Whether through conscious effort or not, every aspect of human existence is affected by conventional norms. Robert Olen Butler’s short story Fairy Tale explores this idea, in the context of an immigrant prostitute living and working in New Orleans. Within the last five decades, the ideal American life has evolved to follow a distinct progression, starting with education and moving into career advancement. Although these norms appear to be the driving force of life, ambitions are in fact defined by one's sense of self identity. Therefore, personal character will have the strongest influence on one’s opinion of an ideal life.
Religion impacts one’s idea of personal fulfillment. Regardless of the ideology, by nature, religion will have an immense…show more content… Whether romantic or platonic, relationships between individuals will always have a lasting impact on both parties involved. In Vietnam, during her days as “a dumb Saigon bargirl” Miss Noi met an embassy man who promised to marry her and bring her to America (Butler 46). Although she is scared, this life offered to her will allow her to achieve her Catholic ambition of settling down and starting a family. She agrees to his proposition “thinking [she] still loves that man and [she] will be a housewife with a toaster machine and a vacuum cleaner” (Butler 47). Her failed relationship with the embassy man has left a void, a promise remains unfulfilled, and she looks for semblance to this ambition in the men she meets later in life. She eventually settles down with a man she met in New Orleans named Mr. Fontenot, living her fairytale ending in Thibodaux where she “has a nice little house and she is a housewife with a toaster house machine” (Butler 57). The repeated mention of her desire for a toaster machine, a symbol of domesticity, as her story progresses demonstrates her continued longing for a man who can offer her a traditional American life. Connections with others are important learning experiences that allow individuals to discover new aspects of their own identity. As in the case of Miss Noi, promises from companions can…show more content… Factors such as nationality, ethnicity, gender, or generation have a tremendous impact on the way an individual behaves. Born in Saigon, living her adult life during the time of the Vietnam War, Miss Noi possesses a unique set of experiences that shape her moral compass. In Vietnamese culture, family is of great importance and this value shines through in her behaviour. Despite the impersonal and loveless relationship between prostitutes and their clients, Miss Noi “[makes sure] they have a clean shirt” and is “ready to wash their shirt if [they] want her to” (Butler 50). Her desire to fit into the traditional role of a wife, offering companionship and solace to the troubled men she encounters, represents an unconventional manifestation of her cultural identity. Furthermore, she embodies the Vietnamese value of community, showing compassion and empathy towards her clients. She understands that the war has made them scared and vulnerable, and is content to offer “some man love when he is frightened and he wants something soft to be close to him”, sacrificing herself as a means of support (Butler 49). Despite this being a strange and unorthodox way to support her community, Miss Noi’s behaviour is a direct result of her upbringing. Individuals are often born into their cultural identities, therefore the influence is present for all of their lives. Morals become internalised, therefore evolving
