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Delaney Mossbacher, residing in the serene hills of Topanga Canyon, seemingly seeks solace from Los Angeles' ethnic tensions, attributing his choice to environmentalist motives. However, a closer look into Delaney's character reveals a nuanced motivation that transcends mere environmental concerns.
Delaney espouses liberal views vehemently, especially when confronted with criticism of Mexican immigrants. Yet, when faced with situations involving them, his conviction falters. Despite social awkwardness and introversion, Delaney communicates effectively unless discomfort clouds the interaction.
His marriage to Kyra, while normal, unveils a symbiotic relationship where he finds fulfillment complementing Kyra's workaholic tendencies.
Life's unfolding events bombard Delaney, sowing seeds of animosity towards Mexican immigrants, challenging his liberal façade. He becomes a product of societal influences, leading to a stark contrast in his views. The inner conflict initiated by an accident involving Candido marks a transformative point, oscillating between a liberal humanist and a hypocrite with racist impulses.
Originating from the culturally diverse east coast, Delaney's initial liberal views may have been shaped by a background devoid of pronounced racism.
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The move to California and assimilation into the white superior group, however, alters this perspective. Influences from surroundings, coupled with personal experiences, contribute to the transformation of Delaney's attitudes towards Mexican immigrants. The liberal ideals he once championed now appear to be a mere veneer.
Delaney's East Coast upbringing, with its rich diversity, may have provided an environment that nurtured his liberal values. However, California's social landscape, coupled with his integration into a community with conservative leanings, initiates a shift in his perspectives.
The clash between his past and present shapes his evolving attitudes, reflecting the impact of external forces on individual ideologies.
The cultural dichotomy between the east and west coasts plays a crucial role in Delaney's transformation. The diverse environment of his youth contrasts sharply with the predominantly white community he now resides in. This shift contributes to the erosion of his liberal ideals as he aligns himself with the prevailing sentiments of his new surroundings. The very roots that once anchored his liberal convictions are upended, leaving him susceptible to the influences that mold his changing worldview.
Delaney channels evolving emotions into his writings, notably in "Pilgrim at Topanga Creek," where the coyote serves as a metaphor for Mexican immigrants. The fence between coyotes and Mossbacher's dogs mirrors the U.S.-Mexican border, highlighting immigrants' struggle for a better life. Implicit thoughts in his articles suggest that his liberal views may have been mere rhetoric, never intended for practical application.
The symbolism embedded in Delaney's writing serves as a literary mirror reflecting his internal conflict. The coyote, initially perceived as a mere nuisance, evolves into a poignant representation of Mexican immigrants. Delaney's choice of metaphor unveils an underlying bias, contradicting his professed liberal ideals. The intricacies of language in his writings expose the gap between rhetoric and action, challenging the authenticity of his advocacy.
Delaney's use of symbolism extends beyond a personal catharsis; it becomes a manifestation of his subconscious biases. The coyote, while ostensibly a representation of nature's challenges, becomes a vessel for Delaney's unspoken prejudices. The very act of projecting his concerns onto the coyote reveals a deeper layer of cognitive dissonance within Delaney, highlighting the complexity of his internal struggle.
The construction of a wall in Arroyo Blanco becomes emblematic of the growing divide between prosperous white Americans and struggling Mexican immigrants. It serves as a physical and metaphorical barrier, separating two worlds with disparate aspirations. Delaney's observation that the wall not only "keeps them out but look what it keeps in" reveals a deeper concern for the poisonous racism prevalent in his community, a concern amplified by the influence on Jack's son.
The wall, initially seen as a means of protection, evolves into a symbol of segregation and exclusion. Delaney's introspection on its implications unveils a fear for the perpetuation of racial tensions within his community. The metaphorical weight of the wall extends beyond its physical presence, encapsulating the societal divides that threaten to erode the liberal ideals Delaney once championed. The architectural manifestation becomes a reflection of his changing moral landscape.
The wall, in its manifestation, is a tangible representation of Delaney's internal conflicts. Its construction mirrors the barriers Delaney erects within himself, shielding against the very liberal values he purportedly upholds. The irony lies in the fact that the wall, designed to keep others out, inadvertently reveals the internal turmoil Delaney grapples with. It serves as a testament to the erosion of his ideals and the emergence of a more divisive and conflicted self.
As Delaney grapples with the fear of racial tension impacting his son, Jordan, he finds himself gradually losing control of his temper and moral compass. The once proud liberal humanist seems destined to succumb to the prevailing racism in his community. The question arises: Was Delaney ever a true liberal humanist, or were his ideals merely a facade that crumbled under the weight of societal influences and personal conflicts?
The unraveling of Delaney's liberal facade occurs amidst a backdrop of personal and communal turmoil. The collision with Candido becomes a catalyst for the eruption of latent racism, challenging Delaney's self-perception. The societal pressures and influences from his surroundings cast doubt on the authenticity of his proclaimed ideals. Delaney's internal struggle mirrors a broader societal dilemma, forcing readers to confront the fragility of moral convictions when faced with adversity.
Delaney's transformation is not just an isolated incident but a microcosm of societal shifts. His internal conflicts mirror the external turmoil within Arroyo Blanco, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual and collective transformation. The erosion of his liberal ideals becomes symbolic of a broader societal regression, raising questions about the stability of moral foundations in the face of external pressures.
In conclusion, Delaney Mossbacher's character in The Tortilla Curtain undergoes a profound transformation, revealing the fragility of liberal ideals when confronted with personal conflict and societal pressure. His journey serves as a poignant exploration of the complexities within individuals and the impact of external influences on one's beliefs. As Delaney grapples with his changing perspectives, the narrative prompts readers to reflect on the authenticity of their own convictions in the face of evolving circumstances.
Delaney Mossbacher: A Complex Journey in The Tortilla Curtain. (2016, Jul 22). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/delaney-mossbacher-characterization-essay
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