Growing Up in the Culture of Minuk: Ashes in the Pathway

The Narrator's Perspective on Adult Life in Minuk: Ashes in the Pathway

Excerpt from Minuk: Ashes in the Pathway showcases the narrator's point of view on the life of adults in her culture. The narrator expresses a mix of curiosity and disdain towards the roles and responsibilities of adults within the community. Here are two key details from the story that highlight the narrator's perspective on adult life:

Detail 1: Boredom of Adults

The narrator observes that adults in her culture are prohibited from engaging in playful activities. Despite this prohibition, it is evident that the adults yearn for the freedom to play and have fun. For instance, the narrator notices her mother, grandmother, and aunts nostalgically fixing her dolls, hinting at their desire to relive moments of playfulness. This realization leads the narrator to view the lives of adults as somewhat monotonous and lacking in joy.

Detail 2: Pride in Adult Contributions

On the other hand, the narrator also holds a sense of admiration and respect towards the adults in her culture. She acknowledges the challenging aspects of adult life, such as the pressures of responsibility and the need to prioritize duties over leisure. Despite these challenges, the narrator sees the adults as integral to the functioning of their village. This sentiment is evident when she expresses pride in her relatives for creating doll clothes and her village men for succeeding in a conflict against another village. The narrator values the contributions of adults and recognizes their significance in shaping her own growth and identity. Therefore, the narrator's perspective on adult life in Minuk: Ashes in the Pathway is multifaceted, showcasing a blend of disillusionment with the constraints of adulthood and admiration for the vital role that adults play in the community.

In “Excerpt from Minuk: Ashes in the Pathway,” what is the narrator’s point of view about the life of an adult in her culture? Use two details from the story to support your response.

According to the narrator, the life of an adult in his culture was somewhat boring because, adults were forbidden to play and have fun, although it seemed that they wanted to. The narrator also feels a sense of pride and admiration for the adults in her culture due to their contributions and importance within the community.

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