The Parsley Garden

by William Saroyan

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Alienation and Dehumanization in a Capitalist Society

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Within a capitalist framework, where private ownership of production means reigns supreme, the inherent freedom and dignity of individuals often find themselves constrained, if not entirely threatened. This is vividly illustrated by Al Condraj’s family situation, particularly marked by the conspicuous absence of a father figure. As immigrants, the family’s survival hinges heavily on the labor contributions of each member. Al’s mother exemplifies this struggle, with her summer earnings barely stretching to support them for the entire year. Her labor, devoid of joy or spiritual fulfillment, underscores the alienation pervasive in such an economy.

The dehumanizing aspects of this system are further embodied by characters such as Johnny Gale, renowned as "the fastest boxmaker," yet reduced to little more than a cog in the industrial machine. His identity is overshadowed by his role in production, reflecting the broader societal tendency to prioritize output over individual humanity.

Al’s brief employment in a store, a job which yields him a mere dollar, epitomizes the alienating nature of work where time and energy are commodified. For Al, however, this menial task becomes a pivotal moment of self-redemption. It highlights a glimmer of personal agency within an otherwise oppressive system, suggesting that even within the confines of alienation, moments of personal significance can still emerge.

Division of Society and Commodity Ownership

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The narrative begins with a young protagonist who naively disregards the societal divide between those possessing resources and those lacking them. He challenges the norms surrounding commodity and private ownership, convinced that items should be available based on need alone. To him, acquiring a hammer from a store should be as straightforward as gathering vegetables from a garden—a necessity rather than a transaction.

This idealistic view faces a harsh reality check when he encounters the complexities of a world governed by the concepts of use-value and exchange-value. The young boy is thrown into turmoil, experiencing humiliation, anger, and deep-seated shame. He realizes that society categorizes individuals and objects differently; for him, the hammer is a practical tool for creating something useful, while for adults, it represents a commodity whose worth is determined by its ability to generate profit.

Humiliation and Dignity

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Al's struggle goes beyond the mere accusation of theft; his turmoil roots itself in the humiliating manner in which he is treated. He recognizes the boundary between ownership and theft, yet the indignity he suffers is where his real conflict lies. To reclaim his sense of self-worth, Al decides to work for the very store that became the stage for his humiliation. This decision is not an end but a means to an end, as it allows him to eventually renounce that position, symbolically rejecting the role he was forced into. Despite having publicly restored his reputation, Al harbors a lingering resentment towards the men responsible, revealing a deeper internal conflict. This animosity suggests an unresolved tension within him—a psyche still fractured by the impersonal nature of a world dominated by money and impersonal property relationships. His journey is not just an external battle for dignity but a deeper, more profound struggle against a system that seems inherently dehumanizing.

Solidarity and Community

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In stark contrast to the impersonal environments of the public sphere—where managers, consumers, and workers bustle through places like Foley’s Packing House, Woolworth, and Inderrieden—stands the vibrant world of Al’s mother, her neighbor Leeza, and the parsley garden. Al’s mother embodies the essence of a strong, independent, and self-reliant woman, fully embracing the growth and learning her son must experience. Her parsley garden is not merely a plot of land; it is a sanctuary of pleasure and meaningful labor. As she unwinds, she revels in the...

(This entire section contains 205 words.)

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cool evening air, surrounded by the fragrant plants she lovingly cultivated.

After a laborious day, the return to their homes signals not just rest, but a celebration of simplicity and community. The evening ritual of preparing supper with Leeza, using home-baked bread and fresh produce from their garden, becomes a living testament to their resourcefulness and resilience. The scene of these two women, immersed in the companionship of shared stories, sipping Turkish coffee, and enjoying cigarettes, paints a vivid image of freedom and humanity. This tableau contrasts sharply with the sterile and detached atmosphere of the workplace, highlighting the rich tapestry of life and solidarity forged by these immigrant women in their personal sphere.

Mother-Son Relationship and Personal Growth

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The narrative unfolds by highlighting a tender moment of solidarity shared between the mother and her coworker, forming the backdrop for the evolving relationship between the mother and her son. This newly woven tapestry of closeness showcases how the son, through the supportive environment created by his mother, accesses a fresh reservoir of confidence and bravery. As communication channels open between them, the son emerges with a strengthened sense of self, a testament to the profound influence of maternal bonds on personal development. The story artfully captures the transformation within this familial dynamic, reflecting the deep impact of nurturing relationships on a young man's journey towards self-assurance.

Natural Innocence and Creativity

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The imagery of the garden in Al’s narrative serves as a poignant symbol of natural innocence and life-generating creativity. As the child of immigrant workers, Al seeks solace in recounting his tumultuous day to his mother, showcasing his burgeoning ability to navigate a world steeped in cold, materialistic values and relentless demands. The garden emerges as a place of warmth and refuge, a fertile sanctuary contrasting the harsh realities he faces. In this haven, Al finds a sense of control and comfort, highlighting his growing resilience and connection to the intrinsic values of creativity and innocence that the garden embodies.

Psychological Crisis and Moral Predicament

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In a world where the pressure of a materialistic society collides with the nurturing environment of a garden, a young boy finds himself at a crossroads. This psychological crisis, though unresolved, highlights the tension between his current state and the demands of a business-driven world. He stands on the threshold, not yet ready to embrace the role expected of him. However, the narrative extends a sympathetic lens toward his moral quandary, as he grapples with a situation he cannot fully comprehend.

Amidst this inner turmoil, the garden serves as a comforting backdrop, enveloping the boy's unease within its organic embrace. It provides a sanctuary where his momentary disturbances are calmed. The gentle optimism of nature is mirrored in the auspicious signs read in coffee grounds by his mother and Leeza. They foresee health, work, outdoor suppers during the summer, and financial stability for the year ahead. These glimpses of hope represent a comforting counterbalance to the boy's current predicament, offering a vision of a life where harmony between personal fulfillment and societal expectations might be achieved.

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