The Motorcycle Diaries was about the important road trip that Ernesto "Che" Guevera, a future radical revolutionary, would make that forever shaped his life. Joining him on his journey was Alberto, who was also pursuing a career in the medical field. Their trip would take them around the South America continent, and they wanted to be back before Alberto's birthday. Che was 22 when he started the journey on La Pondersoa, what they named the motorcycle. They visit a Leper Colony on the Amazon in Peru and Che really relates with the patients. He is the first person to actually touch them. The patients love him back. He also experiences a personal wonder when visiting Machu Pichu.
This story is a great example of a bildungsroman because it is a coming of age novel. Another good example is The Namesake. It shows the growth of Che into the man he would become. It also has several characteristics of an identity plot which include:
A narrative revolving around the question of how to define and understand their identity
Character must be member of a minority within a larger society
Character is at odds with minority group
Character is conflicted w/ difference from min and maj
Authenticity and origin are always at stake on the quest
Another event that was influential to Che was meeting the impoverished Chillean miners. They were communists and often harassed because of their political beliefs. Che really sympathized for this couple that was traveling out of necessity, not pleasure like he was. He gave them a $10 bill. He also saw the inhumane treatment that miners received (they weren't given water, etc).
I find it really interesting that you find both "The Motorcycle Diaries" and "The Namesake" as bildungsromans. Since you have pointed that out, I completely agree and think that both stories would be a good compare contrast essay for our final. Both novels tell a coming of age story for two young men from two different cultures and the trials and tribulations they experience.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this movie. I also agree that The Namesake and Motorcycle Diaries are closely related. Both stories have characters that are adjusting to a new culture where they experience being a part of the minority. They learn the ways of the majority of the culture and grow as individuals. They adapt to the cultures that are far different than their own and realize that what was a difficult adjustment at first can become easier once you take the time to learn and accept the new culture.
ReplyDeleteI had not thought about how "The Namesake" and "The Motorcycle Diaries" could be related, but now that you point it out I can definitely see it. Both stories show the growth and changes that two young men must go through. Both stories also show two young men learning about and eventually accepting others' cultures. That was a great connection, I would have never thought of that!
ReplyDeletei agree that Motorcycle Diaries and The namesake have similarities. i think both main characters changed at the end of the story and they were trying to adapt cultures that are different from them. i believe that they are both trying find themselves.
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