What if the puzzle of the world was a shape you didn't fit into? And the only way to survive was to mutilate yourself, carve away your corners, sand yourself down, modify yourself to fit? How come we haven't been able to change the puzzle instead?
In "Small Great Things," the author Jodi Picoult presents a thought-provoking metaphor where the world is compared to a puzzle, and individuals often feel out of place. The quote suggests a struggle with conformity, where people may feel pressured to alter their true selves just to fit into societal expectations. This raises the question of whether we should sacrifice our individuality to belong or instead challenge the structures that demand such changes.
Picolt's narrative highlights the consequences of this internal battle, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance. The reflection on why we haven't altered the 'puzzle' instead of altering ourselves invites readers to consider the systemic issues in society that force individuals to compromise their identities. It encourages a conversation about authenticity and the need for change in our social frameworks to embrace diversity and difference rather than suppress it.
