Contemporary Literature

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Neerven's "The Falls" presents a community grappling with the aftermath of a devastating flood. The narrative explores the ways in which the disaster both unites and fractures the community. On one hand, the shared trauma of the flood creates a sense of solidarity among the survivors. They come together to help one another rebuild their lives and find solace in their collective suffering. However, the flood also exposes existing tensions and inequalities within the community. Some individuals are more resilient than others, and their ability to recover quickly can lead to feelings of resentment and exclusion. Additionally, the flood highlights the vulnerability of marginalized groups, such as the elderly and those living in poverty, who are disproportionately affected by the disaster.

Bechdel's "Fun Home" offers a more personal exploration of community. The memoir focuses on Bechdel's relationship with her family and the ways in which her upbringing shaped her understanding of identity and belonging. Bechdel's family is a complex unit, marked by both love and dysfunction. They form a tight-knit community, sharing secrets and experiences that bind them together. However, Bechdel's coming-out as a lesbian challenges the traditional boundaries of her family and community. She feels excluded from the heteronormative world she grew up in and struggles to find a place where she can be authentically herself.

Both "The Falls" and "Fun Home" illustrate the complexities of community in contemporary literature. They demonstrate that communities can be both supportive and oppressive, depending on the circumstances and the individuals involved. In "The Falls," the community is united by a shared trauma but divided by social and economic inequalities. In "Fun Home," the community is defined by family ties but excludes those who do not conform to traditional gender roles.

These texts also raise important questions about who is included and who is excluded from communities. In both cases, marginalized individuals, such as those living in poverty or those who identify as LGBTQ+, are often excluded or made to feel like outsiders. This exclusion can have a profound impact on their mental health and well-being.

In conclusion, contemporary literature offers a rich tapestry of communities, from the disaster-stricken community in "The Falls" to the dysfunctional family in "Fun Home." These texts explore the complexities of belonging and exclusion, revealing the ways in which communities can both support and oppress individuals. By examining the diverse types of communities that emerge in contemporary literature, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural forces that shape our lives.

Sample Answer

      Contemporary literature often serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities of human society, exploring themes of belonging, identity, and community. Two notable works, Ellen van Neerven's "Heat and Light" and Alison Bechdel's "Fun Home," delve into the intricate dynamics of communities, examining both the bonds that unite and the barriers that divide. Through the lens of these texts, we can explore the diverse types of communities that emerge in contemporary literature and the individuals who are included or excluded within them.