Brick Lane Para 1 Flashcards
Overarching Idea
Ali is able to use Brick Lane as a framework to showcase how to live life to the fullest means to live hedonistically, accept simplicity and reject complicity to social structures.
Main Idea 1
How- Chanu is critical of his Bengali roots, seen in how he thinks disdainfully of people from his own culture,
What- resulting in the development of a tentative hybrid identity which attempts to fit into two cultures but harming his ability to do so in the process.
Elaboration 1
Chanu’s anecodotal experience towards life is heavily synonymous to the American Dream “to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination and initiative.”
Elaboration alt-
Chanu is characterised as a snobbish individual, demonstrated in his simultaneous attitude of both his fellow compatriots and British work colleagues being ignorant
Idea 1 Quote
-Subsidiary idea- In an anecdotal monologue to Dr Azad he mentions that he expected “a red carpet laid out” and expected “to join the civil service and become Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.”
Idea 1Explanation
luxurious imagery of “a red carpet,” represent his desire for a profitable job within British society,
position “Private Secretary to the Prime Minister,” represents his desire for an elevated status contrasting the reception of the marginalised status migrants received within British society.
instantly establishes his magnetism and affinity for the materialistic nature of British society
Idea 2- General
The motif of a degree certificate throughout the novel assists in representing his desire to assimilate and mimic British culture and unhealthy obsession for a level of respectability.
Idea 3- General
However it is his unrealistic hopes and dreams which hinder his success at assimilation, shown through frustrated rhetoric of “What can you do?” and his inability to elevate his status within British society leave him dissatisfied with his life.
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