15
QuizMultiple Choice

Applying Critical Approaches to Literary Analysis — Quiz

Question 15 • English Language Arts 10

Read the passage from "Marriage Is a Private Affair" by Chinua Achebe. "What did Our Lord say?” asked another gentleman. "Sons shall rise against their fathers; it is there in the Holy Book.” "It is the beginning of the end,” said another. The discussion thus tending to become theological, Madubogwu, a highly practical man, brought it down once more to the ordinary level. "Have you thought of consulting a native doctor about your son?” he asked Nnaemeka’s father. "He isn’t sick,” was the reply. "What is he then? The boy’s mind is diseased and only a good herbalist can bring him back to his right senses. The medicine he requires is Amalile , the same that women apply with success to recapture their husbands’ straying affection.” "Madubogwu is right,” said another gentleman. "This thing calls for medicine.” "I shall not call in a native doctor.” Nnaemeka’s father was known to be obstinately ahead of his more superstitious neighbours in these matters. "I will not be another Mrs. Ochuba. If my son wants to kill himself let him do it with his own hands. It is not for me to help him.” Which statement best describes the cultural divide that this passage illustrates?

Answer
A
Some of the men think Nnaemeka is sick, but no one thinks he is cursed.
B
Some men in the village use Christianity as a guide, while others rely on local medicine.
C
Nnaemeka's father wants to bring in an herbalist, but the other men in the village try to talk him out of it.
D
Nnaemeka’s father does not want to accept his son’s choice, but the other men urge him to reconsider.

Explanation

The men first refer to the Bible, but Madubogwu and another villager argue that local medicine can correct Nnaemeka’s behavior. Nnaemeka’s father rejects that approach, saying he will not call in a native doctor. This contrast shows the divide between Christian beliefs and reliance on traditional medicine, so B is the best choice.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

Previous
Next