Where Home Is: Narrative in Literature

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Table of Contents

Summary
Our America by Jose Marti
The Adventure of Tom Sawyer
The Caballero’s Way
Incidents in the Lives of a Slave Girl
References

Summary

Contemporary society regards home as a place that constitutes their permanent primary residence. However, there exist many variations within this consideration, with some taking home as a physical location. In contrast, others regard it as a fully or semi-sheltered space with interior and exterior aspects. Nevertheless, authors tend to define home based on the people, their behaviors, and their experiences in a particular area. This paper focuses on how Our America, The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, The Caballero’s Way, and the Incidents in the Lives of a Slave Girl define home.

Our America by Jose Marti

The book Our America defines home as a place where the people are united. José Marti wrote “Nuestra América,” his outstanding essay in this context. He attempts to forge a Pan-Latin American unity and free Latin America from repression by enlisting the help of its stronger neighbor North America and former colonizer Europe. As an appeal for unity and collective identity, the essay is directed toward his compatriots, particularly Cuban scholars in exile in Europe, and the United States. He began to see the Americans as a dynamic network of related but not unequal national entities where cultural and political coherence had been challenged by the United States overpowering assertiveness and cries for acknowledgment of America’s cultural diversity (Martí, 2019). He expresses the idea of unity by individualizing the people of Cuba, America, and European by highlighting their unique cultural characteristics and population.

Jose Marti describes the home as a place where people are proud of who they are as he tries to free the people of Latin America from the repression of the conquerors. He motivates the people of Cuba to believe and understand that their race is not weak or strong and should carry themselves with pride in their culture and uniqueness. He tells them that the only way they can achieve this is by knowing their history and culture and being assertive with it so they cannot be swayed to imitate other cultures. The author emphasizes this message by expressing the statements of Creole against Tyranny that Latin America is a combination of highly different ethnicities and races (Martí, 2019). The book evokes a sense of pride in the people of Cuba by expressing their uniqueness.

The author expressed that home as a place where people know each other and have achieved a high degree of identity. He says that the people of Latin America are good people who respect and admire intelligent people in superior positions. However, exceptional, intelligent people often ignore their ideas and damage their pride. He says that Gating America should wake up and fight for their freedom and liberty. Jose Marti states that for one to understand a country, one should govern because knowledge is the only way of freeing the country from Tyranny (Marti, 2019). His sentiments in the book are a piece of advice to the people that they should know each other to attain an outstanding level of identity.

Home entails a locality where people defend the supremacy of their homeland. He says that the Latin Americas need to understand that they inhabit a magnificent continent and that their continent’s historical evolution is entirely in their hands. He adds that people should avoid being influenced negatively by a superior race with no clear idea of their true identity. He urges them to stand on their feet to prevent a quick seizure of the imperialist powers (Martí, 2019). From the above, the Latin American people are the only ones who can handle their homes better.

Home is painted as an area where people know their countries’ history and reality. He says for them to attain the best answers to their challenges, they need to understand their history and that they should not rely on foreign solutions. He notes the importance of people understanding their account by saying that it is the Incas to the new generation (Martí, 2019). Even if the Greek anchors go untaught, American history must be taught in detail from the Incas to the present.

Where people hold various ideologies related to different situations is what constitutes a home. Marti argues that the barricades of thoughts are more valuable than stone barricades (2019). His argument demonstrates how concepts are more potent than physical force. As a result, one of his primary claims is that America should depend on its own beliefs and culture instead of those of many other countries (Martí, 2019). He presents solid proof of why other countries’ concepts are insufficient for America.

While we expect a home to be accommodative to everyone, it turns out that home breeds discrimination. Marti asks how academic institutions can generate rulers if not even one institution in the United States tries to teach the basics of the craftsmanship of administration. Additionally, these organizations cannot offer an assessment of elements strange and unique to the inhabitants of America. Those schooled in Europe or North American traditions cannot appreciate the demands of Latin American countries. Perhaps his most significant strength is that he inspires his readers to be proud of their Latin American roots (Martí, 2019). This inspiration exemplifies just how he endorses his assertion that only someone with a thorough understanding of America can correctly regulate America.

The Adventure of Tom Sawyer

When moral integrity and maturity fill an area’s space, the place can be considered home. The tale begins with Tom participating in and frequently being the architect of childish pranks and justifying making games with his friends and family. This series of seemingly pointless juvenile games takes on increasing importance as the narrative proceeds. Huck, Joe Harper, and Becky Thatcher hiding inside the caves with Tom are all dragged into more difficult circumstances. Tom’s rising maturation, ability, and personal integrity are demonstrated when he starts to take action to help others rather than himself (Twain, 2018). Tom also gets himself in situations that should place the needs of others ahead of his own. For instance, he accepts Becky’s sentence and confesses at Injun Joe’s trial, both of which he finds himself in. Unequivocally, mortal integrity and maturity define home based on Tom’s selfless personality of wanting to help others.

The social maturity and growth of a given community constitute an ideal home. With trips to Jackson’s Island and McDougal’s Cave, Tom can get away from the rest of civilization. These metaphorical departures aid in preparing him to come back to the community with such a fresh, better mature perspective on his connection to society. Tom initially regards Huck as quite an older and wiser. However, by the story’s conclusion, Tom’s maturation has exceeded that of Huck (Twain, 2018). Tom’s progress is seen in his determination that Huck remains with both the Widow Douglas by becoming respectable in the presence of Huck’s yearning to abandon all societal limitations.

Societal power does not always work under the auspices of solid, consistent ideas, and organizations can make the same types of mistakes as people. The community is entirely willing to overlook Tom’s transgressions when it can be confident that he will be secure. When Twain depicts the city’s emotional pardon of the treacherous Injun Joe following his demise, twain pokes fun at the possibility of this communal predisposition to generosity and forgiveness going overboard. Although the novel is critical of society’s hypocrisy of the constant discrepancy between beliefs and actions, Twain does not encourage subversion in the traditional sense (Twain, 2018). The story illustrates the possible hazards of defying authority, just as it illustrates the disadvantages of following too closely to source in other instances.

A person’s locality is brought out as an area where they experience joy during their developmental years. Tom is engrossed in childhood pleasures, devoid of the obligations and cares of adulthood that accompanies adulthood. Tom’s treasure-hunting exploits and admiration of the Mississippi River demonstrate his fondness for romanticism and adventure (Twain, 2018). Even the ultimate tale of Tom and Huck, in which they join a pirate band, is a nod to the wonders of youth.

Home is illustrated as where there is family and independence in the social unit. Raised by his aunt, he demonstrates the importance of family, uniqueness, and an individual’s reliance on their environment. Having Aunt Polly as a caregiver for Tom and his brother has allowed them to develop civilized and educated habits, which they owe to Aunt Polly. Conversely, Huck resides with Widow Douglas and wishes to live a primitive life, much as Tom wishes to be independent initially. Huck and Tom are in love with Becky Thatcher, the child of the town arbitrator. Tom’s reliance on his aunt is revealed during his schooling and theological study, and this is amplified when he falls in love with one of the women (Twain, 2018). This dependence describes how important the family unit is to Tom.

It is only at home that one can enjoy the freedom of adventure and exploration based on Ton’s life experiences. In the sense that he is continuously associated with narratives, stories, and experiences, we can see the world through Tom. While his connection to the bandits, his affiliation with Robin Hood, his search for bounty, and his subsequent search for even more treasures expose him to risks and threats, such as those posed by Injun Joe, he manages to keep his readers entertained. The love for exploration is well depicted when he includes the round of bandits (Twain, 2018). The judge is impressed by his pretense to have remembered Scripture, and he reveals his genuine affection for his daughter, Becky, by confessing that he has memorized Scripture.

Home is where there is authority in charge of the people and should be respected. Both Tom and Huck understand how to build leadership through strength, advice, and Biblical references. They also learn to question the authorities after discovering that the Bible and folktales are the primary sources of authority (Twain, 2018). Their escapades realize that people acquire power primarily through legitimacy based on age and morals, such as Aunt Polly, and credibility based on excellent labor, such as Robin Hood.

In the instance of Aunt Polly, it becomes clear to the children that she has also been leveraging biblical power, providing credibility to her validity. As a result, this ethical framework based on religion, societal norms, and kindness of heart motivate the lads to seek a basis or source to establish their authority. Consequently, they have realized the value of civilization in conclusion and are considering starting their band of brigands (Twain, 2018). The crew of brigands is their ultimate understanding and execution of leadership.

The Caballero’s Way

Home is where authority finds a way of dealing with crimes and avenging people’s death. Cisco has taken refuge in the mountains. He visits his sweet girl and suspects she is no longer in love with him because she is in love with someone else. Then he encrypts a note from the girl to the American man. Cisco replaces that with one of his own, saying, “He has arrived, and he is suspicious” (London et al., 2021). In the note, Cisco plans the murder of the man who approaches him at his home. He pushes the authorities to terminate the alleged lover of his girl, showing that some people consider home as where their heads can easily exercise vengeance.

Home is portrayed as where marital conflicts have vested, making partners kill each other. Sandridge discovers that he has murdered his beloved Tonia. He realizes Cisco’s ruse too late, but he vows revenge to capture the rebel and refuses to sleep and eat till he does. The chase then begins and lasts for days. He returns Cisco, frightened and subservient, to the sheriff, waiting with a rope. Sandridge takes a flower Tonia had awarded him from his pocket and gently pressed it to his lips as the outlaw is led away (London et al., 2021). The lieutenant being in authority, purposed to catch Cisco And make him suffer for his actions.

Home is illustrated to be where one is loved and cherished. Tonia Perez, a lovely half-Mexican girl, is head over heels in love with the Kid. Near the Mexican village at Lone Wolf Crossing on the Frio, she lives in a hut with old Perez, an alcoholic who is either her father or grandfather. Cisco Kid comes to see her through the thicket of towering prickling pear trees in the back of the hut where they live with her mother. Sandridge is not a caballero. Therefore, she does not comprehend the nuances of vengeance. As a result, she falls in love with the young American officer, and her more delicate nature begins to take hold of it (London et al., 2021). The primary thing the lieutenant could imagine was advancing himself to the girl’s body. This behavior demonstrates how both the lieutenant and Cisco loved the young lady.

Incidents in the Lives of a Slave Girl

In this book, home is described from the slave girl’s viewpoint, meaning it possesses little positivity compared to the other definitions. Home is where they are powerless and helpless due to slavery. Jacobs goes to great lengths to demonstrate that there can be no “good” enslavers. She contends that slavery, almost without exception, obliterates the moral standards of slaveholders. Most enslavers treat their workers as animals or objects, never acknowledging their humanity (O’Neill, 2018). Without any legal restraints on their actions, they subject their servants to every conceivable form of torture. Enslavers, such as Dr. Flint, turn into cruel and barbaric beasts when they are new the enslaved individuals.

Mr. Sands makes a promise and might intend to liberate his slave children at first. Such good intentions, however, are quickly overlooked in the slave structure. Even “gentle” enslavers, such as Mr. Sands, are up to the task of deserting their workers when it becomes advantageous or financially viable. If an enslaver, such as Mr. Sands, faced financial difficulties, he may consider selling his children (O’Neill, 2018). As a result, enslavement obfuscates even the most basic emotional instinct: parental love for a child.

Home is where the slave girls become immoral to survive in the slave system. Enslaved people were also influenced morally by the slave system. Linda does not blame enslaved people who do unlawful or destructive behaviors like robbery or adultery, claiming they are often forced. On the other hand, according to her, Enslaved people have no motive to acquire a robust ethical sense because they have no possession of themselves or final authority over their acts. It is not their fault; instead, the system’s fault vilifies them (O’Neill, 2018). Enslaved people, unlike their masters, are not bad, yet significant aspects of their personality are left underdeveloped.

Home is what the slave girls which to have a place of domestication, paradise, and peace. Linda reveals towards the conclusion of Occurrences that she is always waiting for her ultimate desire to build a good home for herself and her family. The longing for a pleasant and safe house pervades this work, mirroring the culture of the domestic sphere that Jacobs’ mainly white female readers in the nineteenth century would have been accustomed to (O’Neill, 2018). Women were supposed to seek the whole of their satisfaction, intending for the houses and families throughout Jacobs’ time. Women were destined to be homeowners by birth, unsuitable for any other occupation (O’Neill, 2018). Linda’s need for a household is understandable as a black woman barred from such a value system, unable to live among her children.

Home is where Linda seeks refuge and faces frustration when attempting to find personal shelter. Jacobs also does not present the domestic realm as a simple good. Aunt Martha, the book’s emblem of domestic life and the only black woman Linda knew who does have an actual house, is indeed a good and a terrible figure. Linda stays a total prisoner at Aunt Martha’s house, putting her children’s needs ahead of her own till she is irreparably handicapped (O’Neill, 2018). As a result, while husband and kids are vital, they should be harmonized with personal independence. Otherwise, they may overpower a woman’s uniqueness.

Home is where the slave girls underwent psychological torture. Most slave tales highlight the physical cruelty and deprivation that enslaved people were forced to undergo, giving graphic details of physical abuse and lynching to shock the reader. Jacobs does not overlook such difficulties, but her emphasis on enslaved people’s emotional and spiritual pain provides an essential addition to the genre (O’Neill, 2018). As an enslaved person with a comparatively “easy” existence, Linda does not have to undergo regular beatings and severe physical labor.

Nevertheless, she and many other enslaved people surrounding her suffer tremendously due to being denied fundamental human rights and justice. Men and women are not free to marry whomever they choose; they are not allowed to get married. Women are routinely compelled to sleep with the masters they loathe. Linda’s statement that she would rather be an impoverished English farm laborer than a “pampered” enslaved person emphasizes that slavery’s emotional brutality is as damaging as its physical horrors (O’Neill, 2018). Even though they did not undergo slavery, the psychological torture was overwhelming.

References

London, J., Henry, O., Smith, C. A., Kruse, J., & Kipling, R. (2021). The most dangerous game and other stories of adventure. Courier Dover Publications.

Martí, J. (2019). Our America. In The Cuba Reader (pp. 119-124). Duke University Press.

O’Neill, C. (2018). “The shape of mystery”: The visionary resonance of Harriet Jacobs’s incidents in the life of a slave girl. The Journal of American Culture, 41(1), 56-67.

Twain, M. (2018). The originals: The adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Om Books International.

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