Reference no: EM133637650 , Length: 5 Pages

Assignment:

Need help putting this together any ideas helps! thanks in advance!

Your 4 to 5 page paper should include the following items. No word count apart format

• Compare and contrast two literary works (short stories) that share the same theme.
• Analyze the approach of the author of each work as well as the content of each piece.
• How are they the same and how were they different?
• How effective was the author in his or her approach to the topic of each piece?
• How do you think the author of each work conveys the approach to that theme?
• Feel free to provide examples as needed, but be sure to document your sources.

Introduction

• " The Flowers" follows Myop, an African American girl living in the rural south. The Barber" focuses on Mrs. Turpin, a white Southern woman living in rural Georgia. In spite of their differences in the characters and settings, both stories share similar themes of racial injustice, identity, and resilience.
• Overall, the stories highlight the importance of understanding and accepting our differences and the strength it takes to overcome adversity.
• Racial prejudice is not innate but instead learned through socialization and conditioning. Political and colonial history, power dynamics, and cultural perceptions surrounding skin color all contribute to the development and perpetuation of this prejudice.

Thesis

• It's clear that Alice Walker's "The Flowers" and Flannery O'Connor's "The Barber" explore the topic of race in a deeply personal and poignant way. The stories follow two young girls who encounter the harsh realities of racism while trying to understand their own unique identity.
• Sadly, racism is still a widespread problem that affects individuals and communities all over the world. It's a deeply ingrained issue that can lead to prejudice and discrimination, causing great harm and pain.

Body

• In the short stories "The Barber" and "The Flowers," Mrs. Turpin and Myop face racial prejudice and injustice. However, their responses to these experiences are vastly different. While Mrs. Turpin is unable to recognize her role in the Oppression of African Americans, Myop embraces her identity and stands up against injustice.
• The setting of each story also plays a significant role in highlighting the differences between the two characters. In "The Barber," the rural Georgia setting is filled with racial tension, reinforcing Mrs. Turpin's self-righteousness. On the other hand, "The Flowers" takes place in a more peaceful and idyllic rural setting, which allows Myop to explore her heritage and appreciate her African-American identity.
• Based on the contrasting responses to racial injustice and the impact of the setting in each story, oppression must be recognized and fought against. It is a powerful reminder of standing up for justice and equality.
• In terms of narrative techniques, O'Connor and Walker use symbolism to explore the theme of race. In "The Barber," the barber's refusal to cut Mrs. Turpin's hair is a metaphor for the oppressive power dynamics between African Americans and whites. In "The Flowers," Myop's discovery of the lynched figure is symbolic of how African Americans are oppressed and denied full humanity. Additionally, both authors use languages to explore race and identity.
• Interestingly, "The Barber" highlights Mrs. Turpin's self-righteousness by frequently using religious images in her language. On the other hand, "The Flowers" beautifully displays Myop's profound admiration for her African-American heritage with the many natural images she uses in her language.

Conclusions

O'Connor's "The Barber" and Walker's "The Flowers" explore race and character responses to injustice. Mrs. Turpin fails to recognize her role in oppressing African Americans, while Myop bravely embraces her identity and learns to celebrate her heritage. The narratives show the importance of identity and toughness when facing racism.