Question

'Memories of Childhood' deals with autobiographical episodes of Zitkala-Sa and Bama. They both come from marginalized communities, and look back on their childhood to reflect on their relationships with mainstream culture. Elaborate.

Hint:

Personal narratives in literature often shed light on the larger issues of identity, culture, and societal expectations, especially when characters come from marginalized backgrounds.

Answer 1

"Memories of Childhood" by Zitkala-Sa and Bama explores the authors' experiences as members of marginalized communities. Zitkala-Sa reflects on her childhood in an Indian reservation, where she faced the conflict of being torn between her native culture and the mainstream, Western culture imposed upon her. She recalls the emotional pain of being stripped of her identity and forced into a new way of life, which symbolized the broader colonial impact. Similarly, Bama’s autobiographical account reveals the struggles of growing up in a lower-caste community in India. She reflects on the social discrimination and prejudice she faced but also draws strength from her roots. Both authors highlight the challenges of reconciling personal identity with the expectations of the mainstream culture, illustrating the impact of caste, race, and cultural domination on their lives.