Go and Come Back Essay Example

finished quickly, it contains a theme that can impact those who feel lonely. The story emphasizes the connection within families and the idea that everyone has a place to return to. In addition, the author's dreamy yet realistic writing style is worth exploring. Anthropologists observe and take notes while missionaries attempt to change the toilet habits of the Isabo people in the book. Although Alicia gains new perspectives from her experiences, visitors Joanna and Margarita undergo more significant changes. Alicia teaches them everything from cleanliness to proper behavior in relationships, and they learn about hospitality and generosity. The author's unconventional perspective on property is also presented.The villagers in the novel "Go and Come Back" believe it is not stealing when they take from those who have more than they do, such as when the two white women possess sugar, beads, or liquor. In their eyes, the sin lies in having excess whilst others have less, making theft acceptable. The book also explores various cultural elements, including what constitutes work, hygiene, family, and death. Alicia explains that as per their community's customs, sex is about bartering and exchanging gifts, even for young boys. The novel's approach towards sex differs greatly from the Western culture's attitude towards it. Abelove's writing style is charming, and though it feels targeted towards a younger audience due to its simplified language, it raises questions about our own culture's beliefs and actions. There is not a large plot in the book, but readers become invested in the characters and their connections. Ultimately, Go and Come Back provides a refreshing perspective on topics that are often approached with fear or taboo. For instance,

Alicia is perplexed by the meaningless songs sung by the white women during their arrival at the village.After a year of sharing and learning, during a conversation while listening to a cassette, she asked Joanna what it said. Joanna became emotional and replied, "It says that in the end, the love and friendship you have is only as much as you gave to others." She remarked that it is important to not be stingy and finally understood the lesson. They both agreed that the Beatles' bug music said it in a similar way, indicating that bugs know something about life. The lesson being that understanding each other is key to enjoying the ride on the yellow submarine. The book she saw had a fascinating greenish tattoo pattern on the cover that she assumed was Alicia, the book's main character, who lived in Poincushmana, a village deep inside the Peruvian jungle of Amazon during the early 1970s.

Alicia belongs to the Isabo tribe, also known as the people of little monkeys. In their language, "catanhue" means "go and come back" in response to a goodbye. Alicia is a kind and empathetic person who considers others' feelings before acting or speaking to avoid causing any harm. However, she feels less attractive than her cousin and best friend, Elena, who has a big hearty laugh, round cheeks, and a short and fat physique compared to her serious and skinny appearance.

In Isabo culture, the definition of beauty reflects their lifestyle and traditions. A beautiful person is someone who is round and fat since eating meat is considered a luxury in their village and is only available once

a week after the men go hunting. Beautification also involves flattening the forehead, wearing bind anklets, and adorning oneself with plenty of beads and accessories.

The arrival of two female anthropologists nawa changed life in Poincushmana when they came to live with the Isabos for a year in exchange for medicine supplies. Their visit was part of their research for their thesis.

The two nawa who wore pants despite not having penises were considered weird, stingy, lazy, and impolite by the Isabos. They did not share their possessions, did not work, only asked questions and wrote, and insulted the village's cleanliness by not showering in the morning. Alicia and the Isabos were used to sharing everything, especially food and alcohol, which was a famous commodity in the jungle. Margarita and Joanna were from America and were more accustomed to alcoholic drinks. Alicia tried to help them understand her culture as she believed they were ignorant about many things. The differences in thinking and sharing are due to upbringing. As someone who has been in a similar situation, the confusion, anger, and depression of Margarita and Joanna as strangers in the Isabos' midst is relatable.

Despite her efforts to please others, Alicia felt as though everything she did was wrong and never enough. As a teenager and unmarried, her decision to adopt a nawa baby was a reflection of her personality. Although this responsibility would be considered significant even for adults in her village, Alicia saw it simply as saving a life with no regard for skin color. Her maternal instincts came naturally, much like playing with dolls in childhood. Written for younger readers, the book's descriptive

language allowed me to easily imagine the neat lines of river, houses, path, and kitchens in the village. While initially confused by the mixture of English and Isabo words, I was able to add new vocabulary to my database. The story's cultural clashes reminded me of my own experiences when first living in a foreign country. By being open-minded and learning from other cultures, foreign places can become less "foreign." Even unfamiliar terms such as Hahuetian raibirai are opportunities to expand one's knowledge.