discuss how the methaphor of death operate in Chinua Achebe's "dead men's path" with specific reference to culture identity?
I gave you a number of sites on that story yesterday. When you have done your writing, please repost and we will happily give you further suggestions.
http://www.appraisercentral.com/research/DeadMensPath.htm
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http://neale-wade.cambs.sch.uk/revision/english/deadmenspath.html
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http://www.emcp.com/product_catalog/school/litLink/Grade10/U10-02deadmen/index.php
To discuss the metaphor of death in Chinua Achebe's "Dead Men's Path," we first need to understand the context and themes of the story. "Dead Men's Path" is a short story set in Nigeria, and it explores themes of cultural clash, the importance of tradition, and the consequences of disregarding cultural identity.
In the story, the protagonist, Obi, is a young and ambitious headmaster who takes charge of a school. He aims to modernize the school by improving its appearance, curriculum, and overall reputation. However, his actions create a clash with the village's traditional beliefs and cultural identity, specifically regarding death.
The metaphor of death operates in "Dead Men's Path" as a symbol of the clash between tradition and modernity. The villagers believe that death is an integral part of their cultural identity and that the dead must be respected. They follow an ancient footpath, which they believe connects the world of the living and the dead.
Obi, focused on modernization and ignorant of the village's customs, decides to block the footpath to build a new school path. He sees the villagers' beliefs as backward and irrational, and he believes that progress is more important than honoring the dead. This disregard for the villagers' cultural identity is symbolic of the clash between tradition and modernity.
When the village priest confronts Obi about the importance of the footpath, Obi dismisses it, not understanding its significance. As a result, tragic events unfold, and the story ends with the metaphorical death of Obi's dreams and ambitions.
The metaphor of death in this story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disregarding cultural identity. It highlights the importance of understanding and respecting diverse cultural beliefs, as well as the need to find a balance between tradition and modernization.
To fully analyze the use of this metaphor and its connection to cultural identity in "Dead Men's Path," it is essential to read and interpret the story in its entirety. Look for specific examples of how the concept of death is portrayed, how it affects the characters and their understanding of cultural identity, and how it contributes to the overall theme of the story.