Comparative Analysis: What are the Three Common Conflicts addressed in No face by Juno Diaz 1996 and A hunger artist by Franz Kafka?
Three Common Conflicts in No face by Juno Diaz 1996 and A hunger artist by Franz Kafka.
This essay highlights the Three Common Conflicts in No face by Juno Diaz 1996 and A hunger artist by Franz Kafka. Junot Diaz and Franz Kafka having written “No Face” and “A Hunger Artist” respectively, the two sink into the complex issues that emanate within a person, between persons, and between people and the society. These two narratives delve into the intricate conflicts of the respective protagonists, who are faced by societal challenges, interpersonal tensions, and internal battles. Via the concept of personal choice, the two narratives offer a compelling assessment of the human state, as voices debate cultural and traditional rules, while trying to find their rightful place.
Man vs. Self
No Face’s protagonist struggles with self-acceptance as he copes with the incidence of disfigurement. There is constant anguish sourced from is internal battles, which revolve around him trying to come into terms with his new reality. Unable to bare the sight of his own reflection he has his face covered up, which is evidence of prevailing internal conflict (Diaz, 1996). On a similar note, the artist in “A Hunger Artist” has conflicts about his fasting and the essence it serves in is life. Notwithstanding public acclaim, he is still greatly dissatisfied, as only he is aware how easy it is to fast, resulting into a significant inner turmoil (Kafka, 1924). These two characters represent the struggle of man versus self, were they wrestle with their internal demons in pursuit of self-comprehension.
Man vs. Man
As the protagonist in “No Face” interacts with other people, they tend to either mock, fear, or pity him, which turns out to be a state of the interpersonal conflicts. With constant rejection he faces constant tension as he feels like an outcast owed to his appearance, highlighting the pull amid his thirst for acceptance and the rejection he often faces (Diaz, 1996). The artist in “A Hunger Artist,” depicts his tension with impresario and audience which revolves around the integrity and durability of his facts. He is fonder of the watchers seated close to the bars, for they corroborate is anguish, unlike those who doubt him consequently exacerbating his feeling of being alienated (Kafka 1924). The two narratives correspond in portraying the struggle of man versus man, where the characters face the external pressures and judgement of others.
Man vs. Society
Stigma and cultural norms around disability and physical appearances, are the two driving factors of societal conflicts in “No Face”. The protagonist faces a backrush in the form of societal prejudices and expectations that place him in the cast of a perpetual outsider (Diaz, 1996). Similarly, Kafka (1924) depicts how his protagonist faces the sifting societal interest in the fasting phenomenon. As public captivation wanes, the artist is relegated to a less prominent post, portraying the indecisive nature of societal values (Kafka 1924). Both characters confront the broader societal challenges that dictate their worth and relevance, underscoring the conflict of man versus society.
Conclusion
In sum, encompassed within the two narratives, “No Face” and “A Hunger Artist”, are insights that shed light on conflicts that among themselves shape the human experience. The internal turmoil of self-value and identity, the interpersonal pressures emanating from prejudices and misunderstandings, and the societal concerns of valuation, and acceptance are notions that resonate deeply with modern-day readers (Callero, 2023). These narratives highlight the holistic nature of these conflicts, demonstrating their enduring relevance in the current society. Diaz and Kafka, both through their poignant narratives remind us of the intricacies of human existence and the prevailing struggle of societal recognition, self-acceptance, and understanding.
References
Callero, P. L. (2023). The Myth of Individualism: How Social Forces Shape Our Lives. In Google Books. Rowman & Littlefield. https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=BYG6EAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=individualism
Díaz, J., (1996). “No Face.” In Drown, Riverhead Books.
Kafka, F., (1924). “A Hunger Artist.” In The Complete Stories, Schocken Books