The Epic of Son-JaraThe Epic of Son-Jara

Presentation By: Matt Donaldson

Jon HillNick Osnowitz

Beth Walsh

Presentation By: Matt Donaldson

Jon HillNick Osnowitz

Beth Walsh

HistoryHistory

◊ Son-Jara was the first king/hero of the Mande people in what is now present day West Africa.

◊ He is an important historical figure even though there has never been written records of him. The story has been passed down orally for generations.

◊ The earliest reference was in the 15th century by an Arab historian.

◊ The Manding empire was founded around 1235

◊ Son-Jara was the first king/hero of the Mande people in what is now present day West Africa.

◊ He is an important historical figure even though there has never been written records of him. The story has been passed down orally for generations.

◊ The earliest reference was in the 15th century by an Arab historian.

◊ The Manding empire was founded around 1235

CultureCulture

◊ Oral traditions• Griots

◊ Results in multiple versions of the story

◊ Three genres• Praise poetry• Songs• Call and response

◊ Oral traditions• Griots

◊ Results in multiple versions of the story

◊ Three genres• Praise poetry• Songs• Call and response

Brief SummaryBrief Summary

Theme?Theme?◊ What is it?◊ How did you come about

your decision?◊ Agree?◊ Disagree?

◊ What is it?◊ How did you come about

your decision?◊ Agree?◊ Disagree?

Our Thoughts on ThemeOur Thoughts on Theme

◊ Growing up and overcoming adversity.

◊ Good vs. Evil

◊ Growing up and overcoming adversity.

◊ Good vs. Evil

TheoriesTheories

◊ Esau and Jacob?◊ Is’mail and Isac?◊ Cain and Able?◊ Adam?◊ Lion King?◊ Homer

• Odysseus and Son Jara

◊ Esau and Jacob?◊ Is’mail and Isac?◊ Cain and Able?◊ Adam?◊ Lion King?◊ Homer

• Odysseus and Son Jara

Things to Think AboutThings to Think About

◊ The role of women in the story.◊ Coincidence: 9 years of not

walking compared to 9 years in the womb of his mother.

◊ The 9 Queens of Darkness.◊ Sugulun: his sister.

◊ The role of women in the story.◊ Coincidence: 9 years of not

walking compared to 9 years in the womb of his mother.

◊ The 9 Queens of Darkness.◊ Sugulun: his sister.

BibliographyBibliography

◊ Johnson, John W. The Epic of Son Jara. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2002.

◊ "English 203 Unit 10- Son Jara." Jan: Northern Arizona University Faculty/Staff Web Server.

Web. 28 Aug. 2009. <http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~jgr6/203/unit10/index. htm>.

◊ "The Epic of Son-Jara." West Texas A&M University. Web. 28 Aug. 2009.

<http://homedirs.wtamu.edu/~dwerden/ENGL2371/Son-JaraSum&Chara.html>.

◊ Johnson, John W. The Epic of Son Jara. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2002.

◊ "English 203 Unit 10- Son Jara." Jan: Northern Arizona University Faculty/Staff Web Server.

Web. 28 Aug. 2009. <http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~jgr6/203/unit10/index. htm>.

◊ "The Epic of Son-Jara." West Texas A&M University. Web. 28 Aug. 2009.

<http://homedirs.wtamu.edu/~dwerden/ENGL2371/Son-JaraSum&Chara.html>.