Question

Compare the characters of Zitkala-Sa and Bama in terms of their struggle, pain, determination, and success. (Memories of Childhood)

Hint:

Draw parallels between the characters’ experiences, highlighting both the emotional and social aspects of their journey. Use key incidents from the text to support the comparison.

Answer 1

Zitkala-Sa and Bama, in their respective narratives, present powerful accounts of personal struggle against systemic oppression. Zitkala-Sa, a Native American, is forcibly stripped of her cultural identity when she is sent to a school run by white missionaries. Her resistance to cutting her hair and her emotional turmoil represent a deep struggle to preserve her dignity. Despite the humiliation, she emerges stronger and later becomes a writer and activist advocating for the rights of her people. Similarly, Bama, a young Dalit girl from Tamil Nadu, confronts the entrenched caste discrimination in Indian society. The turning point comes when she realizes the injustice of untouchability and the humiliation associated with it. Inspired by her brother's words, she pursues education as a means to fight back. Her determination leads to personal empowerment and professional success, and she ultimately becomes a voice against caste-based oppression. Both girls suffer pain—Zitkala-Sa through cultural alienation and Bama through social exclusion. Yet both channel their anguish into action. Their stories underscore the transformative power of education and inner strength. Despite being silenced by society, they reclaim their identity through courage, awareness, and resilience. Thus, Zitkala-Sa and Bama exemplify how marginalized voices can challenge the status quo. Their journeys inspire readers to question social injustice and recognize that change begins with individual resistance backed by determination.