Tradition and Modernity: Forming Connections between Cultures

by Teresa Brain
La Grande High School
La Grande, Oregon

RATIONALE:

To introduce students to contemporary Indian literature.

To help students see that some experiences--conflict between generations, for example--are cross cultural.

To clarify values regarding marriage and traditions.

To provide students a vehicle by which to identify with a person from a culture different than their own.

SOURCES:

• "Pom's Engagement" can be found in The Ledge Between the Streams, by Ved Mehta, published by W. W. Norton.
• Pre-reading questionnaire (included below.)

STRATEGIES:

• Have students fill out the "pre-reading questionnaire."
• Discuss students' individual responses with the class, emphasizing the similarities and differences reflected within the classroom.
• Have students read "Pom's engagement" by Ved Mehta.
• Have students fill out the "pre-reading questionnaire" from Pom's point of view. They may do this individually, in groups of two or three, or as an entire class. When disagreements arise, have students refer back to the text to support their opinion.
• Have students compare Pom's view with her father's. Make a chart illustrating the similarities and differences. This can be done individually, in small groups or as an entire class.
• Have students reread their prewriting responses, making any changes or additions.
• Discuss as a class how students' responses are similar to and difference from Pom's views.

Pre-reading Questions.

1. Love is different from falling in love. It doesn't happen overnight or over a period of months. To love a person takes years of living together.

2. You must choose between being independent and being married. Consider this statement: is it more applicable to a woman than a man? visa versa? Explain.

3. What is "ultimate happiness?" That is, what is the path to happiness? As you envision a "happy life" for yourself, what does it entail?

4. What guideline could you offer for picking a partner? Rank them in terms of importance.

5. Think of a conflict you've observed (or participated in) between generations. Explain what the conflict was how it was resolved--or not.

6. Do your parents (or grandparents) have any ideas about things that you consider" old fashion? What are they. Explain.

EVALUATION:

• Compare and contrast your attitude toward marriage and parental authority with Pom's.
• Write a personal essay explaining a conflict you have had involving changing traditions.
• Interview a grandparent or an older person important in your life regarding how courtship and marriage customs have changed in his/her life time.

NOTES:

• Pom's engagement provides a glimpse into marriage practices in India as it depicts an arranged marriage (which a majority of marriages in India currently are) and yet it also reflects how tradition is challenged and modified within contemporary Indian society--and the psychological and social struggles involved in this challenge.
• Students tend to see the differences between themselves and Pom most readily. Direct class discussions to uncover the similarities.

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  ©brain 1998 Teresa Brain (braint@eosc.osshe.edu)