A Comparative Analysis; the Bloodchild and the Houyhnhnm
A comparative analysis tool has been a fundamental concept in understanding elements of literature. The analysis briefly explains different styles and fiction elements, such as setting, plot, and character development in literature. Indeed, the comparative analysis explores the relationship between fictional stories, drama, and films and connects it with our cultural diversity and past historical events. In summary, a literature analysis generates insightful evidence to understand the deeper meaning of fantasy narratives. Specifically, in this analysis, I will compare and contrast two readings, The Bloodchild and The Houynhnm, to establish the difference and similarities in setting, character, and plot.
Setting
The fiction stories differ in setting; that is, time and location in their setting. First, The Bloodchild is an official science magazine story published in 1984 by Octavia Butler. Notably, the fiction narrative revolves around human beings living in an extensive community ruled by aliens. As a result, they cannot escape from such a planet and challenging environments; thus, they live in tension. The aliens control and rule over humans; they exercise power and authority on behalf of people. Ultimately, the author implied a dystopia setting storyline that signals a lack of freedom, pain, and harsh living conditions that limit humankind’s existence in the future.
On the other hand, the Houyhnhnm magazine by Andre Alexis was set and published in New York City in the United States. Andre Alexis released his publication in June 2022. The fantasy story is about a horse and a sophisticated doctor who dies from a dementia chronic infection. The author was inspired to narrate His father’s death, who loved his favorite horse, Xan. Xan can be traced back initially from the fiction brilliant Gulliver’s Travels. The story’s narration pushes the adult protagonist due to grief from his father’s death. In summary, the story is set to reveal the parental relationship between son and father; through the horse, the son begins to learn more about his father’s behavior and personality.
Character
The character development is magnificent in Bloodchild by Octavia Butler. Gan, the narrator, and the main character, tells a story in their alien Tlic home with T’Gatoi, a close friend and lover. The author based the story on alien Tlic eggs produced by T’Gatoi, who persuaded the Gan family to eat and share one of the infertile eggs. Octavia speculates that Tlic eggs as influential in extending life and health. However, Lien is another protective and jealous character in the novel. She is the mother to Gan and appears to be unhappy regarding T’Gatoi’s relationship with her son, Gan.
On the other hand, the characters in the Houynhnm are outstanding. Andre Alexis applied an imaginative and speculative animal character, a horse capable of speaking fluently, something the mother’s child opposed. The son, the first narrator, is excellent in describing the events and is eager to learn from the horse bond relationship with his father. As a result, the audience will be engaged in his character throughout the storyline and in the narration of events.
The plot of the stories
In his work “the blood child,” Butler was excellent in plot development. The storyline and events are emotional, imaginative, speculative, and puzzling. The structure is imminent, as well as the setting and characters who influence the plot. For instance, the audience imagines the bond relationship between Gan and T’Gatoi, an alien. Blutler leaves the audience in conflict regarding the Tlic egg and its ability to extend good life. In addition, the tone of the plot is magnificent. It begins in a low tone, goes to the maximum, and later drops towards the end. The plot twist and turn left the audience unable to guess the subsequent events, although each action is based on Tlic egg implantation.
On the contrary, the character building in the Houyhnhm novel suits the plot development. Alexis exaggerates on capabilities of his characters, which positively influences the plot. For instance, the audience is conflicted about what the author implied about a horse being able to communicate with humans. As a result, they cannot predict the direction and next event, so they are eager to focus up to the end. In addition, the author incorporates simple words while elaborating on the events. The clarity improves on audience and experience in understanding the theme. Besides, evidence grows from section to section, enhancing the flow.
Similarity
While analyzing both fiction novels, I encountered similarities in theme development. I recommend the two narrative short stories to adult readers who may want to be challenged on fictitious relationships. The Bloodchild narrate the bond relationship between human and alien, while Houyhnhm emphasizes the parental relationship between father and son.
In conclusion, comparative analysis improved our focus and knowledge of literature work. Literature creativity and innovation also impact culture and values since we are attracted to copy characters and personalities from plays, films, and fiction novels. Importantly, comparative literature analysis is fundamental in assessing the similarities and differences in setting, character, and plot.
Reference
Butler, O. E. (2011). Bloodchild and other stories. Seven Stories Press.
Gilmour, M. J. (2017). Animals in the Writings of CS Lewis. Springer.
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