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Post by gnicholson3 on Jul 15, 2024 17:32:12 GMT
In Chapter twenty, Miss Violet asks Anthony if he wishes to be a farmer; his reply to Miss Violet is “I don’t know . . . it’s part of the thing I must learn about myself” (257). He then reflects on Ultima’s wisdom that “a man’s destiny must unfold itself like a flower, with only the sun and the earth and water making it blossom, and no one else meddling in it” (257). This reminded me of a character contrast in a novel I read in the young adult literature course that I took a few semesters ago. In American Street by Ibi Zoboi, Dray is in a gang and has been in a gang since he was nine. He was forced to carry out a hit on a man at nine years old and carried that with him until he died in his late teens, early twenties. Dray never got the opportunity for his destiny to unfold outside of his family’s gang affiliation and because of that he lost his life. I think of that book often and especially in this class, because while we have talked about existentialism in relation to religion there is also that relation to violence as well. There are many examples in modern American literature that discuss freedom, or the lack thereof. Dray’s characterization in contrast to Anthony is interesting in the lack of opportunity to have a choice.
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Post by Dr. Nemmers on Jul 16, 2024 4:09:01 GMT
I didn't know you'd read American Street, Grace--- I'm just working an article revision this summer over that and Zoboi's other novel, Pride!
To add to this, I do think that one thing that links these characters is that they're surrounded by some pretty heavy/lethal/deadly things early on in life. I'm about 2/3 of the way through our novel, and Tony has already seen a handful of murders, has witnessed a strange exorcism thing, visited a whorehouse, and been part of some sort of witch ritual? Like... damn-- that's a lot for a 9-year-old! The funny thing is that rural New Mexico and the llano would seem to be a very boring and safe place... apparently not.
I suppose the big question here is the choice, as you mention---- Tony somehow seems to retain his goodness and innocence throughout this novel, whereas Dray becomes a villainous gangster in American Street. But does Tony really make a choice to be good, or is it just in his nature? He seems so beatific that it's hard to imagine him doing anything-- I'm not sure how much freedom/agency he really has. The other difference, of course, is Ultima and Tony's extended family, who ensure he's taken care of and provide moral/ emotional support. So yes, very different paths, even as these are somewhat similar novels!
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Post by shelbygraham on Jul 16, 2024 13:54:42 GMT
I've also read American Street (I think we may have been in the same class) and I agree with the comparison you've made. I think Fabiola is also relevant in this comparison/contrast with Tony. If I remember correctly, she is also very spiritual through her Vodou prayers. Vodou is how she stays connected to her Haitian identity and for Tony religion/spirituality is a big factor in his identity, as well. Each time she prays to her shrine, something important is revealed to her, and I think sometimes served as a warning or foreshadowing for something coming her way. This is similar to Tony's dreams which reveal a lot to him. She struggles a lot with her choices and staying true to her Haitian identity while also trying to adjust to America. I think she is trying to navigate how she can follow both "paths", while Antonio feels compelled to choose one or the other.
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Post by gnicholson3 on Jul 16, 2024 22:07:40 GMT
Shelby, I'm pretty sure we were in the same class. I also considered as Fabiola being compared to Tony. I remember the turmoil in American Street with Fabiola having the cultural clash and using her Vodou to stay connected with her roots in contrast to her cousins who were fully assimilated to American culture. Your mention of dreams reminded me of a few things. One of my newest favorite quotes is written by Sarah J. Maas, "The world will be saved and remade by dreamers." It is through Tony's dreams that his understanding of the world shifts and Kasim's dreams to leave the gang that leave readers flailing in the senselessness.
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Post by shelbygraham on Jul 17, 2024 14:22:39 GMT
Cool quote, Grace. It definitely ties into the way dreams are so impactful to the protagonists/characters of these two novels, and I think the use of dreams in literature is common. Tony's mother dreamed he would become a priest and I think she had multiple reasons, one being that he could not necessarily "save" the world, but make a positive impact to his community and honor his heritage.
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