African Literature: Diop and Gordimer

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Questions and Answers

What does the comparison of 'blood' to water signify in Diop's writing?

The interconnectedness of life (correct)

The beauty of nature

The importance of family bonds

The struggle for survival

What does the use of a vague setting imply in the story?

The focus on character development

The necessity of a detailed backdrop

A universal quality of the story (correct)

An emphasis on the theme of isolation

How are the characters portrayed in the story?

As historical figures

As stereotypes of their cultures

As symbolic representations of society (correct)

As fully developed individuals

What does the husband's mother being referred to as a 'wise old witch' suggest?

A portrayal of traditional roles in society Signup and view all the answers

What societal view does the story convey regarding marriage?

It serves as a tool for social mobility Signup and view all the answers

What does the gated community symbolize in the context of the story?

The division and separation of races Signup and view all the answers

How is the issue of polygamy portrayed in the story?

As a privilege linked to wealth and power Signup and view all the answers

What parallel is drawn to apartheid in the family's living conditions?

They enjoy a reinforced division from other races Signup and view all the answers

What literary device does David Diop primarily use to give Africa human qualities?

Personification Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotion expressed by the speaker in the poem 'Africa'?

Rage against colonial rule Signup and view all the answers

Where did David Diop write the poem 'Africa'?

Bordeaux, France Signup and view all the answers

What does the poem 'Africa' lack in terms of structure?

Fixed rhyme scheme or meter Signup and view all the answers

What does the title 'Once Upon a Time' suggest in Nadine Gordimer's work?

The beginning of fairy tales Signup and view all the answers

Which year was 'Africa' first published in French?

1956 Signup and view all the answers

In 'Africa,' which point of view is used by the speaker?

First-person Signup and view all the answers

What theme is central to David Diop's poem 'Africa'?

Desire for freedom from colonial oppression Signup and view all the answers

What is Scheherazade most famous for?

Telling stories in 'One Thousand and One Nights' Signup and view all the answers

What central theme is depicted in 'The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor'?

The dangers and thrill of adventure at sea Signup and view all the answers

In what type of society is 'The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor' set?

A patriarchal and restrictive society Signup and view all the answers

How many voyages does Sinbad claim to have completed?

Seven Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Sinbad to return to the sea despite the dangers?

The thrill and excitement of adventures Signup and view all the answers

What extreme challenges does Sinbad face during his voyages?

Shipwrecks and encounters with strange beasts Signup and view all the answers

What decision does Sinbad make after his seven voyages?

To retire from adventures and settle down Signup and view all the answers

Which character type is NOT mentioned among Sinbad's story's characters?

Merchant Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main goals of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech?

To call for an end to racism and segregation Signup and view all the answers

What does the boy's death represent in the context of the narrative?

The consequences of excessive security measures Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant theme highlighted by the narrative?

Fear of the 'Other' and its impact Signup and view all the answers

What historical event coincided with the delivery of King’s speech in 1963?

The centenary of the emancipation proclamation Signup and view all the answers

Which character is recognized as the Omanhene of Akwasin?

Nana Adaku II Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for the marchers during King's speech?

To demand equal job opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'Dragon's Teeth' refer to in the narrative?

A security feature used to protect families Signup and view all the answers

How did the people react to segregation according to the narrative?

They rioted against it Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Sinbad to continue his voyages despite the dangers he faces?

The thrill and excitement of the sea Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary setting of the story 'The Porter and the Three Ladies of Baghdad'?

A woman's lodge in Persia Signup and view all the answers

What common theme is depicted through the character of the woman in 'The Porter and the Three Ladies of Baghdad'?

Cleverness and deception Signup and view all the answers

Which element symbolizes Islamic beliefs and protection in the narrative?

Genie and Qur'an Signup and view all the answers

What oath must each guest take upon entering the home of the three sisters?

To speak only of what concerns them Signup and view all the answers

Which group does the caliph and his companions disguise themselves as during their visit?

Merchants Signup and view all the answers

What recurring issue arises in both 'The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor' and 'The Porter and the Three Ladies of Baghdad'?

Trickery and deception Signup and view all the answers

What does Sinbad ultimately decide to do after completing his seven voyages?

Settle down on land Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

"Africa" by David Diop

The poem, "Africa my Africa," was published in French in 1956 as part of David Diop's only collection of poetry, "Coups de pilon".
It is a patriotic lyric expressing the speaker's devotion to Africa.
Diop uses personification to attribute human characteristics to Africa, specifically in the line “Africa my Africa.”
The poem explores the speaker's rage at colonial rule and desire for a free Africa.

"Once Upon a Time" by Nadine Gordimer

The story is written in the third person.
The setting is vague and unnamed, representing a generic South African suburb during apartheid.
The characters are not uniquely named, suggesting they represent archetypal roles in the system of apartheid.
The story highlights the family's seemingly perfect life before the tragic death of their son, symbolized by the deadly security measures meant to protect them from "the other".
Gordimer uses a frame story, where the narrator describes a bedtime story about a family, to illustrate the horrors of apartheid through symbolic means.

"Anticipation" by Mabel Dove

The story explores the themes of societal expectations surrounding marriage and the consequences of acting outside societal norms.
Nana Adaku II, the Omanhene, represents the powerful yet morally ambiguous figure within the society who can practice polygamy due to his wealth and position.
The portrayal of women in the story reflects the societal acceptance of polygamous marriages and the limited agency they possess.

"I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King Jr.

The speech was delivered on Aug. 28, 1963, in Washington, D.C.
King's speech advocated for racial equality and a fairer world where African Americans are treated equally with white Americans.
Its significance stems from its powerful call for a society free from racism, resonating with the injustices experienced by African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.
The speech was delivered during the march for jobs and equality for Black Americans, marking the centenary of the Emancipation Proclamation.

"The Arabian Nights" by Richard Francis Burton

The collection of stories, "One Thousand and One Nights", also known as "Arabian Nights", features Scheherazade as the legendary storyteller.
The stories are set in a medieval Islamic society, likely in Persia, showcasing a patriarchal society with women expected to be subservient to men.

"The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor" by Richard Francis Burton

The story is told by Sinbad, a famous sailor who recounts his seven adventurous voyages at sea.
Each journey is characterized by its dangers, including shipwrecks, encounters with strange creatures, and the supernatural.
The thrill and excitement of the sea motivates Sinbad to continue exploring, though after seven voyages he decides to settle and enjoy his wealth on land.

"The Porter and the Three Ladies of Baghdad" by Richard Francis Burton

The story is set in Persia in a woman's lodge.
Three wealthy sisters host a porter, three one-eyed Kalandars, and three merchants for shelter, food, and drink.
The guests are unaware that the merchants are actually the Caliph in disguise.
The story emphasizes the theme of instant justice by highlighting the consequences of breaking a sworn oath.

"Instant Justice" by Tewfik al-Hakim

The story is set in a small village where villagers decide to take justice into their own hands.
The plot explores the complexities of justice and the dangers of taking the law into one's hands without proper authority.

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Description

Explore the themes and styles of two prominent African writers, David Diop and Nadine Gordimer. This quiz covers Diop's patriotic poem 'Africa my Africa' and Gordimer's poignant short story set in apartheid South Africa. Delve into the literary techniques and cultural contexts that shape their narratives.