Friday, February 7

Reading Response #2

Choose one question and construct a 3-page essay based on the questions asked. You do not need to answer every one of the questions under each number. Rather, use the questions to springboard your own thinking to create an argument about the novel and the specific passages or ideas.

Remember: an argument should be arguable, meaning that people should disagree with you. Then you should back up your thesis with evidence from the text. Do not merely quote from the text but explain what the passages say and mean.

You do not need to include the question in your essay. You thesis and evidence should be enough for me to know what question you are dealing with. Begin with you own introduction that leads into your thesis.

 1. On page 217 Gagool tells the white men to “eat” and “drink” the diamonds, and everyone laughs at her suggestion. Why does she say this, and why do the people laugh? Why is it ironic that they should eat and drink the diamonds?

2. At Foulata’s death (217-18), Foulata makes Quatermain translate something for her. Explain her statement about races and why Quatermain later references her statement. Why must Foulata die in the novel?

3. On 225 Quatermain stuffs his pockets full of diamonds. Why do the others not do the same? What does it say about Quatermain that he goes for the diamonds?

4. On 234 Ignosi/Umbopa says farewell to the white men by making comments about the Kukuanas’ foreign policy and about white and black relationships. Explain his statements and why they make sense. How doe his comments fit into the novel as a whole?