What it Means to be a Hero

Third and Final Continent: pg 198 "While the astronauts, heroes forever, spent mere hours on the moon, I have remained in this new world for nearly thirty years. I know that my achievement is quite ordinary. I am not the only man to seek his fortune far from his home, bewildered by each mile I have traveled, each meal I have eaten, each person I have known, each room in which I have slept. As ordinary as it all appears, there are times when it is beyond my imagination"
When I read this paragraph I experienced a chilling sensation of hope, determination, and survival. It is no ordinary thing to travel across three continents and establish a life for oneself on determination alone. While it may seem an easy process, the path of being an immigrant is a long and arduous journey which may take on many lives of its own in the process. This story of a man who experienced life on three continents is a simple story, but it touched me. The simple things we take for granted each day are some of the hardest things for immigrants to deal with, such as the phrase "mind the gap" which took him a year to figure out. Many immigrants can be commended for their journeys and the sacrifices’ which they make to better their lives. It is only through discovering the world that we may truly discover ourselves.
It seems to me that all immigrant have to overcome many obstacles and have had many adventures in their lives. What courage it must take to leave everything and everyone behind. I wonder what is behind the determination of immigrants when they take it upon themselves to go and start a new life somewhere else. Greatness does not fall upon people, people strive for greatness. Immigrants must be looking for a better life, at least one that is better in their own opinion. As far as seeking a better suited life for oneself the immigrant achieves greatness with their perseverance and dedication to getting what they want.
To travel across the world and have many adventures is truly heroic. Many times we give the label of hero to those who are most seen, most availably known, and most unusual. I would like to give this label to the immigrants who take it upon themselves to change their existence. These heroes are often overlooked or outcast by society, but society would do well to incorporate the desire and determination held by immigrants into their own lives and values. We value movie stars for their performances, and writers for their minds, but it seems we do not value immigrants. We should admire immigrants for many reasons, their fight for what they want, their determination to survive and better the lives of themselves and their children, the awesome courage it must take to move to another country and try to make a life of one’s own there.
Although many immigrant stories may seem similar, each must have its own struggles and triumphs. Each immigrant should take very seriously the consequences of what their determination and courage have brought to them. They should embrace and find peace in their achievements and must never minimize what an outstanding process they have gone through. Immigrants should be praised for their strong will and survival skills.

Priceless Punctuality

Reflecting on “The Third and Final Continent”, the final story in The Interpreter of Maladies, brought my focus to Mrs. Croft, a brilliantly designed caricature of American history and influence on Asian American life. I couldn’t help but think of my great grandmother, who at 93 is just beginning to suffer from Alzheimer’s, something not stated, but somewhat implied about Mrs. Croft. Her influence on my life parallels the influence Mrs. Croft’s life has on the protagonist of the story. I believe that the picture given of Mrs. Croft by Lahiri could not be portrayed any better but I couldn’t help but write a part of the story from Mrs. Croft’s point of view. I feel that her seniority and influence deserves a little more depth, and what better way than from the very mouth and mind of this Alzheimer’s ridden, fiery old woman.

The doorbell rings exactly on time, this boy is off to a good start. It’s nice to see that some of these young folks still care about showing proper time management skills and respect.
“One minute please!”
The only way to keep anything safe nowadays is to keep it locked up tight. Goodness, this chain is getting heavier every day, I swear! Why on earth do people have to be so untrustworthy nowadays? These ruffagins that throw trash in my yard and set off those preposterous car alarms so late at night wouldn’t know what hit them if I had half the strength I used to. If only these fingers would work the way they used to, there, that tiny knob button-lock won’t get the best of me!
Well, this boy looks presentable enough. Harvard boys just don’t take pride in their appearance the way they used to, such a shame. Now, where did I move that piano bench to? Oh goodness, is it there by the piano again, where could it be? Here it is, oh these old bones, what am I doing? Yes, yes, this boy, the room… Oh dear the lock!
“Lock up!” That was close! Goodness boy, don’t you have any sense?
“Fasten the chain and firmly press that button on the knob! This is the first thing you shall do when you enter, is that clear?”
Like I said boy, you can never be too careful nowadays.
“You’re punctual! I expect you shall be so with rent!” Am I speaking too loud again, he recoiled? No matter, I hope he doesn’t think I’m going to let him slide by with that rent! That last boy… what was his name? Well, he knew nothing of courtesy…
“I have a letter madame.” The boy extends his hand, in it a folded sheet of paper.
Interrupted once again, for what? I assume this piece of paper shows his credentials, he seems credible so far. Better warn him, keep him on this good path he seems to be following.
“The last boy was always late! Still owes me eight dollars! Harvard boys aren’t what they used to be! Only Harvard and Tech in this house! How’s Tech boy?”
“It’s very well.”
“You checked the lock?” Can never be too careful, even in midday like this… I miss my noontime walks, sunshine sounds delightful right now, Henry would never have approved of all those locks on my door. He always said he was all the protection I would ever need… When was my last visit?
“Yes, madame.”
Oh yes, this boy. He’s going to be alright for now, I wonder if he has heard? I shall inform him.
“There is an American flag on the moon!” I hardly believed it. If I hadn’t have heard it with my own ears I would never have believed…
“Yes, madame.”
Is that all this boy ever says? Maybe he didn’t fully comprehend. This is the moon!
“A flag on the moon, boy! I heard it on the radio! Isn’t that splendid?” He thinks I’m a fool.
“Yes, madame.”
Foolish boy! I may be old but I am not crazy. If you are to learn respect and dignity you must be able to recognize your place. I know mine, you will learn yours, even if I must help you along…
“Say ‘splendid’!” Oh dear, this boy, he will understand with time, I know it. He is different.
“Say ‘splendid’!” Do not make me repeat myself again, I know you will learn fast.
“Splendid”. He murmured. He knows I am hard of hearing, thoughtless child. I will give him time, someday he will understand.
“Go see the room!” He recoiled again, oh well, that’s what he gets for mumbling. He should be grateful. I wish my hands would stop aching, I would like to play another piece for Henry. Having company again will be nice… He better be punctual with that rent!

I know these stories focus on Asian, and/or Asian American characters but I feel that Mrs. Croft’s influence on this Asian- American man as an American woman was worth expanding. I thoroughly enjoyed her character, and I enjoyed watching her influence play out through the growth of the marriage.