Paper 2 - 4
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Characters in works of literature often face struggles related to their identity.
Societies perception
When Marji returns to Iran from Austria, society insists on the stereotypes about Persian women. In particular, during the ski trip, Marji's friends insist on their view about the woman’s role in the family, portrayed through the multi-edged speech bubble demonstrating a persuasive tone. Conversely, in Andorra, the citizens project antisemitic stereotypes on Andri. For instance, the author portrays the carpenter’s disdain for the protagonist by not allowing the “dirty Jew” to get the same job. It thus illustrates that each society bonds people to the stereotypes they don’t match, affecting their identity.
In addition, the authors illustrate that communities do not understand this problem. Andorran citizens’ speeches in the witness testimonies clearly show that their antisemitic behaviour did not cause Andri’s death. Marji’s friends are depicted as traditionalists and confident that their point of view is the only one. Therefore, both authors demonstrate society as a unit of power, insisting on their perception of everyone through stereotyping.
Self-identification
Marji does not know what to do when she…
Andri does not feel that he belongs to Andorra.
Marji attempts to find herself and her identity, while Andri does not have the opportunity to do so.
Protagonists' ways to find their identity
Marji can move to another country to change the environment
Andri has no opportunity to change the environment, so he tries to neglect the stereotypes
Her parents support Marji, and they provide both financial and moral support, and she willingly accepts this help
After the citation with the soldier, Andri is completely lost and accepts the projected stereotypes neglecting Barblin’s and Teacher’s help