Comparative essay Flashcards
introduction
Introduction: “In literature, stories have a unique ability to cross time and place, shedding light on common human experiences and societal issues. Angelica Gibbs’ short story ‘The Test’ and Clare Atkins’ novel ‘Between Us’ each offer distinct perspectives on themes such as racial discrimination, abuse of power, and resilience. Published in different eras and contexts, these works share a profound exploration of the human condition, despite their contrasting settings and narrative forms. ‘The Test’ unfolds in the mid-20th century United States during the Jim Crow era, addressing the systemic racism and prejudice prevalent at the time. Conversely, ‘Between Us’ delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and acceptance within Australia’s multicultural landscape, navigating the tension surrounding government policies like the Border Force Act. In this comparative essay, we will explore the striking similarities between these two works, illuminating the enduring challenges of racial prejudice, the abuse of power, and the resilience of marginalized individuals as we delve into their shared themes and contrasting stylistic choices.”
conclusion:
Conclusion: In conclusion, Angelica Gibbs’ “The Test” and Clare Atkins’ “Between Us” may exist in distinct literary forms and historical contexts, but they share a profound resonance in their exploration of timeless human struggles. Both works illuminate the enduring challenges of racial prejudice, the abuse of power, and the resilience of marginalized individuals. In “The Test,” the stark portrayal of racial discrimination during the Jim Crow era highlights the systemic injustices faced by Black individuals, emphasizing the urgent need for societal change. Meanwhile, “Between Us” delves into the complexities of identity and belonging within Australia’s multicultural landscape, shedding light on the abuse of power in the context of immigration policies. These narratives, although separated by time and place, underscore the universality of human experiences and the importance of acknowledging and addressing the injustices that persist in society. Through our comparative analysis, we have uncovered the meaningful connections that exist between these seemingly disparate works, emphasizing that literature remains a powerful medium for promoting empathy, awareness, and change. As we reflect on the stories of Marian and the characters in “Between Us,” we are reminded of the shared humanity that transcends boundaries and the imperative to work towards a more just and inclusive world.
Attitudes/ ideas
Racial Stereotyping- the test
The Test: In “The Test” by Angelica Gibbs, racial stereotyping is evident through key quotes that illustrate the biases Marian, the Black protagonist, faces. When Marian responds, ‘They probably do like it better if a white person shows up with you,’” she acknowledges the assumption that her success might be influenced by the presence of a white person, highlighting the stereotype that Black individuals are judged differently based on their racial associations. Furthermore, the inspector’s question, “‘Sure you don’t really want to sneak out nights to meet some young blood?’ the inspector asked. He laughed as Marian shook her head,” implies stereotypes about Black women’s behavior and intentions, insinuating that they might engage in improper activities. Marian’s rejection of this assumption through her response challenges these stereotypes, emphasizing the unfairness and prejudice inherent in such judgments.
Attitudes/ ideas
Racial Stereotyping- between us
Between Us”: The novel challenges racial stereotypes by portraying immigrant characters in a complex and authentic way. It challenges the stereotype that illegal immigrant’s people are all the same, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting individual experiences. He’s staring at our bus in something like confusion. Or shock. Or distaste. His mouth is half open, like he’s saying, ‘Oh … you’re one of them.’ My heart drops into my stomach. (25) The use of an idiom is used on page 25 so that the audience can relate to how Anahita is feeling can imagine how it feels for themselves.
Attitudes/ ideas
Racial Stereotyping- conclusion
In both “The Test” and “Between Us,” racial stereotypes play a significant role in shaping the narrative, but they are addressed differently. In “The Test,” racial stereotyping is evident through key quotes that highlight the biases faced by the Black protagonist, Marian. Her responses challenge the stereotypes imposed on her, emphasizing the unfairness and prejudice inherent in such judgments. Conversely, in “Between Us,” the novel takes a different approach by challenging racial stereotypes through the portrayal of immigrant characters in a complex and authentic manner. The use of idiomatic language on page 25 allows the audience to empathize with Anahita’s feelings, facilitating a deeper understanding of the impact of stereotypes. While both works tackle racial stereotyping, they do so by presenting contrasting perspectives, one through the direct experiences of the character and the other through the broader narrative lens, ultimately offering nuanced insights into the challenges of confronting and dispelling stereotypes in society.
attitudes
hope- the test
In “The Test” by Angelica Gibbs, hope emerges despite the racial discrimination Marian faces. When Mrs. Ericson encourages Marian with words like, “‘You drive beautifully, Marian,’ she said. ‘Now, don’t think of the last time. Anybody would slide on a steep hill on a wet day like that,’” it shows hope in Marian’s ability to overcome challenges. Marian’s mention of her college degree, “‘I got my college degree last year,’ Marian said. Her voice was not quite steady,” reflects hope for a better future through education, even though she faces racial prejudice.
attitudes
hope- between us ADD QUOTES
Similarly, in “Between Us,” a character stepping onto the grass in the sun symbolizes hope for freedom and justice which is shown in the quote The sun’s warmth on their faces represents a moment of respite and a glimpse of a brighter future. However, this moment also highlights the fragility of hope in the face of adversity, emphasizing the tension between hope’s presence and vulnerability within the narrative. These instances in both stories showcase the nuanced nature of hope, with its potential to inspire resilience even in challenging circumstances.
“jono… i need help” (236)
“i can bearly hear her above my dads warnings in my head, they do or say whatever they need to in order to be allowed to stay”
attitudes hope- conclusion
In conclusion, the exploration of hope in “The Test” by Angelica Gibbs and “Between Us” by Clare Atkins reveals a complex and multifaceted emotion. In “The Test,” hope shines through the darkness of racial discrimination, symbolized by Mrs. Ericson’s encouragement and Marian’s determination to pursue education. This hope is a beacon, guiding Marian through the trials she faces. Conversely, in “Between Us,” the symbolism of stepping onto the sunlit grass represents hope for freedom and justice, but it is tinged with vulnerability, mirroring the uncertainty of life for the characters in the novel. Both stories emphasize the power of hope to inspire resilience in the face of adversity, but they also highlight its delicate nature, reminding us that hope can be a fragile yet essential force that drives individuals to persevere, even when confronted with discrimination and injustice. These nuanced portrayals of hope enrich our understanding of the human spirit and its capacity to find light in the darkest of circumstances.
ideas- abuse of power, between us
Abuse of power is a recurring theme that resonates powerfully in “Between Us.” The text vividly portrays this abuse through stark examples of physical dominance and violence, as seen in the line, “I can feel the girl’s body shaking as I’m holding her down” (pg. 237). This quote, laden with tactile imagery, allows readers to sense the visceral nature of the abuse, highlighting the vulnerability and injustice faced by marginalized characters in the story. Furthermore, the phrase, “He takes hold of my wrist and pounds it into the concrete” (pg. 237), characterized by impactful diction and vivid imagery, paints a distressing picture of brutality. These instances serve as poignant depictions of how those in positions of authority exploit their power to exert physical control, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and oppression. The visceral descriptions underscore the pressing need for reform and justice within the narrative, shedding light on the harsh realities of power imbalances and the ongoing abuse they inflict on the marginalized.
ideas- abuse of power, the test
The test- In “The Test” by Angelica Gibbs, abuse of power is evident through poignant quotes that expose the unjust treatment of Marian. The inspector’s inappropriate question, “‘Sure you don’t really want to sneak out nights to meet some young blood?’ the inspector asked. He laughed as Marian shook her head,” illustrates his abuse of authority by making unfounded insinuations about Marian’s personal life based on stereotypes. Furthermore, the inspector’s arbitrary act of marking Marian’s application with “four very black crosses at random” highlights his misuse of power to fail her without just cause. These quotes illuminate the systemic abuse of power that perpetuates discrimination and inequality, particularly when wielded by those in positions of authority.
ideas- abuse of power, conclusion
In both “Between Us” and “The Test,” the theme of abuse of power is evident. “Between Us” vividly portrays this through physical dominance and violence, exemplified by lines like “I can feel the girl’s body shaking as I’m holding her down” and “He takes hold of my wrist and pounds it into the concrete.” These descriptions highlight vulnerability and injustice. In “The Test,” abuse of power is exposed through poignant quotes that reveal the unjust treatment of Marian. The inspector’s inappropriate insinuations about her personal life and the arbitrary act of marking her application without valid cause illustrate systemic abuse of power. Despite differences, both stories emphasize the urgent need for reform and justice in addressing power abuse that perpetuates societal injustices.
Context of “The Test
Context of “The Test:” “The Test” is set in the mid-20th century in the United States, particularly during the Jim Crow era when racial segregation and discrimination were pervasive. This context is highly relevant to the story’s purpose as it directly addresses systemic racism and prejudice. The story highlights the everyday challenges and injustices faced by Black individuals like Marian, even in mundane situations such as taking a driving test. Marian’s acknowledgment that “‘They probably do like it better if a white person shows up with you’” underscores the racial bias and discrimination she faces. Additionally, her mention of having obtained a college degree last year, despite the odds stacked against her, emphasizes the significance of education as a means of empowerment. “The Test” serves as a powerful commentary on the racial struggles and injustices of that time, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and societal change.
Context of “Between Us”
“In ‘Between Us,’ the story explores the concept of an ‘us vs. them’ mentality within the broader context of a multicultural society. It delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and acceptance, emphasizing the challenges faced by individuals trying to find their place within Australia’s diverse cultural landscape. The narrative reflects the diversity of cultures and backgrounds in the country. The characters’ dialogues, such as ‘The justifications they gave us in our officer training come readily to my lips. Defending our borders. National security. Protecting our quality of life’ (Page 31) and ‘I mean, who’s out there? And what’s it like?’ (30), highlight the tension surrounding government policies like the Border Force Act. This act represents a significant shift in immigration policy, adopting a more militaristic approach to immigration control. It not only makes migration to Australia more challenging but also imposes strict measures on those who do seek refuge in the country.”
context conclusion
While both stories address issues of injustice and discrimination, they do so in different historical and societal contexts. “The Test” focuses on the racial segregation and discrimination faced by Black individuals in the Jim Crow era United States, emphasizing the need for change in a deeply segregated society. In contrast, “Between Us” explores the complexities of identity and belonging in a multicultural Australia, shedding light on government policies like the Border Force Act and the treatment of asylum seekers. Both contexts highlight the struggles of marginalized individuals but within distinct cultural and historical settings.
