How Prawer-Jhabvala Highlights the Culture Clash Between India and England in the Young Couple

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How Prawer-Jhabvala Highlights the Culture Clash Between India and England in the Young Couple

Prawer-Jhabvala highlights the culture clash in several ways. Firstly,

by using themes. Secondly, through the uses of images and languages.

Finally, through the uses of characterisation of Naraian, Cathy and

Naraian's parent.

Firstly, Prawer-Jhabvala uses the main theme, clash of culture to show

the culture clash between England and India. The first culture clash

was shown on the reaction Naraian's friend to Cathy. Naraian's friends

"were polite to her, but the trouble was they were too polite, in a

very formal and courtly way", and with such "undue respect". The

respect is unearned and should not own by Cathy. This made her an

offended outsider. This kind of reaction made her upset. In England

every women is treat to be equal to men and Cathy will be treat

deferential. However, in Indian all white women should be revered or

to look up to. The second clash was shown on Naraian's behaviour to

Cathy in public. When they were in public places, there were always "a

decent few inches of space between them". Their hands "never for a

moment, not even by accident, as much as touched". "Nor did he talk to

her much when they were out together or let his eyes stray in her

direction". If "her dress had crept up over her knee or a button had

come undone, he was quick to notice and by indirect means". Women in

India aren't allowed to show their sexuality. In England Naraian never

used to pick up on and immodesties. There are no issues with being

demonstrative in public places. The final clash was shown on the

involvement of Naraian's family in the lives...

... middle of paper ...

... the stone of his mango". He pretends he is very

busy in eating so that he doesn't need to listening to the

conversation and he is having a easy life. Naraian's parents are rich

and upper classed. They like controlling and interfering the couple,

but also caring. "Ours girls don't go to these bazaars alone". Really,

there is a clash between culture and characterisation as well.

In conclusion, the clash of culture between India and England is

because of the gender roles. In India, it is not socially acceptable

for female to show their sexuality. In addition, it is fine to be like

that in England. The clash of characterisation between Cathy, Naraian

and Naraian's parents. Because Naraian should be stronger and to stand

up for Cathy. And Naraian's family should understand the situation

which Cathy and Naraian is having.

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