Cutting for Stone

The character I have chosen is Hema in Cutting for Stone. During medical school she decides to become a gynecologist instead of clinical medicine and practices in Ethiopia instead of her country, India. Religious influence isn’t evidenced in the book as playing a big role in this decision. However, she seems to feel the need to deviate from anything expected of her gender role. Even when she was younger she rejected her “half-sari” she was forced to wear to school which only embarrassed her and was to her a price to pay for education. When she goes to medical school and realizes that she has a crush on her professor, she changes her studies to that of gynecology as to prove that he has no influence on her. She early on chose a life of independence and headstrongness. She chooses to practice in Ethiopia because she believes that India is a “man’s domain” in the world of medicine. She chooses to leave behind her parents and homeland to pursue her goal in the way she believes she must. Her willpower, take-charge attitude and independence define her character through her every action.

I identify with her character the most because I admire her. She seems to always do what she believes to be right instead of being a passive observer. She is a strong woman, especially in her day and age and that requires a great deal of courage and strength to me. I think everyone including myself needs some of this quality to survive and thrive in life. Especially women, since sometimes we are greatly underestimated and doubted.