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. 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.Select the link to access the English Essay Rubric.
As an AI language model, I cannot access external links. However, I can still help you with your essay prompt. Let's begin with prompt number 1:
Prompt 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.
The line "I am a citizen of the world" signifies a sense of belongingness and connection to all people, regardless of nationality or cultural background. It suggests that one's identity and allegiance extend beyond borders and encompasses humanity as a whole. In the story "When Greek Meets Greek," this line fits well with the events of the narrative.
The story revolves around Nwoye, an Igbo man living in Nigeria, who encounters John Harman, an American Peace Corps volunteer. Initially, Nwoye is wary of John due to the cultural differences and the historical context of colonialism. However, as they spend time together and share their stories, Nwoye realizes that they are more similar than different. This understanding leads Nwoye to proclaim, "I am a citizen of the world."
Nwoye's statement reflects the realization that despite their different backgrounds, he and John share common values, dreams, and aspirations. They both desire peace, justice, and personal fulfillment. While the story explores the conflict between their cultures, it ultimately emphasizes the shared human experience that unites people beyond nationality or ethnicity.
Furthermore, this line can also be applied to other selections in this unit. For example, in the poem "I, Too" by Langston Hughes, the speaker declares his identity as not only an African American but also a citizen of the world. He expresses his hope and determination for equality and justice, believing that his presence and contributions to society are essential. This sentiment echoes the theme of universal brotherhood, emphasizing the shared struggle for freedom and dignity.
In conclusion, the line "I am a citizen of the world" signifies a sense of belonging to a larger community that transcends geographical boundaries. In "When Greek Meets Greek," this line represents the shared humanity and understanding between Nwoye and John Harman. It also resonates with the theme of universal brotherhood in other selections, like Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too." Ultimately, this line reminds us that our shared experiences and aspirations supersede cultural differences, fostering a sense of unity and connection among all people.