Character Comparison Essay

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Lastname 1 Firstname Lastname Instructor’s Name Course Number 27 November 2023 Character Comparison Essay Assignment Introduction In literature, characters are vital in conveying themes and messages to readers. Comparing and contrasting characters from different stories can provide valuable insights into their similarities and differences, shedding light on various aspects of human nature. In this essay, we will explore the characters of Dee from "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker and Tope Folarin from "Miracle" in the forthcoming novel "The Proximity of Distance." By examining their cultural identity, relationships with family, and personal growth, we will gain a deeper understanding of these characters and the narratives they inhabit. Therefore, we meet the criteria of comparing two distinct characters, Dee and Tope Folarin, and explore their portrayal within their respective novels. Dee is a character in "Everyday Use,". Tope Folarin is the narrator in "The Proximity of Distance,". The basis for comparison will revolve around three major points: Cultural Identity, Relationships with Family, and Personal Growth. Thesis: The characters Dee in "Everyday Use" and Tope Folarin in "Miracle" are similar/distinct in terms of their cultural identity, relationships with family, and personal growth.

Lastname 2 Analytic Body Paragraphs Cultural Identity-Both Dee and Tope Folarin exhibit a strong sense of cultural identity, albeit in different ways. Dee in "Everyday Use" and Tope Folarin in "The Proximity of Distance" grapple with identity issues, although in different ways. Dee is confident and self-assured, having changed her name to reflect her African heritage. She takes pride in her heritage and wants to display it through her possessions. Dee demonstrates her cultural identity through her desire for material possessions that she perceives as markers of her heritage (Walker, 1994). Walker writes, "Dee wanted nice things. A yellow organdy dress to wear to her graduation from high school; black pumps to match a green suit she’d made from an old suit somebody gave me." This quotation highlights Dee's emphasis on external symbols of her cultural identity, suggesting that she values the superficial aspects of her heritage. In contrast, Tope Folarin in "Miracle" explores her cultural identity through a deeper, introspective journey. Her given name earlier given name is Kira, is Hebrew for "dark-haired" and is depicted as a dark prophecy of her life. This revelation suggests that Tope Folarin's cultural identity is intertwined with her experiences and challenges (Kinna, 2013). Unlike Dee, Tope Folarin seeks to understand her cultural identity, looking beyond material possessions profoundly. Relationships with Family-The characters of Dee and Kira also have contrasting relationships with their families. In "Everyday Use," Dee exhibits a self-assured and assertive nature. Walker writes, "She would always look anyone in the eye. Hesitation was no part of her nature." This description implies that Dee is confident and confrontational, even within her family dynamic (Walker, 1994). Her relationship with

Lastname 3 her family seems marked by a sense of superiority, creating a divide between her and her loved ones. On the other hand, Tope Folarin in "Miracle" experiences a strained relationship with her family. The passage, "Kira found herself sitting across from her father. When did I become this much of a stranger? She wondered," indicates a sense of detachment and alienation. Tope Folarin's relationship with her family is characterized by distance and a lack of understanding. Unlike Dee, who is assertive and unhesitant, Tope Folarin grapples with estrangement from her family members. These differing family dynamics demonstrate the impact that family support or lack thereof can have on an individual's journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Cultural Heritage- Dee's interest in her African heritage is evident in her desire to display it through her possessions. However, she lacks a deep understanding of the cultural significance behind these items. On the other hand, Tope Folarin is struggling to reconcile her cultural heritage with her identity as a transgender woman. She feels caught between two worlds and seeks a sense of belonging. These contrasting experiences highlight the complexities of cultural heritage and the challenges of navigating multiple identities. Conclusion: In conclusion, the characters of Dee from "Everyday Use" and Tope Folarin from "Miracle" offer a compelling comparison in terms of their identity, family relationships, and cultural heritage. Through their cultural identity, relationships with family, and personal growth, we gain valuable insights into their journeys and the themes of their respective narratives. Dee's focus on material possessions and external symbols of her

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Lastname 4 cultural identity contrasts with Tope Folarin's introspective exploration of her heritage. Similarly, Dee's assertive nature and detached relationship with her family differ from Tope Folarin's sense of alienation and longing for connection. Finally, both characters undergo personal growth, with Dee shifting her perspective on heritage and possessions while Tope Folarin finds her voice and embraces her identity. Through this comparison, we deepen our understanding of these characters and the universal aspects of humanity they represent.

Lastname 5 Works Cited Kinna. (2013, June 4). Blogging the Caine: “Miracle” by Tope Folarin . Kinna Reads. https://kinnareads.com/2013/06/04/blogging-the-caine-miracle-by-tope-folarin/ Walker. (1994). Everyday Use by Walker, Alice. [1994] Paperback. In Amazon . Rutgers UP. https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Use-Walker-Alice- Paperback/dp/B008YSYYCK .

Character Comparison Essay

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