Answer:
Topic sentence: Zz Packer's short story "Every Tongue Shall Confess" explores the tensions and power dynamics in a small Southern black community.
Elaboration: The story is set in a small church where members have gathered for a revival meeting.
Point #1: The main character, Elder McPherson, is initially portrayed as a respected and influential member of the church.
Evidence: "Elder McPherson is the man who's supposed to close the service."
Point #2: However, the arrival of a new preacher, a woman named Sister Clareese, disrupts Elder McPherson's authority and threatens his position in the church.
Evidence: "But before Elder McPherson can rise from his seat, the stranger…takes over the service."
Point #3: The story also explores themes of hypocrisy and the tension between traditional and modern beliefs.
Evidence: "But the stranger…doesn't make Elder McPherson feel better about what he knows to be true: that the singing, praying, and testifying he's been doing is all for show."
Conclusion: Through its exploration of power dynamics and conflicting beliefs within a small Southern community, "Every Tongue Shall Confess" offers a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on religion, tradition, and human nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
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