Traditional Attire
In the story "Missed Blessing," the image of the Nepali woman's traditional attire is used to highlight her cultural identity and connection to her homeland. The woman is described as wearing a "red sari with gold embroidery," which is a garment that is commonly worn by women in Nepal. The sari is described as being "rich and vibrant," which suggests that it is a special and meaningful piece of clothing for the woman. This image serves as a contrast to the more mundane and ordinary clothing worn by the English characters in the story, and it reflects the theme of cultural assimilation and the tension that can exist between maintaining one's cultural identity and fitting in with the dominant culture of the host country. The woman's traditional attire represents her cultural roots and serves as a reminder of the importance of her cultural heritage, even as she navigates the challenges of living in a new country.
The Suitcase
In the story "The Immigrants," the image of the Nepali man's suitcase is used to show his sense of displacement and longing for home. The man is described as carrying a "small suitcase, old and worn," which contains all of his belongings and serves as a reminder of his homeland. This image reflects the theme of homesickness and the difficulties of adapting to a new country, as well as the theme of the sacrifices immigrants often make in order to seek a better life. The suitcase serves as a symbol of the man's journey and all that he has left behind in order to pursue a better future for himself and his family. It also serves as a metaphor for the weight of the man's responsibilities and the sense of burden that he carries as he tries to make a new life in the host country.
The Scar
In the story "The Cleft," the image of the Nepali woman's scar is used to reinforce the physical and emotional wounds of the past. The scar, which runs "from the top of her head to the bottom of her chin," is described as being "jagged and pink," and it serves as a reminder of the woman's traumatic experiences in her homeland. This image reflects the theme of trauma and the ways in which it can shape an individual's identity and relationships. The scar is a visible manifestation of the woman's pain and suffering, and it serves as a constant reminder of the past. It also serves as a symbol of the woman's resilience and her ability to overcome adversity, as she has learned to live with the scar and move forward with her life.
The Bow and Arrow
In the story "The Impatient Son," the image of the Nepali man's traditional bow and arrow is used to represent his cultural heritage and connection to his homeland. The man is described as being "adept at using the bow and arrow," which is a skill that is traditionally associated with Nepali culture. The image of the man practicing this skill serves as a contrast to the more modern and technologically advanced lifestyle of the host country, and it reflects the theme of cultural identity and the importance of preserving cultural traditions in the face of assimilation. The man's use of the bow and arrow represents his pride in his cultural heritage and his determination to maintain his connection to his roots, even as he adapts to life in a new country. It also serves as a metaphor for the man's strength and determination, as he is able to use the skills that he has learned to overcome the challenges he faces.
