¶ … Balance of Fragile Things
Change and Upheaval in Balance of Fragile Things
Change is the only constant. In today's unstable world, both the old and new generations are being forced to deal with dramatic change. This is one of the most prominent themes in Olivia Chadha's novel, Balance of Fragile Things; change becomes the driving force of the novel. In a tumultuous world filled with so much change, it makes it difficult for the characters to uphold the traditions and expectations of the past; instead they have to forge their own blended future to survive in such a strange new world. Change upsets the delicate balance of things, and threatens the family's ability to find any sort of balance in a tumultuous modern world.
The family's past traditions often do not work in balance with a modern American lifestyle. Vic is a typical American teenager. He is worried about his image and constantly being bullied in school. It is the very parts of his character that embody the past that are what get Vic teased so much in a modern world. His braid and turban set him apart from the modern world; "his braid tumbled halfway down his back, a precursor to an imminent turban-wearing future. The length of his hair shocked even Vic as he stood with it naked to the world" (Chadha 1). It is a connection to a past that Vic is not even aware of in his modern context. Vic's father, Paul, describes the link between the braided hair and the gurus of their religion. He tells Vic, "this unshorn hair, this kesh, was a symbol of his connection to their martyrdom and willingness to protect those who were unable to protect themselves," (Chadha 6). Vic's prominent nose is another connection to an unknown past. It is a physical embodiment of his heritage, yet he does not seem to connect to it in a positive way, as his parents do. Here, Chadha writes "his mother had told...
Environmental Themes in Grapes of Wrath This essay reviews environmental themes from the following five books: Dust Bowl by Donald Worster, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Everglades: River of Grass by Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Killing Mr. Watson by Peter Matthiessen, and River of Lakes by Bill Belleville. This paper discusses the role that culture has played in environmental issues during the past century. Five sources used. MLA format. Environmental Themes Humans
The boy just stood there staring at the pile of clothes and cat food and bows. I went over and asked him if I could do anything but he told me that he was used to it. I wasn't actually all that surprised by his answer. And so I ask myself: Which story of the family are these two telling themselves? Does the boy know that he is Horus and
(MACV Dir 381-41) This document is one of the first confidential memorandums associated with the Phoenix Program, which details in 1967 the mostly U.S. involvement in counterinsurgency intelligence and activities and discusses the future training and development of South Vietnam forces to serve the same function, that had been supported by the U.S. In civilian (mostly CIA) and military roles. The document stresses that the U.S. role is to
Companies such as XYZ Widget Corporation are well situated to take advantage of burgeoning markets in developing nations, particularly in Asia and Africa. 2. XYZ can grow its business by expanding its operations to certain developing nations in ways that profit the company as well as the impoverished regions that are involved, particularly when marketing efforts are coordinated with nongovernmental organizations operating in the region. 3. Several constraints and challenges must
Internship Tasks The main task during the internship was articles about Dow Water & Process Solutions (DW&PS). The aim was to illustrate the processes going in water treatment plants and to explain the importance of wastewater reuse. Also, I helped preparing a few press releases that informed about new technologies or projects DW&PS is involved in. Such was the DEMOWARE press release, which I found very interesting and decided to
Internship Tasks Main task during the internship was articles about Dow Water & Process Solutions (DW&PS). The aim was to illustrate the processes going in water treatment plants and to explain the importance of wastewater reuse. Also, I helped preparing a few press releases that informed about new technologies or projects DW&PS is involved in. Such was the DEMOWARE press release, which I found very interesting and decided to look
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now