AA100B The Arts Past and Present II

TMA Second Semester 2018-2019

TMA
Format and Word Count:

The student’s work should be presented in an ESSAY of around 1200 words.

Referencing:
The essay should include a list of references (print and electronic) at the end in addition to in-
text referencing as per the requirements of the Harvard Referencing System. Proper referencing
is a serious academic requirement and skill and will be rewarded accordingly.

Writing and Discussion Topic:

Cultural encounters are a common occurrence in human history. Their impact varies on cultures
and individuals especially as they relate to questions of identity and self-worth. The cultural
encounter in such a case becomes fundamental to one’s perception of oneself and the cultures
to which s/he relates. Explore how cultural encounters are manifested in literary works,
specifically short stories from An Anthology of Short Stories from Five Continents, with particular
reference to “Martha, Martha” by Zadie Smith.

In the process of answering the TMA, you should make sure to include the below five sub
questions:

1) How is the concept of cultural encounter treated in the short story? Is it a mere encounter, or
does it develop into something more?

2) Is the author aware of the cultural encounter theme? How does she manifest that awareness
in terms of ideas and her selection of words or scenarios?

3) Is Pam Roberts, the main character in the short story, aware of the cultural encounter theme?
How does she express her awareness?

4) Is the other main character in the short story, Martha Penk aware of the cultural encounter
theme? How does she express her awareness?

5) How is the concept of “colour/skin” used to highlight the theme of cultural encounter in the
story?