Quest for Peace and Reconciliation in Michelle Cohen Corasanti's The Almond Tree

Abstract

This dissertation argues that in The Almond Tree, Michelle Cohen Corasanti focuses on the need of peace and reconciliation rather than hatred and revenge as the source of stability, order, prosperity and progress of any nation. Moreover through the tales related to Israeli atrocities, hatred and violent imposed on the Palestinians and Palestinians' reactions and resistance through violence activities, Corasanti argues, have further worsened the living conditions of the people on both sides. Corasanti takes Israelis to be more responsible in initiating the culture of violence among the Palestinians. Ahmed who survive in a brutal environment but his endurance to tolerate ultimately results submissiveness and Abbas who fights against the brutal condition rather than being numb tolerating all sorts of atrocities. However, in the end by making both of them realize the consequences of such hatred, Corasanti focuses on reconciliation and peace between Israel and Palestine. Thus, through the reconciliation of two characters Ahmed (a pro Israeli) and Abbas( an anti- Israeli) Corasanti shows not only the need but also the possibilities of such reconciliation between the opposing groups.