Choose two of the following essay prompts. Respond to each in a paragraph. Write your answer in complete sentences. (16 pts ) Prompt I. In both "Marriage Is a Private Affair" and "A Meeting in the Dark," young men fret that their fathers will disapprove of their potential wives. Compare these two stories by looking at how the personalities of the young men and their fathers help to shape the eventual outcomes. Prompt II. Examine how white people and black people regard each other in "No Witchcraft for Sale," "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," and "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses." How do they help to both teach and support each other, and how do they fail? Think about what each group is trying to protect and when it withholds something from the other. Prompt III. A theme that runs through the poems in this unit is that a sense of pride is important to a sense of self-worth. What do you think is the connection between this theme and Africa's history of colonial rule? Support your view with details from at least two of the selections you have read. Select the link to access the English Essay Rubric. English Essay Rubric (16 points)
Prompt I: In both "Marriage Is a Private Affair" and "A Meeting in the Dark," the young men and their fathers play a significant role in shaping the eventual outcomes. In "Marriage Is a Private Affair," the young man Nnaemeka fears his father's disapproval of his choice of wife, Nene. Nnaemeka is portrayed as a modern, open-minded individual who is willing to defy tradition and follow his heart. On the other hand, his father represents the traditional values and beliefs of their culture, and he strongly opposes Nnaemeka's decision. This clash between generations and their different personalities eventually leads to a strained relationship between Nnaemeka and his father, with the father refusing to acknowledge his grandson. In "A Meeting in the Dark," the young man's nameless father symbolizes authority and strict traditional values. The young man's personality, defined by rebellion and a desire for freedom, clashes with his father's expectations. Ultimately, the young man decides to elope with his girlfriend against his father's wishes, which leads to a tragic outcome. Both stories highlight the conflict between the young men's personalities and their fathers' expectations, emphasizing the role of generational and cultural differences in shaping the outcomes.
Prompt II: In "No Witchcraft for Sale," "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," and "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses," the relationships between white and black people are complex and carry significant weight in shaping the interactions between the two groups. These stories depict the dynamics of power, prejudice, and attempts at understanding between the races. The white characters often hold positions of authority, influence, and privilege, while the black characters endure varying degrees of marginalization and discrimination. However, there are instances in which both groups teach and support each other. For example, in "No Witchcraft for Sale," the white family turns to the black protagonist, Gideon, for help and knowledge of native remedies. This mutually beneficial relationship demonstrates the understanding that expertise lies within both groups. However, failures in understanding also occur. In "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," the white protagonist's ignorance and negligence result in the accidental shooting of a black boy, causing a deep rift between the two communities. These stories highlight the delicate balance between teaching and supporting each other, as well as the consequences of failing to understand each other's perspectives. Both groups are driven by protection of their heritage, traditions, and power. This leads to occasions of withholding information or denying opportunities to the other, further illustrating the divide between them.
(Note: I can only answer two prompts as per the given instruction.)