what is the exigence of black panther in the opening scenes and show textual evidence?
In literature, film, and rhetoric, "exigence" is a situation or condition that requires a response or action. It establishes the need for the characters to act or the story to unfold. To discuss the exigence of the Black Panther in the opening scenes, let's look at the 2018 Marvel film "Black Panther" directed by Ryan Coogler.
In the opening scenes of "Black Panther," we're introduced to a few key elements of exigence:
1. **The Story of Wakanda**: The film begins with a visual and narrated tale of Wakanda's history—a land uncolonized and untouched by the outside world, which remains hidden by concentrating on its prosperity and technological advancements fueled by the metal vibranium. The exigence here is the question of Wakanda's place in the world and the responsibility that comes with its resources and technological prowess.
Textual evidence: A child asks, "Tell me a story," followed by the narration that gives the audience a history of Wakanda and its significance.
2. **The Death of King T'Chaka**: Another critical piece of exigence is the death of T'Chaka, the previous King of Wakanda, which we learned about in "Captain America: Civil War." His death is the catalyst for T'Challa returning to Wakanda to assume the throne.
Textual evidence: In the conversation and ceremonial scenes following T'Challa’s return to Wakanda, characters refer to the recent events where T'Chaka lost his life, highlighting the leadership vacuum and the necessity for a new king.
3. **The Challenge to the Throne**: The ritual combat introduced in the opening scenes establishes the tradition that allows any Wakandan of royal blood to challenge the heir for the throne. The appearance of M'Baku as a challenger sets up immediate conflict and tests T'Challa's right to be king.
Textual evidence: Zuri, the priest, asks, "Does any member of a royal blood wish to challenge for the throne?" This is followed by the dramatic entrance of M'Baku, who challenges T’Challa, indicating the urgency and importance of leadership in Wakanda.
4. **The Legacy of Vibranium**: The opening scenes allude to the importance of vibranium, both as a material that has advanced Wakandan society and as a source of potential conflict should the rest of the world discover it.
Textual evidence: The explanation of vibranium’s impact on Wakanda during the opening narration and its depiction in the advancement of the country shows the viewer the crucial role it plays.
5. **Ethical Dilemma**: A significant piece of exigence is the philosophical question of Wakanda’s isolationism. Despite their resources, they have not intervened in global affairs. The opening scenes lay the groundwork for this ethical debate that will be a central theme throughout the film.
Textual evidence: There are discussions among the Wakandan leadership about whether they should open their borders and share their technology with the world or maintain their isolation to protect their culture and resources from external forces.
The opening scenes of "Black Panther" set the stage for a rich narrative exploring themes of leadership, responsibility, cultural identity, and global ethics. The exigencies introduced are both personal for T'Challa as the new king and universal as they concern the role of Wakanda in a broader global context.