Abeng M3 Response Paper
PSTL 1368
Manqi Zhang
I had an experience with conforming to social expectation when I was still in high school in China. Several years ago, there is a stereotype in the native society that the majority of students who study aboard are the worst ones, which are not qualified to go to a Chinese college or university. I was one of the top students in my class and expected to become the students who will have the best performance in the college admission exam. At that time, I decided to study aboard instead of accept the offer and step into the Chinese university. Most of my teachers and friends, even some of my family members, was shocked by my decision and questioned my future. Filled with embarrassment, disappointment and worries, I was under great pressure when I left my home. In this case, I felt confused about this social limitation just like Clare did. Why the people around me immediately believe what they have been told but never try to find evidence to prove it? I was struggled in the first semester due to the misunderstandings and difficulties I confronted. However, as I accumulate more and more experience, I gradually realized the benefits I gained in U of M. My own story exemplified the truth that sometimes we should challenge the social limitation and keep our faith if the result is good. Both Clare and I agree that it is significant to question rules and make a difference.
One of the symbolic objectives in this article is the Clare’s Diary. I felt empathy with Clare when pictured her dairy in my mind. According to the text, “the only diary available, it came with a lock and key”(80). Why Clare only picked the one with the lock? It might because that she is surrounded by the feeling of unsafe, embarrassment and disturbed. She is willing to communicate with others but her questions and comments on the culture are unfavorable for the people around her. In the coming-of-age process, Clare is learning to interpret and understand the world from her own mind instead of directly accept the social rules. The gap between Clare and her father should be considered as the most important resource of the negative feelings that Clare was suffered. Since the description of Clare’s diary is the most obvious self-defense effect that expressed Clare’s internal activity, it is key symbol in the novel. Murdoch’s article also provides some more abundant evidence to support Clare’s story. Among all the facts that proof the rebellion and resistant events in Jamaica in Murdoch’s article, the feminism activity should be the most significant one to support Cliff. According to Murdoch, “these female slaves often carried out paradigmatic acts of resistance and rebellion, using their positions to advantage to pass messages, foment fear and distrust, and engage in acts of domestic sabotage”(7). These rebelling sprits can be seen on the main character in Abeng, Clare, who grew up with a combination of two opposite identities. Although her father convinced Clare that she is a white, she felt empathy for Maroons and was willing challenging the social rules and limitations. It can be concluded that the females own a more sensitive and complicated internal world than the males. This fact is clearer in the changes in coming-of-age stage, which can be best exemplified by Clare’s story.