In the novel Towelhead by Alicia Erian, the protagonist Jasira has two different types of conflict. The first and most important type of conflict is man versus self because throughout the novel, Jasira is trying to discover a purpose in her life by trying to find people that truly care for her. Although most thirteen year old children seek love from their parents, Jasira has to look elsewhere for this love because her parents are divorced and cannot seem to love her like most parents would. Jasira’s mother trusts her boyfriend more than her daughter, and Jasira’s father is not only extremely strict but is also away home for most of the day. As a result, Jasira seeks attention from the wrong people. For example, her neighbour Mr. Vuoso takes sexual advantage of her by pretending to love and care for her. Another example of how she seeks attention is how she gets close with a boy, called Thomas, at school despite the fact that her parents do not wish for her to date at such a young age. In addition, before Jasira was sent to live with her father, she had actually attracted too much attention from her mother’s boyfriend Barry. As a result, her mother had no choice but to send her to live in Texas
The second type of conflict that Jasira had to go through is man versus society. As a citizen of the United States of America Iraq
Although none of the conflicts have been completely solved, the situations have improved. For example, Jasira’s father is beginning to grow a better relationship with Jasira, and is beginning to care for her more. In addition, Jasira’s new neighbour Melina truly cares for her wellbeing. This is demonstrated when Melina, despite being pregnant, sits outside Mr. Vuoso’s house on the ground waiting for Jasira to return after entering his house alone because she feels that Mr. Vuoso will take advantage of Jasira.
I cannot relate to Jasira because not only have I never had to face racism at school or in my neighbourhood, but I also have a loving family that is not divorced. As a result, unlike Jasira, I do not need to search for love from others at school and at home. Of course, I believe that there are many children that are currently experiencing a similar situation as because not only are divorce rates extremely high today, but racism and discrimination is still really common at schools.
There seems to be many different conflicts in this book: racism, divorce, relationships, and sexual exploitation. However, although these conflicts seem hugely unrelated as they span across a huge spectrum of topics, it is interesting to note that all these dilemmas arise from the same issue, love or rather the lack of love. The lack of love is what causes racism, divorce, relationship disagreements, and sexual exploitation.
ReplyDeleteRacism, divorce, and relationships are obvious examples of the result of the absence of love. Sexual exploitation however is a little more complex. Although sexual abusers may seem like they have an excess amount of "passion" to release to their victims this is not the case. The development of people into sexual offenders usually initiates from their childhood where they too, like Jasira, lack love and care. Taking advantage of Jasira for Mr. Vuogo may be an outlet for avenging his own painful childhood.
Though Mr. Vuoso seems like a genuine friend to Jasira, as he shows "interest" and "attention" to her life, the audience realizes Mr. Vuoso's true intentions. The author seems to symbolize Mr. Vuoso as Jasira's past where her life is in a mess and love is non existing. But as the story progresses Melina seems to become a more dominant figure which may infer that Jasira's life is beginning to turn around for the better.
Looking forward to your next post on your INS! A compelling post!