Initial Personal Reaction: The Protagonist in the story “Roselily” had me conflicted between feeling sorry and happy for her at the same time. The element that was particularly interesting was the atmosphere. Roselily was getting married outside her front porch next to a busy highway; not very romantic I must say. This single mother was standing before God and felt somewhat ashamed of her past, but knew this marriage could somehow wipe away her transgressions. The story made me think about a time in my life when a boyfriend and I were planning to be married, but I guess you can say things never go as planned. I truly believe things happen for a reason and those reasons are eventually discovered.
Literary Element/Thematic Analysis: Trying to find happiness in a loveless marriage can be a very high mountain to climb. The author “Alice Walker” suggests in my opinion that marriage can evolve into a new life with more opportunities. “In the city. He sees her in a new way. This she knows, and is grateful” (Walker 255). Even with having three children by other men Roselily is thankful to be marring a man that accepts her regardless of her past. Walker is trying to express how Roselily is willing to marry this Muslim man and give up on her beliefs to start a new life in Chicago with her children. “She thinks of ropes, chains, handcuffs, his religion” (Walker 254). I believe she is conflicted with not knowing if she will be happy or not starting a new life with her husband. Roselily grew up in the South as a Christian and is now moving to Chicago where the community they will be living in is predominantly Muslim (Nation of Islam). This new life, new marriage can possible take away all the financial hardship she experienced as a single mother. She will no longer need to work anymore, but will become a housewife. Roselily may have lots of doubt, but she will experience a better life not just for her, but the children as well.
Questions/Comments: Do you think marring someone of a different religion than you is a bad idea? Please explain your reasoning…
I think it's a bad idea because you deny yourself a good experience with that person. There could be things the person knows that you don't. I also think it's a bad idea because you make yourself "socially stiff" by putting up walls and depriving yourself from possibly enriching people.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe marrying someone of a different religion is a bad idea. Marriage is bonding the lives of two people together, sharing life as partners. I believe you also have to respect each others differences whether that be religion, skin color, education and embrace the connections like ethics and values. However, if religion is your number one priority and you happen to fall in love with a person of a different religion, then might as well not go with that person as it will create conflict.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the post. Happiness in a loveless life is nearly impossible. I think the story approaches a conflict that is based on tradition and religion more than marriage though.
ReplyDeleteI don't think marrying someone of a different religion really matters. Marriage is a special relationship between two people and should not matter if the two of are different religions. My boyfriends family is Mormon while I am Catholic and I have no problem with it! If your in love, your in love, shouldn't matter what religion they are :)
ReplyDeleteDemond Richardson
ReplyDeleteCommitting on Lakeisha
Only if you have deep religious beliefs, as in actually believing the Bible is the word of god. If your that kind of person then marrying someone outside your religion will be extremely difficult. Because deeply religious people base the foundation of their life on their religion I don’t see how its possible to share your life with someone who will constantly contradict your views. However, if you’re the average person who believes in god because of your upbringing and don’t take the Bible to have a literal meaning then marrying someone outside your religion shouldn’t be a problem.
I love your interpretation of this story. I like how religion is the concept in the story that seems to bring the biggest complication to this marriage. To answer your question, I do not believe that marriage outside of your religion plays a significant role in life. I see it as an opportunity to open your eyes and mind to something you are not use to and to try to understand. I know my mother was once a Buddhist and my dad is Catholic. My mom had converted from Buddhism to Catholicism due to her understanding of the religion. Even if there isn't an acceptance of the other individual's religion, if the feelings are strong enough to overcome something as little as religious beliefs, then marriage should be the best slice of cake anyone could serve themselves.
ReplyDeleteMarriage is a bond between two people, true, but can also be considered as a unification of two families. If the two opposing families have strong religious backgrounds it can only result in tumult. Further more, how should the children be raised, what religious holidays should be honored. Can a Jew really celebrate Christmas? Would a Catholic honor Vesak? Ultimately I suppose it depends on how strongly the two people feel for each other weighed against how strongly their faith is. (I am assuming you meant marrying and not marring, cuz' I would never condone or suggest you marr anyone for any reason, save for republicans O_o).
ReplyDeleteOh, and I liked how you put a more posituve spin on marriage then me. I don't think I could ever read the story and see things as you did. (^_^) Guess I'm too cynical. :(