Analyse Funny Boy as a bildungsroman
"Funny Boy" is a novel by Canadian author ShyamSelvadurai, which is considered a bildungsroman, a type of coming-of-age story
that follows the main character's personal development and growth. The novel is
set in Sri Lanka during the 1970s and 1980s, during a period of political and
social turmoil, and it tells the story of Arjie, a young boy growing up in a
Tamil family.
One of the main features of "Funny Boy" that
qualifies it as a bildungsroman is its focus on the main character's personal
development and growth. The novel follows Arjie's journey from childhood to
adolescence, as he struggles to understand and accept his own sexuality. The
novel explores the themes of identity, sexuality, and cultural conflict, as
Arjie grapples with the expectations of his family and society and tries to
find his place in the world.
Another feature of the novel that makes it a bildungsroman is
its use of symbolism and imagery to depict the main character's inner journey.
For example, the use of the metaphor of the "funny boy" to describe
Arjie's perceived difference from other boys his age is used to convey his
feelings of isolation and rejection.
Analyse Funny Boy as a bildungsroman
The novel also explores the themes of the cultural conflict
between the Tamils and the Sinhalese, which mirrors Arjie's own inner
conflicts. This allows the reader to understand and empathize with the main
character's struggles as he tries to reconcile his own identity with the
expectations of his family and culture.
In summary, "Funny Boy" is considered a
bildungsroman, a coming-of-age story, as it follows the main character's
personal development and growth, it focuses on themes of identity, sexuality,
and cultural conflict, it uses symbolism and imagery to depict the main
character's inner journey, and it also explores the cultural conflict between
the Tamils and the Sinhalese, which mirrors the main character's inner
conflicts.
SUMMARY OF THE NOVEL- FUNNY BOY
Why is Funny Boy called a Bildungsroman Novel
"Funny Boy" is called a bildungsroman novel because
it is a coming-of-age story that follows the main character's personal
development and growth. The term "bildungsroman" is a German term
that literally means "novel of formation" or "novel of
education." It is a type of novel that is focused on the main character's
journey from childhood to adulthood, and it often deals with themes such as
identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.
In "Funny Boy," the main character, Arjie, is a
young boy growing up in a Tamil family in Sri Lanka during a period of
political and social turmoil. The novel follows Arjie's journey from childhood
to adolescence as he struggles to understand and accept his own sexuality. The
novel explores the themes of identity, sexuality, and cultural conflict, as
Arjie grapples with the expectations of his family and society and tries to
find his place in the world.
The novel's focus on Arjie's personal development and growth,
his inner journey, and the themes of identity, sexuality, and cultural
conflict, all qualifies it as a bildungsroman. The novel also uses symbolism
and imagery to depict the main character's inner journey, which adds depth and
complexity to the novel.
In summary, "Funny Boy" is called a bildungsroman
novel because it is a coming-of-age story that follows the main character's
personal development and growth, it deals with themes such as identity,
self-discovery, and the search for meaning and purpose in life, it explores the
themes of identity, sexuality, and cultural conflict, and it uses symbolism and
imagery to depict the main character's inner journey.
What kind of a narrative style is used in the last part of Funny Boy
In the last part of "Funny Boy," the narrative
style shifts to a more reflective and contemplative tone. The author, Shyam
Selvadurai, uses a more mature and introspective voice to convey the main
character's feelings and thoughts as he looks back on his past experiences and
reflects on the lessons he has learned.
The author makes use of a retrospective narrative style,
which allows the reader to understand the significance of the events that have
taken place and how they have shaped the main character's life. This style is
also used to tie together the various themes and motifs that have been present
throughout the novel, and how the main character has come to understand and
appreciate them.
The narrative style in the last part of the novel is
characterized by a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the main character
reflects on his past and the people and places that have been important to him.
There's a strong sense of closure, as the main character comes to terms with
his past and looks forward to the future.
Additionally, the use of symbolism, imagery and figurative
language is used to convey the main character's feelings and thoughts, giving
the narrative an emotional depth. This style also allows the author to convey
the complexity of the main character's thoughts and feelings, and the struggles
he has gone through.
In summary, In the last part of "Funny Boy," the
narrative style shifts to a more reflective and contemplative tone, the author
uses a retrospective narrative style, that is characterized by a sense of
How is Amma characterized in Funny Boy
In "Funny Boy," Amma is characterized as a loving
and supportive mother, who is deeply invested in her children's lives. She is
described as being traditional and conservative, but also open-minded and
understanding.
One of the key characteristics of Amma is her love and
devotion to her children. She is a nurturing and caring mother who is always
there for her children, offering them guidance and support. Despite her
traditional beliefs and values, she is able to understand and accept Arjie's
sexuality, and she is willing to support him in his journey of self-discovery.
Amma is also portrayed as being deeply connected to her
culture and tradition, and she is determined to pass these values on to her
children. She is a strong believer in tradition and the importance of family
and community. She is a powerful figure in the novel, and her opinions and
actions have a significant impact on the lives of those around her.
Additionally, Amma is shown to be a woman with a strong sense
of morality and responsibility. She is a responsible mother, who is always
looking out for the well-being of her family. She also takes her role as a
member of the community seriously, and is often shown participating in
community events and activities.
In summary, Amma is characterized in "Funny Boy" as
a loving and supportive mother, who is deeply invested in her children's lives.
She is traditional and conservative, but also open-minded and understanding.
She is determined to pass on her cultural values to her children, and she is a
powerful figure in the novel with a strong sense of morality and
responsibility.
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