Saree of the Gods

Stuck Between Two Worlds

in

G.S Charat Chandra's "Saree of the Gods"

Aghiles Boumati

1330177

International Literature 603-103-1444

Instructor: Elizabeth Koper

Friday March 13, 2015

Outline

Introduction:

• The short story "Saree of the Gods", by G.S. Sharat Chandra..............
• Theme: The story suggests that through alienation one can be often misunderstood, but also can misunderstand others.
• Thesis: The author effectively conveys this theme through the use of characterization, irony and symbolism.

Body:

• Topic Sentence: With the use of characterization the author demonstrates how Prapulla is a unique and isolated character who is bound to be misunderstood and misunderstand others.

• Even though Prapulla is a religious person she also is educated and remains a very practical woman(Chandra 65).
• At her arrival in New York she is unsettled, and the recurring fear of being left alone in her apartment while Shekar is at work frightens her(65).
• She liked "[walking] into a crowded room where others were dressed differently and had relished the sudden flush of embarrassment on their faces at her exquisite choice of wear"(66).

• Topic Sentence: Through irony the author demonstrates how both cultures collide which often leaves Prapulla in an uncomfortable and destabilized state.

• "[...] avoiding Prapulla's unflinching stare"(67).
• "[...]always wanted to visit India and shared great interest in the country and its culture"(66).
• "Sounds rather strange and off key to me"(67).

• Topic Sentence: Through symbolism Chandra demonstrates how Prapulla is left alone during this evening and all she has left is her traditions and values.

• "[...] the alcohol hissed like a magical serpent over the saree spreading its poisonous hood"(68).
• of  "[the] wedding saree, selected by the bride became her second self, the sail of her destiny, the roof that protected her and her offspring from evil"(69).

Conclusion:

• An individual who is left alone to face difficult challenges such as a cultural shock will always struggle to find happiness.

        The short story "Saree of the Gods", by G.S. Sharat Chandra, introduces us to two married Indian immigrants who face the cultural shock of changing countries from India to New York. The author introduces us to the protagonist Prapulla, the story mainly focuses on her experiences and feelings. The antagonist is the Western society who is not accommodating Prapulla so that she feels accepted, but also respected for her own values and traditions. The story suggests that through alienation one can be often misunderstood, but also can misunderstand others. In this case, Prapulla's culture that is misunderstood, but she also fails to understand and acclimate herself to the new culture of the United States. The author effectively conveys this theme through the use of characterization, irony and symbolism.

        With the use of characterization the author demonstrates how Prapulla is a unique and isolated character who is bound to be misunderstood and misunderstand others. Before moving to New York, Prapulla was troubled with the idea of going over the Mount Everest which signified for her an intrusion over Lord Shiva's territory. Even though Prapulla is a religious person she also is educated and remains a very practical woman(Chandra 65). At her arrival in New York she is unsettled, and the recurring fear of being left alone in her apartment while Shekar is at work frightens her(65). These of segments of the text describe Prapulla as a typical immigrant who is probably a genuine person, but the change in environment will be a difficult step for her. She will definitely need guidance and help throughout this difficult cultural shock period. However, Prapulla seems disgusted with the Western culture and often undermined individuals believing perhaps that she came from a higher ranking in India. She liked "[walking] into a crowded room where others were dressed differently and had relished the sudden flush of embarrassment on their faces at her exquisite choice of wear"(66). Prapulla already has a low opinion of woman in the United States due to their clothing style and she also seems to believe that she is above this western culture. In sum, Prapulla's unique personality traits and her view on the Western society will do nothing but make it harder for her to adapt to her new environment.