So Long a Letter Composition Journal
I. Color code chapter 5, paying particular attention to the progression of tone, image,
use of metaphor, and questioning. In what ways(s) does the passage underscore
major thematic ideas of the novel?
II. Discuss the effect (s) produced by the juxtaposition of the apostrophe to Modou
Fall (p13-15) with chapter 7 (15-16)
III. Color code the passage on p 22-23 “Do you remember…a part of ourselves.” Focus
on the use of sensual detail and use of juxtaposition.
IV. Discuss the ways in which the stories of the failed marriages of Aissatou,
Jacqueline, and Ramatoulaye lead to the emergence of one or more of Ba’s themes
in this novel.
V. Speculate of the function of one of the following narrative strategies: structure
(does a pattern exist in terms of chaptering?), format (use of the epistolary
technique), point of view(voice, tense progression), time (manipulation in
presentation of past, present, or future?)
VI. In a list form, explain Ramatoulaye’s claim at the close of the novel (p.88-89) that
“the success of a nation therefore depends inevitably on the family.”