“The Perforated Sheet,” by Salman Rushdie
“Girl,” by Jamaica Kincaid
Global Literature that blurs national boundaries and shines the light on cultural identities
This week’s readings centered around Global Literature in the 20th and 21st centuries. The theme for this week’s readings was the pieces of work that blurred national boundaries and went in depth into cultural identities. As seen in “The Perforated Sheet” by Salman Rushdie it centers around the main characters identity being rooted in India after its newfound independence from Britain. In the other reading we will analyze “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid, her literary work can connect to people all over the world. To define Global Literature is to create literary works that know no boundaries. Throughout the last eight blogs, we have explored literary works that transcend time and place. Works that can be connected to humanity today and rooted in social structures in varying countries.
STUDENT ACTIVITY
This week we will be tying together all of the literary works we have gone over the last term but also going over two pieces of work that explore Global Literature in the 20th and 21st century. For this assignment, arrange the students desk in a circle to promote discussion. Before the beginning of the assignment, have the students write down their ethnicity and cultural practices that are relative to their ethnicity. At the end of the week, do a potluck of food that is foods from all over the world.
“The Perforated Sheet,” by Salman Rushdie
In Rushdie’s short story, it begins with the main character speaking about how his birthday fell on the day India gained independence from Britain. This was important to the theme of cultural identity. His story really begins with his grandfather though. There is a part in the story where his grandfather bumps his nose causing him to bleed. This happened while he was trying to pray and due to the nose injury, he renounced his religion. This creates a hole in literal and figurative terms for his grandfather’s cultural identity. “This decision, however, made a hole in him, a vacancy in a vital inner chamber, leaving him vulnerable to women and history.” (Rushdie, 1980) The perforated sheet as the title symbolizes the hole that was found in his grandfathers identity. In the end, his grandfather finds love and it fills the void he had felt upon losing his religion. A popular culture comparison that can be made is to the movie Eat Pray Love starring Julia Roberts. The main character leaves everything shes ever known to go on a path of self discovery after divorcing her husband. The main character is lost as to what is important to her and she partakes on a path of self discovery. She indulges in men, food and new cultures during her journey.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- As you grow up and leave home, you may find yourself discovering new things that were not once apart of your cultural identity. Or you may give up pieces of yourself that no longer serve you. Are there any cultural traits you identify with that you will never give up? Examples like religion, cultural traditions, etc.
- Was the main character filling the void with the woman he met or was he simply just recreating his identity through someone else? Can you do that?
- What examples in the story by Rushdie touch on the stray from cultural identity the main character’s grandpa experienced?
“Girl,” by Jamaica Kincaid
“Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid touches on the role that women play. The gender constructions created by society. Jamaica Kincaid writes a short story describing her mother and focusing on that relationship. Kincaid’s story blurs national boundaries because there is no sense of place in her story. Anyone can read it and anyone can relate to it or interpret it in their own way. “you mean to say that after all you are really going to be the kind of woman who the baker won’t let near the bread?” (Kincaid. 1978) This quote from Kincaid’s story touches on the type of women to be emulated. By writing about a girl and being a female author, she battles against the longstanding pieces of literature from her culture that were predominantly male and about males. Jamaica Kincaid gives girls around the world, their voice through finding her own. A popular culture comparison can be made to the movie Queen of Katwe. A movie about a young girl living in poverty in Uganda. Through meeting the right people and perseverance, doors begin to open for the main character. The movie touches on the struggle the girl faces but also how she overcomes it and finds her voice.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Kincaid’s story transcends time and place. Are there any parts of the story that show cultural traditions specific to a place?
- How would you define Global Literature? Does Kincaid’s story meet that definition?
- We emulate our parents or elders. In what ways do you find yourself copying your elders? What habits?
ASSIGNMENT OPTIONS
OPTION ONE
Bring a dish
For the final assignment, there will be a potluck at the end of the week. Go home and find a meal that is traditional for your family. Write a short story with the recipe on why that food has become a tradition for your family. (If you do not partake in this option, then you must bring other utensils or items needed for the potluck)
OPTION TWO
MOVIE AND PAPER
Find a movie that you find your cultural identity resonating with. Write a paper of why your life relates to that movie and how you find your cultural identity.
