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. Select the link to access the English Essay Rubric.
"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant uses setting and mood to convey the theme of appearances versus reality. The story is set in 19th century France, with a stark contrast between the middle-class couple's humble apartment and the opulent ballroom at the Ministry of Education. The mood shifts from longing and dissatisfaction to excitement and anticipation, before turning to despair and regret. Through the setting of the story, readers can see how the desire for wealth and status can blind individuals to the true value of their lives. Ultimately, "The Necklace" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and envy, highlighting the consequences of valuing appearances over reality. The powerful combination of setting and mood in the story helps to effectively convey its underlying themes.
In the selection "The Tiger in the Tunnel" by Ruskin Bond, the statement made by Laura Winkiel about understanding cultural and religious change through literature can be applied. This story is set at a crossroads of change in the main character Baldeo's life. Baldeo, a tunnel guard, is faced with the challenge of protecting his family and livelihood from a man-eating tiger that roams the area. This symbolizes the struggle that many Middle Easterners and South Asian people face as they navigate the complexities of tradition and modernity.
The setting of the story plays a crucial role in creating a mood of tension and unease. The tunnel itself is described as dark and ominous, adding to the sense of danger that Baldeo must confront. The forest surrounding the tunnel is depicted as wild and untamed, emphasizing the harsh reality of nature and the unpredictability of life. The time period in which the story is set is also significant, as it reflects a time of transition and uncertainty in the characters' lives.
Through the character of Baldeo's wife, we see how women in these societies cope with conflicts and challenges. Despite being in a traditionally submissive role, Baldeo's wife shows strength and resilience in the face of adversity. She supports her husband through his trials and stands by him in his time of need. This demonstrates the important role that women play in these societies, as they are often the ones who provide stability and support in times of crisis.
In conclusion, "The Tiger in the Tunnel" illustrates the complex questions that arise in the face of cultural and religious change. Through its setting, mood, and characters, the story sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals as they navigate the shifting landscapes of tradition and modernity.
can you answer question b
Certainly! Here is a response to question B:
In the story "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant, setting and mood play crucial roles in conveying the theme of the story. The story takes place in 19th century France and revolves around a middle-class couple, Mathilde and Monsieur Loisel. The setting of the story in a modest Parisian apartment and at a grand ball at the Ministry of Education helps to highlight the stark contrast between the two social classes.
The mood of the story is initially set as one of longing and dissatisfaction as Mathilde dreams of a glamorous life filled with luxury and extravagance. This mood is further intensified by the description of the couple's humble surroundings and their limited means. When Mathilde borrows a diamond necklace to wear to the ball, the mood shifts to one of excitement and anticipation, only to quickly turn to despair and regret when she loses the necklace.
The setting of the story, from the cramped apartment to the extravagant ballroom, helps to convey the theme of appearances versus reality. Mathilde is so consumed with the desire to appear wealthy and important that she fails to appreciate the simple pleasures and comforts of her own life. The contrast between her aspirations and the reality of her situation serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive pride and envy.
Overall, "The Necklace" demonstrates how setting and mood can be used to effectively convey the underlying themes of a story. Through the vivid descriptions of the different settings and the evocative mood created by the narration, readers are able to gain insight into the consequences of vanity and materialism.