Unit 7: Africa I: Fantasy and History and Unit 6: Continental Europe III: Modern Drama

Answer 6 of the first eight questions on Lesson 6 (Part A), and 6 of the questions on Lesson 7 (Part B), and 4 of the last question (Part C); I have attached a file containg all the plays and other materials that you may need to complete this job, so you really don’t have to worry about internet search 😀

A: Does the play in Lesson 6 demonstrate inequity between the sexes? Note that we want more than just assertions of inequity.  Is there a clash of values, or systems of belief in it, such as we would expect in ancient Greek tragedy? What role does moral agency play in this modern drama? How is moral agency defined here? Is this a tragedy — or a comedy? Why? Supply a definition and an argument. Is it a good idea to follow the adage “To thine ownself be true” regardless of the cost? Apply to Nora. What future exists for society when there are no allegiances to spouse or children, when all individuals are free to pursue experience independently of others? Is freedom possible without such sacrifice? In what ways can Nora NOT be considered a victim of society? Does she impose on or victimize others? How has Ibsen clarified (or muddied) the human experience through the characterization of Nora? Explain.

 B.What is a tall tale? Differentiate it from a short story (with examples from the reading in Lesson 7). Which stories here are like a fable? Explain how so. What is realistic about one story? Does this add to the validity of the story? Explain both answers. What is physically impossible in one story? Explain whether this hurts the validity of the story. What is merely implausible in one story? Explain its function in the plot. Which poem gives you a stronger appreciation, or a more complete understanding, of Africa? Explain, with details from both the poems. What is a rite of passage? Illustrate. What is a fertility rite? Why does one exist? What is the meaning of opposing romantic love to the trade-off of life and death in the fertility rite (in Ogot, as in Greek myth and Arthurian legend)?

 

C. *  Review the Class Module by answering one of these questions[This is extra.] What is the foggiest point in the lecture or reading? How so? Why?
Which story offers the most uplifting view of Africa (in some aspect)? Which Arabian Nights’ tale is a more interesting story? Which dramatic character demonstrates responsible action on a moral issue, and how so? Explain the husband’s point of view in the play in the best possible way, or the wife’s point of view in the worst possible way.