Reviews can also show how a cultural background affects the interpretation of the moral or message in a ghost story. For instance, in Western cultures, some ghost stories might have a moral about facing one's fears. But in other cultures, it could be more about respecting the dead. Reviewers will bring their cultural understanding to how they view the story's message.
Cultural background can also influence how scary a reviewer finds a ghost story. A person from a culture where ghost stories are part of daily life and are told to children might have a different threshold for scariness compared to someone from a culture where ghost stories are more rare. In reviews, they might rate the scariness level differently based on their cultural upbringing.
They reflect cultural diversity in many ways. The stories often feature different cultural traditions, like the Maori traditions in New Zealand - based Commonwealth novels. The food, clothing, and festivals described in these novels are a great indication of the cultural richness. Also, the family structures vary greatly. In some Caribbean Commonwealth novels, you might see extended family systems playing a big role, which is different from Western nuclear family models.
Well, the Panchatantra stories are part of a rich cultural heritage. In the story reviews, we can see how the cultural values are embedded. For example, the stories often depict a hierarchical society, which was a part of the original culture. The relationships between different characters, like the king and his subjects (represented by animals), show the values of obedience and leadership. Also, the way the stories promote harmony within a community, whether it's an animal community or seen as a metaphor for human society, reflects the cultural value of unity. Moreover, the reviews might talk about how the use of traditional language and idioms in the stories preserves the cultural essence, and how this is an important aspect that makes the stories unique to their origin.
Ghost stories often mirror cultural fears. In Western cultures, ghosts are sometimes associated with sins of the past not being atoned for. For example, a haunted house might be the result of a murder or some other immoral act committed there long ago. In Asian cultures, ghosts can represent unfulfilled duties or improper burials. In Japanese ghost stories, like 'Yotsuya Kaidan', the vengeful ghost is often a woman wronged in life. So, ghost stories are a way for cultures to express their hidden anxieties and taboos.
The stories may show their respect for elders. In Cantonese culture, respecting elders is highly valued. So in learning stories, children might be taught to listen to their grandparents or teachers. For example, they learn traditional calligraphy from the elderly in the family.
In African - American ghost stories, there can be a reflection of the historical traumas such as slavery. The ghosts may represent the unspoken pain and the memories that are hard to let go. These stories use the concept of ghosts to deal with the deep - seated cultural fears and traumas that have been passed down through generations.
White woman ghost stories often reflect cultural values through the characteristics and behaviors of the ghost. For example, if the ghost is portrayed as a wronged woman seeking justice, it shows that the culture values fairness and retribution. If she is a figure of pity, it might indicate the value placed on compassion.
Migration story novels are great at reflecting cultural changes. Take 'Call It Sleep' for instance. The protagonist, an immigrant boy, experiences a completely different cultural environment in New York. His struggle to fit in and the changes in his own cultural identity show how migration can bring about cultural transformation. In other novels like 'The Grapes of Wrath', the migrants bring their own rural cultural values but have to adapt to the more industrialized and sometimes harsher culture in the destination. The Joy Luck Club also shows how the Chinese immigrant mothers' traditional values are both preserved and changed as they interact with American culture through their daughters.
Creation stories often reflect cultural values through the characteristics of the creator. For example, if the creator in a story is wise and just, it shows that the culture values these traits. In the Islamic creation story, Allah is all - knowing and merciful, which reflects the values of knowledge and compassion in Islamic culture.
Folk stories often reflect cultural values through their characters and plots. For example, in many Asian folk stories, respect for elders is emphasized. Characters who are respectful towards their elders are usually rewarded. In Western folk stories, values like bravery and honesty are often highlighted. The hero is usually the one who is brave and honest.
Expat novels can reflect cultural differences in various ways. Take 'A Moveable Feast' by Hemingway. He describes the Parisian cafes, the way people interact, and the literary and artistic scene which is very different from what he knew in America. The French way of life, with its focus on food, wine, and long conversations, is contrasted with the more brisk and business - like American culture. Through his descriptions and anecdotes, we see how the expat author experiences and interprets these cultural disparities.