Answer:
In the poem "A Stone's Throw" by Elma Mitchell, cultural crisis is illustrated through the conflict between the old and new cultural beliefs. The poem describes the struggle between an old woman, who represents the traditional way of life, and a young boy who represents modernity.
The old woman is shown as being deeply connected to her culture and traditions, as she is described as wearing a "shawl and headscarf," which suggests that she still adheres to the customs of her ancestors. She is also portrayed as being very wise, as she tells the boy that "stones are not just stones," but are imbued with meaning and significance. This highlights the importance of tradition and the wisdom that can be passed down through generations.
However, the boy does not understand or appreciate the cultural significance of the stones, and instead sees them as just "stones" to throw. He represents the younger generation who are disconnected from their cultural heritage and traditions. He also symbolizes the impact of Western modernity on indigenous cultures, where the old ways are often seen as outdated and inferior to the new.
The conflict between the old woman and the boy shows the tension between the traditional way of life and the new, modern way of life. The poem suggests that this tension can lead to a cultural crisis, where the younger generation is disconnected from their cultural heritage, and the wisdom and traditions of the past are lost.
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