Directions:
Read the short story "The Madman" by Chinua Achebe and the contextual significance provided. Then read the critical/interpretive essay (Oral Tradition and Modern Storytelling: Revisiting Chinua Achebe's Short Stories). Respond to the following questions below. Refer to the resource, "Literary Terms & Devices for Short Stories" for definitions.R e-read the stories and essay. This is fairly typical in humanities research and writing. Close critical readings almost always require multiple readings.
1. Find two or more examples of symbols in the short story. Explain their significance.
2. Find two examples of motifs in the short story. How does the use of motifs help you understand the story?
3. What is the function of the "The Madman" in the story? Is the Madman a character archetype? Why or why not?
4. Find two examples of plot devices in the story? Explain their significance.
5. What is a main theme of this short story? Is this story a parable? Why or why not? Explain and provide examples.
6. Ogede states "Nwibe's plight, [...] stands as a dazzling metaphor for Africa's cultural dispossession." Explain what Ogede means by this. How is this reflected in the "Madman"? Provide specific examples from the story. How does this connect with Achebe's intentions to "seiz[e] narrative control from those in power and [to] appropriate a narrative voice with which to tell the story of Nigeria from the inside [as] remain his primary responsibility," (Valassopouls, 2005).
7. What is the connection between the tradition of oral storytelling and Achebe's short stories according to Ogede. Focus on two main components that Ogede points out of how, "All of Achebe's short stories stress the importance of ancient cultural traditions and habits in the survival and organizing of indigenous societies," and that "As in a typical oral storytelling performance, [most of his short stories] end with a moral lesson that is meant to reinforce the traditional values of the tribe." Why do you think their is this influence of oral tradition in Achebe's work and how can you see it reflected in the short story "The Madman"?
8. What part of the story do you like best? Which part of the story do you dislike? Discuss your preferences in a paragraph or more.
Attachment:- ACHEBE, (Albert) Chinua(lumogu).rar
Attachment:- Document.rar