The Deep River

     There is strength and significance in unity and togetherness.  There is also a power in independence, uniqueness, and making a choice for oneself.   In Bessie Head's "The Deep River," there is a sense of the differences between communal thinking and individual thoughts.  There are positive and negative aspects to each of these ideas.  In the story, some pros and cons of the two ways of living and thinking are discussed.

     The story starts out with the people all living together as one.  The author says, “the people lived together like a deep river. In this deep river which was unruffled by conflict or a movement forward, the people lived without faces”  The statement is a powerful image of the good parts of living this way.  The people do not have conflict - they do not face adversity.  This image of a deep river is one of peace, tranquility, and easy living.  The image is brings some less savory thoughts to mind (especially for a 21st century American).  The image also brings to mind a people with no personality, no choices, and no fitting in if anyone disagrees.

     By the end of the story there is division among the village - people are disagreeing and there has formed a dichotomy.  This story also emphasizes the pros and cons of this individuality.  While there was conflict, arguments, and a marked lack of peace - there was also forward movement.  The individuals in the end of the story were able to make their own choices and live their lives based on choice.  Suddenly, there were faces and individuals.
     There are pros and cons to living together and as living as an individual.  To live completely by yourself is lonely, confusing, and breeds conflict between us.  To live entirely as one stagnates life and reminds me of just about every dis-utopian novel I know. It is important to maintain a balance.  I think that the story "The Deep River" does a great job of demonstrating this.