A great read. An anthropologist tries to explain Hamlet to an African tribe who warps the story to fit their culture. Really embeds what culture teaches us and what becomes our right and wrong based on what we know.
I found this story very endearing and really kind of...cute? That's not quite the word for it, but it's close. I really enjoyed how the Tiv's interruptions, and how they kept twisting the story so that it worked under their beliefs. I especially loved how the elders instructed her on the "true meaning" and how confident they were in their interpretation. Reminds me of a few English professors I've had.
Thanks again for responding to this so thoughtfully. I always really enjoy topics like this and goes to show how much we stand to learn. Its really strange being able to see something that is so ingrained in our society be the life blood for so many people while at the same time, they have almost no idea what it is used for.
People always say that perception is reality, I think that's the case here as well. We can all see the same thing in front of us and interpret it differently. I enjoyed the read and the questions posed at the end, thanks.