Essay about Grief from a Cross-Cultural Perspective

Grief is a multi-faceted response to loss. Although primarily focused on the emotional reaction to loss, it also carries a physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, and philosophical connotation. Doctor Elisabeth Kà ¼bler-Ross introduced the idea of the stages of grief in her 1969 book, On Death and Dying. Although it has received much criticism since then, the Kà ¼bler-Ross model remains to be the most widely accepted model of grief today. However, as most psychological research conducted in the 20th century was based on people living in the North America and Western Europe, the Kà ¼bler-Ross model could be culturally biased. In the Laws of Absence, Ahmed El-Madini introduces the readers to grief and mourning in the Islamic culture. Through this†¦show more content†¦The story is divided into three sections: the first introduces the concept of insanity as experienced by the protagonist; the second, although still set in the stream of consciousness, focuses on the narratorà ¢â‚¬â„¢s grief rather than his reflection of self; the third concludes with the protagonist reentering reality, or the physical world. From the analysis of these sections, conclusions will be drawn through comparison to the Kà ¼bler-Ross model. In order to compare the human reactions to the events occurred within the story, the Islamic funeral rites will need to be observed. However, it is important for the reader to realize that the grief and mourning, albeit similar, are not the same. The act of mourning often varies by culture, whereas grief, as explained previously, could more or less be experienced the same. The story’s first section introduces the readers to the concept of the narrator’s insanity, and his opposition against himself. In order to create the desired atmosphere of the stream of consciousness, El-Madini uses a variety rhetorical devices including: paradox and epiplexis. In addition to rhetorical devices, El-Madini also stylizes his text through the use of invited reading. Through the use of those literary techniques, El-Madini expects the reader to infer that this type of speech and perspective is typical of those suffering grievance or loss. The opening poem is an example of El-Madini’s rhetorical devices at work. The last twoShow MoreRelatedDeath in Cross Cultural Perspectives1927 Words   |  8 PagesDeath in cross cultural perspectives Death is inevitable part of human experience, which is often associated with fear of unknown, separation, and spiritual connection. Death is an individual experience, which is based on unique perceptions and beliefs. Fear of death and dying seems to be a universal phenomenon, which is closely associated with apprehension and uneasiness. 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