LOVE CONQUERS ALL!!!

Ok, so the theme that Gannon, Kourtney, and David all mentioned in their blogs is marriage and how it is effected by Indian/American influences. Like we mentioned in class, Indians traditionally have arranged marriages which we all decided was crap (from our westernized perspective), but in one of these stories it appears to be successful. In "The Third and Final Continent", the narrator and Mala had basically just met, so after they came to America they had a lot of time to try and get to know one another. The narrator seems almost indifferent to Mala at this time because she is still just a symbol of his duty to his family, culture, country, etc. It is after Mrs. Croft pronounces that Mala is a "perfect lady" (195) that these seems to be a turning point for Mala and her husband's relationship, but is it because they just happen to be a decent match or because Mrs. Croft gave her motherly sort of approval?

It's true that in America, we marry for love and have the freedom to choose our spouse. It is also true that in America, the divorce rate is sitting high, just above 50%. Why is it that in other countries, such as India, marriages seem to outlast marriages in America? Some might argue that it is duty that united them, and it is that same duty that holds them together. I would like to add to that argument that a woman's place is so defined in Indian culture that they really don't have much choice if they ever did want to escape their marriage.

This leads us to "The Treatment of Bibi Haldar." Throughout the entire story, the women in whatever community they lived in were trying to help Bibi accomplish the dream she had always had- to get married. After her "treatment" had been prescribed as being this very thing, the women encouraged her cousin put out an ad for her (crappy ad, but nonetheless an ad), she began wearing the garb fit for a woman waiting for marriage, she began taking part in the traditional lifestyle that women younger than she lived, in the hopes that a man would see and desire her. It is really sad that she didn't see any other option! If she had been born here in America, her situation might not have been nearly as devastating to her! Sure, people still want to get married and all that, but marriage is not the climax of a woman's life! We have so many more options, so many more paths undefined by duty!

My favorite story was "A Temporary Matter," and I think I like it because the marriage situation was most relatable to me. This couple had an American life with American problems, and to see them recognize their issues at the end was really touching and even inspiring. At the end when they turned off the lights and cried together, they were grieving together, comforting each other. I was with Gannon through his whole blog- but I however, am not turned off by the idea of marriage as he now is. :) I think I might have to say this because I am already married, but I will agree that marriage is a lot more work than people think it will be going into it.

So this is my proposed solution for all of you marriage haters-- you should seriously consider PURCHASING your wives- Following in Kristine's footsteps: