Lin and Marin both discuss ideas of freedom in their essays. They demonstrate the way cultural heritage, or tradition, impedes freedom. While Lin illustrates this in the context of a society without freedoms, Marin shows it’s affects in a society with multiple freedoms. Lin writes about her friend from the 6th grade, So Tsi-fai, who committed suicide. In telling this, she illustrates his lack of choice and freedom. So Tsi-fai future has been decided …showed first 75 words of 409 total…

…showed last 75 words of 409 total…the freedoms of others. Both essayists seem to believe that society puts restraints on freedoms in accordance to cultural beliefs or traditions. While both indicate that freedom is about pursuing ones choices with out impediment, Lin implies the need for societal intervention to make conditions equal. Marin discusses the desire of individuals to cling to the values of their heritage in a free society while Lin tells of the devastating affects of unchallenged traditional beliefs.