A Closer Look At African Proverbs and Stories
"Listen to this story," Ceasar began.
"Oh please not another story. Why can't anyone in this place give it to you straight?"
"Because the straight road is a liar."
- Graceland pg 96
Throughout Graceland, Elvis is continuously seeking guidance and advice from others. Often times, this guidance comes in the form of a story or proverb. It is up to Elvis to discover the meaning within these stories and to apply them to his own life. In order to gain a better understanding of the use of proverbs and stories in Elvis' culture, please visit the websites linked below and complete the corresponding assignments.
PROVERBS
Please go to the Provebs website and read through several of the African proverbs.  Then it will be your turn to act as Elvis' advisor.   wWrite three original proverbs that you believe would be beneficial for Elvis to hear and understand. Bring these original proverbs to class as you will have the opportunity to share them with your classmates.
"He who does not look ahead always remains behind" - African Proverb
Stories
Please click on the stories link and read the following two African stories:
"A little knowledge is a Dangerous Thing"
"The Two Cold Porcupines"
Afterwards please answer the questions below to conclude your Proverbs blog entry.
Now that you have read the two African stories listed above, answer the following questions:
1) What does "The Two cold Porcupines" protray about human relationships? How can this story represent Elvis' relationship with the other characters in Graceland? As you have learned, many of the characters in this novel have secrets and experiences that they are not willing to share with each other. How do these silences effect these characters' relationships?
2) In Graceland, Elvis asks, "Then tell me. Why is Everyone keeping secrets from me?" Redemption responds by saying, "Only dead people tell everything." - pg 140
How is Redemption's response to Elvis' curiosity related to the message being delivered in the African story "A little knowledge is a Dangerous Thing?" In order to answer this question you may wish to mention the political, societal and cultural dangers that exist within Elvis' society.
                         ** Ideas to Consider for your ultimate task**
How would you portray the importance of stories and proverbs through film?
What are some ways you could demonstrate the secrets and silences that affect the characters and their relationships with each other? (i.e. award pauses, music, dialogue, camera angles etc.)
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