Choose one of the following, two prompts.
1. "I am a citizen of the world" is a key line in the story "When Greek Meets Greek." What does this line mean to you? Explain how this line fits the events of this story or another selection in this unit. Include details to support your explanation.
2. The poems in this unit share the theme of love: love of self, love of family, love of country, and love of a significant other. Afte deciding what kind of love is being addressed in each poem, describe the sensory details the poet uses to evoke this powerful emotion. Which poem affects you most? Explain why you think that is.
I am a citizen of the world" is a key line in the story "When Greek Meets Greek." This line means that the speaker feels a sense of belonging and connection to all people, regardless of their nationality or background. They see themselves as part of a global community and recognize that their identity is not solely defined by their own country or culture.
In the story "When Greek Meets Greek," the line "I am a citizen of the world" is spoken by Mr. Burchell, a character who has traveled extensively and experienced different cultures. He befriends the main character, Mr. Wrayburn, and helps him navigate through a series of challenging situations. Despite their different backgrounds, Mr. Burchell sees beyond these differences and extends his support to Mr. Wrayburn. This line perfectly encapsulates Mr. Burchell's attitude towards the world and his willingness to embrace people from all walks of life.
Another selection in this unit where the line "I am a citizen of the world" fits is the story "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant. In this story, the main character, Mathilde Loisel, dreams of a life beyond her current social status. She believes that she deserves a higher position in society and constantly yearns for material possessions. However, when she loses a valuable necklace borrowed from her friend, she realizes the shallowness of her desires and the illusion she had been chasing.
The line "I am a citizen of the world" can be applied to Mathilde's realization that her personal happiness does not depend on the material wealth or social status. She learns that true fulfillment comes from appreciating the people and experiences in her life, rather than constantly seeking external validation.
Overall, the line "I am a citizen of the world" signifies a mindset of inclusivity and acceptance. It reminds us that our individual identities are shaped by our interactions with people from various backgrounds, and that we should strive to connect with others on a human level, rather than being limited by national boundaries or cultural biases.
I will answer the first prompt: "I am a citizen of the world" is a key line in the story "When Greek Meets Greek."
This line conveys the idea of transcendence and universality, suggesting that individuals can identify themselves not solely by their nationality, but as part of a global community. In the context of the story "When Greek Meets Greek," this line fits the events by emphasizing the theme of cultural exchange and understanding.
Throughout the story, there is a clash between American and Greek culture as characters from different backgrounds interact. The line "I am a citizen of the world" encapsulates the broader message that cultural differences should be celebrated rather than viewed as barriers. David, the protagonist, represents this perspective when he says this line, as he is open-minded and willing to learn about Greek traditions and values.
One example of the line's significance is during the Greek wedding celebration, where David is exposed to Greek customs like the "koufeta" tradition. Instead of dismissing it, he participates and shows respect for their cultural practices, understanding that being a citizen of the world means embracing diverse experiences and perspectives.
This line also aligns with the theme of cultural exchange in another selection from this unit, such as "The Medicine Bag" by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve. In this story, the protagonist's grandfather carries a medicine bag containing symbols of his Sioux Indian heritage. Despite his mixed heritage, the grandson feels a sense of connection and belonging to his Sioux culture.
The line "I am a citizen of the world" can be seen in the grandson's recognition that his identity is not limited to a specific ethnicity but is shaped by his experiences within the global community. It signifies his acknowledgment of the importance of preserving and understanding different cultures, much like David in "When Greek Meets Greek."
In conclusion, the line "I am a citizen of the world" represents the idea of transcending national boundaries and embracing cultural diversity. It applies to the events in "When Greek Meets Greek" by highlighting the theme of cultural exchange, and it can also be related to other selections like "The Medicine Bag" by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating different cultural identities.
Sure! I will choose prompt number 2: "The poems in this unit share the theme of love: love of self, love of family, love of country, and love of a significant other. After deciding what kind of love is being addressed in each poem, describe the sensory details the poet uses to evoke this powerful emotion. Which poem affects you most? Explain why you think that is."
To answer this question, you will need to analyze the poems in the unit and identify the type of love being addressed in each one. Then, you will describe the sensory details the poet uses to evoke that particular kind of love. Finally, you will need to determine which poem affects you the most and explain why that is.
Start by reading each poem carefully and paying attention to the themes and emotions expressed in them. Consider the language, imagery, and metaphors used by the poet to convey the sense of love. Think about the sensory details that stand out and evoke a powerful emotional response within you.
For example, if one of the poems talks about love of self, the poet may use sensory details such as describing a warm embrace, the feeling of a gentle touch, or the sight of a mirror reflecting someone's inner beauty.
Once you have identified the type of love addressed in each poem and have described the sensory details used to evoke those emotions, you can move on to determining which poem affects you the most. This is a personal response, so consider which poem resonates with your own experiences, emotions, or values. Explain why that particular poem stands out to you and what makes it powerful in your eyes.
Remember to support your explanations and choices with specific examples from the poems themselves. This will make your analysis more convincing and provide evidence for your responses.
Good luck with your analysis!