write a short essay about “The Literature of the Middle East and South Asia,” and dont use big words
In “The Literature of the Middle East and South Asia,” Laura Winkiel writes: “These stories help us to understand the complex questions that Middle Easterners and South Asian people ask as they stand at a crossroads of cultural and religious change.” Explain how this statement applies to one of the selections you read. Be sure to include the title of the selection and explain the crossroads that it illustrates.
In the essay "The Literature of the Middle East and South Asia," Laura Winkiel suggests that the stories from these regions help us comprehend the intricate queries that Middle Easterners and South Asian people ponder as they confront cultural and religious transformations. This statement resonates with the story "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, which elucidates the crossroads experienced by its protagonist, Amir.
"The Kite Runner" is a poignant tale set in Afghanistan during the tumultuous period of the Soviet invasion and subsequent rise of the Taliban regime. The story showcases the journey of Amir, a young Afghan boy from a privileged background, as he grapples with guilt, redemption, and identity in the face of political and societal upheaval.
Amir finds himself at a crossroads when he witnesses his loyal Hazara friend, Hassan, being brutally assaulted while he watches, paralyzed by fear and shame. Consumed by guilt, Amir struggles to reconcile his conflicting emotions and the sociocultural expectations placed upon him. This internal conflict represents the crossroads where Amir stands; torn between betraying his friend and acknowledging the prevailing societal norms of discrimination against the Hazara community.
Furthermore, Amir's narrative takes place in a Afghanistan that undergoes significant changes, both politically and religiously. As the Soviets invade and later the Taliban take control, the fabric of the nation is torn apart. This backdrop further emphasizes the multifaceted questions faced by Middle Eastern and South Asian individuals as they grapple with the impact of outside forces on their cultures, religious beliefs, and personal lives. In "The Kite Runner," this is exemplified by Amir's struggle to navigate his Afghan identity against the backdrop of political turmoil and religious extremism.
Through the exploration of Amir's story, "The Kite Runner" offers a window into the complexities faced by individuals in the Middle East and South Asia. It illustrates how the crossroads of cultural and religious change force individuals to confront challenging moral dilemmas, grapple with their own personal guilt, and navigate their identity amidst shifting societal dynamics.