“Human beings can hate each other more than death.”
There is an ethical point to be made in the quote, “Human beings can hate each other more than death,” which highly impacts how one may look at the end of the story (896). The words “hate” and “death” are two strong words that are being used here in the context of marriage. Hate can become part of someones feelings for another as a result of a battered or abusive relationship, as seen here. This kind of relationship is seen between Chandara and Chidam. An instance of this is when Chidam warns Chandara with, “If I ever hear that you’ve been to the ghat on your own, I’ll break ever bone in your body” (896). Chandara responds in a sneering manner and as a result, she is grabbed by her hair, dragged and locked in a room. It is here that Chandara is filled with a feeling of hate for her husband, which is why she much rather death over existence. In any case, when someone is hurt either emotionally or physically, it justifies the decisions that they may choose to make. For Chandara, her decision to willingly take the blame for her sister-in-law’s death is by all means justified because to be dead is better than being part of an unhealthy marriage. Therefore, when looking at the ending of the story, Charanda’s decision to be at peace with herself by dying is justifiable because living with a man like Chidam is worse than death.
3 responses so far ↓
s.kazinets // Oct 30th 2015 at 10:48 am
I think that you made a really great point that stands out from the others. I thought that it was interesting how you were able to point out the two specific points and show that those words truly have a deeper meaning to them. I think it’s also interesting to think that the character was so miserable that she chose death over being in a marriage. I also think that the word “hate” could drive people to do the craziest things, such as this main character. That word could make people do think they never expected to do.
j.kohan // Oct 30th 2015 at 11:24 am
I agree with most of your points, however, there is one point specifically where I think there may be room for controversy. You mention that if someone is hurt emotionally or physically, it justifies the decisions they choose to make. Clearly in this case, we have Chandara who gave away her life, because of a poor marital relationship. I do not believe that this can be justified just as a punishment for her husband’s actions. Life is a precious thing, and people come into problems of different levels each and everyday. However, one cannot revert to something drastic, something like suicide, and use that as a solution every time a situation is tough. All in all, Chandara’s choice is certainly debatable, however, to say that her decision was justified is something I am not so sure of.
JMERLE // Oct 31st 2015 at 12:51 pm
Brandon, you’re discussing more of a philosophical point than an ethical one, I think, but this, of course, is debatable! At any rate, you do a very nice job making your assertion, choosing a solid quote, and then explaining how this quote defends your assertion and connects to the ending. It’s quite interesting to think that Chandara hates her husband so much that she would rather die, but I think it’s quite possible.
Most people see her decision as purely an ethical one, but you could be right, after all! We’ll discuss this more in class.
Lovely!
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