Day: May 12, 2024

Mersault and The Semplica Girls: Final Statement

On By Lilly MIn Story PowerLeave a comment

At the beginning of the AP Lit course I had little appreciation for works of literature such as poetry, short stories, and novels of various genres. After experiencing this curriculum, which involves being immersed in an abundance of literature that I previously disdaned, I have gained a deeper appreciation for literature that has changed my beliefs and way of thinking, allowing me to learn about the society I am part of and determine what I make of my existence. 

My senior year, The Stranger by Albert Camus, kickstarted my exposure to powerful works of literature. Mersault, the main protagonist, found himself surrounded by the concept of life. Throughout the text, Camus strategically forced me to reflect on my own being. His powerful writing changed my way of thinking and opened my eyes to a third-person perspective. After finishing this story, I imagined my life from a bird’s eye view, understanding how small my physical presence is on this Earth, and that my true value in life originates from the impact I have on others and the world, which can be undetectable by the human eye but powerful nonetheless. The impact that I have on the world or other humans depends on my choices and how I live my life. By developing valuable relationships, making memories, and living a full life I can expand the positive influences that I have towards myself and others. Reading the impactful piece, The Stranger, promoted personal growth and allowed me to view my presence as valuable with endless possibilities, rather than pre-determined. I discovered the ability to decide what I make of my human experience, and am forever grateful for the literature that prompted it. 

Shortly after finishing discussions with The Stranger, our class read, The Tenth of December, a collection of short stories by George Saunders. In this collection, the short story that stuck out most to me was “The Semplica Girl Diaries”. This text takes place in an alternate universe similar to our own, but Saunders designs a world where wealth is shown off in the form of Semplica Girls: young women from third-world countries that are hung in front yards as lawn ornaments. This dark concept comments on symbolisms of wealth and the exploitation of immigrants in America. Saunders strategically emphasizes the mistreatment of immigrants as well as metaphorically compares America’s relationship with third-world individuals to the relationship between Semplica Girls and wealthy families in the text. Saunders tells the story from the perspective of a father trying to satisfy his children, speaking in short, fast-paced sentences that represent his anxious persona. This revolutionary story as well as the unique narrator make up a great example of writing that has altered my ways of thinking and expanded my appreciation for literature. Saunder’s short story purposefully made me observe symbolisms of wealth in my own community, and taught me that these symbolisms are invaluable objects meant to “perform”, which further showed me that objects with true value represent memories or accomplishment, not how much money one has. This made me appreciate the objects in my own life, which can be humble but have personal value.

“The Semplica Girl Diaries” also metaphorically touched on another crucial topic: the exploitation of poor, working-class immigrants in America. The commentary on this subject brought the issue to my attention and stuck with me because it was presented in such a unique and unsettling way. After reading this short story I instantly changed my perspective on the horrors of American culture. Not only was I able to learn from the important themes of this text that enhanced my growth and understanding of the society I am surrounded by, but I also gained a greater appreciation for literature because of the powerful literary techniques that Saunders used to share this story such as metaphors and powerful narration.

Exit West and the Commentary on Immigration.

On By Elsa WIn Exit West, Story PowerLeave a comment

Exit West by Mohsin Hamid is marketed as a story of love, immigration, magic, and the harsh reality of violence. Among all the stories we’ve read this year, I found this book to resonate with me the most. This book feels more layered than many others I have read. Unlike Shakespeare, whose work often feels repetitive and lacks depth beyond the surface, Exit West offers multiple perspectives for interpretation. This allows the reader to take what they personally need from the book, rather than being forced to understand one or two themes

Initially, what drew me to Exit West was the concept of escaping to new and fascinating places by simply walking through a door. While I typically lean towards books with mystery or action, such as sci-fi, Exit West has not only kept me entertained but also reshaped my perspective on immigration. The book delves deeply into themes of finding one’s place in the world and the true meaning of home. It portrays the violence and hardship often overlooked by Western media, which tends to either sugarcoat the truth of immigration or demonize immigrants. Exit West presents the harsh reality, acknowledging the violence and desperation but also shedding light on the challenges immigrants face upon reaching their new homes.

Much of the narrative revolves around the struggles of these individuals as they try to establish a new home. I recognize the privilege of having been born into a place where ‘home’ has largely been a constant for me, and this book has truly made me feel fortunate in that way. The way these characters navigate the challenges of creating a new sense of belonging has given me a much greater appreciation for the stability I often take for granted in my own life.

Overall, Exit West has shed light on a process that going into it I knew very little about, and what I did know I had gotten from bias media. While this book may not have necessary changed my life, it has taught me much about a topic that is often considered taboo in our society.