ENG1517
OCT/NOV
EXAM PORTFOLIO
2024
SECTION A
, Q uestion 1.1:
The content genre of Text A is a fairy tale. One reason is that it includes talking animals, such
as the hyena named Chidhange, which is a common feature of fairy tales. Another reason is
that it involves a moral lesson, where the foolish hyena is punished for his greed and
misunderstanding. Fairy tales often use simple storytelling to teach lessons, especially to
children, about good behavior or caution.
Question 1.2:
In Text A, two key fears relevant to children are presented: the fear of losing a loved one and
the fear of being in danger. Duma is scared when she believes that her grandmother has
been eaten by the hyena. This fear reflects how children often worry about losing important
family members, like parents or grandparents. The thought of losing someone they depend
on can be terrifying. Duma's reaction shows how deep this fear is, as she is shocked and
unable to think clearly when the hyena tells her the grandmother is "here and not here."
Another fear shown in the story is the fear of being chased or harmed. After Duma realizes
that her grandmother might be in danger, she runs into the bush, trying to escape the hyena.
Children can relate to this because they often fear being chased by something scary, whether
it’s in their imagination or real life. This situation taps into the common childhood fear of
dangerous or threatening creatures.
The story does a good job of addressing these fears. In the end, Duma’s grandmother is safe,
and the hyena, who seemed so dangerous at first, ends up hurting himself by falling into the
fire. This resolution reassures children that even though things may seem frightening at
times, everything can turn out fine. The lesson is that fears, no matter how big, can be
overcome. Grandmother's laughter at the hyena’s foolishness helps to show that sometimes,
what we fear is not as powerful as it appears.
Overall, the story teaches children that although they may face fears, those fears can be
resolved, especially with the help of loved ones, like Grandmother.
Question 1.3:
From a feminist perspective, Text A shows the female characters, Duma and her
grandmother, in a passive light. Duma, as the young girl, is fearful and doesn’t take action to
solve the problem. She trembles when the hyena speaks to her, and when she thinks her
grandmother has been eaten, her first response is to run away. Duma doesn’t try to figure
out a plan or stand up to the hyena. This makes her seem weak and powerless, which is not a
strong or positive portrayal of a young girl.
Grandmother also plays a passive role in the story. Although she appears at the end and
scares the hyena, she doesn’t actively protect Duma throughout the story. Instead, the hyena
frightens itself by running into the fire. Grandmother laughs at this, but she doesn’t take
charge in any direct way. Both Duma and Grandmother are more reactive than proactive.
OCT/NOV
EXAM PORTFOLIO
2024
SECTION A
, Q uestion 1.1:
The content genre of Text A is a fairy tale. One reason is that it includes talking animals, such
as the hyena named Chidhange, which is a common feature of fairy tales. Another reason is
that it involves a moral lesson, where the foolish hyena is punished for his greed and
misunderstanding. Fairy tales often use simple storytelling to teach lessons, especially to
children, about good behavior or caution.
Question 1.2:
In Text A, two key fears relevant to children are presented: the fear of losing a loved one and
the fear of being in danger. Duma is scared when she believes that her grandmother has
been eaten by the hyena. This fear reflects how children often worry about losing important
family members, like parents or grandparents. The thought of losing someone they depend
on can be terrifying. Duma's reaction shows how deep this fear is, as she is shocked and
unable to think clearly when the hyena tells her the grandmother is "here and not here."
Another fear shown in the story is the fear of being chased or harmed. After Duma realizes
that her grandmother might be in danger, she runs into the bush, trying to escape the hyena.
Children can relate to this because they often fear being chased by something scary, whether
it’s in their imagination or real life. This situation taps into the common childhood fear of
dangerous or threatening creatures.
The story does a good job of addressing these fears. In the end, Duma’s grandmother is safe,
and the hyena, who seemed so dangerous at first, ends up hurting himself by falling into the
fire. This resolution reassures children that even though things may seem frightening at
times, everything can turn out fine. The lesson is that fears, no matter how big, can be
overcome. Grandmother's laughter at the hyena’s foolishness helps to show that sometimes,
what we fear is not as powerful as it appears.
Overall, the story teaches children that although they may face fears, those fears can be
resolved, especially with the help of loved ones, like Grandmother.
Question 1.3:
From a feminist perspective, Text A shows the female characters, Duma and her
grandmother, in a passive light. Duma, as the young girl, is fearful and doesn’t take action to
solve the problem. She trembles when the hyena speaks to her, and when she thinks her
grandmother has been eaten, her first response is to run away. Duma doesn’t try to figure
out a plan or stand up to the hyena. This makes her seem weak and powerless, which is not a
strong or positive portrayal of a young girl.
Grandmother also plays a passive role in the story. Although she appears at the end and
scares the hyena, she doesn’t actively protect Duma throughout the story. Instead, the hyena
frightens itself by running into the fire. Grandmother laughs at this, but she doesn’t take
charge in any direct way. Both Duma and Grandmother are more reactive than proactive.
