February 7th

For today, you should have specific examples of characterization, imagery, and allusions in your notes from the African praise songs.

From our last responses addressing the literary value of Confucius' Analects, it is clear that we need some review work in writing to ensure that we are communicating effectively.

In class today, you will responding to the following three prompts:

1. How is (insert god/goddess) characterized in their specific praise song? What literary devices are utilized to support this characterization? Why do you think that the god/goddess is characterized in this manner? 

2.  What type of imagery is most prevalent in (insert specific praise song)? What purpose does it serve for the ultimate goal of this praise song? 

3. What is the most significant allusion mentioned in (insert specific praise song)? How does this allusion enhance the meaning of the overall song?

To do this... you need to think about the following:

1. Thinking back to first semester, I want you to review the 8 Steps of Writing.  First, think about AUDIENCE PURPOSE. What does your instructor want to know/understand with this prompt.

2. Thesis/Claim- Restate the questions and answer them specifically.

3. Evidence. Warrants.  You must give specific textual evidence in answering these questions. You must remember how to integrate textual information correctly. Introduce. Contextualize. Explain.. Do you have enough evidence to answer the question efficiently. (Audience pleased?).  Have you cited the text? Please reference the extended paragraph structure that you were taught first semester.

4. Transitions.

5. Concluding statements.

Please have all three done and in hard copy form when you come to class Wednesday/Thursday.

Rough Sample:
The African god, Shango, is characterized as prideful in the praise song dedicated specifically to him. His characterization is supported by the use of analogy. The song begins by depicting an elephant who "must pay his respects to his new wife" (2). The elephant, who can represent the individual, must be aware of how he behaves in context to his new wife, who would be insulted by the lack of proper greeting. Furthermore, the analogy of animals as the devoted worshipers continues as the song references the guinea fowl, who must remember to "prostrate to the lord of the forest" (4) or "be killed by the hunter" (6). These examples of animals that must show awareness of other animals with more strength or power demonstrates how the worshiper must be delicate in their reference to the prideful Shango, or suffer similar wrath. 

The characterization of a prideful Shango is developed additionally through the use of first person point of view. The first stanza concludes with "Shango, I prostrate to you every morning, before I set out to do anything" (13-14). This emphasizes the individual's personal voice and how he/she specifically bows before Shango to appease his pride. It is no longer a generalized song of praise, but specific to the individual speaking. 


The literary devices of analogy and point of view emphasize the characterization of Shango in this praise song in order to demonstrate the hierarchy of individuals in this society--Shango falling well above those who sing his praises with caution. 

ORAL COMMENTARY: FEBRUARY 21st, 22nd, 23rd.
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