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Essay / The Homeless Bird Summary
Table of ContentsSummaryThemesCharactersLiterary DevicesConclusionThe Homeless Bird is a novel by Gloria Whelan which tells the story of a young girl named Koly who is forced into an arranged marriage and ultimately finds herself alone and homeless in India . The novel explores themes of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This essay will provide a comprehensive summary of The Homeless Bird, analyzing its key themes, characters, and literary devices. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Summary The Homeless Bird opens with Koly, a thirteen-year-old girl living in a small village in India. Koly is excited about her upcoming marriage to a boy named Hari, but her dreams are shattered when Hari dies suddenly. Koly's parents are unable to provide for her, so they arrange for her to marry a sick boy named Raji in exchange for a dowry. Koly is devastated by the prospect of marrying a dying boy, but she has no choice. After marriage, Koly moves in with Raji and his family. She quickly realizes that she is not welcome in their home and is treated like a simple servant. Koly's situation becomes even more dire when Raji dies shortly after their marriage, leaving her alone and destitute. Koly's mother-in-law blames her for Raji's death and refuses to give her any support. With nowhere to turn, Koly sets off alone, determined to make a life for herself. As Koly navigates the challenges of being a homeless young woman in India, she encounters a variety of characters who help and hinder her along the way. She forms a close bond with a kind-hearted widow named Sass, who takes her in and teaches her the art of embroidery. Koly also meets a young man named Chandra, who becomes a source of support and friendship for her. However, Koly also faces prejudice and mistreatment from others, including a cruel woman who accuses her of stealing and a man who tries to force her into prostitution. Despite these challenges, Koly remains determined to build a better life. She does odd jobs and uses her embroidery skills to earn money, slowly but surely gaining independence and self-sufficiency. Along the way, she discovers her own strength and resilience, and the power of hope and the human spirit. The novel ends with Koly finding a sense of belonging and purpose, as she continues to pursue her dreams and create a better future for herself. Themes The Homeless Bird explores several important themes, including resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit. Koly's journey is a testament to the strength of human will, as she faces many challenges and setbacks but refuses to give up. Despite the adversity she faces, Koly remains determined to create a better life for herself and refuses to let her circumstances define her. Her resilience is an inspiring example of the human ability to overcome difficulties and find hope in the face of despair. Another important theme of the novel is the power of hope. Throughout her journey, Koly remains hopeful that things will get better and she can create a better future for herself. This hope supports her in the darkest moments of her life and gives her the strength to continue moving forward. The novel reminds readers of the importance of hope in the face of adversity and how it can help us persevere and find meaning in our lives.CharactersThe Homeless Bird features a diverse group of characters who play important roles in Koly's journey. Koly herself is a complex protagonist and..