Module Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Material of the lectures and the works studied (including analysis of a poem and
narratological analysis).
“Extend Answer” Question (one of the following)
1. Literature of England. Main peculiarities and representatives.+
Main peculiarities
Representatives : Modernism, postmodernism, and diverse literary movements.
Exploration of identity, existentialism, and globalization.
Edward Said(1935-2003) orientalism, culture and imperialism
J. R. R. Tolkien. “Silmarillion”

2. Literature of Scotland. Main peculiarities and representatives.+

Main peculiarities
Scots Language: Scottish literature often incorporates the Scots language, a
Germanic language spoken in Lowland Scotland and parts of Ulster. Famous
works like Robert Burns' poetry are written in Scots, showcasing the linguistic
diversity of the region.
Gaelic Tradition: In addition to Scots, Gaelic literature has a significant
presence in Scottish culture, especially in the Highlands and islands. Ancient
Gaelic poetry and folklore contribute to the literary heritage of Scotland.
Ballads and Folklor: Scotland has a rich tradition of ballads and folklore,
passed down orally through generati These ballads often tell tales of heroism,
tragedy, and supernatural elements. They have been a source of inspiration for
many
Representatives
Sir Waiter Scott(1771-1832)
Influenced by:
1). German Romanticism, Gothic novels, Scottisch lorder ballads first
published work -
“The Chose”, and “Willian and Helen"
2). Poetry: clear and vigorous storytelling; honest pathos; vivid evocations of
landscapes
3). Prose: 1. vivid and varied characters 2. knowledge of History and society 3.
masterful dialogues 4.rich literature style 5.vigorous descriptions
Non-scottish themes: Ivanhoe, the Monastery, tha Ablot, the Pirate+
3. Literature of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Main peculiarities and
representatives.+
Main peculiarities
Literary Nationalism:
Many Irish writers have been engaged in literary nationalism, expressing a strong
sense of Irish identity and a desire for political independence. This theme is prevalent
in works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Seamus Heaney's Poetry:

Seamus Heaney, a Nobel laureate, is one of the most significant Irish poets of the late
20th century. His poetry often delves into Irish rural life, history, and the Troubles,
with a focus on language and identity.
Representatives
F. O`connor – “Guests of the nation”; “The Saint and Mary Kate”; “Coied
Birds Next”
Northern Ireland
Seamus Honey(1939-2013) – first poetry collection(“Death of a Naturalist”),
deceptively simple style, Nobel Prize for Literature in 1995, translation
4. Literature of Wales. Main peculiarities and representatives.
Main Influence of Welsh Nonconformist traditions, reflecting religious and
social themes.
Representative: R.S. Thomas, a 20th-century poet and Anglican clergyman,
explored the Welsh landscape and the spiritual challenges of modernity.
5. Literature of Nigeria. Main peculiarities and representatives.+
Chinua Acheba(1930-2013)
Main peculiarities
Literature is written in various languages, reflecting Nigeria's linguistic
diversity. English, as a legacy of colonization, coexists with indigenous
languages.
Representative: Chinua Achebe, writing in English, brought Igbo culture to a
global audience through novels like "Arrow of God."

6. Literature of Uganda. Main peculiarities and representatives.

L. A. Aujo.
Main peculiarities
Representatives

7. Literature of India. Main peculiarities and representatives.+

R. Kipling.
Representation of British India:

Peculiarities: Kipling's writings often provide a perspective on British India

during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the colonial attitudes
and dynamics of the time.
Representative: "Kim" (1901), one of Kipling's most famous works, is a novel
that explores the life of an orphaned boy in India, providing a vivid portrayal
of the country's diverse cultures.
Imperialistic Themes:
 Peculiarities: Kipling's works sometimes reflect imperialistic themes and the
British colonial viewpoint, with a focus on the British Raj and the relationship
between the colonizers and the colonized.
Representative: "The Jungle Book" (1894) includes stories set in the Indian
jungle, featuring animals that often symbolize different aspects of society and
human behavior.
Use of Indian Folklore:

Peculiarities: Kipling incorporated Indian folklore, myths, and traditions into

his works, adding a layer of cultural richness to his storytelling.
Representative: The stories in "Just So Stories" (1902) often draw on Indian
folklore and fables, presenting imaginative tales that explain the origins of
various animals and their characteristics.
Impact on Indian Literature:

Peculiarities: Kipling's influence on Indian literature is complex, as his

portrayal of India has been criticized for perpetuating colonial stereotypes.
However, his works continue to be studied and discussed in the context of
postcolonial literature.
Representative: Kipling's impact on Indian literature is more indirect, as
contemporary writers engage with and respond to his legacy in their
exploration of cultural identity and historical narratives.
8. Literature of Australia. Main peculiarities and representatives.+
Main peculiarities
Representatives
Henry Lowson(1867-1922)
Early poetic style: sympathy for working Australians, support of the
labormovement, support for an Australian republic
Poetic style: realist tradition, perceptiveness and clarity, no sophistication in its
structure/expression
Works: prose 1. While the Billy Boils and Other Stories; 2. Joe Wilson and his
mates
Poetry: In the Days When the World was Wide and Other Verses; 2. Verses
Popular and humorous; 3. “Bush Ballead” school of poetry
9. Literature of New Zealand. Main peculiarities and representatives.+
Main peculiarities
Exploration of the bicultural relationship between Maori and Pakeha, as well as
the increasing multiculturalism in contemporary New Zealand literature.
Representatives
Going for Bread by P. Grace

10.Literature of Canada. Main peculiarities and representatives.

 Emily Pauline Johnson(1861-1917)
Main peculiarities
Representatives

11.Literature of the USA. Main peculiarities and representatives.+

Main peculiarities
Representatives
Ray Bradbury
Short stories and novels: poetic style, nostalgia, social criticism, awareness of the
hazards of runay technology
Major works
Short stories collections:
1. The MartiChronicles
2. The Golden Apples of the sun
3. A Medicine for Melancholy

Novels
1. Fehrenheit 451
2. Green Shadows,white Whale
3. Dandelion Wine
4. Something Wicked this Way comes
5. Farewell Summer
Mystery Novels
1. Death is a lonely Business
2. A oraveyardr Lunatics
3. Let's all
12.Guests of the Nation by F. O’Connor. Major ideas, problems, character
analysis.
 Guests of the Nation portrays the execution of two English prisoners who are
held as captives by the soldiers of Irish Republican Army. Consisting of four
parts, the story is narrated by Bonaparte, one of the Irish rebels. The setting is a
cottage owned by an old woman in the countryside of Ireland, remote from any
town. It is the time of Irish War of Independence. The characters are four
Irish rebels (Bonaparte, Noble, Jeremiah Donovan and Feeney), two English
prisoners (Belcher and ‘Awkins) and the old woman. Bonaparte and Noble are
the two younger Irish soldiers and they are responsible with the English
prisoners. In the beginning, they are not aware of that they keep the prisoners
as their hostages whom they may have to shoot in case of any Irish hostage’s
being shot by the English. Even though they are at war with the English,
Bonaparte and Noble become friends with the prisoners. They spend a lot of
time together playing cards, having long conversations and even helping each
other. Noble and ‘Awkins argue about religion all the time. Towards the
middle of the story, Jeremiah Donovan, who is the soldier in charge of the Irish
 group of rebels, tells Bonaparte that he and Noble keep an eye on the English
prisoners because they keep them as hostages. Bonaparte is shocked to hear it
because he realizes that he may have to shoot Belcher and ‘Awkins whom he
regards his friends rather than enemies. Next day, Feeney, the intelligence
officer, brings the news that four Irish hostages had been shot by the English
and that now they would kill the two English prisoners. Bonaparte and Noble
are deeply disturbed; they can’t even look at the faces of Belcher and ‘Awkins.
Bonaparte thinks about letting the prisoners escape but he knows that it would
be anawful crime and he would punished for that. At night, they take the
prisoners near the bog where they will execute them. On the way, ‘Awkins
continuously asks «Aren’t we chums?», which puts Bonaparte into great
distress. They arrive at the bog and Jeremiah Donovan shoots Belcher and
‘Awkins. This incident causes a deep trauma in Bonaparte. Bonaparte’s
disturbance and feeling of betrayal at killing the prisoners has a pivotal role in
constituting the anti-war and pacifist tone of the story.

Character analysis
Bonaparte
Bonaparte is the narrator of the story. He relates his tale as an older man looking
back on events of previous years. He is a young and considerate member of the
Irish Republican Army assigned to guard the two Englishmen, Belcher and
'Awkins, whom he befriends. He joins in the card games the group plays in the
cottage they are staying in. It does not occur to him that the Englishmen are being
held hostage until he is told so by his immediate superior, Jeremiah Donovan.
When Jeremiah Donovan orders the Englishmen executed, Bonaparte goes along
with it. His inner thoughts reveal he does not wish to kill them because he has
grown fond of them. He wishes they would try to escape, suggesting he knows he
could not shoot them if they made a run for it. After the Englishmen are dead, he
is stunned and says he never felt the same about the world ever again.

'Awkins
'Awkins is an argumentative English soldier being held hostage by the Irish.
He amuses himself primarily by provoking arguments about politics and
religion and takes delight in goading Noble in particular. He is the worst card
player of the group because he talks too much. He considers himself a
communist, or perhaps an anarchist, and makes it clear that he has no religious
faith. He considers religion a plot by capitalists to divert attention from their
profit seeking. 'Awkins considers his captors, Bonaparte and Noble, to be his
friends. He does not believe he is about to be killed and makes several attempts
to appeal to them to save his life. He is shot by Jeremiah Donovan and finished
off by Bonaparte because the first bullet did not kill him.
Noble
Noble is an Irish Republican soldier and Bonaparte's main partner in guarding
the English soldiers. He is a religious man, and as such he argues with 'Awkins
 constantly about religion. Like Bonaparte, he does not realize that the
Englishmen are being held as hostages. When Bonaparte tells him it is possible
they will have to kill the Englishmen, he says it is best not to tell the
Englishmen because he does not want to frighten them. Subsequently, he
refuses to deceive them into going to the bog where they will be killed. After
the deed is done, Noble begins to pray with the old woman who owns the
cottage where they had been staying.

Belcher
Belcher is a very tall and quiet English soldier. He mostly keeps to himself,
saying little, but participates in the group's card games, which he usually wins.
He also strikes up a friendship with the old woman who owns the cottage,
primarily by performing menial tasks around the house. He becomes talkative
only when on the verge of death in the bog. He points out that 'Awkins has not
been killed by the first bullet and insists he be finished off first. This causes
him to reflect on how 'Awkins's questions about the next life have all now been
answered. He reveals that he had been unable to begin his life again after his
wife and child left him eight years beforehand. He does not share Jeremiah
Donovan's notions of duty but says he does not blame the Irishmen for killing
him: he thinks they are all "good lads."
Jeremiah Donovan
Jeremiah Donovan is a quiet, shy man with large feet and a country accent. He
is the direct superior of Noble and Bonaparte. He keeps at a distance from the
group in the cottage, and it is revealed gradually to Bonaparte that he does not
like the Englishmen much. When the English kill their Irish prisoners, it is
Jeremiah Donovan who orders and carries out the execution of the Englishmen.
It is clear he believes in "an eye for an eye" and retribution for the dead
Irishmen. He shows some understanding toward Noble, who does not want to
lie to the Englishmen. He tells Belcher he is only doing his duty in killing him,
although Belcher does not quite accept this explanation.

13.First Confession by F. O’Connor. Major ideas, problems, character analysis.

Major ideas :
"First Confession" by Frank O'Connor is a short story that can be analyzed
using the following narrative elements: In “First Confession,” Jackie—a
young boy from a devout Catholic family—judges others for qualities he
himself embodies. He is ashamed of the uncouth manners of his
grandmother, Gran, and he believes that his sister Nora is inherently “evil”
and hypocritical. Yet Jackie is a flawed individual himself, having lashed out
violently at Nora and even plotted to killed Gran, and he is terrified of being
judged by the Catholic priest at his first Confession in the same manner in
which he casts judgment at others. The priest, however, refuses to judge Jackie,
and instead merely reinforces Jackie’s critical attitude. By demonstrating how
the priest—and by extension the church—reinforce Jackie’s hypocritical, self-
centered mindset, O’Connor suggests that, when religion is centered on
judgment, it can cause believers to act more sinfully, rather than less.

1) The story is primarily memesis (slow telling).

2) Focalization: "First Confession" uses internal focalization, focusing on what
the main character, Jackie, feels and thinks. The narrative offers a deep insight
into Jackie's inner world, his fears, and his anxieties surrounding his upcoming
confession. The story provides a close examination of the character's emotional
journey, which aligns with internal focalization.

3) The narrator in "First Confession" is a homodiegetic overt narrator.

4) There is no use of analepsis or prolepsis in "First Confession."
5) The narrative style in "First Confession" can be described as single-ended
factors or commentary.
Problems
Explicit verbal irony is there in the paragraph when he describes Nora walking
down the aisle: “God, the hypocrisy of women! Her eyes were lowered, her
hands were joined on her stomach, and she walked up the aisle to the side-altar
as if she was treading on eggshells. I remembered the devilish malice with
which she had tormented me all the way from home, and I wondered if all
religious people were like that” (Mercier and Greene 518). Here the irony is in
the behavior of Nora and expressed through the tool of sarcasm. Though she
acted like a devout Christian, she was ruthless when it came to tormenting her
brother.

Character analysis
Jackie:
The protagonist of the story, Jackie, is a young boy who is about to make his
first confession. He is portrayed as a typical, mischievous child with a vivid
imagination. His innocence and fear of the sacrament are central to the
narrative.
Nora:
Nora is Jackie's older sister, and she contributes to the comedic elements of the
story. Her role in Jackie's preparation for confession adds a layer of sibling
dynamics to the narrative.
Grandmother:
Jackie's grandmother is a strict, traditional woman with a strong belief in
religious customs. Her influence on Jackie's perception of confession adds a
layer of complexity to the story.
The Priest:
The priest, who hears Jackie's confession, represents the authority and mystery
associated with the sacrament. His interactions with Jackie contribute to the
story's resolution.
 14.The Silmarillion (Ainulindale) by J. R. R. Tolkien. Major ideas, problems,
character analysis.
15.Rob Roy by W. Scott. Major ideas, problems, character analysis.
Major Ideas:
Historical Setting:

"Rob Roy" is set against the backdrop of early 18th-century Scotland, a time of
political and social unrest, with tensions between Highlanders and Lowlanders,
and the influence of the Jacobite uprisings.
Social and Political Commentary:

The novel explores themes of justice, honor, and the impact of political and
economic changes on society. Scott uses the narrative to comment on the
turbulent historical context of the time.
Cultural Conflict:

The clash between the Highland and Lowland cultures is a recurring theme.
The novel delves into the conflicts arising from differences in traditions,
loyalties, and ways of life.
Problems:
Financial Struggles:

One of the central problems in the novel is the financial struggles faced by the
protagonist, Frank Osbaldistone. His involvement with Rob Roy and his
adventures adds complexity to his personal and financial predicaments.
Political Intrigues:

The novel explores the political intrigues and unrest of the time, including the
Jacobite rebellions and the tension between the English and Scottish factions.
These political elements create challenges and dangers for the characters.

Character Analysis:
Rob Roy MacGregor:
The titular character, Rob Roy, is a charismatic and honorable Highlander who
becomes a legendary folk hero. He is known for his sense of justice and loyalty
to his clan. Rob Roy's character embodies the spirit of the Scottish Highlands.
Frank Osbaldistone:
The novel's protagonist, Frank, is a young Englishman who becomes entangled in the
political and personal conflicts of Scotland. His character undergoes development as
he navigates the challenges posed by his family, his loyalty to his homeland, and his
interactions with Rob Roy.
 Diana Vernon:
Diana is a strong and independent female character in the novel. Her role in the story
involves romantic elements and adds a layer of complexity to the plot. Diana's
character challenges traditional gender roles of the time.
Baillie Nicol Jarvie:
A shrewd and humorous Lowland businessman, Baillie Nicol Jarvie is an
important supporting character. He adds a comic element to the narrative and serves
as a bridge between the different worlds of the story.
16.Civil Peace by C. Achebe. Major ideas, problems, character analysis.
Major ideas
The theme of the story should resonate to us Filipinos: though faced with
difficult cha lenges, we have to keep our heads up. Jonathan only concerns
himself with the survival of his family, they live completely free of the anxiety
of the next day. As long as they survive, with or without any wealth, he and his
family never neglect to count their blessings.
Problems
Conflict
The main conflict in civil peace is the condition of destruction and lawlessness
that exists in Nigeria as a result of colonialism and the Nigerian Civil War.
Man vs. Society
The wegbu family was in opposition with a large group of robbers that came to
take 100 pounds from the household. And even though Jonathan told them that
they don't have that amount. the robbers still insisted to take whatever amount
they have. The family did not want to be left with no money after the theft as
they would have nothing to live on. They would be like the other families who
have nothing to eat and nothing at all.
Man vs. Nature
Jonathan was fighting and striving really hard to make sure his family did not
go through the famine that was appearing after the war. He tried numerous
ways such as transforming his bicycle into a taxi to raise money for food and
even running a bar for the soldiers.
Character analysis
Jonathan Iwegbu
Jonathan Iwegbu is the protagonist of "Civil Peace." He is defined by optimism
and resilience, even in the face of great tragedy. Despite the devastation of the
Civil War, Jonathan celebrates what he still has rather than regretting what he
has lost. For instance, he gives thanks for the lives of his wife and three living
children, instead of mourning the son he buried.
Maria Iwegbu
Maria, Jonathan's wife, mirrors his hard-working nature. After the Civil War,
she begins making bean cakes to sell to neighbors. The morning after the
robbery she joins her husband in focusing on work.
 Jonathan is not only optimistic, but also industrious. Instead of waiting for the
situation to change, he starts several businesses. Through the end of the story,
he remains focused on the future. Even when his ex gratia money is stolen by
thieves, he tells sympathetic neighbors that he "count[s] it as nothing" and
continues to work.
thief leader
The thief leader who knocks at Jonathan's door is extremely confident: he
announces himself as a thief, and mocks the family's cries for help. He even
offers to call for soldiers after the police and neighbors fail to answer.

Overall, the thieves are a poignant symbol of the danger and uncertainty of
Nigeria at this time. The leader's language suggests he is less educated than
Jonathan, and his glib, arrogant tone reveals his awareness of how little a
family has to rely on outside themselves. Though he doesn't commit any acts of
violence, the thief leader represents the ever-present potential for violence in
the unstable post-war period.
thief chorus
This group of at least five thieves accompany the thief leader as he accosts
Jonathan's family for money. They form a sort of chorus, chanting responses to
their leader's questions. The call and response structure of the dialogue recalls
musical or theatrical forms. At one point, the chorus questions the decision to
accept merely twenty pounds rather than roughly searching the house, but is
quickly silenced by their leader. It is possible that these men are ex-soldiers.

the army officer

During the war, this army officer demanded Jonathan's bike for military
purposes, but then accepted a bribe in lieu of the bike. In a tattered uniform and
possessing a “certain lack of grip and firmness in his manner”, the officer
represents the untrustworthiness and incompetence of authority in "Civil
Peace."
robbery victim
This man was pick-pocketed of his egg-rasher money, and had a public
breakdown outside the Treasury. He serves as a foil to Jonathan, both in terms
of his carelessness and public desperation. Jonathan is marked by carefulness
and resilience despite setbacks.
17.Marriage is a Private Affair by C. Achebe. Major ideas, problems, character
analysis.
Major ideas
The theme of the story “Marriage is a private affair” are independence,
determination, tradition and ethnic differences. According to the story,
Nnaemeka made a determination to marry Nene knowing the consequences of
his actions may hurt his father Okeke but eventually will give in to their
marriage. The whole story was centered around the fact that Nene was not Ibo
resulting to ethnic differences even among his friend’s wife. It was a barrier
Nene had to break to show that ethnicity should not be a factor for not
marrying someone you love.

Even though it has been the tradition that they get married to someone of the
same ethnic group, Nnaemeka and Nene’s marriage has been able to show that
a successful marriage has nothing to do with ethnic backgrounds as they were
the happiest couple among their peers.
Problems
The story has an example of verbal irony and situational irony. Verbal irony
was used when Okeke said “I owe it to you, my son, as a duty to show you
what is right and what is wrong. Whoever put this idea into your head might as
well have cut your throat”. He didn’t wish his son dead but made that
statement as a form of irony.

A situational ironay was used when Okeke said in his letter to Nnaemeka that
“How I wish that I had nothing to do with you either”. This is a feeling of
anger in Okeke but never would he wanted that he had nothing to do with his
son.
Character analysis
Nene
Nene is a young schoolteacher living in Lagos, Nigeria. She is engaged and
then married to Nnaemeka, eventually giving birth to two unnamed sons.
Although she is Christian, Nene is not an Ibo like Nnaemeka, leading
Nnaemeka's father to refuse to accept the couple's union. Nene is so used to
living in cosmopolitan Lagos that she is almost amused by Okeke's prejudice.
Despite Okeke's many years of stubborn rejection, Nene persists in her belief
that Okeke will accept their family, eventually appealing to his emotions by
writing to tell him that his grandsons want to meet their grandfather.

Nnaemeka
Nnaemeka is a young man from an Ibo village who lives and works in Lagos.
More modern than his orthodox father, Nnaemeka breaks his community's
tradition of arranged marriage by opting to marry for love. Although
Nnaemeka anticipates his father's disapproval, he doesn't predict his father's
decision to disown him, holding a grudge for years.
Ugoye Nweke
Ugoye is an Ibo woman from Nnaemeka's village who Okeke arranges for
Nnaemeka to marry. Although Okeke thinks she will serve as a good Christian
wife, Nnaemeka remembers Ugoye from his youth, knowing her to be slow-
witted and prone to fighting.

Okeke
Okeke is Nnaemeka's father. Living in an unnamed Ibo village, Okeke is a devout
Christian and traditionalist who believes marriages should be arranged by one's
family and rejects the importance of marrying for love. When his son betrays his
wishes, Okeke reveals his obstinacy and ability to hold a grudge, refusing for several
years to have anything to do with his son and his daughter-in-law. Upon learning of
the existence of his grandsons, Okeke feels remorse for having cut his family out of
his life and he hopes he will live long enough to make it up to them.

18.Getting Somewhere by L. A. Aujo. Major ideas, problems, character analysis.

Major ideas
theme: We believe the theme of this story is that family always comes first
because all of Vincent's actions reflect back to his desire to protect and care for
his family. The narrator uses phrases such as
"Hello Mutabaani, how is Kampala? How is work?" or " Has anyone died? Are
the twins fine?" which proves Vincent has genuine concern for his family at
heart. He says he has 'topped up' the twins school fees on more than one
occasion as well, which also proves that he is determined to let them finish
their schooling, even though he works in a small office building and doesn't
make much income on his own. If Vincent didn't care much for his family the
twins wouldn't get the education they need, and the story would have no
purpose, conflict or plot. The entire story is woven around his desire to help his
family.
Problems
The conflict in getting somewhere was man vs society because Vincent is
fighting society by living in a poor country and having a low paying job and
having to oay expencive school tuition
Character analysis
19.Where Pumpkin Leaves Dwell by L. A. Aujo. Major ideas, problems, character
analysis.
Major ideas
20.Kim (Chapter 1) by R. Kipling. Major ideas, problems, character analysis.
21.Joe Wilson’s Courtship by H. Lawson. Major ideas, problems, character
analysis.
Major ideas
Joe Wilson’s Courtship by H. Lawson is a short story that follows the courtship
of Joe Wilson and Mary Brand, two young people living in the Australian
outback. Joe is a hardworking and determined man, while Mary is a kind and
gentle woman. The story explores their developing relationship, the challenges
they face, and the impact of their love on those around them. The story
captures the harshness of life in the outback and the resilience of the characters
as they navigate their way through love and life.
Character analysis
Joe Wilson: Narrator
 • Joe tells us. I remember the first glimpse I got of mary. Joe is shy and
inexperienced when it comes to love and romance. He ollen misreads he
actions and reactions of Mary and looks towards Jack for advice.
" make the most of your courting days, you young chaps'
Jack Barnes:
Jack is referred to as a bit of a drunk and a gambler - all traits inherited from
his tother
Jack is a 'married man' and Joe tells us he is 'privileged" in that because of this
he has a beller understanding of what women want and whol they reon.
* Jack gives Joe much covice about Mary and tries to 'push' them together
Mary Brand:
Mary is the subject of Joe's courtship.
Mory is living with Black the squatter at Havilano
She is called 'Possum' because of her large bright eyes
22.Going for the Bread by P. Grace. Major ideas, problems, character analysis.
In Going for Bread by Patricia Grace we have the theme of fear, bullying,
ignorance, anger, racism, conflict, struggle and love. Narrated in the third
person by an unknown narrator the reader realizes from the beginning of the
story that Grace may be exploring the theme of fear. Mereana is afraid to walk
down the tracks to go to the shops because she is being bullied by other girls.
The reason that Mereana is being bullied is because she looks different to other
girls. If anything the other girls who bully Mereana are ignorant and racist.
Judging Mereana by her skin colour. This may be significant as Grace may be
placing a spotlight on the plight of Maori people living in New Zealand at the
time. Though they are an indigenous race they were not treated as equals by
white colonizers.

The theme of anger is evident in the story. Mereana’s mother is angry that
Mereana firstly wants to walk the long way (to avoid the girls) to the shop and
secondly she knows that Mereana is being treated differently just because of
her skin colour. It is difficult for Mereana’s mother to accept the position she
finds herself in. She is struggling while her husband is away at war (WW II)
and knows that there is no need for Mereana to be treated differently to other
girls. Something that becomes clearer to the reader when Mereana’s mother
goes to the girl’s house to tell the girl’s mother what her daughter has done. It
is interesting that though Mereana’s mother is angry she does not show any
fear. She is sticking up for Mereana and knows what has happened is not right.

There may be some symbolism in the story which might be important. The
track could be seen to represent freedom and joy for Mereana. She likes
playing there and is content. It is only when she bumps in the other girls that
things become difficult for her. The fact that the girls go back down from the
top of the track is symbolically significant as it suggests or acts as
 foreshadowing to the attack on Mereana. Just as the girls descend or go lower.
They also go low and scar Mereana. The breast feeding of Kahu is also
important as it shows that Mereana’s mother is nurturing her children. She puts
them first. As can be seen by the necessity felt by Mereana’s mother to feed
Kahu first before going to the girl’s house. Though at first it might be thought
that Mereana’s mother is not supportive of Mereana this is not the case when it
comes to her children. Again her children are Mereana’s mother’s number one
concern. The fact that the story is set in WWII suggests that there is both an
external conflict and an internal conflict. With the internal conflict being the
struggle that Mereana’s mother faces. She after all is very poor and cannot
afford a return journey by taxi to the Doctor’s.

The end of the story is interesting as the resolution involves the girl’s mother
hitting her daughter for what she has done to Mereana. An unprovoked attack
has led to the girls own downfall. Having being disciplined by her mother. The
fact that Mereana’s mother will not let her children out of her sight again
suggests the prolonged racism that existed at the time. Not only is Mereana’s
mother afraid for her children but she is being very protective of them too. As
one would expect a mother to be. Unfortunately due to circumstances
Mereana’s mother will continue to struggle. She will not eat bread every day in
order to protect her Mereana and Kahu.
23.Fahrenheit 451 by R. Bradbury. Major ideas, problems, character analysis.
Major ideas
Knowledge and Individuality vs. Ignorance and Conformity
Problems
the society in the novel, which is obsessed with burning books and suppressing
knowledge, is ultimately destroyed by their own ignorance and lack of critical
thinking. This is ironic because the very thing they feared (knowledge and
independent thought) could have saved them from their downfall.

Another example of irony is the character of Montag, who starts off as a loyal
fireman burning books, but eventually becomes a rebel who fights against the
oppressive society. This is ironic because he initially embodies the values of
the society, but ultimately rejects them.

Additionally, the fact that the society in Fahrenheit 451 is so focused on

shallow entertainment and instant gratification, yet is ultimately unfulfilled and
devoid of genuine happiness, is also an example of irony. The pursuit of
pleasure and distraction leads to a society that is empty and devoid of meaning.
Character analysis
Guy Montag
The novel’s main lead works as a fireman who burns books as part of his duties.
He wonders about his role in society and ultimately rebels against the
government’s repressive dictatorship. In the latter part of the story, he became one
of the people who seek knowledge and change for society.
Mildred Montag
She is Guy Montag’s wife, a technophile, and a fanatic of official propaganda. She
stands for both the dangers of losing touch with one’s humanity and the
conformist inclinations of society.

Clarisse McClellan
She is a young woman who challenges Montag’s worldview and challenges him to
consider the world he lives with. Moreover, she believes in individualism and
freedom of thought.

Captain Beatty
The chief of the fire department and Montag’s superior. Although he is well-read
and aware of the risks associated with reading, he still supports government
policies. This includes restricting intellectual freedom.
Professor Faber
Montag’s former English professor. Also, he stands for the sophistication and
understanding that the government is trying to conceal.
Granger
The head of a group of learned people who live outside the city and memorize
literature to preserve them. He looks forward to the potential for a better future as
well as the ability of knowledge to end injustice.