Essay 3
As stated in the syllabus, at the end of every unit you will submit a cultural and literary reflection
essay (4-5 pages) reflecting in-class discussion, your reading notes, and your reaction to the texts
in context of other class materials. This unit has treated early 20th Century West African
literature and cinema related to colonialism. In your response, please consider the following
questions, and use specific examples from the texts studied in class:
• Describe the representations of European colonial settlers vs those of native Africans.
Can you identify any archetypal characters that exist in these works? Is there solidarity
within these groups, that is to say is it a true binary? Consider the colonial hierarchy that
is represented in these works.
• After a short introduction framing the novel, Houseboy is divided into two Exercise
Books. Why? What are the “lessons” contained in each Exercise Book?
• Compare and contrast Madame & Monsieur in Sembene’s film Black Girl with Madame
and the Commandant in Houseboy. How are the titles, plots, and endings of each work
similar or different?
• How do these works contribute to the breaking down of a single story of Africa? How
does it reflect a break from the Master Narrative of colonialism and a response to
exoticism of the Other?
• How would these works, such as Black Girl or Houseboy be different if it were written by
another character, such from the European perspective?
General Guidelines to Assignments
Each submission must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, and double-spaced,
with one-inch margins on all sides. All work must adhere to MLA format.
Handwritten compositions will not be accepted, nor will any assignments submitted by
email.
Due dates are indicated on the course schedule. Late submissions will be penalized 10%
for every 24 hours not turned in.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BLUMElUK3rsR8SBSD-zQNEVTa5wOfz_F/view
The book is called Houseboy by author Oyono, Ferdinand. Houseboy.
