The River Between Final

Global Literature
The River Between: Final

Read the two education articles in the packet, then answer ALL of the following questions. These questions are HUGE questions. We don’t expect you to solve all the problems of the world, but we do expect thoughtful responses with supporting evidence from the novel and the readings to back up your opinions.

Requirements:
1. Answers must be thoughtful and complete
2. All answers must be typed and proofread
3. There is no set length requirement – quality is more important than quantity, but keep in mind that good answers have specific examples to strengthen your ideas.
4. More importantly, your answers need to go beyond the book and articles. This means that we want to see you analyze, interpret, and critique the material in your response.

Questions:
1. Tradition vs. Modernization: Cultures inevitably change as they come into contact with outside ideas and influences. However, there are over 6,000 cultures around the world on the brink of extinction. What do The River Between and the articles on education say about the loss of culture? What are the dangers of losing these cultures and what are the positives of a more homogeneous (uniform) world culture? What are some ways to begin to address this problem? What role does education play in this conflict? Support your answers with at least one specific example from The River Between and at least one specific example from each of the three articles.

Figurative Language and Theme: In great literary works, authors use literary devices to explore themes, and questions. This includes focusing on plot structure, figurative language (symbols, metaphors, similes, personification, etc), setting, character development, and allusions. Argue Ngugi wa Thiongo’s position on the major questions listed below:

2. Did Waiyaki succeed in fulfilling the prophecy? How did Ngugi use literary devices to support his opinion regarding this throughout the novel? Support your answers with at least one specific example from The River Between (include at least one quote from the book in this response).

3. What is the purpose of the biblical allusions? How and why did the author decide to turn Waiyaki into a Christ-like figure? How did Ngugi use literary devices to support his opinion regarding this throughout the novel? Support your answers with at least one specific example from The River Between (include at least one quote from the book in this response).

4. Which is more important to an individual: your duty to your family and community or your individual freedom, dreams, and goals? How did Ngugi use literary devices to support his opinion regarding this throughout the novel? Support your answers with at least one specific example from The River Between (include at least one quote from the book in this response).

Our goal is to have you explore these issues intelligently and apply your understanding of The River Between.