The life of the "Ae Fond Kiss" protagonists, Casim and Roisin, is made difficult when they start a romantic relationship that brings Casim’s Pakistani background into conflict with Roisin’s Irish Catholic background They are condemned to experience how long standing prejudice and narrow-mindedness get in the way of what looks like a promising, almost harmonious love story –just like it tragically happens to Romeo and Juliet.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1 The Romeo and Juliet motif.
- 2 Obstacles to Roisin and Casim's happiness.....
- 2.1 Tradition, conventions and Casim's community.
- 2.2 Prejudice from Roisin's social circle ........
- 3 Endemic Prejudices of the Characters.....
- 3.1 Roisin's egocentrism.
- 3.2 Casim's challenges.....
- Conclusion: Casim and Roisin -“a pair of star-cross'd lovers\"¹?.
- Glossary..
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay explores the themes of forbidden love and intercultural relationships in Ken Loach's film Ae Fond Kiss, drawing parallels to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It examines the obstacles faced by the protagonists, Casim and Roisin, as they navigate their relationship amidst cultural clashes, family expectations, and societal prejudices. The essay also investigates the internal struggles of the characters and their individual biases, contributing to the complexity of their love story.
- Forbidden love and cultural conflict
- Intercultural relationships and societal prejudice
- Family expectations and tradition
- Individual biases and narrow-mindedness
- The complexities of identity and belonging
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This section introduces the film Ae Fond Kiss and its connections to the classic Romeo and Juliet motif. It highlights the theme of forbidden love between two individuals from different cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the challenges and obstacles they face.
- 1 The Romeo and Juliet motif: This chapter analyzes the elements of the Romeo and Juliet topos that are relevant to Ae Fond Kiss. It focuses on the prohibition and obstacles faced by the lovers and their unwavering commitment to their relationship despite the opposition.
- 2 Obstacles to Roisin and Casim's happiness: This chapter delves into the specific challenges that impede Casim and Roisin's happiness. It examines the pressure Casim faces from his Pakistani family and community, including arranged marriage expectations, cultural norms, and societal prejudices against Roisin.
- 3 Endemic Prejudices of the Characters: This chapter explores the internal biases and prejudices of both Casim and Roisin, which contribute to their struggles. It examines Roisin's egocentrism and Casim's personal challenges in navigating his cultural identity and expectations.
Keywords
The essay focuses on the themes of forbidden love, intercultural relationships, societal prejudice, family expectations, cultural identity, and individual biases. Key concepts include the Romeo and Juliet motif, arranged marriage, cultural conflict, xenophobia, and the complexities of navigating different cultural backgrounds. It also explores the role of tradition and convention in shaping individual choices and the struggles of maintaining family honor and fulfilling personal desires.
- Quote paper
- Clare Stalder (Author), 2009, Ken Loach’s "Ae Fond Kiss". A Multicultural Romeo and Juliet Story?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/214353
