(32 Points) Think about the European selections we have read in this Unit. What do they have in common? In at least two fully developed paragraphs, identify two main themes/ideas that seem to be shared by these authors. Support your statement with evidence from at least two texts. Don’t forget to fully explain your evidence.
Grading rubric out of 32 points:
/8 Two Main Themes Identified
/4 Examples from Text 1
/4 Examples from Text 2
/8 Explanation of How the Evidence Identifies the Stated Themes.
/4 Correctly Cited Texts
/4 Grammar and Mechanics
Two main themes that seem to be shared by the European selections we have read in this Unit are the exploration of the human condition and the exploration of social and political ideas.
One of the main themes explored by these authors is the human condition. In "The Blue Bouquet" by Octavio Paz, the protagonist finds himself in a surreal and nightmarish situation when he is attacked by a stranger who wants to cut out his eyes. This story delves into the depths of human fear and paranoia, highlighting the fragility of human existence and the vulnerability of individuals in a hostile world. Another text that explores the human condition is "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka. In this story, the protagonist wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. Through this fantastical element, Kafka examines the alienation and isolation that can come from being different or feeling like an outsider. Both of these texts shed light on the human experience, emphasizing the universal aspects of fear, vulnerability, and isolation.
Another main theme that is shared by these authors is the exploration of social and political ideas. In "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, the small town's practice of stoning one of its own members each year as a sacrifice represents the dangers of blindly following tradition and the collective responsibility for the perpetuation of harmful social norms. This story critiques the unquestioning acceptance of societal practices and forces readers to reflect on the consequences of conformity. Similarly, in "Animal Farm" by George Orwell, the animals on the farm rebel against their human oppressors, establishing a society where all animals are equal. However, as the story progresses, the pigs begin to take control and replicate the oppressive structure they originally fought against. This allegory explores the corruption of power and the dangers of totalitarianism. Both of these texts serve as cautionary tales, warning readers about the potential pitfalls of societal and political systems.
In conclusion, the European selections we have read in this Unit share common themes of exploring the human condition and social and political ideas. "The Blue Bouquet" and "The Metamorphosis" delve into the depths of the human experience, highlighting themes of fear, vulnerability, and isolation. "The Lottery" and "Animal Farm" critique societal and political systems, exploring themes of the dangers of conformity and the corruption of power. These themes and ideas are presented through compelling narratives and thought-provoking imagery, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.