Comparing The Color Of Water And William Shakespeare

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The concept of "the other" significantly influences how individuals perceive themselves and their place in society, particularly within the framework of Marxist theory, which accentuates the significance of class stratification. By examining characters in James McBride's The Color of Water and William Shakespeare's Hamlet, we can clearly discern the impact of encounters with those perceived as different on their self-perception. Both The Color of Water and Hamlet offer compelling illustrations of how class dynamics intersect with gender roles and societal expectations, providing valuable perspectives on the intricate process of identity development amid economic inequality. Particularly the impact of "the other" on individuals' self-perception is profound, influencing their behaviors and social identities. Within the …show more content…

Adamant on dating a black man, she articulates, "Who cared if he was black?" He was the first man other than my grandfather who ever showed me any kindness in my life," (McBride, p. 111 ). Ruth's rejection of societal expectations underscores the intricate interplay between gender and class in shaping her identity. Similarly, in Hamlet, Ophelia grapples with the constraints imposed by patriarchal structures and class privilege. In a moment of emotional distress, she sings, "They bore him barefaced on the bier, Hey non nonny, nonny, hey nonny, And in his grave rained many a tear" (Shakespeare, 4.5.188). This encapsulates the intersectional oppression she experiences as a woman of common birth, highlighting the entanglement of class and gender in her self-conception. The portrayal of gender dynamics within the context of class divisions in both texts illuminates the multifaceted nature of identity formation, emphasizing how societal expectations intersect and influence individuals' perceptions of

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