Humans tell stories to explain the world around them and inform people about things that are happening. When we read or listen to a story we get to relate to the characters and sometimes, depending on the story, learn something about a different way of life. When we write stories we are trying to explain the world around us, and sometimes we are trying to inform people about something. A story that informs does not necessarily have to be a completely factual to tell the reader a fact. Stories have become such a big part of our daily life it is hard to imagine a world without them.
The story in the book Sold, by Patricia McCormick the story that is told is very important, because even though it is fictional, it informs us about a problem that many readers do not know about. The book tells the story of a girl, Lakshmi, who is sold by her family in Nepal into a life of sex slavery in India. Lakshmi has to go through many hardships and in the end make a desition that will alter her life forever; stay at happiness house or risk being thrown onto the streets by the American offering to rescue her. This story is very important in two ways. One because it is informing us sbout a terrible thing going on in the world. Two because it is letting us relate to a character and in a way is explaining why it is so hard for us to make decisions by telling us about the decision Lakshmi has to make. I think this book really shows how important stories are to humans.
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ReplyDeleteI fully agree on how this story tells us about the horrible things going on in the world. I also agree about this story letting us relate to the character. I like the points you made about the struggle to make decisions. I felt the same way reading this book, feeling as though I was making the decision with her. Excellent job on your blog post.
ReplyDeleteEmily-
ReplyDeleteI also agree with what you said. Stories don't necessarily have to be true to teach really important lessons. Sold is a great example of this because, even though it's fictional, it shows the hardships of life for women in Nepal in a much more interesting way than trying to convince people just by telling them. "And so she says that she will starve me until I submit. What she does not realize is that I already know hunger. I know how your stomach gnaws on itself searching for something to fill it. I know how your insides keep moving, unwilling to believe they're empty" (111). Quotes like this make anything McCormick writes believable simply because it's so well written. Great job!