Question

Read this excerpt from the passage. this mark is conferred on the person entitled to it, by cutting the skin across at the top of the forehead, and drawing it down to the eye-brows; and while it is in this situation applying a warm hand, and rubbing it until it shrinks up into a thick weal across the lower part of the forehead. most of the judges and senators were thus marked; my father had long born it: i had seen it conferred on one of my brothers, and i was also destined to receive it by my parents. what is the author's viewpoint about the mark given to the embrence?

a. he wants to end the tradition of physically marking the embrence.
b. he views the tradition of physically marking the embrence as humorous.
c. he respects the tradition of physically marking the embrence.
d. he believes the tradition of physically marking the embrence is cruel and barbaric.

Answer 1

The author, Olaudah Equiano, describes the tradition of physically marking the embrenche among the Ibo people as a 'mark of grandeur,' expressing respect towards the practice. The correct answer to the student's question is (c) he respects the tradition of physically marking the embrenche.

Step-by-step explanation:

Assessing the author's viewpoint towards the tradition of physically marking the embrenche requires a careful examination of the language and context within the excerpt. The author, Olaudah Equiano, provides a descriptive account of the physical marking process among the Ibo people, indicating its cultural significance and status. His depiction does not express overt criticism or humor; rather, it conveys a respect for the tradition by recognizing it as a 'mark of grandeur.' The author himself was destined to receive this mark, reflecting its importance and his acceptance within his community.

In contrast to the Ibo tradition, Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Birthmark illustrates an obsession to remove a physical imperfection, while Abu Zayd al-Sirafi's accounts describe painful ordeals for proving innocence, and the Washington Irving's example portrays a form of justice through physical punishment, but these contexts do not apply to Equiano's perspective on his culture's traditions.

Considering the provided excerpts as a whole, physical marks across different cultures and contexts are either held in reverence, a source of personal anguish, a means to seek justice, or a symbol of beauty—illustrating the varied perceptions of physical marks in human society. Equiano's excerpt, in particular, indicates a respect for the cultural practice, leading to the conclusion that the author views the tradition as an important part of his culture. Therefore, the correct option reflecting the author's viewpoint about the mark given to the embrenche is (c) he respects the tradition of physically marking the embrenche.