Individuality In Ha Jin's Taking A Husband

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Recommended: Morality and ethical decisions

Most of the time, people rely on their own morals and beliefs to make the right decision. However, there are moments when certain conditions compromise a person’s individuality. Ha Jin’s and Ralph Ellison’s works do excellent portrayals of this exact scenario. In their stories, the protagonists find themselves dealing with circumstances where they choose to improve their social standings at the expense of losing their individuality.
In Ha Jin’s Taking a Husband, Hong Chen is a woman who must unwillingly marry. She may voice her disapproval towards her marriage arrangement but yields to the wishes of her mother. Ha Jin states that their lives have not been easy since the death of her father. Following that, Hong and Mrs. Chen lose their house …show more content…

However at one point during his speech, he ends up saying “social equality” instead of “social responsibility.” This was the last chance the narrator has to redeem himself and stand up for what is right. He chooses not to, though. With that, he loses his individuality by conforming to the situation. “As the story ends, the narrator’s safety depends on his ability to remain literal, speaking safely-scripted words that illustrate his lack of power.” (Smith, 2001, p.NA). The narrator gets the award of a scholarship to a state college for his obedience throughout the night. Otherwise, if he did not participate in those cruel activities, it is certain that he would not receive the award. With this reward, however, the narrator will find himself at the command of those who award him the scholarship in the future.
Even though both of the protagonists end up getting something one way or another, their lives will now be effected in some manner. Though Hong Chen ends up marrying unwillingly, she ultimately finds some comfort in the man she chose. The narrator from Battle Royal may have gotten a scholarship to go to a state college, but everything he does will have to be met with the approval of the white men who award him the scholarship. So despite the riches one may receive by giving in to a situation, some aspect of their lives must be sacrificed as well. For one to find true happiness, it is better to follow their

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