Cultural Perspectives In Tom Robbins Even Cowgirls Get The Blues

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Cultural Perspectives in Tom Robbins' Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Literary works are always affected by the times and places in which they are written. Those crafted in Western America often reflect conflicts that occurred between advancing civilization and the free spirited individual. The 1970’s was a particularly popular time for authors to introduce new ideas for living in the modern world. There are few authors who captured the essence and feeling of culture quite like Tom Robbins. Robbins comments on the differences and similarities between Western civilization and Eastern philosophies. His text offers philosophical and cultural meaning that is completely original. Certain beliefs are threaded through out the content of the …show more content…

But there are instances Sissy realizes she’s been alone through out her journey. It is not until she is at the Rubber Rose Ranch, a cowgirl named Ruby asks her if she could share any words of wisdom she learned over the years of hitch-hiking. Sissy blushes to admit she "collected rides, not drivers." (Cowgirls 126). Robbins points out the negative aspects of Sissy’s career, highlighting the need for balance. He emphasizes what he believes goes largely unnoticed, like Sissy’s unique ability to succeed in life, given her handicap. Yet, does not deny that living outside social rules is extremely difficult and …show more content…

That is, Eastern belief acknowledges the power of learning from others as the best way to reach enlightenment. It is not talking about each person responsibility to self-awareness, or self-teaching, but focusing on an idea of community. "The highest aim for their followers is to become aware of the unity and mutual interrelation of all thing."(Atwood 12.) Robbins reflects that everything is interrelated, and how our societies denial of that fact is damaging. Julian displays the Western mentality of a free rider, when defining hitch hiking: "Hitchhiking is parasitic, no more than a reckless panhandling, as far as I can see."(Cowgirls 45). Similarly, Sissy lives her life constantly focused on finding the next driver who will pick her up. She is consistently engaged with the rhythm of people on the move, but all Julian recognizes is that she is not a contributing part of the whole. Robbins gives Eastern philosophical ideas to Western characters in an attempt to find a happy

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