Essay Sample: Both Chocolat vs. By Any Other Name

Both Chocolat by Lasse Hallstrom and “By Any Other Name” by Santha Rama Rau show similarities and differences because they show the positive and negative effects of a new influence on an existing society. Both Chocolat and “By Any Other Name” are similar because their religion affects them and their society. In this movie, Vianne, an Atheist, is stepping into a new town. The majority of the town practices Christianity, so when they asked her to join for mass they are shocked that she declines the offer. The town dislikes that and for that reason they avoid her. This proves that Vianne’s subculture could make an effect on an existing society. Because of Vianne’s arrival, the community's behavior modified the town's attitudes. Due to the fact, that the town just practices one religion, they were not as open-minded to others and their ideals. Likewise, in the short story “By Any Other Name,” Premila and Santha’s experiences are similar. Because of their heritage, Indian, the school felt the need to alter their traditions. They did this by giving Premila and her sister “pretty English names” (Rama Rau 1). Even though “The headmistress had been in India, I suppose, fifteen years or so, she still smiled at her helpless inability to cope with Indians' names” (Rama Rau 1). Due to the fact the principal saw them differently,  she still felt the need to separate them from the other students. Additionally, both Chocolat and “By Any Other Name” are similar because the parents instigate the kids moving. In Chocolat Vianne and her daughter move very often because of the harsh wind that comes by to visit the town after town. “I don’t want to move” (Victoire, Vianne’s daughter, actor. Chocolat, 2000) Because Vianne and her daughter move often, they usually never have enough time to settle in. And because of this people treat them differently because of their background. In “By Any Other Name” Premila and Santha frequently moved as well. They move for their father’s work because he is a civil service officer. In which he has to “tour of duty to perform in the villages around that steamy little provincial town” (Rama Rau 1). Due to Permila and Santha’s father, they have to travel and /or wait for him to get back from his trips. Therefore they must move because each town is identical, and they get treated differently from the other towns. Chocolat and “By Any Other Name” have many similarities, but they also have many differences.

 Chocolat is also different compared to “By Any Other Name” When Vianne arrived in the new town it was very depressing and it was like everyone was the same person. Vianne opened up a chocolate store, people were at first hesitant because it was the beginning of Lent but also because she seemed different compared to everyone else. The Count told the town to stay away from the chocolate store because it was a sin. If Vianne did not end up in this town then the old lady and her nephew would not have been reunited. And even the town would not be as happy if Vianne was not there (Juliette Binoche, Vianne, actor. Chocolat, 2000). In “By Any Other Name” Premila and Santha are of Indian descent. They wear Indian clothes and eat Indian food. But, once they go into their new school something feels different. The headmistress does not like Indian Culture. “The headmistress has been in India, I suppose, fifteen years or so, but still smiled her helpless inability to cope with Indian Names” (Rama Rau 1). The headmistress’s thoughts and beliefs affect every student because she is not willing to change the rules. She thinks “Indians cheat”  and because of that, she has them sit in the back “with a desk between each one” (Rama Rau 4). And the students take this into account and think it is okay to exclude others and treat them differently.