Respond in a well-organized essay, and make sure your answer is written in complete sentences.
Respond to one of the questions below. Include at least two supporting details or examples.
A. In "The Literature of the Middle East and South Asia," Laura Winkiel writes: "These stories help us to understand the complex questions that Middle Easterners and South Asian people ask as they stand at a crossroads of cultural and religious change." Explain how this statement applies to one of the selections you read. Be sure to include the title of the selection and explain the crossroads that it illustrates.
B. Setting and mood are important elements in many of the stories in this unit. Choose one story and describe some aspects of its setting: where it takes place; what mood is created by the details of weather, place, and time; and how this setting helps to convey the theme of the story.
C. What did you learn about the role of women in the societies described in the reading selections in this unit? Describe how the women cope with the conflicts they encounter.
Note: If you respond to essay (C), you may not choose the similar essay in the Unit 3 Unit Test.
B. Setting and mood are important elements in many of the stories in this unit. Choose one story and describe some aspects of its setting: where it takes place; what mood is created by the details of weather, place, and time; and how this setting helps to convey the theme of the story.
One story that effectively utilizes setting and mood to convey its theme is "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber. The story is set in the mid-20th century and follows the daydreaming protagonist, Walter Mitty, as he navigates his mundane life. The story takes place in various settings, including a bustling city street, a doctor's office, and a war-torn battlefield.
The mood created by the details of weather, place, and time in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is one of escapism and fantasy. The story begins with Mitty daydreaming about being a brave naval commander in the midst of a violent storm. This sets the tone for the rest of the story, as Mitty's daydreams transport him to different times and places where he can be a hero or a daring adventurer.
The setting of the story helps to convey the theme of the story, which is the contrast between the dull reality of Mitty's life and the exciting fantasies he retreats to. The mundane settings, such as the city street and the doctor's office, highlight the monotony and boredom of Mitty's everyday existence. In contrast, the more adventurous settings, like the war-torn battlefield, reflect Mitty's desire for adventure and excitement.
Furthermore, the specific details of weather and place contribute to the overall mood and theme of the story. The stormy weather at the beginning of the story symbolizes Mitty's desire for change and excitement. The contrast between the chaos of the storm and the mundane reality of Mitty's life emphasizes his need for escape. Similarly, the war-torn battlefield setting represents Mitty's longing for heroism and adventure, as it allows him to imagine himself as a brave and valiant soldier.
In conclusion, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" effectively utilizes setting and mood to convey its theme of the contrast between reality and fantasy. The various settings, weather details, and time periods help to create a mood of escapism and emphasize Mitty's daydreaming nature. Through these elements, the story explores the theme of the mundane versus the extraordinary and invites readers to reflect on the role of imagination in one's life.