Imagine you are Zitkala-Sa, the writer of The Cutting of My Long Hair. What advice might you offer to Bama, the writer of We Too Are Human Beings, in the context of her struggle against untouchability, as displayed in the given lines I felt so provoked that I wanted to touch each and every thing in that shop with my hands. But I didn’t have the courage to do so. I was afraid of being beaten up. I was afraid of the shopkeeper’s wrath. Pen down your advice, in a letter to Bama.
You may begin this way: Dear Bama I recently read your story, “We Too Are Human Beings,” and…
You may end this way: I hope this advice is helpful to you. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to support you. Sincerely, Zitkala-Sa
Answer as written by the student:
Dear Bama, I recently read your story, “We Too Are Human Beings,” and I was deeply touched by your courage and resilience in the face of untouchability. I admire your spirit and your sense of humor in dealing with the oppression and discrimination that you faced in your childhood. I also understand the anger and frustration that you must have felt when you realized the injustice of the caste system. As a fellow writer and a woman, I would like to offer you some advice on how to cope with the challenges that you face. I hope this advice is helpful to you.
I hope this advice is helpful to you. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to support you. Sincerely, Zitkala-Sa |
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- The answer begins with a salutation to the recipient, Bama, followed by an introduction that states the purpose of the letter: to offer advice in the context of her story “We Too Are Human Beings”.
- The answer then provides three pieces of advice, each in a separate paragraph, using bullet points for clarity and skimmability.
- The first piece of advice is to not let the prejudice and ignorance of others define her worth, and to assert her dignity and rights as a human being. This is based on the lines from the story that show how Bama was treated as an untouchable by the shopkeeper and other upper caste people.
- The second piece of advice is to not be afraid to challenge the status quo and demand her rights, and to join forces with other people who share her values and goals. This is based on the lines from the story that show how Bama wanted to touch everything in the shop to defy the shopkeeper’s rules, and how she was inspired by her brother’s words to study hard.
- The third piece of advice is to not lose hope for a better future , and to work towards creating a more equal and just society for all. This is based on the lines from the story that show how Bama had a vision of a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their caste or background.
- The answer ends with a conclusion that expresses hope that the advice is helpful , and offers further support if needed. It also includes a signature with the name of the sender, Zitkala-Sa.
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