Summary of the lesson maternity written by lilika nakos
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Maternity’, written by Lilika Nakos and ‘The Lemon Orchard’, by Alex La Guma both present an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of human nature. The teenage boy, Mikali, in ‘Maternity’ stands for courage and determination, who tries at any cost to save his infant brother. Similarly, in ‘The Lemon Orchard’ the protagonist is a man of great self-respect who retains his pride against great odds. The story is mainly about a black man who is to be beaten up by a mob of white men solely because he has dared to ask for justice. The ominous atmosphere established in this short story is primarily evoked through the use of symbolism. Despite the striking similarity, ‘Maternity’ concludes on an uplifting tone, conveying that although racism leads to conflict it can also be an opportunity for a rewarding and enriching experience. There is always hope, and it takes unique situations to overcome racism, as well as compassion from people who know no barrier of creed, caste and colour. In contrast with the serious approach to racism is ‘The All-American Slurp’, written by Lensey Namioka. This is a humorous approach to a young girl’s encounter with a foreign culture. This short story playfully mocks culture groups who want to ‘fit in’, by watering down their own culture to adapt and feel accepted. All of these short stories equally attack the presumed values of society.
This wonderful contrast to the others; it highlights the love, warmth and forgiveness evoked by this particular man. The Chinaman retains his sense of humanity, whilst selfishness prevails amongst the women. The Chinaman’s wife is portrayed as the ‘ideal mother’, evokes culture warmth and etiquette as she accepts the child as it is.
One parallel between ‘Maternity’ and ‘The Lemon Orchard’ is their use of tactile imagery and symbolism, which is so delicate, the reader, may not consciously recognize it, yet it helps immensely in creating the menacing atmosphere desired. Alex la Guma also wants to show the conflict between man and nature. So uses detailed description and pathetic fallacy to make the reader feel apprehensive and make the weather, scene and story fit together:
In ‘The Lemon Orchard’ the notion of ‘chill’ and ‘winter’ keeps circulating. On a further level, Alex la Guma’s use of night imagery indicates the white men’s blindness towards racism. It is almost like the moon senses something is not right and implies the emotion of fear, which both the characters are feeling. Ironically also a dog is intimidated by the white men’s presence and stops barking, as they got closer. It is evident the white men are not welcome in the environment.
Additionally, Alex la Guma’s depth of nature gives the scene an air of imprisonment and claustrophobia as the ‘men came down two long, regular rows of trees’. The alliteration and the elongated vowel sound in ‘regular rows of trees’ further reinforce the determination of the white men creating the rhythm of marching. The clouds are forming the same shape as the trees, hinting the sky is the mirror image of what is happening on the land. The whole environment is foreshadowing something negative that is about to occur.
The oxymoron stresses the brutality of man and tranquility of nature as Alex la Guma’s use of the adverb ‘gently’ further emphasizes the harmony in nature. The onomatopoeic harsh sounds in the torment of the black manreinforce the Negro’s willpower and pride to not give in to the white men.
“ He shivered now with chill, clenching his teeth to prevent them from chattering…’Are you cold, hotnot?’ the man with the light jeered. The colored man did not reply. ”
He never answers any of the questions; ironically his silence is more powerful than the white men’s guns. Paradoxically, the Negro is powerless, but in fact he is in control of the whole situation - the white men are unable to force him to do anything. The short sentence, ‘the colour man did not reply’ further emphasizes his power with its bluntness and brevity. What is even more ironic is, they are beating him because he talked back to the minister of the church and now the white men are demanding him to answer their question.
The fact that the story ends and starts with nature gives a circular structure. Demonstrating that there will always be the presence of racism, prejudice and instant judgments occurring in society today – creating the idea that racism is an endless struggle.
The story maternity revolves around three settings namely the Armenian refugees, the Anatolian refugees camp and a Chinese family.
- The protagonist of the story is Mikali, a 14 year old boy. He can't work for his food, because he has to find a nursing mother for his little brother, who is starving. However, still he is brimming with courage and determination.
- The refugee camp people hate the baby because his wails interrupt their sleep and they get sick. Mikali's suffering and horrific experiences make him anxious. Finally, a Chinese family pity him and take him to his house where his wife lovingly feeds the baby.
- The story highlights racism that renders people inhuman. Motherhood is quite distinct from mere motherhood. The wife of the Chinese man is portrayed as an ideal mother, symbolizing maternal love, and affection.