Binary opposition is defined as a pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning. In literature, authors use binary opposites to explore the differences between groups, and often the boundaries between them. Binary opposition creates conflict because there are some people who don't fit into either group and fall into what is called the “grey area”. Authors such as J.K. Rowling in the Harry Potter series, and Anthony Doerr In All the Light We Cannot See, use binary opposition to show that dividing individuals into groups and categorizing them within society can cause problems. The issues that arise are not just seen in literature, but also in society today. The magic community and non-magic community in Harry Potter would be considered binary opposites. Conflict is created because some individuals don't fall into either category, and instead fall into the “grey area”. Those of which are the muggle born and the h...
People are molded by the world around them–The people who raise them, their friends, the town they live in. All of these factors influence who they become, how they act, and how they see the world. For example a child raised in poverty is going to see the world differently then one raised in wealth. And someone raised with a loving family will not be the same as someone raised in a broken home. These are just a few of the many factors that can cause a change from one person to the next. In the book, The Nickel Boys, Elwood, the main character, was said to “talk like a white college boy” unlike the rest of the African Americans at the academy. Elwood was raised to strive for a good education, he went to school, and enjoyed learning. Whereas the other boys weren’t. This was shown when Elwood first entered school at Nickel, and all the other boys slept and goofed off during class instead of learning. This led to the difference in the way they talked and acted. Most of the boys at Nickel Academy were taken there for small but actual crimes like petty theft, damaging personal property, and violence. Whereas Elwood was in for getting a ride in a stolen car on his way to college classes. The small changes in ones environment can cause great impact. In changes how one ends up in the future, the actions they take, and how they view events
I love how you emphasized that how you're raised truly influences the way you see the world. Haven't done the reading for this weekend yet, but looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteThe environment does impact the human behavior. I feel like this could also relate to the book I'm reading (The Color Purple). Celie, the main character, lives in a bad environment (her father harasses her and her mother dies). Then, she moves to another household (got married) and still gets harassed (this time by her husband). She kind of develops an apathetic trait. It seems as if she is mainly living to survive. Her family has made her become submissive and a person who is indifferent to her surroundings.
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