Final answer:
The story "A New Home" explores notions of home, how it varies culturally, and the conflicts between social classes and traditional versus modern living aspects. It also delves into personal growth, the environment's transformation due to human activity, and how individuals find a sense of belonging in the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
The story "A New Home" illuminates various ideas and concepts surrounding the notion of home and how it can differ based on cultural, societal, and regional influences. One of the key themes is that home is a fundamental concept that goes beyond the physical structure. It encompasses feelings of where we live, sleep, and share life with family. The story also touches on the sociocultural aspirations and the modifications people make to traditional ideas of home, such as the west coast geodesic housing not taking root in southwest Missouri.
Furthermore, the narrative explores themes of biological impulses, social classes in conflict, and the impact of industrialization on rural farming families. The transition from the Old South to the New South is a critical junction where past traditions and future progress meet. This speaks to the theme of nostalgia versus progress, where the past's hold over the present, or 'residual haunting,' is a significant concept.
In a broader context, the story also discusses how human activity is transforming our planet's environment, adding to the complexity of finding a home in a changing world. Writers like Sandra Cisneros use personal experiences to explore concepts of identity, culture, environment, and the quest to find or build one's place in the world. Similarly, figures like Helen Keller in her work express profound connections to their surroundings, despite challenges such as disability.