Book review
Select one of the essay questions on the reading and study guide. Answer it fully. None of these questions can be answered fully in a single paragraph. Remember that you are getting credit for the work you do. Suggested length is 2-3 pages double spaced. Here are your options:
1.What can Nehanda tell us about Zimbabwean cosmology? Cosmology is the branch of philosophy dealing with the origin and general structure of the universe, with its parts elements, and laws especially with such of its characteristics as space, time, causality, and freedom. How does Vera’s treatment of space, time, and causality reflect a cosmology based on a spirituality that is not based in Judeo-Christian tradition or in the Western historic experiences of the Early Modern Era (the Renaissance, the European Age of Exploration, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, etc.)? Try to overcome your own incredulity and empathize with the characters. Find quoted or paraphrased evidence to support your answer. Give at least three pieces of evidence from the book and analyze them in support of your response.
2.How do Zimbabweans’ reaction to European colonizers change over the course of the novel? Give specifics on whose views about Europeans you are discussing. What are Zimbabweans impressions of the Europeans that they encounter? What misunderstandings unfold in the course of these encounters?
3.What do the colonizers Mr. Browning and Mr. Smith think about the Zimbabweans? What racist stereotypes do they voice?
4. How do Zimbabweans resist colonial conquest? Remember that resistance can take both active and passive forms. Give at least three examples of resistance.
You are being graded on your mastery and engagement with the assigned “novel” Nehanda by Yvonne Vera. Every paragraph of the body of the essay should contain evidence from the novel in quoted or paraphrased form with a page number cited.
This is a formal essay. That means it MUST:
be structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion
Your introduction should provide logical structure and limits to the essay. These are all very broad questions that you could write dozens of pages of analysis on. You need to choose one angle or theme to focus on analyzing in-depth rather than trying to cover too much vaguely.
Your introduction should contain a thesis statement (see the next point)
every paragraph of the body needs a topic sentence, evidence cited from the book, and critical analysis of this evidence
the conclusion should summarize the main points AND reflect on the value of this “novel” as a a historical source
have a thesis statement in the introduction (NOTE: A thesis statement is one sentence that expresses the main idea of a research paper or essay, such as an expository essay or argumentative essay. It makes a claim, directly answering a question.)
contain your original thoughts/ reflections on the assigned reading
NOT contain tangential “fluff” or filler – this is a short essay and you need to make every sentence count and be meaningful
be proofread for errors in punctuation, capitalization, spelling etc. and should have resolved most instances of awkward wording
