I am
going to completely go off on a tangent right now and not follow any of
Spring's structure. One thing that really bothered me in the film
"Fire" was tradition. I personally hate tradition. Tradition is one of the dominant themes in the film
and is represented by Biji, the mother of the family. To me her old age
represents the ageing of the ideals her generation strictly lives by. With her
age she has lost her voice and must ring a small bell in order to display anger
or discomfort. To me this represents the dying off of old customs and the
strength of tradition's voice fading out. This allows for a rise of new ideas
because the old ways are losing their power and leavening room for a new voice.
Sita, who becomes Radha's lover, represents this new voice through youth and
resistance to oppression. She is symbolic of the fight against tradition
because she openly opposes social issues which Radha has been taught to ignore.
As Sita continues to question these traditions Radha finds herself questioning
her lifestyle as well. In the end Radha truly realizes that she loves Sita and
that her traditional walls have been broken down.
All of this
said I believe tradition can completely ruin someone. I think it is so stupid
that we feel like just because our parents have taught us something or we have
grown up a certain we, we have to abide by those rules and customs. We our all
are own person and we have the choice day in and day out to do and act however
we please. No body owns us or can tell us what to do or how to feel. I think
about voting, and how if our parents vote a certain way, we end up voting that
way. Just taking that example why can’t we research things for ourselves and
stop doing things just because they are comfortable and familiar!
Billy, I think what you wrote is genius. I did not even make the connection about Biji but after reading your comment on how she is a symbol of tradition losing its voice so to speak, it totally makes sense. I think this was a great way to read into the film--I love your perspective!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
I think your interpretation of Biji was correct in that she represents the old ways, but at the same time your hatred of tradition is I think misguided since traditions don't go away. They simply change with the new generation. For example, giving birthday presents isn't required, but it's a tradition and some people will get really insulted if you don't give them a present if they invite you to their party. Also, Radha seems to love Biji. She gets really angry when the servant starts masturbating in front of her. I think Radha is the buffer between the new ways and the old. She wants to do away with the old ways but is willing to make sure that they can die out in peace as it were instead of being flagrantly disregarded.
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