Essay Questions

What happens to the Kingdom of Wakanda while T’challa is away?

T’challa is the current supreme king of Wakanda nation. The citizens of Wakanda are angry at T'challa because they feel that he is a failure to the kingdom. After all, he is not executing his duties as expected. While he is away fighting, the Wakandan nation has been crippled due to frequent attacks. The king's younger sister is killed during one of these attacks and this prompts the king to return home to ensure that he does everything possible to bring peace.

Who is Zenzi and why is she a threat to T’challa’s rule in the Wakanda nation?

Zenzi is a powerful lady who is in charge of the mines and she possesses supernatural powers. When King T'challa returns home and visits the mines, Zenzi organizes her people and attacks the King but he manages to escape unhurt. Zenzi is a threat to King T'challa because she is collaborating with Tetu to overthrow him and put in place democratic governance. Therefore, King T'challa is scared and trying to do everything possible to stop Zenzi from pursuing her ambitions.

What is the symbolic meaning of the ‘Black Panther’ in this comic book by Ta-Nehisi Coates?

The Black Panther is a ritualistic title which means supernatural power. All the previous kings and the current leader of the Wakanda nation are given this title to imply that they are the most superior and powerful individuals. When T'challa is crown the king of Wakanda nation, he is given the title the 'Black Panther'. When T'challa is away, his younger sister, Shuri, is given the title ‘Black Panther’ to ensure that there is no power vacuum in Wakanda.