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The Purple Children Essay

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The Purple Children - Response by Sarah Azoulay One of the main ideas of this short story is man’s need for freedom. The presence of military officials indicates a lack of freedom amongst the Natives. We can see proof of this as there is a curfew and restricted areas, such as the cemetery. The Natives do not feel free in their own neighborhood and therefore resort to small acts of rebellion, like putting up their flag, for example. Another main idea is the strength of community. I believe that in times of need, people come together. So now, when the Natives are being restricted and feel a lack of freedom, they are stronger together and they stand up for each other, because putting up a united front is stronger than standing alone. “I will not let you bear it alone! We were all in this thing together.” (P 139) Teo says this to Mariposa after she gets splashed with the dye, indicating that they stick together, and it exemplifies their strength of community. …show more content…

Kim Jong-Un’s dictatorship limits the population’s freedom, and constricts their human rights, just like the Natives in the story. Mariposa’s home is ruled by a military regime, as North Korea is. When walking in the streets, one might encounter a military official. This is the Natives’ way of life, and knowing/hearing about North Korea’s situation helps me understand the story better. Also, this narrative reminds me of the book 1984 by George Orwell. The book is situated in a country called Oceania in which the government controls everyone and everything. People are constantly being watched and are not free, as seen in The Purple

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