World Literature help please

Question

1. In the "The Old Chief Mshlanga" how does the narrator's opinion of the natives change?

2. How does this affect her relationship with her father?

3. How did the books that the narrator of "The Old Chief Mshlanga" read affect her attitude toward her home?

 

Please help me with these questions 

Answer 1

I wanted to give you some guidance to help you find the answers to a few key questions about "The Old Chief Mshlanga" by Doris Lessing. I’ve included specific passages and questions to think about, which should help you explore the story’s themes more deeply. Take your time with each section, reflecting on how the narrator’s experiences shape her perspective.

1. How does the narrator's opinion of the natives change?

1. Where to Look: Start at the beginning, where the narrator describes the natives in vague, almost dismissive terms, referring to them as “shadows” or indistinct figures. Then, read the part where she encounters Chief Mshlanga directly.
2. Questions to Consider:
3. What words does the narrator use to describe the natives early on?
4. How does her tone and language change when she meets Chief Mshlanga?
5. What impact does this meeting have on her understanding of the people around her?
6. Goal: Notice how the narrator shifts from seeing the natives as distant or inferior to recognizing their dignity and humanity, especially in her interactions with Chief Mshlanga.

2. How does this affect her relationship with her father?

1. Where to Look: Focus on passages where the narrator’s father dismisses her interest in the natives, especially when she begins showing respect for Chief Mshlanga. Pay attention to how her opinion of her father evolves as she gains a new perspective on the land and people.
2. Questions to Consider:
3. How does her father react to her growing respect for the natives?
4. What does this reveal about his values and view of the land and its people?
5. As the narrator’s opinion of the natives changes, does she see her father differently?
6. Goal: Reflect on how the narrator’s shift in perspective creates a divide between her and her father, showing her that his views are rooted in colonial attitudes she no longer shares.

3. How did the books that the narrator read affect her attitude toward her home?

1. Where to Look: Early on, the narrator reflects on how reading British stories made her idealize Europe and view Africa as lesser. Later, see how her experiences with Chief Mshlanga lead her to question these books’ perspectives.
2. Questions to Consider:
3. What kinds of places are described in the books she read growing up?
4. How do these stories influence her opinion of Africa and its people?
5. After meeting Chief Mshlanga, does she begin to see her surroundings differently?
6. Goal: Recognize how the romanticized view of England initially makes her feel detached from Africa, and how real experiences help her replace these ideas with a more genuine appreciation of her own home.

These questions should guide you to some thoughtful insights about the narrator’s transformation. If you need more help as you work through it, let me know—I’d be happy to discuss any of these parts with you!