Batuman's background in writing and literary studies means she has a deep understanding of narrative techniques. She may use her knowledge to experiment with different forms of storytelling in her short stories and novels. For example, she could play with the sequence of events, use different points of view, or incorporate literary allusions. All these elements contribute to the distinctiveness of her works.
Her Haitian background gives her stories an authentic touch. The setting, often Haiti or Haitian - diaspora communities, is vividly described. The cultural elements like voodoo, Haitian food, and traditional celebrations are incorporated. This makes the stories unique and rich in detail.
Batuman's works often feature complex characters. Her characters are usually intellectuals, and she delves deep into their inner thoughts and emotional struggles. For example, in her novels, she might explore the self - discovery of a young academic in a foreign environment.
Beauvoir's philosophy of existentialism greatly influences her short stories. Existentialism emphasizes individual freedom and choice. In her stories, characters are often faced with difficult choices that shape their lives, just as in existentialist thought, individuals create their own essence through their actions.
Sudha Murthy's work experience at Infosys, which was co - founded by her husband, gives her a unique perspective on the corporate world. This shows in her stories where she might touch on themes related to business ethics or the challenges faced by employees. Also, her experience as a social worker influences her stories. She has seen the problems faced by the underprivileged, and this is reflected in her stories which often have characters from such backgrounds.
Achebe's background influenced his short stories in multiple ways. His African roots gave him a unique perspective on life, which he translated into his writing. He was familiar with the languages, both spoken and unspoken, within the African communities. This enabled him to accurately portray the communication and relationships between characters in his stories. His upbringing in a society with its own set of values and norms made him sensitive to the issues of cultural identity. So, in his short stories, he often explored how Africans were trying to hold on to their identity in the face of Western influence during the colonial era. His background was not just a backdrop but an integral part of the fabric of his short stories.
The depth of her character development. Batuman creates characters that feel real and multi - dimensional. They have their own quirks, desires, and insecurities, which makes them very relatable to the readers.
Her writing style makes readers think. It's thought - provoking.
Elif Batuman's short stories often feature complex characters. For example, in some of her works, the characters are intellectuals struggling with their identities in a changing world. Their self - discovery journey is a key aspect to analyze.
The reader's background can have a significant impact on how they interpret a novel. For example, a reader from a different cultural background may notice and understand cultural references in a unique way. If a novel contains elements of a particular religion, a reader with a religious upbringing in that faith may have a deeper understanding of the religious themes. Additionally, a reader's personal experiences, like growing up in a big city or a rural area, can color their perception of the setting and characters in the novel.
Her African - American background was a huge factor. Growing up in a time of great racial discrimination, she had unique experiences to share. This background added depth and a sense of urgency to her stories, as she was speaking not just for herself but for her community as well.