A Man of the People Group
Question:
In "A Man of the People," how do Jean and John represent the fear Africans have toward Americans?
Answers:
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Posted by reidalot on Sunday June 8, 2008 at 5:59 AM
In Chapter 4, Jean and John,the American couple arriveĀ at Chief Nanga's house. They represent a changing Africa and changing of tradition. For example, in this chapter, they greet Nanga and his wife by their Christian names, "Hi Micah, hi Margaret..." Odili is shocked at their impudence as he is the same age and a friend of Chief Nanga, yet would never use those personal names. They also represent the presence of another powerful country on top of the existing intrusion of the British and post-colonialism problems. In fact, John proclaims that America is different; they don't just seize power unlike the British. Jean also openly flirts with Nanga. Thus, you have even more foreign influence in a country still trying to define itself!
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