Write a essay of the short story riddle. Apply the framework provided by critical lens to create your argument. You are required to use at least one outside source relevant to your critical approach, but may use more if you choose.
The ones that are blank under fill in: (This is for the outline)
Introduction:
Ogbewe Amadin’s short story “Riddle” explores the themes of identity, culture, and the impacts of colonialism. Through the use of imagery, symbolism, and dialogue, the story depicts the complexities of personal identity in a post-colonial world, where cultural norms and traditions clash with modern values. The central claim of this essay is that the story “Riddle” illustrates how the process of self-discovery is often a difficult and confusing journey that requires individuals to reconcile conflicting aspects of their identity.
I. Historical Context and Literary Analysis
The historical context and literary analysis
A. Post-colonialism and Identity
“Postcolonialism emphasizes the complexity of identity and the hybridity of cultures that are the result of colonialism, and the ongoing process of resistance to the forces of imperialism that continue to shape the world today” (Murphy, 2016, p. 6).
The story’s setting in Nigeria, a former British colony, highlights the lingering effects of colonialism on the country and its people.
The protagonist, Idara, struggles with her identity as a Nigerian and as someone who has been exposed to Western culture through her education.
B. Symbolism and Imagery
“A witch is a paranormal creature that lives between the shadows cast by daylight. They traverse the infinities of a heartbeat, they sail in seas of dreams… they manipulate nature” (Amadin).
“Above all else, a witch is evil. Evil for a witch is its own reward” (Amadin).
II. Characters
Aunty Adesuwa, Mama, Idara, Aunty Bisi, Aunty Big Nose, Witch, and Aunty Uwa
III. Themes
The ones who care about you will tell you right from wrong. There are always two sides to a story. Always listen and never jump to conclusions.
A. Identity
Aunty Adesuwa: charming, sweet, and can be referred to as a witch when she’s upset.
Mama: caring, loving, protective, and observant.
Idara: confused, evil, and violent
Aunty Bisi: depressed, self centered, and lonely
Aunty Big Nose: innocent, not very talked about in the story, seems like a side character.
Witch: evil spirited, scary, not worth the trouble, talked about the most in the story
Aunty Uwa: the son who passed away
B. Tradition vs. Modernity
Tradition is more like cultural and spiritual. In this case this story was talking about witches and how they are evil. Most people would hunt them down and get rid of them if they spot one. Modernity most people know witches are non fictional characters. Most people dress as witches when it comes to halloween an event in october where you dress up in costumes.
C. Cultural Understanding
V. External evidence to bolster claims
A. Describe and briefly explain a source from outside the essay that bolsters some of the points you have made.
B. Describe how the source supports the defense of the statements made by Amadin.
V. Summary
A. Briefly summarize the essay’s key points.
B. Stress once more the significance and cultural significance of riddles.
C. Stress the value of understanding puzzles for their intrinsic worth and meaning in your conclusion.
Sources:
-Murphy, A. (2016). Postcolonialism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
Amadin, O. (
-https://firesidefiction.com/riddle