Petra Đimbrek
Dr. Sanja Runtić
Multicultural Literature in English
May 11, 2023
The “Otherness” in Diverse Ways
In this essay, the way in which three different characters from different works encounter the problem of "otherness" will be discussed. The goal is to show how characters can experience a similar problem through different themes, settings, plots. Starr Carter, Rawiri and the unknown narrator from Mickey Roberts' short story are characters who, through their race, identity and culture, try to figure out how to fit into society and how to solve the problems they face.
Starr Carter in Angie Thomas' novel "The Hate U Give" may be regarded as the "other" within the narrative, as she is experiencing a sense of otherness in various aspects
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On occasions, she questions her authenticity and whether she is "black enough" based on stereotypes or cultural expectations. This internalized sense of otherness mirrors the challenges of proving identity in a multicultural society.
Starr's experiences of otherness encourage her personal growth and her attempts to find her voice and place in the world throughout the novel. She becomes more determined as the novel progresses to challenge the current framework, fight injustice, and bridge the gaps between her various communities.
The protagonist Rawiri in Witi Ihimaera's novel "The Whale Rider" is the notion of "otherness" in a manner through his struggle to find his
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Through Rawiri's journey, we see how tradition and community play a vital role in shaping one's identity. While it can supply a sense of belonging and purpose, it can also create feelings of otherness for those who do not fit into the mould. The protagonist in the Robert’s short story "The Indian Basket" comes to realize a Native American basket at a garage sale. The protagonist's basket takes her to a period when she and her mother sold alike baskets in 1939. This story outlines the way a Native American think about his own culture and analyses how other people in the community use and respond to Native American culture.
Mother would create baskets in various shapes and sizes. Baskets offered a variety of purposes and enabled Native Americans to survive. Even though the baskets were highly valuable, they only traded them for few pieces of used