Text 2

A Love Story

Ours was a love story, the kind that's not supposed to happen to black girls anymore. This

was vintage romance made scarce after Dr. King, along with Negro-owned dress shops,

drugstores, and cafeterias. By the time I was born, Sweet Auburn', once the richest Negro

street in the world, was split in two by the freeway and left to die. [...] When I was

twenty-four, living in New York City, I thought that maybe black love went that way, too,

integrated into near extinction.

Nikki Giovanni? said, "Black love is Black wealth." [...] [M]y roommate Imani tattooed this on

her right hip, hoping for the best. She and I were both HBCU alums so grad school was

culture shock and dystopia at the same time. In art school there were only two of us who

were black, and the other one, a guy, seemed to be mad at me every day for spoiling his

uniqueness. Imani was in the same boat, getting her poetry degree, so we took jobs waiting

tables at Maroons, a restaurant in Manhattan that specialized in black comfort food from all

over the globe: jerk chicken, jollof rice, collard greens, and corn bread. [...]

Back then, I was trying to fit into the New York artsy scene. I was always on a diet, and I tried

to stop saying "y'all" and "ma'am". For the most part, I was successful, unless I was drinking.

[ . ] [A]ll that Southwest Atlanta came pouring out like I never had an elocution lesson. Roy,

back then, lived in Atlanta metro but only barely, renting an apartment so far out that he

could hardly catch the R&B station on the radio. He worked a cubicle job that compensated

him fairly well for agreeing to integrate their workplace. He didn't like or dislike it; for him, a

job was a means to an end. The travel part of it he did enjoy, since before signing on he

hadn't ventured west of Dallas or north of Baltimore.

Of course, I wasn't aware of any of this when Imani seated his party at a big round table in

my section. All I knew was that table 6 was a party of eight, seven of whom were white.

Expecting him to be that kind of brother, I was all business. As I recited the specials, I could

feel the black guy staring at me, even though the redhead to his left appeared to be his

girlfriend, leaning toward him as she read the menu. Finally, she ordered [...]. "And what will

you have, sir?" I asked him, chilly as a tax auditor. "I'lI have a [whiskey] and coke," he said.

"Georgia girl."

I flinched like someone slipped an ice cube down the back of my shirt. "My accent?" All the

people at his table grinned, especially the redhead. "You don't have a southern accent," she

declared. "All of us are from Georgia. You're all Yankee."

Yankee was a white word, the verbal equivalent of the rebel flag, leftover anger s3 about the

civil war. I turned back to the black guy - we were a team now - and gave the tiniest of eye

rolls. In response, he gave an almost imperceptible shoulder shrug

that said, White folk gonna white folk. Then he leaned slightly away from the redhead, this

time communicating, This is a work dinner. She isn't my date.

Then, in words, he said, I" think I know you. Your hair is different, but didn't you 04 go to

Spelman? I'm Roy Hamilton, your Morehouse brother."

I never really bought into the SpelHouse mentality about us being brothers and sisters,

maybe because I had been a transfer student, missing out on the Freshman Week rituals

and ceremonies. But at that twinkle, it was as though we discovered that we

were long-lost play cousins.

"Roy Hamilton." I said the name slowly, trying to jog some sort of memory [...]. "What was

your name again?" he asked, squinting at my name tag, which read IMANI. The real Imani

was across the room wearing a CELESTIAL tag.

"Imani." the redhead said, clearly annoyed. "Can't you read?"

Roy pretended like he didn't hear her. "No," he said. "That's not it. Your name was

so something old timey, like Ruthie Mae."

"Celestial," I said. "I’m named for my mother."

"I'm surprised you don't go by Celeste now that you're up here in New York City.

I'm Roy, Roy Othaniel Hamilton, to be exact."

At the sound of that middle name - talk about old timey - I did remember him. He

s had been a playboy [...].

Is this nostalgia? Is this how it really happened? I wish we had taken a photo so I could

remember how we looked later that evening standing outside the restaurant. Winter arrived

early that year. Roy wore a lightweight wool coat, with a puny little scarf that probably came

with it. I was bundled against the elements in a down coat Gloria sent me, so convinced was

she that I would die of hypothermia before I finished my "artist phase" and came back home

to get a master's in education. Snow fell in wet clumps, but I didn't tie my hood, wanting Roy

to see my face.

Much of life si timing and circumstance, I see that now. Roy came into my life at the time

when I needed a man like him. Would I have galloped in to this love affair if I

56 had never left Atlanta? I don't know. But how you feel love and understand love are two

different things. Now, so many years down the road, I recognize that I was alone and adrift

and that he was lonely in the way that only a ladies' man can be. He reminded me of Atlanta,

and I reminded him of the same. All these were reasons why we were drawn to each other,

but standing with him outside of Maroons, we were past reason.

Human emotion is beyond comprehension, smooth and uninterrupted, like an orb made

of blown glass.

From: Tayari Jones, An American Marriage, Chapel Hill: Algonquin Books 2018 (abridged and adapted for exam purposes)

Text comprehension and analysis

Complete the following tasks using your own words as far as appropriate.
Quote correctly.

Give a characterisation of Celestial and Roy, also focussing on the interaction between the two characters.

(20%)

Analyse the narrative perspective and the use of narrative techniques in order to show their effect on the reader.

(15%)

Composition

Choose one of the following topics and write a coherent text laying out your ideas.

Everybody should go and live somewhere completely different at some point in their lives in ordert to broaden their horizons.
Discuss.

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where thereis no path and leave a trail." (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882, American essayist and poet)
Comment on this statement.

Describe briefly, analyse and comment on the cartoon.

http://www.cartoonaday.com/images/cartoons/2013/06/
ideal-circumstances-cartoon-598x535.jpg

(last visited: February 28, 2024)

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Note:
Our solutions are listed in bullet points. In the examination, full marks can only be achieved by writing a continuous text.

Text comprehension and analysis

she is a black woman who grew up in Southwest Atlanta, and is part of a generation that has witnessed the decline of once-thriving black communities
Celestial moves to New York City attempting to fit into the artsy scene, despite being conscious of her accent
tries to shed certain Southern mannerisms to blend in while at the same time struggling with her identity

Main Body
Celestial

Roy is a black man from Atlanta, living in the metro area and working in a cubicle job, indifferent to the racial dynamics at his workplace.
he is portrayed as a pragmatic individual, viewing his job as a means to an end, and he enjoys the travel aspects of it.
Roy is willing to integrate into predominantly white workplaces, displaying a level of nonchalance toward the racial dynamics of his environment
When Roy recognizes Celestial as a fellow Morehouse alum, he uses a mix of humor and familiarity to creating a connection between them
challenges stereotypes and assumptions, displaying a level-headed and easygoing demeanor

Roy

The initial interaction between Celestial and Roy is marked by a certain coldness, influenced by preconceived notions and racial dynamics.
However, as they discover their shared background, their interaction shifts from professional to personal, bringing warmth and a sense of familiarity.
The nostalgia for their shared history becomes a powerful force that draws them closer.

Interaction Between Celestial and Roy

The excerpt is written in the first-person perspective, with Celestial as the narrator.
This choice provides readers with direct access to Celestial's thoughts, feelings, and observations.
The use of first-person narration allows readers to intimately engage with Celestial's experiences and reflections, offering a subjective and personal view of the events unfolding in her life.

Main Body
Narrative Perspective

The narrative employs flashback techniques, offering glimpses into Celestial's past, such as her attempts to fit into the New York artsy scene and her initial interaction with Roy $\rightarrow$ encouraging readers to delve deeper into Celestial's past and anticipate the evolution of her relationship with Roy.
These flashbacks provide context and foreshadow events, creating a layered narrative that keeps the reader intrigued about Celestial's history and the development of her relationship with Roy.
It encouraging readers to delve deeper into Celestial's past and anticipate the evolution of her relationship with Roy
Readers not only witness the events but also gain insight into the characters' personalities, motivations, and the intricacies of their relationships.
Readers can visualize the settings and feel the emotional nuances of the characters' experiences, deepening their connection to the story.

Narrative Techniques

In conclusion, the first-person perspective, combined with narrative techniques such as flashback, dialogue, symbolism, and imagery, creates a compelling and immersive narrative that allows readers to connect with Celestial's journey and the complexities of her relationships.
The interplay of these elements shapes the reader's understanding of the characters and the broader themes explored in the excerpt.

Conclusion

Composition

The idea that everyone should live somewhere completely different at some point in their lives to broaden their horizons is a perspective that carries both merits and considerations.

Introduction

Living in a different location exposes individuals to diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
This firsthand experience can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the richness and diversity of human cultures.
Immersing oneself in a new environment challenges individuals to adapt and navigate unfamiliar situations.
This can lead to personal growth, increased resilience, and the development of valuable life skills such as adaptability, open-mindedness, and problem-solving.
Living in a different place provides a broader perspective on global issues.
Exposure to different societal structures, economic systems, and political landscapes can lead to a more informed and nuanced worldview.
Living in a place where a different language is spoken can contribute to language acquisition.
Communicating in a non-native language enhances cognitive abilities and fosters better cross-cultural communication.
Being in a new environment can expand one's social and professional network.
Interacting with people from various backgrounds can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.

Main Body
Pro

Living in a completely different environment can be emotionally challenging.
Cultural shock, loneliness, and homesickness are common experiences that may hinder the ability to fully appreciate the new surroundings.
Relocating involves financial considerations, and not everyone may have the resources to undertake such a move.
Job availability, cost of living, and practical considerations can limit the feasibility of living in a completely different place.
Some individuals find comfort and a sense of belonging in their familiar surroundings.
Moving away from one's home country or region can result in a sense of disconnection and loss of familiarity, impacting mental well-being.
Adapting to a new culture, social norms, and lifestyle may be challenging for some individuals.
It requires a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone and may not be suitable for everyone.
Moving to a different location can strain relationships with family and friends.
Physical distance may lead to a sense of isolation and difficulty in maintaining connections with loved ones.

Con

In conclusion, while living somewhere completely different can offer valuable experiences and opportunities for personal development, it is important to recognize the potential challenges and individual differences in preferences. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach, and individuals should carefully consider their own circumstances, resources, and personal goals before making such a significant life decision.

Conclusion

Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail," encourages a spirit of individualism, exploration, and innovation. The quote advocates for breaking away from the conventional and the familiar, urging individuals to venture into uncharted territories and create their own paths.

Introduction

Emerson's quote suggests a rejection of conformity and a celebration of innovation.
Going where there is no established path implies a willingness to challenge the status quo, think creatively, and pursue unconventional ideas or solutions.
It encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and contribute originality to the world.
The quote emphasizes the importance of courage and independence.
Following a well-trodden path may provide a sense of security, but true growth and self-discovery often come from navigating unexplored terrain.
It calls on individuals to trust their instincts, exercise independence of thought, and have the courage to forge their own way.
The notion of leaving a trail implies leadership and a pioneering spirit.
Those who venture into uncharted territories not only benefit themselves but also pave the way for others.
They become trailblazers, setting examples for future generations to follow and inspiring innovation in various fields.
Going where there is no path requires resilience and adaptability.
Individuals who choose the less-traveled route may encounter challenges and uncertainties, leading to personal growth and development.
Navigating unfamiliar terrain forces individuals to learn, adapt, and overcome obstacles, fostering resilience and self-discovery.
The quote encourages individuals to tap into their creative potential and express their originality.
Instead of conforming to societal expectations or predefined routes, it suggests finding unique solutions, expressing one's ideas, and contributing to the world in a way that reflects individuality.
Leaving a trail implies making a lasting impact.
By venturing into unexplored territories, individuals have the opportunity to leave behind a legacy, whether through their contributions to knowledge, society, or culture.
The quote inspires individuals to think beyond their immediate circumstances and consider the broader impact of their actions.

Main Body

In summary, Emerson's quote advocates for a bold and adventurous approach to life, encouraging individuals to embrace innovation, independence, and creativity. It celebrates the idea of forging one's own path, leaving a trail for others to follow, and making a meaningful impact on the world. It serves as a reminder that true fulfillment often lies in the pursuit of individual passions and the exploration of new possibilities.

Conclusion

In the image, there's a man standing on a ledge overlooking a precipice, gripping a taut rope tightly between his teeth.
He's dug his heels into the rocky surface and is perspiring heavily as he strains to hoist a large and heavy weight labeled "Ideal Circumstances" over the sharp edge.
Despite his strenuous efforts, he's being pulled perilously close to the brink.
Unbeknownst to him, the rope he's using to haul the weight is frayed, with only a single thread remaining, on the verge of snapping.
The caption advises, "Embrace letting go of ideal circumstances."

Description

The cartoonist likely aims to critique individuals who are rigid and perfectionistic in their pursuits, often failing to adapt to their surroundings.
These individuals are single-minded in their approach, which frequently leads to failure.
Instead of assessing the most effective means of achieving their goals and adapting to the circumstances at hand, they wait for the perfect moment to execute their projects.
They invest all their efforts and resources into attempting to create ideal conditions, often becoming fixated on minor setbacks and losing sight of their overarching objectives.
As a result, they squander their time and energy on trivial matters rather than focusing on the larger picture.

Analysis
criticismof perfectionism

I wholeheartedly agree with the message conveyed in the cartoon.
Life seldom presents us with ideal conditions to execute our plans.
Instead of bemoaning this reality, it's wise to adapt to the available resources and adjust our approaches accordingly.
Essentially, following the caption's advice to "let go of ideal circumstances" is not only often the most practical way forward but can also be more fulfilling.
Rather than passively waiting for the perfect opportunity, it's empowering to make the most of the current situation.
However, this doesn't imply that we shouldn't seize such opportunities when they arise; it simply suggests that we should remain flexible and accept that life isn't always perfect.

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