Resistance in the Novel, Meridian by Alice Walker Essay

Meridian By Alice WalkerIn this compelling novel by Alice Walker, Meridian, the main character, grows upthrough the eyes of the reader. The author shows us the emotional, physical, andpsychological stages of resistance that Meridian goes through during the heightof the civil rights movement. In fact, if one looks at the life of Alice Walker,the author of the novel, similarities undeniably exist between the two women.First let us examine the early signs of resistance in Meridian. One of the firstobvious examples of Meridian's individuality is when she rejects religion at avery young age despite her mother's devout Christian beliefs. In school, sheis unable to finish a speech because she knows that there is no truth in thewords she speaks. "Meridian was trying to explain to her mother that for thefirst time she really listened to what she was saying, knew she didn't believeit, and was so distracted by this revelation that she could not make the rest ofher speech." (Walker, 121) This passage reveals the intellect that overpowersher emotion developing in Meridian. Yet another example is how Meridian is ableto be a nonconformist when she gives up family life and motherhood when she hasthe opportunity to attend college. Her feelings are well explained in thispassage. "When she gave him away she did so with a light heart. She did notlook back, believing she had saved a small person's life." (Walker, 90-91)Although Meridian feels it will be best for the child as well as for herself,this decision causes great disturbance within her because of her mother'sdisapproval. The reader sees Meridian enter college after she has made all ofthese decisions, and she has also volunteered to work for voter registration, adecision that foreshadows further resistance throughout the novel. When Meridianenters college, she does so knowing that she will better herself. One of thefirst things the reader notes is her determinism to give the wild child a chancein society, and then, after the wild child's tragic and sudden death,...

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