AFL - Construction of Corruption -Short Stories Lesson

Construction of Corruption -Short Stories

Short stories from African Literature also follow the Oral Tradition. Keeping stories shorter allowed generations to continue passing down the tales because they were easy to remember. In Africa, a certain type of short story called the Trickster Tale was a popular kind of story, used to reveal social injustice with a humorous twist.

Reading Assignment: Trickster Tale

The Trickster in the African Trickster Tale is typically a weaker animal who succeeds in winning over a larger adversary. This ties into the injustice in Africa because Africans were being overpowered and enslaved by Europeans. Click here to r Links to an external site.ead the Trickster Tale. Links to an external site.

Before You Read

Anansi is a West African god and trickster that appears in many African Trickster Tales. He takes the shape of a spider, and he is known as the god of all knowledge of stories. Anansi originated in Ghana, and the term simply means "spider." Anansi is portrayed in various ways; sometimes he wears clothes, and sometimes he is a typical spider.

As you read, note how the tale can relate to the injustice and corruption occurring in Africa. Use the Genre Term Reference Sheet in the sidebar to help you with various short story terms that will appear on your module test.

Trickster Tale Interactivity

Now that you have read the tale, assess your understanding in the interactivity below.

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