Similarities Between 'The Pura Principle And Brotherly Love'

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“The Pura Principle” by Junot Diaz and “Brotherly Love” Jhumpa Lahiri are two pieces of literature that illustrate how making certain decisions based on expectations and beliefs can impact the “brotherly bond”. Throughout life individuals make choices to fulfill their personal needs and desires. Sometimes we fail to realize how these can have a negative impact on family and friends. Both pieces of literature demonstrate how cultural expectations and values have an influence on the development of an individual’s identity, compassion versus cruelty. While making life-changing decisions, we don’t always think about the potential sacrifices it can have on those around us. For example, in the short story “Brotherly Love”, Udayan wants to be …show more content…

If the police discovered the truth there would be potential repercussions. Subhash always stuck by his brothers’ side, fearing they would lose their brotherly bond had Subhash refused to assist him in his rebellious actions. Since childhood, Udayan has always been rebellious, sneaking outside and vanishing into the back yard sending his mother into panic. Subhash on the other hand was the “golden child”. His father, an employee of the government, was unable to choose a party and revolt against what was happening. Subhash wanted to study abroad once they had finished their education in India. “He suggested that Udayan should go abroad, too, where there were more jobs, where it might be easier for both of them.” (Lahiri 16) Udayan opposed, making his own desires a priority failing to understand what Subhash wanted. Udayan believed his brother was self-centered for wanting to leave the country in order to continue his education and he would never return. “You’re the other side of me, Subhash. It’s without you that I’m nothing, don’t go.” (Lahiri 16) Growing up, Subhash always listened to his brother and followed him …show more content…

“The Pura Principle” by Junot Diaz provides great examples on how two brothers raised by the same parents can treat others so differently. Rafa estaba Jodido, the oldest brother of the household believed he had the male privilege, which affected the way he treated others. Growing up, he was the first-born child that often led to favoritism. Although he was struggling with cancer, he always had a horrific personality. “Not a week out of the hospital, he cracked this illegal Peruvian kid in the face with a hammer and two hours later threw down at the Pathmark because he thought some fool was talking shit about him…” (Diaz 2) Instead of solving the problem he chose to come off as a bully and would injure someone else for his own satisfaction to boost his ego. Not only did this have an effect on his relationship with others, but also a major impact on the relationship he had with his younger brother. “We hadn’t really been close before the cancer struck, so it’s not like I had any wins with him.” (Diaz 3) Diseases can destroy someone mentally, which could have an effect on how they treat others. However, Rafa had always treated others as if he was more superior to everyone. Growing up, I was always told to treat others the way I wanted to be treated, this has had an everlasting effect on how I have and will continue to treat

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