is posted in Classes / Recent Program Materials
So Long a Letter (1980)
| Love matches vs the desires of parents… The role of class (Aissatou as the daughter of a goldsmith–a tradesman considered beneath Mawdo’s family (his mother comes from royalty–the rulers of the kingdom of Sine). Modou chooses to work for the union rather than as a lawyer. His family is considered lower status than Ramatoulaye’s. The two friends as career women, teachers, rather than housewives. The significance of education. The historical moment–tradition vs, progress, the positive and absurd aspects of the colonial legacy. The contrast between how the two men each end up taking a second wife and how the two women respond to their husbands’ actions and explanations. The young second wives (young Nabou and Binetou) in contrast to Ramatoulaye and Aissatou.. Where and how the novel begins. The realities of adulthood vs the innocence of youth. The traditions surrounding death in this Islamic culture at this point in time. The importance of religion in the novel and to Ramatoulaye. The teachings of the Koran vs, its betrayal by corrupt Imams. |