Analysis of Chapters 8 and 9 in Paradise of the Blind Essay

Write an compend of how Chapters 8 and 9 explore the conjunction between culture, forage and fraternity The interdependent connection between culture, food and participation is pivotal in the demonstration of the importance Vietnamese tradition in Paradise of the Blind. Chapters eight-spot and nine focus on the importance of culture finished family specially evident in the way food acts as an expression of this culture. f be is besides used to establish a sense of community, which is an important fount in the Vietnamese culture.Food is presented as a direct demonstration of a persons wealth in Vietnamese culture. expressage in other forms of power, women like aunt Tam can rely on materialistic objects, such as food, in order to demonstrate their wealth and earn respect. This is evident as one of the guests at the feed in exclaims, What a pleasure this evening has been. A sumptuous meal followed by such spellbinding stories. This is a blessing from heaven. The use of s acred scriptures with potently positive connotations, such as sumptuous and spellbinding displays the extensive arcdegree of appreciation and thus importance that food has on Vietnamese culture.This composition is further emphasised with the reference to the Gods and ancestral beings through the use of the word heaven. Another example of food reflecting the composition of wealth is when another(prenominal) guest says, A sticky rice flavoured with rose-apple juice Why, its exquisite. Aunt Tam responds to the compliment, Oh please, will you stop it? The use of the word exquisite once more highlights the importance of food and its inherent effectiveness in delivering acclamation. The way in which Aunt Tam replies, almost rehearsed and clichd, suggests that there was an unspoken expectation of praise and therefore respect in the original intention of the feast. The undeniable connection between food and wealth reflects the material-focused culture of Vietnam.Another idea that conn ects food to culture is the idea of the chip in, particularly in relation to food. Selflessness is a major part of Vietnamese culture and a certain make out of gratification can be achieved through sacrifice, which is sh have got in these chapters as sacrifice of food. Hang observes that Aunt Tam ate almost nothing as if watching me gave her greater pleasure. Aunt Tams sacrifice of her own wellbeing reflects the cultural idea that the strongest link between people is in family. Aunt Tam is willing, even happy to sacrifice her own public assistance in order to cater for Hang.This idea of sacrifice can also be linked to the cultural idea of worship and fate, whereby it is believed those who perform uncorrupted deeds in the present will be rewarded in the future. This idea of selflessness has evidently also affected Hang as she says I played the part of the successful niece I smile dutifully at everyone. My lips stiffened into a permanent smile. Although Hang is obviously uncomfort able, which can be seen through the use of words such as dutifully and stiffened, she continues to put on a faade of happiness to please her Aunt. This reinforces the cultural idea of the violence of familial ties as well as the importance of sacrifice in solidifying these relationships.The practice of food readying establishes a sense of community in the chapter. Food preparation appears to have a rehearsed, methodical choice which is evident in the line The scene was lively but well-ordered as if all the feverish activity was directed by the push hand of some invisible conductor. The simile of the conductor draws a parity of food preparation to an orchestra, thereby highlighting the importance of group collaboration. Furthermore, the juxtaposition of the feverish activity and its well-ordered reputation suggests the idea of controlled chaos. Thus the great amount of activity that is required in the practice of food preparation can only be completed with the cooperation of each(prenominal) individual party.Finally, the consistent nature of culture is shown to cause conflict within Hangs character as she is caught in her desire to become a current woman and her familys strong colligate to cultural traditions. Hang describes the countryside as Everywhere, an indescribable backwardness hung in the air, immaterial yet terrifyingly present It would be like this for eternity. This line suggests not only in restrictive nature of culture but also shows how difficult it is to shake culture. The use of the set phrase terrifyingly present highlights the inescapable nature of tradition and the strong bond to which each individual in the book is tied to their traditions.The ideas of food, culture and community are explore in chapters eight and nine, particularly through the ideas of family relationships and its strong links to traditional Vietnamese culture.