Literature writing is an expression of the happenings in society. Authors in the sphere of writing echo their opinions on eminent events that constantly shape the society through artistic application of thematic references. The various themes are intertwined in the periphery of action oriented presentation of behavior, belief, and social position of a character on issues at hand.
Irrespective of a writing style, authors share baseline ideas on the society and often form the alternative voice of reasoning into what is occurring in a society. Thus, this reflective paper attempts to openly display different religious views and beliefs of characters in the book, “One Amazing Thing” by Divakaruni Chitra.
Religion is a very important factor which plays a role in development of one’s identity in terms of race, gender, family relationships, and social status. Every individual’s sense of character is vulnerable to control by others when their religious beliefs are shallowly rooted as the author notes. The disagreeing aspects of Uma’s character present a typical flexible religious perception of her being a person who is very fearful in distress.
She is considered a traditional toddler by followers of her native India religion. Therefore, she is neither ‘a true westerner nor a true easterner’. She appears to be mistreated by western ideas which are strange to the tradition and ends up in a self predicament. As a matter of fact, Uma is surprised by mixture and realizes that her name seems to be at turning point on moral duty and public behavior. Besides, she is suffering from lack of concern in her thoughts and is trying to put together a ‘split-off’ female part.
The self regulating society offers a facilitated explanation for common support on religion as a fundamental ruler of perception on doctrines of its members. The author is intrinsic on the above idea and is consistent in exploring possible reasons behind specific doctrinal inclination of different characters. Reflectively, Uma talks about her frustrations concerning the fearful deep hole between her and other people which causes in her a ‘disease’ that makes her unfit in the society.
For instance, the author asserts, “It was not uncommon, in this city, to find persons of different races randomly thrown together” (Divakaruni, part 2). Based on this argument, it is clear that unfulfilled desires stop proactive thought arrangement that is often responsible for aligning beliefs to realities of life, especially when the point of disagreement is of religious nature. For instant, Uma is a prisoner of religious doctrines that have bound her to uncertainty.
Divakaruni suggests that when a people appreciate the essence of power in religious clandestine of the society, then it is without doubt that the entire society will strive to belong together which must balance with religious beliefs. As a matter of fact, Uma becomes socially mad due to unique nature of the group’s impatience illness. The madness sets her apart from the local religious society. Subsequently, she is left in ‘her own world’ of depression and uncertainty on identity sequence.
Her beliefs are considered unacceptable in a society deeply rooted into traditional religious culture. Applying typical Buddhist principles, Uma is on an unending journey of belief balance in line with the ideals of this complex society she has to survive in despite divergent opinions. Reflectively, after tension has escalated, the males in the group became impatient as if “it was like their very own Lord of the Flies” (Divakaruni part 2).
The characters are divided by personal opinion but seem to share belief on existence of a supernatural power that to them is piece of religious realism. Generally, personal interests form a wide blanket in the thoughts of these religiously inclined characters who introduce an interesting twist on the need to recognize the supernatural power when in problems.
In her endeavors to calm the men down, Uma suggests that every member of the team to illustrate in details something that really amazes them and make them very happy in life. It is apparent that religion is a source of consolation and a reminder of possibilities even in crisis. Naturally, each member of the team describes an event that has religious foundation and seems to suggest that the supernatural power is the source of their strength during that event. This belief becomes Uma’s strength in handling the impatient men.
As often is the case in a typical society, Cameron reasons for visiting India are purely self discovery which forms the basis of religious thoughts. The need to identify love and personal satisfaction drives the gentleman to make a holistic trip to India believing that he shall experience self discovery ones in the excessively religious Indian society.
For instance, Cameron convincingly balances the realistic and futuristic thoughts to create a youthful perspective on religion. Besides, Uma’s mother is presented as a hold back believer in the native religion of India. She asserts, “but sweetie, all that has changed. It’s a different India now, India shining” (Divakaruni, part 3).In this pretext, India is presented as country that has rich religious inclination to natives and travelers alike.
Jiang’s narration is very philosophical and reminds the reader of Paul’s messages in the New Testament bible books. Jiang asserts, “When I was a child, I lived inside a secret” (Divakaruni part 3). Religious understanding of life varies from different backgrounds. The engine that ignites an unending desire to fulfill religious satisfaction is basically love, unity in family, and self consciousness.
Upon completing his story, the religious disparities between China and India are connected by a delicate balance between the supernatural and nature. Interestingly, all the fear factors limiting personal expression and reflection are destroyed in the newly found common ground of waiting for a miracle to free the nine adults stuck in the rubbles. Religion grooms people to be caring.
One thing come out clearly in expression of religion as a comforter of a people sharing same crisis despite differences in gender, race, and nationality. For instance the Caucasian couple and Tariq originate from a patriarchal society that is painted as unfair in different ways. In quest to fulfill desires, Tariq is worried by the need for religious acceptance. Notwithstanding, Uma’s mother asserts that “I know the best ayurvedic spa.
They give sesame oil massages like you wouldn’t believe” (Divakaruni, part 2). Uma’s mother has a deep understanding on the aspects of care and unconditional love which can be argued as influenced by the strict Buddhist culture of the Indian people. Being a member of the Buddhist society, she has perfected this care on her family and offer love similar to the dictates of her faith.
In summary, the themes such as identity crisis, tradition, handling, and death are universal. However, religious beliefs have differences as a result of uniqueness of every society the search for religious fulfillment forms the foundation upon which the societies in this book are built. On contrary, some societies are quite flexible; they easily accommodate new ideas. They spread across generations since their influence is inherent. As observed, some societies are deeply rooted in their culture. They are inflexible to accommodate modernity.
Works Cited
Divakaruni, Chitra. One Amazing Thing. New Delhi: Voice, 2010. Print.