Trust and honesty are rare to find.Discuss this statement in the conte...
Ans.
Although ostensibly a very sad story about loss and regret emanating from the persecution of the Dutch Jews during the Second World War, like
The Diary of Anne Frank it also more intimately speaks to the personal challenges we all must face as individuals in resolving crisis in our own lives. The story relays events before and after the war as the female narrator attempts to confront her past as she visits "the address" where her family's past belongings were "stored," a non-Jewish neighbour's house. On a deeper level, the story is a commentary on memories and remembering - on what is worth remembering and what is worth forgetting: things "lose their value when you see them again, torn out of context…" As a way of teaching epiphany and mature perspective, as well as the role of historical background/context in reading, this story should prove invaluable for young people.
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Trust and honesty are rare to find.Discuss this statement in the conte...
Introduction:
In the chapter "The Address" by Marga Minco, the theme of trust and honesty is explored through the experiences of a young Jewish girl during World War II. The story revolves around the protagonist's search for her missing parents and her encounters with various characters who either exhibit trust and honesty or betray them.
The Rarity of Trust:
1. The protagonist's parents:
- At the beginning of the chapter, the protagonist's parents leave her with a stranger, Mrs. Dorling, as they go into hiding.
- This decision shows the trust they have in Mrs. Dorling to keep their daughter safe.
- However, their trust is shattered when the protagonist discovers that her parents never returned from hiding, leaving her orphaned.
2. Mrs. Dorling:
- Initially, the protagonist trusts Mrs. Dorling, believing she will take care of her until her parents return.
- However, Mrs. Dorling eventually reveals her true nature by selling the protagonist's belongings and disappearing.
- This betrayal highlights the rarity of trustworthiness during times of crisis.
The Search for Honesty:
1. The protagonist's journey:
- After being left alone, the protagonist embarks on a search for her parents.
- Throughout her journey, she encounters different individuals who either help or deceive her.
- Many people she meets are dishonest, taking advantage of her vulnerability and offering false information.
2. The baker:
- The protagonist finds temporary solace in the bakery where she meets the baker.
- The baker, though initially kind, turns out to be dishonest by stealing the protagonist's money.
3. The woman on the tram:
- The protagonist meets a woman on a tram who claims to know her parents' whereabouts.
- However, this woman turns out to be deceitful and attempts to rob the protagonist.
4. The rare act of honesty:
- Towards the end of the chapter, the protagonist encounters a man who finally offers her honesty and assistance.
- This man provides her with the address of a family who might have information about her parents.
- This act of honesty stands out amidst the prevalent deceitfulness.
Conclusion:
In "The Address," trust and honesty are indeed rare to find. The protagonist's experiences highlight the scarcity of genuine individuals during times of crisis. The betrayals she encounters emphasize the difficulty of relying on others, as many take advantage of vulnerability. However, amidst the widespread dishonesty, the occasional act of honesty restores some hope and demonstrates the importance of trust and truthfulness in a world plagued by deception.
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