In “Montreal 1962,” Shauna Singh Baldwin uses discrete symbolism along with a romantic diction to inform the readers of the significance of the turban, which reflects the idea that although starting a life in a new country can make one lose sight of their origin, it is important to stay true to one’s identity. “Montreal 1962” tells the story of two lovers who move to a new country in hopes of starting a new life. The husband then finds himself in the extraordinary dilemma of being restricted from wearing his turban which is an important part of his culture and identity, in order to work and function as a member of society. The use of discrete symbolism around the turban further illustrates its importance in the text. Baldwin seems to depict this discrete symbolism through the wife’s experience of putting the Turban on as she writes, “In the mirror I saw my father as he must …show more content…
This is primarily evident in the way the wife had put on the turban and saw her father and brother, in addition to her beloved husband, in the mirror staring back at her. Additionally, the specific use of romanticized diction not only establishes a bond between the husband and wife, but hints at the significance of the turban as the wife states, “And so, my love, I will not let you cut your strong rope of hair and go without a turban into a land of strangers” she then goes on to describe how she will never let go of her culture, “My hands will tie a turban upon your head and work so we can keep it there” (Singh Baldwin, 2). Both quotes directly respond to the importance of turbans in Indian culture as the wife states that the turban is an essential aspect of their cultural identity and therefore they must not let it go. As the wife questions letting the turban go at the onset of the story, these quotes also reflect character development as she grows to recognize its