Derry mentions two kinds of responses people often have to justify misfortune, one “‘Look at all those people who are in pain and brave and never cry and never complain and don’t feel sorry for themselves”; and secondly, “think of all those people worse off than you.” Far from comforting him, these empty words only agitate him.
In both cases, one’s sense of self is derived from others and how they live their lives.
(a) How far might looking at others itself be the cause of suffering?
(b) In what way can people, especially children, be empowered to face their challenges without the spectre of comparison?
(Reference : Class 12 English - On the face of it)
Solution:-
a. Without comparison, there is no suffering or a sense of injustice. Derry's suffering was not because of physical pain. The perception of others towards his burnt face and his anger at why he had to suffer from such an injury were real causes for his pain. In absence of any comparison, Derry would have lived peacefully as the physical pain of the burn had already subsided.
b. Children learn from others and the society itself. For bringing such changes in children, our society must stop making such comparisons altogether. Unfortunately, our society does not seem capable of making such a monumental behavioural change.
a. Without comparison, there is no suffering or a sense of injustice. Derry's suffering was not because of physical pain. The perception of others towards his burnt face and his anger at why he had to suffer from such an injury were real causes for his pain. In absence of any comparison, Derry would have lived peacefully as the physical pain of the burn had already subsided.
b. Children learn from others and the society itself. For bringing such changes in children, our society must stop making such comparisons altogether. Unfortunately, our society does not seem capable of making such a monumental behavioural change.