"The Scarlet Song"

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at Mariama Ba's book, "The Scarlet Song". According to the paper, Ba employs adages and aphorisms to represent many characteristics of the novel. The paper also discusses the cultural differences between the two characters, Ousmane and Mireille.

From the Paper:

"One example of a Senegalese custom is the claim one has upon a friend or family member's wealth. Throughout Scarlet Song Ousmane remains a perfect example of the saying, "The mouth that chews is always grateful to the hand that provides"(Ba 96). Ousmane receives many demands upon his means throughout the novel. For example, Ouleymatou solicits Ousmane during a visit at his work for bus fare home. Ouleymatou's reasons that since Ousmane is her brother's hut brother she deserves a claim upon his 'sweat'. Ousmane furnishes Ouyelmatou three thousand francs for her bus fare home. Another instance of Ousmane's customary expenditure relates to the guests at his house. Every guest who visits the Gueye residence receives a financial gifts upon their departure. "

More papers on "The Scarlet Song":

• Book Review # 45882 : "Mariama Ba's "The Scarlet Song"
• Analytical Essay # 64241 : "Mariama Ba's "Un Chant Ecarlate" ("Scarlet Song")"
• Analytical Essay # 4779 : "Scarlet Song" by Mariama Ba"

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