Question MAKE IT SHORT
Select one of the following to respond to:
1. What do you learn about the role of women in the societies described in the selections by Djebar, Rifaat, al-Idlibi, and Ayyoub? Discuss how the women cope with the conflicts they encounter.
Note: If you responded to the essay about the role of women and conflict in Unit 2, you may not choose to respond to essay (1).
2. Setting (the time and place in which a literary work takes place) and mood (atmosphere) are important elements in many of these stories. 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.
Select the link to access the English Essay Rubric.
2. Setting and mood are important elements in many of these stories. Choose one story and describe some aspects of its setting, the mood created by the details of weather, place, and time, and how this setting helps convey the theme of the story.
MAKE IT LONGER
2. Setting and mood are key components in the literary works of Djebar, Rifaat, al-Idlibi, and Ayyoub. By examining the setting in a particular story, one can gain insight into the time and place in which the narrative unfolds. The details of weather, location, and time period work harmoniously to establish a particular mood or atmosphere that evokes emotions and enhances the overall reading experience.
For example, in Djebar's work, the setting of Algeria during the French colonization period creates a tense and oppressive mood. The scorching sun beating down on the characters, the dusty streets filled with unrest, and the constant presence of French soldiers contribute to the feeling of despair and resistance that permeates the story. This setting effectively conveys the theme of power struggles and oppression faced by Algerian women during this tumultuous time.
Similarly, in Rifaat's stories set in Egypt, the bustling streets of Cairo and the crowded, chaotic bazaars evoke a sense of claustrophobia and suffocation. The oppressive heat, the noise of vendors hawking their wares, and the crowded living conditions all contribute to a mood of confinement and restriction, reflecting the societal constraints placed on women in traditional Egyptian culture.
By analyzing the setting in these stories, readers can better understand the themes of power dynamics, resistance, and societal norms that the authors are exploring. The carefully crafted settings immerse readers in the world of the characters, allowing them to experience the emotions and challenges faced by the protagonists. In this way, setting and mood serve as essential tools in conveying the deeper meanings and messages of these powerful literary works.