The Plain people, with their old ways holding strong since the 1500s, still fascinate outsiders with their simple lives built on community. Two articles from different times share a look at the Amish, from Immy Humes in “A Life Apart” and Richard A. Stevick in “Growing Up Amish: Building an Amish Identity.” While both tell of Amish life, they tell it uniquely. Immy Humes and Richard A. Stevick got some pretty valuable details about the Amish, but they looked at it differently. Humes’s essay told more personal stories about her time with them, while Stevick’s essay was more about facts and breaking them down. In the end, though, both pieces help folks understand what it’s like to live as Amish better.
For her study “Living Apart,” Humes, someone from elsewhere, sees the Amish network from a distance. She paints a clear photo of their everyday lives, from their essential clothing and horse-pulled carts to their one-room schools and straightforward homes. Humes is hit by the Amish’s solid sense of the local area and the promise of their unique way of life. She also notes the troubles they experience as they seek to maintain their traditions in a rapidly changing world. The writer tells about the Amish faith’s values, beliefs, and strict rules. He also reflects on what it was like growing up with a way of life so different from most. Stevick shares his journey in the book “Growing Up Amish: Building an Amish Identity.” By writing from the inside, he looks at what it means to come of age among the Amish. The faith’s religious views and demanding standards of conduct are addressed. He considers the challenges of developing personally in a culture so removed from mainstream society.
Despite taking diverse routes, the documentary “Living Apart” and the autobiography “Growing Up Old Faith” offer critical understandings of the Amish way of living. Hume’s external point of view lends a broad overview of standard Amish customs. In contrast, Stevick’s internal viewpoint provides a more intricate and personal glimpse at the struggles and pleasures of youth among the Plain Folk. Many featured in the stories told similar accounts of those Amish being welcomed with smiles. The other story’s writer said the same thing, noting that those Amish handled others with care, giving what they had and making visiting feel at home with their hospitality that knew no bounds. Both showed those Amish caring for others, thinking of guests’ comfort in their community with kindness without end.
The two articles mentioned similar struggles that the Amish community faces. Humes pointed out how the Amish folks have it tough with everybody constantly trying to get them to drop their old ways. Stevick also talked about how hard it is growing up when your culture is not like most people’s. No matter what the Amish do to hang on to their history, outsiders always push for change. Even though they try sticking to their traditions, having your life different from almost everyone can’t be simple. Both writers touched on how it’s difficult to keep living one way when the world around you goes another. While the Amish folks face challenges, Humes and Stevick teach us a lot about values, community, and keeping things simple. Humes says the Amish “shows us there’s more than just our stuff, and easy fun can feel good too.” Stevick ends by saying those Amish “believe in their faith, their families, and each other, and they offer the world plenty.”
Martha’s story provided a first-hand look at what it was like growing up Amish. She told about her family and life on the farm and why she left to join our world. Martha filled her tale with vivid images that showed what it was like. She described Amish life’s hard work and tight rules, but also how close the people were. Martha’s story helped me understand their culture better since she was there herself. Eliot wrote about the Amish, too, but in a more book-smart way. He talked about where the Amish come from and the stuff they believe. Eliot also went over how they act and what ties them together. His essay showed he knew a lot about the Amish from research. Eliot discussed their challenges with keeping’ their ways while surrounded by changes. Whether severe or from life, Martha and Eliot agreed on some essential things. They stressed family and community in Amish life, along with deep faith. They also mentioned pressures to blend in with what’s around them today.
In conclusion, “A Life Apart” and “Growing Up Amish” provide two perspectives on the Amish experience. The outside take from Humes offers an overview of Amish living, while Stevick’s within view provides a more detailed and personal look at the trials and rewards of growing up Amish. Even though they took different routes, both articles offer valuable understandings of the Amish way and their struggles in a rapidly transforming world.
Works Cited
Stevick, Richard A. Growing up Amish: the Rumspringa years. JHU Press, 2014.
Khaitan, Prabha. A Life Apart: An Autobiography. Zubaan, 2014.
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