A Dance of the Forests Lesson Plan

What is the significance of African proverbs within the opening section of the play?

Students should first be able to define what a proverb is. Their response should include a discussion of how proverbs are often sources of wisdom, inspiration, and guidance that are written into short quotations and passed down from generation to generation.

Second, students should be able to discuss the significance of proverbs to African cultures. Student responses should highlight how much of African history and cultural traditions have been passed down orally, often by griots (storytellers) that relied upon proverbs and folktales to tell cultural histories and to share wisdom....