarus writes, "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me." In the poem, Lazarus emphasizes the inclusivity and universality of America, welcoming people from all walks of life. This sentiment aligns with the idea of being a citizen of the world, breaking down barriers and acknowledging the inherent common humanity that transcends national boundaries.
In both "When Greek Meets Greek" and "The New Colossus," the line "I am a citizen of the world" reflects the notion of embracing a global perspective and acknowledging the interconnectedness of all people, regardless of their specific cultural backgrounds. It highlights the importance of unity and understanding in a world that is increasingly interconnected and diverse.
"I am a citizen of the world" is a key line in the story "When Greek Meets Greek." This line reflects the overarching theme of cultural exchange and interconnectedness in the story. The protagonist, Mr. Pritchard, is an Englishman who travels to Greece and encounters various cultural differences and misunderstandings. As he navigates these challenges, he learns to appreciate and embrace the diversity of cultures. This line signifies Mr. Pritchard's realization that he belongs to a global community, where understanding and acceptance of different cultures are important.
This theme of being a citizen of the world can also be seen in another story in this unit, "Stray." In "Stray," a young boy named Dorsey forms an unlikely friendship with a stray dog. Despite being from different backgrounds, Dorsey and the dog forge a bond that transcends cultural boundaries. The community in the story understands the importance of embracing diversity and sees beyond superficial differences. Like Mr. Pritchard, Dorsey realizes that he is part of a global community where connections can be formed regardless of cultural background. The line "I am a citizen of the world" relates to this story as it highlights the idea that cultural differences should not be barriers to forming meaningful connections and relationships.
In both "When Greek Meets Greek" and "Stray," the line "I am a citizen of the world" emphasizes the significance of cultural exchange, acceptance, and the ability to connect with individuals from different backgrounds. This understanding strengthens the protagonists' relationships and enriches their experiences.
To compare and contrast the line "I am a citizen of the world" in the story "When Greek Meets Greek," one could start by examining how it relates to the events of the story. In "When Greek Meets Greek," the line is spoken by Mr. Hiram Bent regarding his international business ventures. He sees himself as a global citizen who transcends national borders and embraces cultural diversity. This line reflects his open-mindedness and adaptability to different cultures, which enables his success as a businessman dealing with various international partners.
On the other hand, in another selection from this unit, like the poem "I, Too" by Langston Hughes, the line "I am a citizen of the world" would have a different relationship to the events since the focus is on the struggle for racial equality in America. In "I, Too," the speaker is an African American who envisions a future where he is not confined by racial boundaries but is recognized as a valued member of society. While the line in "When Greek Meets Greek" emphasizes a broader worldview, in "I, Too," it stresses the desire for inclusion and equality within a specific societal context.
Overall, the line "I am a citizen of the world" in "When Greek Meets Greek" highlights the global perspective of the character, while its significance in another selection like "I, Too" would center on the desire for equality within a specific cultural and historical context.