Introduction
Although the family is often idealized as an unbreakable bond filled with love and support, literature provides a more nuanced perspective. The literature’s perspective exposes the complexities and challenges inherent in familial relationships. The literary works selected for this essay delve into the intricate dynamics of family, demonstrating how these relationships can evoke both positive and negative emotions.
By examining the portrayal of family dynamics in Anna Karenina, The House of Bernarda Alba, The Metamorphosis, and Candide, this essay aims to explore the complex nature of familial relationships. The illuminating of how societal expectations, oppression, sudden changes, and loyalty can significantly impact individuals.
Anna Karenina
Leo Tolstoy’s novel explores the family theme by presenting a stark contrast between happy and unhappy families. “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its way” sets the tone for exploring the complexities of familial relationships (Tolstoy, 1877, p. 5). Throughout the novel, Tolstoy portrays the struggles of unhappy families, including Anna’s family, which is torn apart by her affair with Count Vronsky.
Despite portraying dysfunctional families, the novel emphasizes the importance of love and acceptance within familial relationships. Leo Tolstoy says, “I have always loved you, and when you love someone, you love the whole person…” (Tolstoy, 1877, p. 74). The quote underscores the importance of unconditional love and acceptance within families.
Today’s understanding of the theme of family in Anna Karenina emphasizes that life’s light and shadow make it beautiful. Tolstoy wrote that “All the variety, all the charm, and beauty of life are made up of light and shadow” (Tolstoy, 1877, p. 58). The quote suggests that relationships in the family, like life itself, are full of ups and downs, and that the contrast between these experiences makes them valuable.
In addition, the novel stresses that love is essential for happiness and that familial relationships are vital for love. With an emphasis on human emotions, the author writes, “They have no idea what happiness is” (Tolstoy, 1877, p. 374). The quote emphasizes that family relationships are essential to a fulfilling life, offering love and a sense of purpose.
The House of Bernarda Alba
Federico García Lorca’s play delves into the theme of family, portraying the oppressive nature of familial relationships within a conservative Spanish society. The play’s characters are all women living under the strict rule of their matriarch, Bernarda Alba. One of the most famous quotes from the play is, “In this house, you will do what I order,” which gives the idea of control (Lorca, 1945, p. 165). It highlights Bernarda’s complete control over her daughters.
This control extends to their social lives, with Bernarda insisting that her daughters remain unmarried and dedicated to their familial duties. However, her daughters rebel against her wishes, with Magdalena stating, “I know I am not going to marry. I would rather carry sacks to the mill. Anything except sit here day after day in this dark room” (Lorca, 1945, p. 165). This quote reflects the daughters’ desires to break free from their stifling familial roles and seek personal fulfillment.
In contemporary society, the family theme remains relevant, particularly in relation to the pressures of conforming to societal expectations. García Lorca’s portrayal of the oppressive nature of familial relationships remains relevant today, as many individuals feel trapped within their familial roles and are unable to pursue their passions.
The quote, “None of them has ever had a beau, and they have never needed one! They get along very well,” highlights the societal expectation that women must marry and fulfill their traditional roles as wives and mothers (Lorca, 1945, p. 169). “I will have to let them feel the weight of my hand! Bernarda, remember your duty!” highlights the theme of oppressive and abusive familial relationships (Lorca, 1945, p. 190). This theme is unfortunately still relevant in today’s society, with many individuals experiencing familial abuse and oppression.
The Metamorphosis
Franz Kafka’s novella explores the theme of family through the character of Gregor Samsa. The protagonist experiences a sudden and unexpected change, awakening to discover that he has been transformed into a hideous insect. Despite his physical transformation, Gregor still has a strong sense of duty towards his family. He states, “Gregor was still there and did not intend to abandon his family” (Kafka, 1915, p. 36).
However, his family’s reactions to his transformation show the limitations of familial relationships. At first, they react to his transformation with shock and disgust. In addition, they hold bitterness towards him for the difficulties he imposes on them. “On the contrary, as a family, there was a duty to swallow any revulsion for him and to be patient, just to be patient” (Kafka, 1915, p. 95). The quote reveals the true intention of the main character and underlines the expectation of self-sacrifice that often accompanies familial obligations.
It also portrays the impact of financial struggles on familial relationships. Gregor’s hard work provides financial support for his family. However, his transformation renders him unable to work, leaving the family in a precarious financial situation. The narrator states, “This money was certainly not enough to enable the family to live off the interest; it was enough to maintain them for, perhaps, one or two years, no more” (Kafka, 1915, p. 19).
Gregor’s initial success at work is also highlighted through the quote, “Gregor converted his success at work straight into cash that he could lay on the table at home for the benefit of his astonished and delighted family” (Kafka, 1915, p. 27). These quotes show how financial struggles and success can impact familial relationships, a still-relevant theme today.
Candide
The book explores the theme of family in a satirical manner. Voltaire presents the family unit as sometimes dysfunctional but ultimately resilient. The characters encounter various challenges, including war, famine, and disease. Nevertheless, they persevere through their bond as a family. The idea of a shared communal experience is highlighted in the quote, “‘My friend,’ said he, ‘we are all priests.’ The King and all the heads of families sing solemn canticles of thanksgiving every morning, accompanied by five or six thousand musicians” (Voltaire, 1759, p. 56). This emphasizes the importance of family and community in religious and spiritual practices.
Conversely, the book underscores the adverse facets of family relations. Candide says, “What! Have you no monks who teach, who dispute, who govern, who cabal, and who burn people that are not of their opinion” (Voltaire, 1759, p. 56). It reveals that the country lacks certain social and religious institutions, highlighting the poor state and the potential for leaders of religious institutions to wield power.
This reflects the potential danger of families and communities being controlled by a select few with agendas. In today’s society, the importance of family and community is still prevalent, as seen in the quote, “My friend, you see how perishable are the riches of this world; there is nothing solid but virtue, and the happiness of seeing Cunegonde once more” (Voltaire, 1759, p. 60).
This suggests that while material wealth is fleeting, the bond between loved ones is truly enduring. However, the quote, “But for what end, then, has this world been formed?’ said Candide. ‘To plague us to death,’ answered Martin.” highlights the struggles and challenges families face, historically and in contemporary times (Voltaire, 1759, p. 69). Despite these obstacles, families can still find strength in their unity and persevere through adversity.
Conclusion
Literary works consistently explore the difficulties inherent in family relationships. Anna Karenina champions love and acceptance against familial discord, while The House of Bernarda Alba critiques the oppression and traditional gender expectations enforced within families. The Metamorphosis illustrates the limitations placed on family ties by financial stress. Collectively, these narratives—including Candide’s satire—show that the family unit is profoundly affected by societal pressures and the events of the outside world. These lessons are still relevant today, especially regarding the pressures of conforming to societal expectations and the theme of abusive familial relationships.
References
Kafka, F. (1915). Metamorphosis. Penguin Classics.
Lorca, F. G. (1945). The house of Bernarda Alba and other plays. Penguin Classics.
Tolstoy, L. (1877). Anna Karenina (A. Maude & L. Maude, Trans.). Wordsworth Editions.
Voltaire. (1759). Candide. Wickford, RI, North Books.