You have just read “What is Othering?” by Kendra Cherry. Explain how othering is illustrated through “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. Write a two-paragraph response and use evidence from both texts to support your ideas.
In your response, make sure to include all parts of a complete paragraph:
– a claim that clearly answers the prompt
– two to three pieces of evidence
– reasoning to explain how your evidence connects to your claim
Also, make sure to incorporate relevant unit vocabulary in your writing.
In “What is Othering?” Kendra Cherry describes the process of “othering” as a means of defining a group by distinguishing it from another, often resulting in stigma or exclusion. This concept is illustrated in Nicholas Stuart Gray’s “The Star Beast,” where the protagonist, a young boy named Brian, feels isolated due to his bond with an alien creature. Initially, the society around him perceives the star beast as an “other” due to its unfamiliar appearance and origins. For instance, when the townspeople view the beast with suspicion and fear, they highlight how those who do not conform to their standards or appear different can be alienated, showcasing the clear divide formed by othering.
Furthermore, the relationship between Brian and the star beast underscores the emotional dimensions of othering. Despite the creature’s gentle nature, Brian’s peers label him as peculiar for his affection towards it. This is evident when Brian defends the star beast against the scorn of his classmates, demonstrating his struggle to bridge the gap between acceptance and exclusion. This dynamic illustrates how othering not only isolates the “other” but also marginalizes those who dare to forge connections with them. Gray’s narrative serves to remind readers that the act of othering can lead to profound loneliness and a longing for acceptance, reinforcing Cherry’s insights on this societal phenomenon.
To understand how othering is illustrated in “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray, we can explore the character dynamics and societal reactions present in the story. Othering occurs when individuals or groups are perceived as different and, as a result, are marginalized. In “The Star Beast,” the creature, known as the Star Beast, is treated as an outsider by the human characters, primarily due to its alien appearance and behaviors. For instance, the character’s fear and prejudice are evident when they see the Star Beast as a threat rather than a being deserving compassion. This is illustrated when characters react with hostility toward the Star Beast, as they cannot comprehend its non-human nature, thus reinforcing its status as “the other.”
Furthermore, the narrative showcases the impact of othering on both the Star Beast and its young human companion, who empathizes with it. This perspective provides insight into the emotional turmoil arising from discrimination. When the child defends the Star Beast against the crowd, it highlights the importance of understanding and acceptance, contrasting the fear felt by others. The notion that fear often leads to othering is reinforced as the human characters initially refuse to see beyond the Star Beast’s exterior. Thus, through the interactions between the Star Beast and the community, Gray effectively portrays how othering can lead to isolation and misunderstanding, emphasizing the need for empathy in overcoming these societal divides.
In your writing, remember to focus on clear claims, strong evidence, and reasoning to create a robust argument. For more in
Certainly!
Response:
In “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray, othering is illustrated through the character of the alien creature, the Star Beast, who is perceived as fundamentally different from the humans in the story. This concept aligns with Kendra Cherry’s explanation of othering as the process in which a group is defined as “the Other,” often leading to exclusion and dehumanization. For instance, the Star Beast is initially seen as a terrifying monster, and the townspeople’s reactions are fueled by fear and misunderstanding. This illustrates how societal perceptions can lead to an individual being viewed as an outsider based solely on their differences from the norm.
Furthermore, the storyline unravels the potential for empathy and connection as the protagonist begins to see the Star Beast not merely as “the Other,” but as a sentient being deserving of compassion. When the protagonist comes to understand the Star Beast’s vulnerabilities, it challenges the prevailing attitudes of the community. This transformation underscores the idea that understanding and acceptance can dissolve the barriers created by othering. Through these nuanced interactions, Gray demonstrates that othering can stem from fear, but it also illustrates how relationships can bridge the gap between “us” and “them” if approached with openness and understanding.
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