write a short essay about “The happy man” 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.
The Happy Man is a short story that reflects the complexities faced by Middle Easterners and South Asian people at a pivotal moment of cultural and religious change. The story presents us with a tale of a man who encounters a dilemma that forces him to choose between his personal happiness and societal expectations.
The narrative begins with the introduction of a content and cheerful man, who is known to be happy in every aspect of his life. However, as the story unfolds, we witness a moment that places the protagonist at a crossroads of cultural and religious change. The man finds himself torn between his religious beliefs and his desire to pursue his own happiness.
The protagonist is approached by a wise man who presents him with a choice. He can either choose to remain content and happy, but defy the religious teachings that dictate hardships and penances as a path to spiritual enlightenment, or he can embrace the sufferings and challenges that his religion demands, sacrificing his personal happiness in the process.
This turning point in the story captures the overarching conflict that Middle Easterners and South Asian people often face when grappling with the traditions and values of their society. It forces them to confront the tension between personal fulfillment and religious obligations. These questions become even more complex as cultural and religious change takes place, with new ideas and values challenging the established norms.
The Happy Man illustrates the internal struggle faced by individuals in this region as they navigate the changing landscape of cultural and religious expectations. It prompts us to ponder the choices we have to make when confronted with conflicting desires and societal pressures. By questioning the conventional path of sacrifice and self-denial in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, the story challenges readers to reevaluate their own values and beliefs.
In conclusion, The Happy Man exemplifies how Middle Easterners and South Asian people confront the complex questions that arise when they stand at the crossroads of cultural and religious change. It showcases the dilemma faced by individuals torn between adhering to societal expectations and pursuing personal happiness. By exploring these conflicts, the story invites readers to contemplate their own choices and the complexity of the world we live in.