Question

Head's writing has been described as "having the dimensions of a parable" - a short, simple story illustrating a

moral or spiritual truth. What simple truth does Head illustrate in "The Prisoner Who wore Glasses"? Why is it
particularly meaningful given her cultural point of view? Cite evidence from the story to support your thinking.
ASAP!!!

Answer 1

Bessie Head's story, 'The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses', illustrates the truths of humanity and compassion in the face of apartheid. The dimensions of a parable within the narrative reveal simple truths about human connection, dignity, and the impact of kindness in oppressive circumstances, significant given Head's cultural background.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Bessie Head's The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses, a parable-like dimension is evident, illustrating the simple truth of human connection, dignity, and the power of compassion overcoming oppression. The story is set against the backdrop of apartheid in South Africa, making the themes particularly meaningful from Head's cultural point of view. It follows a group of black prisoners and their white warder, Brille, whose mutual vulnerability ultimately leads to a surprising solidarity.

Head's cultural background infuses the narrative with depth, as apartheid was defined by stark divisions and brutal subjugation. Within this context, the prisoners find a way to humanize their warder, who, despite being an enforcer of the regime, is also subject to life's frailties. The cultural point of view underscores the significance of such small acts of rebellion and empathy within a system designed to suppress them.

Evidence of this parable-like moral is found in the transformation of Brille, the warder, who is initially strict and punitive but becomes more lenient and humanized through his interactions with the prisoners. The story illustrates that even in the harsh conditions of systemic inequality, humanity can prevail, reflecting Head's own experiences and views on racial oppression and human nature.

Answer 2

One of the moral truths that is highlighted in the story "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" is how people are able to achieve so much more when they work as a group, as opposed to acting individually.

In this story, we learn about a group of prisoners in a South African jail. They are political activists, and enjoy a good degree of freedom. However, this is threatened with the arrival of a new, strict warden. The group, however, is able to fight against this new authority due to the fact that they always operate as a tight group, and that there is rarely any conflict among themselves.

This truth is particularly meaningful in this context, as the prisoners are being punished for their social and political ideas and activism. The prisoners have a deep care and concern for society and they want relations among people to become fairer and more peaceful. However, they also act in accordance to this principle, as they attempt to create peaceful and cooperative relationships both among themselves as well as with the authorities. This is examplified by how the group always replies in unison, or by the fact that the warden joins the prisoners in working at the farm.