Student Question
When does the rising action occur in Sundiata?
Quick answer:
The rising action in "Sundiata" occurs after the introduction and before the climax, building tension through a series of events. It involves Sundiata's exile and growth in strength, alongside Soumaoro's rise to power by annexing Sundiata's former kingdom. These events set the stage for the inevitable confrontation between Sundiata and the Sorceror King Soumaoro, driving the narrative toward its climax.
The rising action of a text comes after the exposition, the initial introduction to the plot which introduces us to the main characters and the conflict, and before the climax, when the plot reaches its moment of highest emotional intensity. The rising action therefore takes the form of a series of events that ratchet up the tension leading to the climax.
If we consider the main conflict in this epic classic to be when Sundiata finally meets Soumaoro, the Sorceror King, then the rising action of this text occurs as we have the description of Sundiata in exile and how Soumaoro came to power. As we read about Sundiata growing up and his various feats of strength and power, and then this is paralleled by Soumaoro's annexation of Sundiata's old kingdom, it becomes clear that the two characters are destined for a showdown.
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