Example Of So Big By Edna Ferber Essay

‘So big’ is a story that describes the challenges that a woman goes through especially after losing a breadwinner. This is mainly a stage that transformed traditional women from relying on their husbands to having their own source of income. Even though a lot has been said about a modern woman, who appears to have replaced the roles and responsibilities played by a man’s the fact is that a woman was pushed into such roles just to ensure her family is not deprived of a good life they deserve.
Selina, who is the main character in the novel, is pushed by circumstances to work harder and provide for her family. She has proved her hardworking trait by letting the society know that she does not necessarily need a man to have a better life and that of her son. He works beyond all odds to ensure that her son Dirk has a good future. Compared to any other woman in her time, that would wait for the society to intervene on their behalf, she resorts to other income generating activities that saw her raise up her child well.
Selina can also be described as a resilient woman who did not allow her circumstances to define her. She realised that she was responsible for her happiness and life, which she purposed to take charge. While many other people were looking for adventure and fulfilment from the external environment, she resolved to find hers deep within her soul. She chose to live a simple yet fulfilling life by enjoying the little things of life. Apart from the fact that she lost her husband when her son was still young, she faced yet another challenge when her son chose a different path from what she desired of her. These challenges did not however deter her from exploring the beautiful world within her and enjoying life.
Selina’s flexibility enabled her to face with courage the changes that came her way. It is clear from the novel that she had a specific path that she desired to follow. However, when things took a different twist and realised that she could not change anything, she decided to change herself and adjust. Selina lived a happy life because she understood the value of time and the fact that change is inevitable. People fail to recognize opportunities and the joy that comes with life simply because they have a rigid mind. Selina chose to let go what she could not hold on to and simply look for her own unique ways to enjoy life.
Change is a face of life that each person will have to adapt. This comes with many challenges yet when it is embraced with courage; a person gets to enjoy it. It was quite difficult especially when the woman took up the economic role of providing for her household. This remains to be a great challenge even in today’s society as most men feel threatened. The few women and men who have accepted such a change are utilizing it for their own benefit. This requires being very deaf to the voices around and simply focusing within on how the lifestyle will benefit them. This is better than focusing on the negative side of unavoidable change and hence trading one’s current happiness to an unpredictable future.