(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
make sure that vocabulary is tenth grader vocabulary
use the following eurpoean texts : The black sheep; The Balek Scales & The last Judgement : Capek
In the European selections we have read in this unit, two main themes that seem to be shared by these authors are the exploration of human nature and the critique of societal norms. These themes can be observed in "The Black Sheep" by Valerie Sinason and "The Balek Scales" by Karel Čapek.
In "The Black Sheep," one of the main themes explored is the complexity of human nature. The story revolves around a young girl named Leslie who is born with a facial deformity. Throughout the text, Leslie's family and society at large struggle to accept her physical appearance and consequently treat her as an outcast. This exploration of human nature is evident when the author writes, "It would be so much easier if she were beautiful, a cherubic-faced child like Jude, or pretty like Sarah" (Sinason). This quote highlights the societal expectation for beauty and how individuals who do not fit this standard are often marginalized. Through Leslie's experience, Sinason sheds light on the cruelty and bias that exists within human nature.
Furthermore, both "The Black Sheep" and "The Balek Scales" critique societal norms. In "The Balek Scales," the author introduces a society in which everything is measured and assigned a specific value. This societal norm of quantifying every aspect of life is starkly criticized when the protagonist, Mr. Balek, rebels against it. The text states, "The world he knew - fair or unfair, just or unjust - was a world where everything was measured" (Čapek). This quote emphasizes the oppressive nature of conforming to societal norms and the lack of individuality it allows. Similarly, in "The Black Sheep," Leslie's ostracization exposes the negative impact of societal norms that prioritize physical appearance and conformity.
These themes of the exploration of human nature and the critique of societal norms are significant because they challenge readers to reflect on their own behaviors and biases. Both texts demonstrate how individuals can be judged and excluded based on superficial qualities, encouraging readers to question the fairness and morality of such actions. By highlighting these themes, the authors aim to create a sense of empathy and understanding towards individuals who may be marginalized or different. Ultimately, these stories call for a more inclusive and accepting society that values and celebrates individual uniqueness.
In conclusion, the European selections we have read in this unit share two main themes: the exploration of human nature and the critique of societal norms. These themes can be seen in "The Black Sheep" and "The Balek Scales" through the examination of characters who are marginalized or rebel against societal expectations. Through these themes, the authors encourage readers to reflect on their own actions and prejudices and strive for a more inclusive society.