K. Saraswathi Amma's The Subordinate - Essay Example

The paper tells that a person’s culture, heritage, and origins are part of what makes human beings distinct from animals. Humans have the ability to develop intelligent works of arts, cultures, and scientific discoveries. Preserving history is fundamental as it helps to commemorate the distinction of the events that took place in the past and modern. Narrative is the most generic thing that connects people to the real world by providing unification within the society. It is so intrinsically part of human experience that human beings are born with an urge to structure narratives to express different views in different cultures.

It is indispensable to preserve history to commemorate progress and modification between the past and present. Following this, one should ensure that the most important narratives in culture are remembered by reading and appreciating narrativesю In considering the narrative “The Subordinate” by the K. Saraswathi Amma’s, readers comprehend different cultural practices.. Paru and her daughter represent Indian culture in the story, and from the story one understands how they are less privileged than Americans.

From the following quote, readers comprehend how Paru Amma was less privileged in the society.  “On a her right hung screen made of coconut fronds, sitting there, she could see everything that took place in the house opposite situated on higher ground. She knew all the details of that house, the number of rooms, the location of the kitchen, and the layout of the bathroom”.. The memories of the house engulfed her” (Kalpakian 57). Paru believed that by killing her daughter, she would set her daughter free from the miserable life in the society and forgets the past.

In great thoughts, Paru thought “I will arrange to send Lakshmikutty back soon, which will be good for her future” (58). This text indicates how individuals encounter life challenges beyond their control when they fail to recognize their identity and culture. This story suggests how modernity has precisely disregarded women by providing a critique between the historical years and modern. With this regard, reading this text creates a platform to understand the Indian and American culture.

The narrative discusses an Indian woman in the U.S struggling to find a place in society. The documentary is effective as it shows the woman struggle into finding a rewarding identity in the U.S. It creates great insights on the differences between India and the West. At one point, Vasu who one of the character affirm that the Americans asked her why Indians remained submissive. The publication of this tale helps readers to articulate the image of Indian women as un-protesting and quiet. With this in mind, reading most important narratives in our culture ensure that the culture is not forgotten.

Preserving history is an essential source that enhances identity and uniqueness of a community. For Paru, the Ashtami Rihini day marked the celebration of an event that had occurred when she was seventeen years old. Paru recalled how her drawing teacher drew a figure of snake inscribed with words “Treatment for snake bite will be done here” (Kalpakian 58). At home, Paru recalled her teacher affirming to have been lucky to have a good woman as his wife. Based on these quotes, one can affirm that reading narratives helps one celebrate, understand, and preserve history of community identity.

In efforts to preserving history, narratives play a fundamental role in compiling the history and the heritage of a community. The involvement of different characters from different cultures in narratives can be a key element to preserving history and heritage. Despite the importance of preserving histor