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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 6 page essay that discusses Chinua Achebe's short story "Dead Men's Path." In this narrative, Michael and Nancy Obi represent Nigerians who have been thoroughly assimilated into the mindset and cultural values of the colonizing British. As such, their behavior is geared toward Western gender expectations rather than toward the cultural paradigm of the native people of the village. Examination of Achebe's characterization of Michael and Nancy illuminates how Western stereotypical gender behavior is mirrored in the relationship between Michael, as a symbol of authority, and the village people. Bibliography lists 5 sources, but 2 references for sources are incomplete.
Page Count:
6 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khgendmp.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
This factor can clearly be seen in Achebes short story "Dead Mens Path." In this narrative, Michael and Nancy Obi represent Nigerians who have been thoroughly assimilated into the mindset
and cultural values of the colonizing British. As such, their behavior is geared toward Western gender expectations rather than toward the cultural paradigm of the native people of the village.
Examination of Achebes characterization of Michael and Nancy illuminates how Western stereotypical gender behavior is mirrored in the relationship between Michael, as a symbol of authority, and the village people.
Set in 1949, Michael has just been appointed headmaster of the Ndume Central School, which is reputed to be an "unprogressive school" (Achebe). Recently married, Michael is described as
"young and energetic," with a good secondary school education that has caused him to be designated as a "pivotal teacher" in the official records (Achebe). Known for being outspoken in
his criticism of peers whom he castigates for their "narrow views," Michael has converted his young wife to sharing his enthusiasm for all things "modern," and his rejection of "old
and superannuated people" (Achebe). As this indicates, Achebe immediately offers a brief characterization of Michael that shows him to be following a stereotypical gender path. Assertive and confident, he
has absolutely certainty in his own value and the value of his "modern" ideas. However, by rejecting older, more traditional approaches, Michael also rejects the accumulated wisdom of his profession,
as well as the flexibility needed to be a good administrator. Likewise, Achebe establishes Nancys character within the context of the opening paragraphs. Like Michael, Nancy is thrilled with
her husbands promotion. She tells Michael, "We shall have beautiful gardens and everything will be just modern and delightful" (Achebe). Nancy immediately begins to imagine herself as the "admired wife
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