World Literature help please
1. In the "The Old Chief Mshlanga" how does the narrator's opinion of the natives change?
2. How does this affect her relationship with her father?
3. How did the books that the narrator of "The Old Chief Mshlanga" read affect her attitude toward her home?
As a young girl growing up in Africa, the narrator came into contact with many native Africans. Those who found themselves in the employ of her family were the fortunate ones, she believed. While she acknowledged that they exist, the narrator took for granted the servant-like way in which, as she described, “the servants in the house would come running a hundred yard to pick up a book if she dropped it.” The narrator, accustomed to constant service, had never wandered too far from the confines of her father’s land. When she traveled on the land she took along dogs, ready at a command to attack any African natives which approached her. For “safety’s sake” she carried with her a gun--completely useless, in most cases, and never really a necessary option for self-protection.
Remarked that white children often spent time together making funning of blacks--the native Africans, and the way in which they were served by them. She commented “they could set the dogs on him and watch him run--they could tease a black child as if he was a puppy.” In keeping with the modernists point-of-view, the narrator describes actions that to her, as an adult, are appalling, and those which, to her readers, are equally disturbing.
The narrator’s life and perspective are changed completely when one afternoon she comes across a group of African natives approaching her father’s land. As she is out walking alone, she has her dogs as well as her gun with her. Interestingly, the group approaching her is part of a tribal council, as the leader of the tribe, Chief Mshlanga is with them. She is surprised that he recognizes her and that he remembers her by describing how big she was the last time he saw her. Upon realizing that she is addressing a tribal chief she is embarrassed that she has taken part in the typical disrespect that whites gave the natives.
1. In "The Old Chief Mshlanga," the narrator's opinion of the natives undergoes a significant transformation over time. Initially, she holds a prejudiced and narrow-minded view of the African people, believing them to be primitive and inferior. However, as she spends more time in Africa and witnesses firsthand the oppression and mistreatment of the native population, her perception starts to change. She starts to recognize their humanity and the injustice they face under colonial rule. The narrator begins to see the natives as individuals with their own rich culture, history, and struggles rather than just a homogeneous group.
2. The narrator's changing opinion of the natives also impacts her relationship with her father. Initially, her view aligns with her father's colonial mindset, and they share a bond based on their shared beliefs. However, as the narrator's perspective evolves, she starts to question her father's views and the colonial system as a whole. This creates a rift between them and strains their relationship. The narrator's growing empathy for the oppressed natives contrasts with her father's adherence to the unjust colonial structure, leading to a divide between them.
3. The books that the narrator reads in "The Old Chief Mshlanga" play a significant role in shaping her attitude toward her home. Initially, her reading material consists mostly of books that reinforce colonial stereotypes and prejudices, which influences her negative perception of Africa and its people. However, as she expands her reading choices and is exposed to literature that explores the complex history and culture of the African continent, her attitude starts to change. These books offer a more nuanced perspective and challenge the prevailing colonial narrative, prompting the narrator to question her own biases and assumptions. Consequently, her reading experiences broaden her understanding of Africa and contribute to her altering attitude toward her home.
To answer these questions, you would need to read and analyze the story "The Old Chief Mshlanga" by Doris Lessing. However, I can provide some guidance on how to approach these questions to find the answers yourself.
1. To understand how the narrator's opinion of the natives changes, you should closely examine the narrator's initial perception of the natives and their culture and compare it to her later views. Look for passages or events in the story that signal a shift in her attitude. Pay attention to the language, tone, and descriptions used by the narrator to document this change.
2. To understand how this change in opinion affects her relationship with her father, look for scenes or dialogue that highlight the interactions between the narrator and her father in relation to the natives. Analyze their conversations, conflicts, or contrasting viewpoints on the subject. Consider how the narrator's evolving perspective on the natives may impact her relationship with her father, and look for evidence of any changes in their dynamics.
3. To examine the effect of the books that the narrator reads on her attitude toward her home, look for specific references to the books and the ideas or themes they introduce. Consider how these readings shape the narrator's worldview and how they influence her perception of her home. Look for any passages where the narrator directly reflects upon the impact of the books on her attitudes or values.
By closely reading the story and analyzing these key aspects, you will be able to understand the narrator's changing opinion of the natives, its impact on her relationship with her father, and how her reading material influences her attitude toward her home.