1. Discuss the historical context of the play. “Things Fall Apart”.

Ans: The 1950s in Nigeria was a decade of increasing political and ethnic tensions as the
British colony inched its way ever closer to independence. The British Empire had come under
strain during the Second World War. After the war Nigerians began to pursue independence
with greater fervour. Debates raged between British and Nigerian politicians as to how quickly
power could and should-be handed over. As independence drew nearer, Nigerian politics
began splitting along ethnic lines, with ethnically defined political groups each vying for
representation.

What we now call Nigeria gathers together numerous ethnic groups that historically had never
formed a political unity, and independence presented an urgent need to come together as a
modern political state. Yet Nigeria‟s many natural resources-petroleum foremost among them-
are distributed unevenly across the country. The fact that the country‟s three largest ethnic
groups occupied regional majorities (Hausa in the north,Yoruba in the southeast, and Igbo in
the south) caused great concern about the uneven distribution of wealth in the post-
independence period. When Achebe drafted Things Fall Apart in the mid-1950s, he wrote
against the dynamic, anxious background of a soon-to-be-independent Nigeria. So why, given
the significance of Nigeria‟s coming independence, did Achebe write a novel about the pre
colonial past? To answer this question, consider the way the novel ends, with a British District
Officer reducing the last two hundred pages to a single paragraph.

The British Empire swallows up Igbo history and culture, at once erasing it and absorbing it
into the more encompassing history of the British colonial adventure. Something similar could
be said for the histories of the Hausa, Yoruba, and many other ethnic groups that the British
forced into a single geographical entity. By setting his novel in the precolonial past, Achebe
suggests that modern Nigeria is a newfangled idea. As independence approaches, Things Fall
Apart reminds its readers-and particularly its African readers that the precolonial past can be a
resource for navigating the postcolonial era.

Writing about an African past clearly had political significance given the previous century of
British colonial rule. However, some fellow Nigerian writers did not share Achebe‟s enthusiasm
about using literature to recount the past at a future-oriented moment. In his play A Dance of
the Forests, Yoruba writer Wole Soyinka cautioned against just such a project. Soyinka‟s play
premiered at the Nigerian independence ceremony in 1960, and warned against the social and
political dangers of misrepresenting precolonial history to launch a fledgling nation.

Although Achebe resists idealising pre colonial Igbo life, Soyinka‟s concerns did prove
prescient. In 1967, eager for autonomy and for control of petroleum reserves located in its
region, the Igbo-majority state known as Biafra attempted to secede from Nigeria. The three-
year civil war that ensued stirred up animosity against the Igbo, a majority-Christian people
often cast as having been privileged during the colonial period. Igbo dominance of Nigerian
literature since the publication of Things Fall Apart has only enhanced this perception of Igbo
privilege and elitism. In this sense, Achebe‟s emphasis on a specifically Igbo past introduces
further complication to an already complex debate about the meaning and use of African
history.
2. Examine the significance of the title of Chinua Achebe‟s Novel “Things Fall Apart”.
Ans :The title for Achebe's novel “Things Fall Apart” comes from the poem, “The SecondComing” by the
Irish poet William Butler Yeats (1865-1939). The relevant lines quoted on the title pageof the novel are:

“Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer

;Things Fall Apart; the centre cannot hold

;Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.”

Both Yeats's poem and Achebe's novel, “Things Fall Apart” speak of the breakdown of the"old" order and
its displacement by a "new" order. Although Yeats's poem is heavily symbolic and will be enhanced by
critical analysis, most readers should be able to get some sense of what it is about with verylittle literary
training. Yeats's poem "The Second Coming" speaks of the breakdown of the "old' order andits
displacement by a "new" order that kicks up mixed feelings of revulsion and fascination. The title „Things
Fall Apart” refers to the fact that without proper balance, things do fallapart. The notion of balance in the
novel is an important theme throughout the book. Beginning with theexcerpt from Yeats' poem, the
concept of balance is stressed as important; for without balance, order islost. Achebe's novel, Things Fall!
Apart, too, is about a forcible break-up of an "older" and settled order. In Things Fall Apart, Achebe
objectively and dispassionately assesses and analyses the various reasons for the break-up of that order,
and settled way of life. This objective Achebe achieves byentering his story on a representative man,
Okonkwo, and relationships, both with his community and hisfamily. Achebe points out that cannot absolve
white culture of the crime of destroying indigenous culture of the Igbo. Achebe has taken pains to point out
through his novel that the Igbo culture is quite flexible and presumably would have resolved its
own contradictions in its own way without the intervention of the Europeans. Thus Achebe's
novel, Things Fall Apart envelops twin tragedies-one occursin the life of the protagonist Okonkwo and the
other takes place on a broader plane at the level of the society of Okonkwo. Disintegration of Igbo society
is central to Things Fall Apart; the idea of collapse, on bothan individual and social level, is one of the
novel's central images. This image also gives the book its title.The Christians arrive and bring division to
the Igbo. One of their first victims is Okonkwo's family. It is important to be noted that the arrival of the
white colonists and their religion weakensthe kinship bonds so central to Igbo culture. Ancestral worship
plays an important role in Igbo religion,and conversion to Christianity involves a partial rejection of the Igbo
structure of kinship. The Christianstell the Igbo that they are all brothers and sons of God, replacing
the literal ties of kinship with ametaphorical kinship structure through God. Achebe does not present a
clear-cut dichotomy of the white religion as evil and the Igboreligion as good. All along, the descriptions of
many of the village's ceremonies and rituals have beentongue-in-cheek. But the Christian missionaries
increasingly win converts simply by pointing out thefallacy of Igbo beliefs-for example, those about the
outcasts.

Achebe's portrait of the Christians is as fair and balanced as his portrait of the Igbo. It is tobe remembered
that his own parents were Christian missionaries The novel concludes with the end of theIgbo society and
the death of the hero. In the face of the chaos caused by the incursion of Christianity,Okonkwo becomes
a murderer and then hangs himself. His world has literally fallen apart, and itsymbolically
represents that Igbo society has fallen apart. Thus, we can say, the title of the novel, ThingsFall Apart
denotes its theme appropriately. Hence the title “Things Fall Apart” is appropriate and
significant.
3. Discuss things fall apart as a novel about decolonization.
Ans : "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe is a novel that depicts the impact of European colonization on
traditional Igbo culture in Nigeria, and it can be read as a powerful critique of colonialism and its effects on
the colonized society. In this essay, I will explore how the novel portrays the themes of cultural clash,
power, and resistance to colonization, and how it raises important questions about the legacy of
colonialism in African societies.

The novel is set in the late 19th century, a time when European powers were expanding their territories
across Africa. Achebe uses his novel to show how the arrival of the Europeans disrupts the existing social
order in Igbo society. The Igbo people have their own social, political, and religious systems, which are
based on a deep reverence for ancestors and the natural world. However, the arrival of the Europeans
leads to the erosion of these traditions and the imposition of new systems of power and authority.

One of the key themes in the novel is the clash between traditional Igbo culture and European colonialism.
The novel portrays the Igbo people as proud and fiercely independent, and their culture as complex and
sophisticated. However, the arrival of the Europeans with their own values, beliefs, and way of life
threatens to undermine this culture. The novel shows how the Igbo people initially resist the influence of
the Europeans and their attempts to convert them to Christianity.

The character of Mr. Brown, the white missionary, is introduced early in the novel as a sympathetic figure
who is willing to listen to the Igbo people and learn about their culture. He tries to win them over to
Christianity by appealing to their sense of reason and emphasizing the similarities between their beliefs
and Christian teachings. He is respectful of their customs and traditions, and he does not try to force his
religion upon them. However, his successor, Mr. Smith, is a very different character. He is dogmatic and
intolerant of any other beliefs than his own. He sees the Igbo people as savages who need to be
converted to Christianity and civilized.

The clash between Mr. Brown and Mr. Smith represents the clash between the two cultures. Mr. Brown
represents a more tolerant and accommodating approach to colonization, while Mr. Smith represents a
more aggressive and intolerant approach. The novel shows how the arrival of the Europeans creates
tension and conflict within the Igbo society, and how this tension eventually leads to violence and the
breakdown of the community.

Okonkwo, the novel's protagonist, is a respected leader in the Igbo community who resists the influence of
the Europeans. He is proud of his culture and traditions and fears that the arrival of the Europeans will lead
to the loss of his identity and his way of life. However, as the novel progresses, he becomes increasingly
isolated and unable to adapt to the changing circumstances. He takes violent action against the
Europeans, which ultimately proves futile as the Europeans are able to assert their dominance and control
over the region.

The novel also explores the theme of power and the ways in which it is wielded by those in positions of
authority. The Europeans are portrayed as having immense power over the Igbo people, as they control
the economic and political systems of the region. They are able to impose their will on the Igbo people and
force them to abandon their own cultural practices in favor of European ones. This leads to a sense of
dislocation and alienation among the Igbo people, who feel that their way of life is being threatened.
 1. Discuss Chronicle of a death of foretold as a postmodern novel.

"Chronicle of a Death Foretold" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is often regarded as a postmodern novel due to
its narrative structure, themes, and techniques that deviate from traditional storytelling.

One of the most significant characteristics of postmodern literature is the deconstruction of linear time, and
Marquez employs this technique in the novel. The story is not presented in a chronological order; instead,
it jumps back and forth in time, with multiple perspectives and narrators. This fragmented structure creates
a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, which is a hallmark of postmodernism.

Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a masterpiece of postmodern literature.

Published in 1981, the novel is a complex, multi-layered narrative that explores the themes of memory,
truth, and the ambiguous nature of reality. In this essay, I will discuss how Chronicle of a Death Foretold is
a postmodern novel.

Postmodernism is characterized by a self-referential and fragmented narrative structure, a skepticism

towards grand narratives, and a focus on the subjectivity of truth. These characteristics are evident in
Chronicle of a Death Foretold. The novel is narrated by an unnamed, omniscient narrator who is trying to
reconstruct the events leading up to the murder of Santiago Nasar. The narrative structure is fragmented,
as the narrator jumps back and forth in time, providing different perspectives on the same events. The
novel is also self-referential, as the narrator acknowledges that the story he is telling is incomplete and
unreliable.

One of the key themes of postmodern literature is the subjectivity of truth. In Chronicle of a Death Foretold,
this theme is explored through the multiple perspectives of the characters. Each character has their own
version of the events leading up to the murder, and the narrator presents these versions without privileging
any one of them. The result is a complex and ambiguous narrative that forces the reader to question the
very notion of truth.

The novel also explores the concept of memory, which is another key theme of postmodern literature.
Memory is shown to be unreliable, as the characters' recollections of the events differ from one another.
The narrator acknowledges that his own memory is imperfect, and that he is relying on the memories of
others to construct the story. This leads to a blurring of the line between memory and imagination, as the
characters' recollections become increasingly fantastical and exaggerated.

Another characteristic of postmodern literature is a skepticism towards grand narratives. Chronicle of a

Death Foretold subverts the traditional narrative structure by revealing the ending at the beginning of the
novel. The murder of Santiago Nasar is presented as a foregone conclusion, and the reader is left to
question why it happened. The novel also challenges the grand narrative of machismo, which is a
dominant cultural theme in Latin America. The murder of Santiago Nasar is shown to be a result of the
toxic machismo culture, which valorizes violence and aggression.

In conclusion, Chronicle of a Death Foretold is a prime example of postmodern literature. The novel's
fragmented narrative structure, multiple perspectives, and ambiguity all reflect the postmodern
preoccupation with the subjectivity of truth. The novel also challenges grand narratives, particularly the
machismo culture that is so prevalent in Latin America. By subverting traditional narrative structures and
exploring complex themes, Gabriel Garcia Marquez has created a timeless work of literature that continues
to resonate with readers today.
 2. Discuss the genre and narrative structure of the novel.
Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a literary masterpiece that defies easy
categorization. It is often classified as a work of magical realism, but it also incorporates elements of a
detective story and a journalistic account of an actual event. The novel's narrative structure is fragmented,
with multiple perspectives and a non-linear timeline, which adds to its complexity and richness.

The novel is set in a small town in Colombia and centers around the murder of Santiago Nasar. The
narrative is framed as a retrospective account of the events leading up to the murder, as told by an
unnamed narrator who is attempting to reconstruct the story. The narrator is not a character in the story,
but rather an outsider who is gathering information from the townspeople.

The narrative structure of the novel is complex and multi-layered. The novel begins with the narrator's
statement that Santiago Nasar is going to be murdered, and then the story jumps back and forth in time,
providing different perspectives on the same events. The novel is divided into short, episodic chapters that
alternate between different characters' perspectives.

Each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character, providing a fragmented and disjointed
narrative that gradually builds a mosaic of the events leading up to the murder. The characters' accounts
are often contradictory, and the reader is left to piece together the truth from these differing perspectives.

In addition to the multiple perspectives, the novel also employs various literary techniques to convey a
sense of the surreal and magical. The novel is full of dream-like images and metaphors, such as the use of
the recurring image of a rooster with a broken neck, which adds to the novel's dream-like quality.

The use of multiple perspectives and the non-linear timeline serves to create a sense of tension and
anticipation throughout the novel. As the reader becomes more and more aware of the inevitability of
Santiago Nasar's death, the tension builds towards the climax of the story. The murder itself is not
depicted in graphic detail, but rather is described in a matter-of-fact way that emphasizes the sense of
inevitability that has been building throughout the novel.

In conclusion, Chronicle of a Death Foretold is a complex and multi-layered novel that defies easy
categorization. It incorporates elements of magical realism, detective fiction, and journalistic reporting, and
its narrative structure is fragmented and non-linear. The use of multiple perspectives and literary
techniques such as metaphor and dream imagery creates a sense of tension and anticipation that builds
towards the novel's climactic ending. Overall, the novel is a tour-de-force of storytelling that continues to
captivate and enthrall readers to this day.
3. Significance of the Title “Chronicle of a Death Foretold”

If one were to commit a murder, the last thing you would expect them to do is to tell
everybody about it before it actually happens, in most cases at least. Gabrielle Marquez‟s
novel Chronicle of a Death Foretold shows the unlikely case where an entire town knows
about a murder except for the victim. Through the plot, characters, and point of view, the
significance of the title “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” becomes apparent.
Chronicle of a Death Foretold‟s plot effectively helps show the significance of the title
through what the Viccario do to Santiago. Despite not having clear evidence, the Viccario
twins decide to hunt down and murder Santiago for taking the virginity of their younger
sister, Angela. However, the twins decide that instead of keeping it a secret to avoid getting
caught, they will tell everybody in a boasting manner. This detail of the plot shows how the
death was foretold, yet nobody decided to warn Santiago about it, assuming he had already
heard about it or that the murder was justifiable. Everybody knew about the murder prior to
when it actually happened, showing how the lack of action from others in the town directly
costed somebody‟s life, a very preventable mistake.
In addition to the plot, the characters of the story also greatly relate to the title of the book.
Throughout the book, there are many instances of the Viccario twins straight up telling
people about what they are going to do to Santiago. However, the characters‟ decisions to
dismiss these claims as bogus directly shows the predictability of the crime. Through these
characters who decide not to warn Santiago or take any further action, such as Colonel
Aponte, the word “foretold” is appropriate to use, as everybody in the town was aware of
the crime to take place, yet they decide not to tell Santiago.

The perspective of the story is told by an anonymous narrator, which shows the
significance of the title. The narrator decides to tell the story in non-chronological order,
jumping between different people and time periods frequently. Such shows the irony of the
title due to how it is not actually a chronicle. Because of this, the reader is required to piece
information together throughout the book, which can help them understand the events that
took place more clearly.

The significance of the title was effectively shown through these aspects of the novel.
Because of this, the reader can connect the dots easily and have a better understanding of
what goes on in the book, along with any potential purposes or messages posed by the
author.
1 . Describe the protaganist in the collector of treasure.
The protagonist in "The Collector of Treasure" is a woman named Kezia. She is a young woman who lives
in a rural community in Jamaica during the 1950s. Kezia is married to a man named Silas, who is a farmer
and a member of the community's Baptist church. Kezia and Silas have two children together, a son
named Ruel and a daughter named Gladys.

Kezia is depicted as a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. She is also
intelligent and curious, often questioning the traditions and beliefs of her community. This sets her apart
from the other women in the community, who are more conformist and accepting of their roles as wives
and mothers.

Despite her strong spirit, Kezia is also vulnerable. She struggles with feelings of isolation and loneliness,
especially when she feels disconnected from her husband and the other women in the community. She
longs for companionship and intellectual stimulation, but these things are hard to come by in her small,
rural community.

Kezia's life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers a cache of hidden treasures in her house. The
treasures belonged to her husband's deceased mother, and Kezia becomes obsessed with uncovering
their secrets. She spends hours studying the artifacts and researching their historical significance,
eventually uncovering a hidden history of slavery and rebellion on the island.

Through her quest to uncover the secrets of the treasure, Kezia undergoes a profound transformation. She
gains a deeper understanding of herself and her place in the world, as well as a new appreciation for the
struggles and sacrifices of those who came before her. She becomes a symbol of hope and resilience,
inspiring others in her community to embrace their own histories and identities.

Overall, Kezia is a complex and dynamic character, driven by a deep sense of curiosity and a desire for
connection and meaning in her life. Her journey in "The Collector of Treasure" is a testament to the power
of self-discovery and the importance of embracing one's past and cultural heritage.
1. Discuss the significance of the title of the short story, “The Collector of the
Treasures‟.

Ans: Bessie Head‟s story “The Collector of Treasures” is a dramatic reflection of the oppressive attitudes of
men in her culture towards the women and children they are supposed to care for and love. Head
establishes this theme by contrasting the marriage of her protagonist, Dikeledi, and her husband
Garesego, with the much tenderer one of their neighbours, Kenalepe and Paul Thebolo. Before she
actually even introduces the Thebolos, Head observes that there are two types of men: those who have
sex with their women like dogs, out of pure carnal lust; and those who really care about women as human
beings.

The protagonist‟s husband, Garesego, is the first type of man. He got Dikeledi pregnant three times in four
years and then left her, continuing to live in the same village but assuming no responsibility for either his
wife or his sons. For many years thereafter, she never approaches him for cooperation for either herself or
her children, apparently regarding it as a matter of pride that she is able to feed and clothe them and pay
for their primary school educations out of the small income she is able to earn sewing and knitting for
others in the village.

Garesego, on the other hand, thinks that any favour done for a woman should be done in recompense for
sex. He proves this in his allegations about Paul; he assumes that if Paul has given Garesego‟s wife a
sack of grain (which he has, in payment for clothes Dikeledi made for his daughters) then Paul must be
getting sex out of the deal as well. As for that, Garesego doesn‟t care he doesn‟t want Dikeledi anymore,
and has no problem with Paul having her but he simply cannot conceive that there could be any kind of
relationship or even a transaction between males and females that doesn‟t involve some sexual
component.

Consequently, when he contacts Dikeledi about the possibility of giving her money for their son‟s
education, he tells her he is coming back home and she should prepare a hot bath for him. Not being a
total fool, Dikeledi knows what this means. After he bathes, he will want to have sex; and after he has sex,
he might or might not consider giving her money. But this is not an acceptable tradeoff for Dikeledi,
because she knows that Paul Thebolo would demand no such thing. Sex has nothing to do with school
tuition; sex has everything to do with love, and Garesego doesn‟t love Dikeledi and she doesn‟t love him.
But for Garesego, sex also has to do with power, and in this case having sex with Dikeledi when she
needs something from him would express his power over her.

Head‟s title, “The Collector of Treasures,” is tremendously ironic on the surface, for it would seem that
what Dikeledi has collected in her lifetime is not treasure but heartbreak. Yet Head‟s opening passages,
showing how well Dikeledi has adjusted to prison life and the closeness of the women who have been
placed in prison for the same crime, shows that Dikeledi really doesn‟t feel her life has been that bad. She
has learned much more from her hardships than Kenalepe has learned from her good fortune, and in her
travels through life she has managed to earn the respect of men like Paul and women like Kebonye.

The fact that her marriage was a disaster has actually made her strong, and she is much more centred in
her sense of self than Kenalepe who has had a much easier life. As Dikeledi observes, throughout her
hard life she has looked beneath the surface and collected small treasures, and these give her the
strength to go on.
2.examine the plight of the women of ghana as portrayed in aidoo‟s „the girl who can.
This story tells us about the suffer and the struggle of Ghananian women to find their place in society. The
story also tells us about a little girl who should struggle to fulfill the expectation from her family and society.
Ama Ata Aido or Christina Ama Aidoo was born on March, 23 1942 in Abeadzi Kyiakor, near Saltpond,
Gold coast, now Ghana. Aidoo is a Ghananian author. Aidoo grew up in a royal household with a clear
sense of African traditions. She studied at the University of Ghana and became a writer at Stanford and
Harvard University in the US. As a writer her works are mostly focuses on the deception of the role of
African woman in modern society and African disaporic identity. She wrote many literary works and one of
them is The Girl Who Can and Other Stories written in 1999. Biography of Ama Ata Aidoo The Girl Who
Can is a story about a seven years old, Adjoa, who does not good at communication. She was born with
long and thin legs. She should see her mother and her grandmother, Nana, arguing over her imperfect
legs everyday. Nana always complains to Adjoa mother for her having a daughter with long and thin legs.
In Ghana the women suffer due to the patriarchy, having a son is much better than having a daughter. But,
in the end Adjoa can prove to her grandmother that even she has imperfect legs, she can achieve
something great. Summary of the story In this story there are two types of conflicts, that are internal
conflict and external conflict.

The internal conflict happens between Adjoa with herself, she has a difficulty in communication so it is hard
for her to speak up her mind to her grandmother. She does not know whether she should keep quiet and
not to say any of thing that come into her mind, or say them and get laughed at. She is just a seven years
old girl with many questions in her head but she cannot speak them up to find the answer. She want to be
heard to encourage her to express her thought too often. Discussion . The external conflict-- The external
conflict happen between herself and the expectation that come from her grandmother and how she find
herself a place in the society. Adjoa was born with long and thin legs, which uncommon and bad for
women in that society. Her grandmother always complains about it everyday to Adjoa's mother, they often
have arguing over it. Her grandmother, Nana, expected Adjoa's mother to have a son but the reality
Adjoa's mother is giving birth a daughter, who will end up to stay at home and take care of the children.
Nana always states that a woman should have a big legs with good calves to support solid hips. And a
woman should have a solid hips to be able to have children. From here, it can be concluded that Nana is
worrying about Adjoa future tat she will not able to give birth and have children. Adjoa should struggle to
prove that she can do something good with her legs. She has won every race she ran for her school and
Nana says that she does not care of such things, but actually Nana is very proud of Adjoa, it can showed
from how she treats Adjoa after the race, she is ironing Adjoa's uniform. The conflicts that happen in the
story are mostly from the expectation of society. The society and stereotype have a big role to build up the
conflict in a person. The women in Ghana is till struggling to find their place in society.
 Critically examine Aidoo‟s perspective on female solidarity in “The Girl
.3
Who Can
"The Girl Who Can" is a short story by Ghanaian writer Ama Ata Aidoo, which explores the theme of
female solidarity among a group of young women in Ghana. Aidoo's perspective on female solidarity in this
story is complex and multifaceted, and can be critically examined in several ways.

On the one hand, Aidoo presents a positive view of female solidarity in the story. The main character,
Sissie, and her friends form a tight-knit group and support each other through various challenges, including
academic pressure, parental expectations, and cultural norms that limit women's opportunities. They
encourage each other to pursue their dreams, and they share resources and advice to help each other
succeed. For example, when Sissie struggles with math, her friend Adjoa helps her study, and when Adjoa
wants to become a doctor, the other girls rally around her and help her find ways to achieve her goal.

Through this portrayal of female solidarity, Aidoo highlights the importance of women supporting each
other in a patriarchal society that often oppresses and marginalizes them. She suggests that when women
come together and work as a team, they can overcome the obstacles that stand in their way and achieve
their goals. This perspective is particularly relevant in the context of Ghana, where women face significant
barriers to education, employment, and political power.

However, Aidoo's perspective on female solidarity is not entirely positive. She also highlights the ways in
which women can be divided by class, education, and cultural background. For example, Sissie and her
friends come from different social classes, and some of them are more privileged than others. This creates
tensions within the group, as the more privileged girls sometimes look down on their less fortunate peers
or judge them for their cultural practices. Similarly, when Adjoa decides to pursue a career in medicine,
some of the other girls express skepticism or envy, suggesting that they are not fully supportive of her
dreams.

Through these moments of conflict, Aidoo shows that female solidarity is not always easy to achieve, and
that women can be just as judgmental and divisive as men. She suggests that while it is important for
women to support each other, they must also be aware of the power dynamics that can create divisions
within their group.

In conclusion, Ama Ata Aidoo's perspective on female solidarity in "The Girl Who Can" is nuanced and
complex. While she presents a positive view of women coming together to support each other, she also
highlights the challenges and tensions that can arise within a group of women. By doing so, she
encourages readers to think critically about the concept of female solidarity and to work towards building
inclusive and supportive communities for all women.
1 . Evaluate Pablo Neruda‟s “Tonight I can Write” as a love poem.
“Tonight I Can Write” is a beautiful love poem written by Pablo Neruda that explores the
complexities of love, loss, and heartbreak. The poem is a powerful expression of the poet‟s
emotions as he reflects on his past relationship with a lover, who is no longer with him.

The poem begins with the line, “Tonight I can write the saddest lines,” which immediately sets a
melancholic tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word “saddest” suggests that the poet is
deeply pained by the memories of his lost love, and that he is struggling to find the words to
express his emotions. He goes on to say that he loved her, and that she loved him, but that their
love was not meant to be. He describes the relationship as a “shattered love,” which further
emphasizes the idea of something that was once beautiful, now broken and irreparable.

As the poem progresses, the poet reminisces about the moments they shared together and the
places they visited. He recalls the sound of her voice, the touch of her hands, and the way she
smiled. He acknowledges that even though she is no longer with him, these memories will remain
with him forever. This shows that the poet is still deeply in love with her and that he cherishes the
time they spent together.

One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. The poet uses vivid, sensory
language to create a vivid picture of his memories. For example, he describes the stars as “blue
and distant” and the night as “trembling with love,” which adds a sense of longing and nostalgia to
the poem. Similarly, he describes the sound of her voice as “a little breeze,” which creates a sense
of lightness and softness.

The poet also explores the theme of time in the poem. He recognizes that time has passed since
their relationship ended, and that he has grown older and wiser. He acknowledges that he has
learned from the experience, but that the pain of losing her still lingers. This is evident in the lines,
“Love is so short, forgetting is so long,” which suggest that the pain of heartbreak can be long-
lasting and difficult to overcome.

Despite the sadness and heartbreak of the poem, there is also a sense of hopefulness and
resilience. The poet acknowledges that he is still alive, and that life goes on, even after a great
loss. He expresses this idea in the line, “The night is starry and she is not with me,” which
suggests that even though she is gone, the world is still beautiful and worth living in.

In conclusion, “Tonight I Can Write” is a powerful love poem that explores the themes of love, loss,
and heartbreak. The poem is a beautiful expression of the poet‟s emotions, as he reflects on his
past relationship with a lover who is no longer with him. Through vivid imagery, the poet creates a
sense of nostalgia and longing, while also acknowledging the pain and sadness of heartbreak.
Ultimately, the poem is a reminder that even though love can be fleeting and painful, life is still
worth living, and there is always hope for the future.
 1 WALCOTT'S 'A FAR CRY FROM AFRICA': AN EXPOSITION OF THE
CONFLICT OF CULTURE AND IDENTITY.

“A Far Cry from Africa” by Derek Walcott is a poem that explores the conflict of culture and identity in the
context of colonialism and racial tension in Africa. The poem is an exposition of the complex emotions and
experiences of individuals caught between two conflicting cultures and identities.

The poem begins by describing the beauty of Africa, with its “sunlight” and “greenness,” which stands in
contrast to the violence and turmoil that is occurring there. The poet then introduces the theme of identity
conflict by describing himself as a “mulatto” who is caught between two cultures – African and European.
This conflict is evident in the line, “Where shall I turn, divided to the vein?” which expresses the deep
sense of confusion and uncertainty that the poet feels.

Walcott then moves on to describe the violence and bloodshed that is occurring in Africa, with images of
“maimed” and “tortured” bodies. The use of graphic imagery serves to emphasize the brutality of the
conflict and the sense of helplessness that the poet feels. The conflict is further complicated by the fact
that the poet is both an African and a European, with ties to both cultures.

The poem then moves on to explore the idea of cultural identity and how it is shaped by colonialism. The
poet describes how the British, who colonized Africa, have “divided” the land and the people, and how this
has created a sense of alienation and dislocation for Africans. This is evident in the line, “Those two lines
advanced to share a continent,” which suggests that the colonial powers have created an artificial division
between African tribes.

The conflict between culture and identity is further explored in the poem through the use of language. The
poet describes how the “English tongue” has become a symbol of power and privilege, and how it is used
to oppress Africans. This is evident in the line, “The schoolboy with his bright, inquiring face, / is gone,”
which suggests that education is being denied to Africans in favor of the English language.

Walcott also explores the idea of violence as a response to cultural conflict. He describes how Africans
have turned to violence as a means of resistance against colonialism and how this has led to further
conflict and bloodshed. The line, “A wind of knives” suggests that violence has become a pervasive and
destructive force in Africa.

The poem concludes with a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. The poet expresses a sense of guilt and
shame for being both African and European, and for not being able to fully identify with either culture. He
describes himself as a “strange disease” that infects both cultures, which suggests that he is seen as an
outsider by both groups.

In conclusion, “A Far Cry from Africa” is a powerful poem that explores the conflict of culture and identity in
the context of colonialism and racial tension in Africa. The poem is an exposition of the complex emotions
and experiences of individuals caught between two conflicting cultures and identities. Walcott uses vivid
imagery and powerful language to convey the sense of confusion, dislocation, and violence that is present
in Africa. The poem ultimately suggests that the conflict between culture and identity is a pervasive and
difficult problem that must be addressed in order to create a more just and equitable world.
2 A Far Cry From Africa Analysis or As a Postcolonial Poem

Derek Walcott's poem "A Far Cry from Africa" is a complex exploration of the speaker's postcolonial
identity and the legacy of colonialism in Africa. The poem examines the difficult position of the speaker,
who is torn between his African roots and his European education, and struggles to reconcile his identity
with the violence and turmoil of Africa's struggle for independence.

At the heart of the poem is the speaker's sense of displacement and alienation. He is a product of both
Africa and Europe, but feels he belongs to neither. The poem begins with a vivid description of the African
landscape, but the speaker's connection to this environment is undercut by his European education, which
has taught him to view Africa through the lens of Western literature and philosophy. He is "divided to the
vein" and feels a sense of dislocation that runs deep within him.

This sense of division is heightened by the speaker's awareness of the violence and brutality that
characterizes Africa's struggle for independence. He is acutely aware of the "red earth" that "crawls with
helicopters" and the "bloodstreams" that "refresh the grass." He is caught between conflicting loyalties,
torn between his sympathy for the African struggle and his sense of allegiance to the European tradition.
This dilemma is expressed in the poem's central image, in which the speaker is described as a "hybrid"
creature, with the "brutal birth" of his African ancestry "betraying" his European education.

The poem also explores the role of language in postcolonial identity. The speaker's use of English is both
a source of pride and a symbol of his alienation. He is proud of his fluency in the language of his colonial
oppressors, but also aware that it separates him from the "tongueless" African masses. He is aware that
his ability to express himself in English gives him a voice in the world, but also that it is a language that is
tainted by its association with colonialism and oppression.

At the same time, the poem explores the legacy of colonialism in Africa. The violence and turmoil of
Africa's struggle for independence are presented as the inevitable consequence of colonialism, which has
left behind a legacy of hatred, resentment, and division. The speaker is aware that he is caught up in this
legacy, that he is a product of a history of oppression and violence that he cannot escape.

Overall, "A Far Cry from Africa" is a powerful exploration of postcolonial identity and the legacy of
colonialism in Africa. The poem is a reminder of the difficult choices that face those who are caught
between conflicting cultures and loyalties, and of the difficult process of coming to terms with a complex
and painful history. Through the speaker's struggles and dilemmas, Walcott captures the essence of the
postcolonial experience, and reminds us of the ongoing struggle for self-identity and cultural autonomy in
the wake of colonialism.
 1. A Critical appreciation of David Malouf’s Revolving Days.
David Malouf‟s Revolving Days is a collection of essays that offer a unique insight into the world of
literature and the role it plays in shaping our understanding of the world. The essays cover a range of
topics, from the significance of poetry to the way in which writers engage with history and the past. In this
critical appreciation, I will examine the themes and ideas that are explored in the collection and consider
the ways in which they contribute to our understanding of literature and its role in contemporary society.

One of the key themes that runs throughout Revolving Days is the importance of poetry. Malouf argues
that poetry has the power to connect us to something deeper than ourselves, to a sense of the
transcendent that lies beyond our everyday experience. He suggests that poetry has the capacity to help
us make sense of the world, to articulate the complex emotions and ideas that we struggle to express in
more prosaic forms of language. This is evident in essays such as “Poetry and Public Life”, where Malouf
reflects on the role of poetry in the public sphere and its potential to inspire change.

Another theme that is explored in Revolving Days is the relationship between literature and history. Malouf
suggests that literature has a unique ability to engage with the past and to help us make sense of our own
place within it. He argues that literature can offer a deeper understanding of historical events and the
complex forces that shape them, and can help us to imagine different ways of being in the world. This is
evident in essays such as “A Book of Silence”, where Malouf reflects on the role of the writer as a witness
to history, and “On the Uses of History”, where he explores the ways in which writers use historical
material in their work.

Another important theme in the collection is the relationship between the individual and the collective.
Malouf suggests that literature has the power to connect us to something greater than ourselves, to a
sense of community and shared experience. He argues that literature can help us to understand the
complex web of relationships that make up our society, and can offer a way of transcending our individual
experiences and connecting with others. This is evident in essays such as “The Idea of Community”,
where Malouf reflects on the importance of community in contemporary society and the role that literature
can play in fostering a sense of belonging.

Overall, Revolving Days is a rich and thought-provoking collection that offers a unique insight into the
world of literature and the role it plays in shaping our understanding of the world. Through his exploration
of themes such as the importance of poetry, the relationship between literature and history, and the
connection between the individual and the collective, Malouf offers a compelling argument for the value of
literature in contemporary society.

One of the strengths of the collection is the breadth of topics that are covered. Malouf draws on a wide
range of literary traditions and historical periods, and his essays are informed by a deep knowledge of
literature and culture. This allows him to offer a nuanced and sophisticated analysis of the themes and
ideas that he explores, and to offer insights that are both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant.

Another strength of the collection is Malouf‟s prose style. His writing is elegant and refined, and he has a
gift for finding the perfect metaphor or image to convey complex ideas. His essays are a pleasure to read,
and his prose has a lyrical quality that reflects his deep appreciation for the power of language.

However, one potential weakness of the collection is that it can at times feel somewhat abstract and
disconnected from the world. Malouf‟s essays are often focused on abstract ideas and concepts, and can
sometimes lack the immediacy and urgency that characterizes much contemporary writing.
2 give a brief analysis of poem resolving days.
"Resolving Days" is a poem by American poet and author Robert Frost, first published in his collection
"West-Running Brook" in 1928. The poem consists of 30 lines divided into six stanzas, each stanza
containing five lines. Frost is known for his ability to depict nature and the human experience, and this
poem is no exception. "Resolving Days" is a reflective poem that explores the idea of change and
resolution.

The poem opens with the speaker reflecting on how the days are "resolving," meaning that they are
clearing up or coming to a conclusion. The speaker notes that "Spring's first day is not her hardest,"
meaning that the first day of spring is not the most difficult to endure. This could be interpreted as a
metaphor for life in general, where the beginning of a new phase or project may be exciting, but it can also
be challenging to navigate.

In the second stanza, the speaker contemplates the idea of letting go of old habits and ways of thinking.
They acknowledge that it can be difficult to let go of what we are used to, but also recognize that it is
necessary to move forward. The speaker notes that "we have to hate our sin" in order to move past it,
suggesting that acknowledging and confronting our flaws is necessary for growth.

The third stanza continues with this theme of growth and change, as the speaker suggests that we must
"enlarge our thought and not our eye." This line can be interpreted in many ways, but it seems to suggest
that it is more important to expand our minds and understanding of the world than to focus solely on what
we can physically see. This could also be interpreted as a call to look beyond our immediate surroundings
and consider the bigger picture.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker reflects on the idea of time and how it affects us. They note that "We find
by losing." This could be interpreted as the idea that we often learn and grow the most from our mistakes
and losses. The speaker also acknowledges that time can be difficult to navigate, but notes that "we must
have been / Friends to the white-haired and the furrowed brow." This suggests that as we age, we must
still seek out and value the wisdom of those who have come before us.

The fifth stanza continues with this idea of seeking wisdom and understanding, as the speaker notes that
"the blackbird knows." This could be interpreted as a call to pay attention to the natural world around us
and the wisdom that it holds. The speaker also notes that "we shall be told / What else we must do." This
suggests that there is still much to learn and understand, and that we must remain open and receptive to
new ideas.

Finally, the poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the beauty of the natural world and the inevitability of
change. They note that "the best we can do / Is hold our hands out to the breeze / And let it touch us
there." This could be interpreted as a call to embrace change and growth, and to allow ourselves to be
shaped by the world around us.

In conclusion, "Resolving Days" is a reflective and contemplative poem that explores the themes of
change, growth, and the wisdom that can be found in the natural world. Frost's use of imagery and
metaphor creates a vivid picture of the human experience, and the poem's structure of six stanzas with five
lines each creates a sense of order and resolution. The poem encourages us to embrace change and seek
out wisdom, even as we navigate the difficulties of life.