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Critical lens

 

            "What matters in literature in the end is the individual. My interpretation of this quote is that the main character is the most significant part of a literary piece. I feel that the plot, place, or outcome in a piece of literature is important, but the effect that it has on the main character is of the utmost importance. I would agree with this quote because after reading a piece of work, I always find myself thinking about the effect the ending had on the main character. With respect to my thesis, I would like to discuss two pieces of literature, which are "The Letter- by Rudolfo Anaya and "Lali- by Nicholasa Mohr. .
             In "The Letter-, Abrán, the main character, learns the dreadful truth that changes his life entirely and leads to him questioning his identity. After reading the letter his biological mother sent him, Abrán felt lost, lonely, and betrayed by everyone around him. This letter reveals the secret that his (adoptive) mother kept from him for years. After he read the letter he wanted to believe it was "a mistake."" The author uses repetition of "a mistake-, to indicate Abran's disbelief of this letter until his (adoptive) mother, who he loves very much, tells him he was adopted. In distress, Abrán asked "Adopted?- These words "rang hollow and wrenched his soul."" This revelation had many negative effects on Abrán. He didn't know who he was anymore. At the end he asked himself "Who am I?- He did not know the answer.
             The effect that this secret had on Abrán was tremendous. He found out he was unwanted before he was even born. This truth shattered his heart and created this internal conflict, which dealt with his identity. He was lied to, by everyone around him even those who loved him and who he loved very much. The Hispanic setting also played a role in the conflict with his identity. He didn't look like his (adoptive) parents or any of the other Hispanics.


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