So Long a Letter

Question 1

Discuss the title of the novella.

Answer 1

Symbolism, relation to theme, message, genre

Question 2

Explore the narrative perspective of the novel

Answer 2

Discuss the voice and perspective as well as effectiveness.

Question 3

How are imagery and diction used and to what effect?

Answer 3

Learn quotes. Nostalgia? contrast? evocative? vivid? impressionable? empathy, perspective, irony?

Question 4

Discuss how women and men are represented in the novella.

Answer 4

Names, characteristics, expectations, motives, roles, contrasts

Question 5

How is the genre subversive? How is it an epistolary? How is it a protest novel?

Answer 5

Themes, message, style, effectiveness, response of reader, feminist?

Question 6

Discuss the tone and mood of the novella?

Answer 6

How do the tones and moods vary? Give quotes and examples.

Question 7

How is the setting significant in the text?

Answer 7

Historical, colonial, depiction of time and space

Question 8

How are the chapters arranged? What is the structure of the novel?

Answer 8

Sequence. Chronological? Contrasting? Rising action? climax?

Question 9

How would the novel be read and interpreted by two different readers?

Answer 9

Someone from a different community? male or female perspective? empathy or critical?

Question 10

How is the novel autobiographical? How does the novel depict a transitioning Senegal?

Answer 10

Research on the author and the history.