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Comparing The Nightmare Of Carlos Fuentes And Sarosh/Sid

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The characters of Salim/Carlos in The Nightmare of Carlos Fuentes and Sarosh/Sid in Squatter both undergo significant transformations and experiences that shape their identities and interactions within their respective narratives. By examining the literary aspects and devices employed in these works, readers can gain insight into the complexities of self-identity and the displacement of immigrants. This essay aims to compare and contrast the characters and experiences of Salim/Carlos and Sarosh/Sid, highlighting the unique portrayals presented by each author. Specifically, it will compare the characters’ transformations of identity and the external challenges faced by Sarosh/Sid versus the internal challenges faced by Salim/Carlos. In "The …show more content…

He also resents other immigrants, “He always scoffed at the immigrants and other foreigners who did not respect the rules of Dutch life and who complained all the time” (Blasim 227). Carlos Fuentes idolizes Western society and civilization and actively looks down on those who do not assimilate to Dutch society as much as he has. On the other hand, Sarosh in "Squatter" deliberately immigrates to Toronto from India adopting the name Sid in his quest to assimilate into Canadian society. However, he has a much more difficult time adopting his new identity, even given the 10-year assimilation period that he has allowed himself. While Sarosh resents himself for not being able to completely adapt to Western society, despite already gaining Canadian citizenship, he accepts his failure and returns home. While Salim's transformation is forced upon him by external circumstances, Sarosh's displacement is a conscious choice driven by his desire for a new beginning. The internal struggles of Carlos and the external challenges faced by Sid further distinguish the characters' …show more content…

In contrast, Sid's challenges are more external as he navigates issues of immigration, employment and social integration in a new country. Despite changing his name to Sid, he still feels disconnected from his surroundings, highlighting the complexities of cultural assimilation and belonging. He feels guilt and embarrassment due to his very personal issue and talks to an immigration doctor for help. This doctor offers him a procedure that may solve his problem, but Sid realizes that this would make him different than the rest of his family, forever. This decision he is tasked with is a metaphor for choosing to stay in Canada and become forever changed from his original culture or to return to his family and accept his culture. He, eventually, decides to go back home and ends up accepting who he is, even refusing to be referred to as “Sid” anymore. In considering which portrayal resonates more, the unique perspective offered by Salim/Carlos stands out for its candid exploration of immigration issues. Carlos's refusal to be buried in his home country challenges conventional narratives surrounding immigrant experiences, shedding light on the complexities of identity and

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