the Importance of Acceptance in “the Darling” and “the Ugly Duckling”

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The Importance of Acceptance in “The Darling” and “The Ugly Duckling” In the story “The Darling,” the main character, Olenka longs for companionship. She only feels truly alive when she has someone in her life to love and accept her. In the Ugly Duckling, the duckling longs for friendship and reception from his peers. Through these two stories, it is shown that acceptance by others and one’s self is an important part of life, when not achieved it causes a feeling of defeat and loneliness. All beings’ natural instincts are to form connections with others, and individuals feel as if something is missing when those connections are not occurring. When first reading “The Darling” I viewed Olenka as a woman who needs another person in order to function. Many may have thought of her as pathetic, having no identity, and reading her story as annoying.” However, many can place themselves in her shoes and realized that her feelings, although exaggerated, were not that ridiculous. Everyone wants someone to share aspects of life with whether a loving family, friendship, or significant other. We achieve these relationships in different ways but in the end they give each person the same feeling of a bond. Kukin, Olenka’s first husband, spoke in a thin tenor; as he talked his mouth worked on one side, and there was always an expression of despair on his face; yet he aroused a deep and genuine affection in her. She was always fond of someone, and could not exist without loving (“The Darling”). This depicts their relationship, he did not appear to be the most attractive man, was not in the best of spirits, but Olenka found that she could love him and everything he brought to the table, because he accepted her love. Olenka lived off the feeling of love and connectedness provided by her husband. With her lovers and Shashenka, the veterinarian’s son,

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