How Night Came From the Sea Study Guide

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Study Guide: How Night Came From the Sea

Introduction:
“How Night Came From the Sea” is a tale that belongs to the collection of African folktales called “West African Folk Tales” by William H. Barker. It tells the story of how night came to exist in the world. This study guide aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the story, including its themes, characters, and plot. It also includes a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section to address common queries about the story.

Themes:
1. Creation: The story explores the creation of night and its significance in the world. It highlights the balance between light and darkness, and the role each plays in the natural order of things.
2. Curiosity: The theme of curiosity is evident as the young boy, Anansi, embarks on a journey to find out where night comes from. It emphasizes the importance of curiosity in discovering and understanding the world around us.
3. Nature: The story underscores the connection between humans and nature. It depicts the interactions between animals and humans, emphasizing the interdependence and harmony between the two.

Characters:
1. Anansi: The main character, a young boy who is curious about the origin of night. He sets out on a journey to find the answer.
2. The King of All Animals: Anansi seeks the wisdom of the King of All Animals to learn about the origin of night.
3. The Sun: The Sun is responsible for the light during the day and holds the secret of where night comes from.
4. The Sea: The Sea plays a crucial role in the story, as night emerges from its depths.

Plot Summary:
Anansi, a young boy, becomes intrigued by the concept of night and its origin. He embarks on a quest to find out where night comes from. Anansi seeks the wisdom of the King of All Animals, who advises him to ask the Sun.

Anansi asks the Sun about the source of night, and the Sun tells him to go to the Sea. He warns Anansi not to look into the Sea when night emerges. However, Anansi’s curiosity gets the better of him, and he peeks into the Sea.

As a result of Anansi’s disobedience, night disappears and is replaced by day. Realizing his mistake, Anansi seeks the help of the King of All Animals, who advises him to bring gifts to appease the Sea.

Anansi gathers valuable gifts and presents them to the Sea, asking for night’s return. The Sea is pleased with the gifts and agrees to bring back night. From that day on, night exists in harmony with day.

FAQs:

1. What is the moral of the story?
The moral of the story is to emphasize the importance of respecting boundaries and following instructions. Anansi’s curiosity leads to the disappearance of night, which disrupts the natural order of things. It teaches us the consequences of disobedience and the need to accept and appreciate the balance in nature.

2. Why is Anansi curious about the origin of night?
Anansi is curious about the origin of night because he wants to understand the world around him. Curiosity is a natural human trait, and Anansi’s curiosity drives him to seek answers to his questions.

3. How does Anansi rectify his mistake?
Anansi rectifies his mistake by offering valuable gifts to the Sea as a sign of apology and respect. The Sea accepts the gifts and agrees to bring back night, restoring balance to the world.

4. What does the story teach us about the natural world?
The story teaches us that the natural world operates on a delicate balance, with day and night being essential components. It highlights the interdependence of all elements of nature and emphasizes the need for humans to respect and maintain this balance.

5. What is the significance of night in the story?
Night symbolizes the absence of light and the presence of darkness. It represents the end of a day’s work and the time for rest and rejuvenation. The story emphasizes the importance of night as a natural phenomenon that complements the energy and vitality of the day.
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