Stories From The Sky Dialectical Journal

You will now read two passages and answer the questions that follow. Some of the questions may ask you to compare the two passages.

This passage is based on a tale from the Ashanti people of Ghana. Anansi is a famous character, a spider, who often tricks others.

Passage 1

Stories from the Sky

One night, I, Anansi, looked down from my web at my people below. They had just finished a satisfying supper, but the children were crying and the adults were arguing. No one was happy. They needed something to make them feel joyful. I could see how desperately they needed stories to cheer their hearts, but there was one serious problem. All of the stories were owned by Nyan, a powerful being who lived in the sky. He kept the stories in a small box

Then, patiently, I waited for Python. After many hours, he slithered down the path toward our village.

“Hello, good Python!” I called. “How are you this fine afternoon?”

“Say, Anansi,” hissed Python, “I am starving, and you 'd serve as a splendid snack.” He narrowed his eyes and fluttered his forked tongue.

Oh, my! I spoke quickly now, trying to stick to my plan. “My wife thinks you are shorter than this palm branch, but I think you are a magnificent Python and much longer.”

“Ridiculous Spider! Slide that branch over, and I’ll stretch alongside it,” Python hissed.

Python stretched as far as he could. “Almost!” I said, measuring Python against the branch. “You aren’t quite as long, but you are curled up a little. Let me tie you to the branch with this vine to make you as straight as can be.” Then, I quickly took the vine and tied Python tightly to the branch.

“You are indeed longer than this palm branch!” I said and began dragging Python away from the village and toward my reward.

“Stop!” hissed Python. “Set me loose!”

I ignored him and continued the journey to the house of Nyan. He was surprised that I had returned so soon with Python, but he kept his promise and presented me with the box of