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The following is an analytical essay for the story Fountain, written by Ava Homa in her book Echoes From The Other Land.

Short Story Analysis: Fountain

The society one lives in reflects the lives of the people within it. Rules are outlined and enforced to maintain order and structure in a society, regardless of its economic status. Individuals will regard themselves as being wealthier than reality proves them to be to hide insecurities. The insecurities will be reflected upon the character’s dialogue and actions towards others. Conflicts arise when the insecurities become unbearable and intolerable. Through the ideals of society, depth is provided to characters driving the overall theme throughout the story. The story, Fountain, takes place within a society highly regarded to having control. The government has rules enforced to maintain order and structure both in public and within individuals’ homes. The thought of escaping the law “canonically, commonly, and legally” is nearly impossible (Homa 9). Police maintain enforcement of Islamic dress code through the implementation of proper attire related to the Muslim faith. A traditional headscarf is to be worn to cover women’s hair and shirts long enough to cover boys stomachs (6). The story takes place within the city Tehran, located within Iran, which is in fear of war and inflation (10). The city unbearable to live in it is crowded, polluted, and maintains strict rules (9). The rules governing the city can be viewed as traditional however, modernized. The setting is important because it is reflective of how the society functions and the rules to keep it in order. Men are superior to women and this can be seen within the homes of individuals and the jobs possessed. In furtherance, within the home of an Islamic couple, Anis and Ali adapted to modern day society however, maintain traditional ways of living. Anis is originally from Queshm Island however, has adapted to modern culture and works as a computer programmer. She attended university to receive a PhD and a masters degree in Tehran with a 30,000 pound scholarship, ultimately proving her intelligence (Homa 9). Anis was previously engaged to a man whom her Father wanted her to marry, however, Anis left her fiancé to marry Ali. It was ideal for Anis to marry a man from Queshm Island. However, through the abandonment of her engagement, she abandoned her father and is not allowed to return (7-8). The only person Anis has in her life is Ali, her new husband. Initially, Ali was a gentleman and like no other man. He used his wit to make Anis his wife and manipulates her. Following this further, Anis has a fear of men and marriage, which Ali uses to his advantage to enforce rules and maintain control regardless of the situation. These rules have been set out traditionally and hold true throughout society stating men should be the ones in charge. Anis follows the rules outlined by Ali to avoid the potential to get hurt or in trouble. Ali knows regardless of the treatment he instills upon his wife, she will not leave him, nor go against him (7). The negativity can foreshadow conflict later in the story, as people who are under constant control desire to be free. It is stated that Ali likes being in charge and having power. The society the couple lives in is not ideal and experiences poverty and distress (10). Even though Anis left her father to marry Ali, he cannot do the same for her. Ali wishes to maintain the power that is provided to him within the society, since that is all he has. Ali feels inferior to his wife when examining her success and ability to speak English. Power is the only thing he has compared to his wife making him superior, so he maintain this power for as long as he can (10). He questions if there was a way to escape the law, Anis would leave him. Ali tries to prevent Anis from leaving by ensuring that she does not go into public without his permission. By placing a headscarf near the front door Ali enforced the covering of Anis’s hair. This ensures she will not leave the house without it and will not show her hair to other men. The story progresses as the theme of control continues. Ali’s character and the society drives the theme of the story as it maintains power and control. Ali dresses in a suit, and uses a Samsonite bag which can be used for travel it appears to look professional and looks like luggage. With this choice of dress attire, Ali tries to look like he is important and superior to others. When he looks in the mirror he turns to the right and lifts his chin, which further provides insight into his character (3). By doing this it shows he cares about what others think of him, and regards himself to have a high ego. As Ali was looking in the mirror, he noticed a drawing. This drawing is a cat looking into a mirror and seeing the reflection of a lion. Anis fell in love with Ali for being someone who looked and appeared nice on the outside however, inside is a lion who is fierce, dangerous His ignorance is shown as he rips up the picture and places it in Anis’ hands, which represents her ideas and feelings, which are seemingly meaningless to him. The dialogue Ali uses is demeaning and is unrespectful. Ali demands respect however, does not show Anis, “ Gimme your cell. Mine’s dead” (3). This quote represents the drive Ali has to take advantage of his wife, and intimidate her. Ali did not even consider that Anis was expecting a phone call, and leaves the floor dirty. (3) It can be stated that Anis had something bothering her and her husband was the reason. The story begins with Anis squeezing and opening her hand which could represent frustration in her life and she is looking for a way to ease the pain which can be explained through the pink pill she holds within her hand. When her husband comes to her and demands the whereabouts of his bank passbook she clenches her hand again. This provides insight that he is causing her pain and she is looking for a way out. Anis is unable to see her father and needs permission to go out of the house. Her lack of freedom and husband trying to maintain control is causing her distress and she follows the orders out of fear. In furtherance, Anis does not like being treated unjustly and being placed inferior to Ali. The author depicts her as exhausted and tired due to Ali. She has no respect for the rules and is greatly dismayed, “when she goes to leave her hair is showing.” She ties her head scarf tightly when she has a headache and she was contemplating taking a pill. Ali is causing her headaches and she is looking for relief. The fountain relates to the title of the story, Fountain, by representing the highs and lows of life. Even though it is a permanent structure, it will remain functioning under numerous conditions. It is seen as a place to go to escape the control, to relaxe, seek relief and to contemplate about events going on in life. It can help figure out what is going on, and help analyze situations. The seats around the fountain are full and it appears that in the strict society a lot of people are looking to relaxe from being controlled, which is prevalent throughout society. The emotion exuded at the beginning of the story initiates the demonstration of brevity within the story. Within the first couple sentences it can be understood that something is bothering Anis. Through the clenching of her fist, Anis proves something is bothering her, especially when Ali demands actions from her, “where have you put the bank passbook? He called out. Anis clenched her left hand” ( Homa 1). Through the language and choice of words, the underlying meanings are demonstrated. The story is written in third person omniscient as it can be demonstrated through the use of words she and he. Every sentence within the story contributes to the overall meaning and provides great significance. Thus, numerous examples can be provided. The brevity within the story drives the progression and exudes the emotion to readers, ultimately providing insight. The story Fountain exemplifies the struggles faced within a strict society. People within society go to the fountain with the hopes of seeking relief from struggles faced in their lives (10). The women are inferior, as men provide unfair treatment towards them. The success upon Anis is demonstrated, and places an inferiority of Ali, making power the only trait he can hold above her. Conflicts arise throughout the story, which toleration to no longer be taken for the unfair treatment placed upon Anis. The ending provides a surprise in which Anis builds up courage to leave Ali. When the opportunity was presented, Anis disappeared as fast as she could. The ideals of society are not always tolerable, and seeking relief can be difficult, however is possible.

Works Cited

Homa, Ava. Echoes From The Other Land. Toronto: TSAR, 2010. Print.