Conde’s novel Segu spans significant time and space as a historical novel, and it broaches many themes that are salient in our consideration of the changes that were occurring. This paper should be an analysis of the most important historical aspects explored in the novel, with an overall thesis statement that argues for its importance as a work of fiction that brings those aspects into the broader French and English language literary traditions. What this means is that you must: 1) Identify the most significant changes and issues going on in the book. Discuss their dynamics, and relate to other readings and lecture material. 2) Decide, overall, why it is important for general fiction readers to gain exposure to those changes and issues in history through a work such as this. Here is where you discuss the value and drawbacks of historical fiction about Africa. Fiction is often a means by which the general readership gains an understanding of historical processes, and the insertion of a gripping story into a historical context is what gives books such as Conde’s the ability to generate people’s interest in a period in history or a place in the world. However, historical fiction also takes liberties and reflects the creative goals of the author. This is something to consider as you examine the novel and write your analysis. Your knowledge acquired in this course will help you navigate that question as well. For this paper, please use Chicago Turabian footnotes. Format: Times New Roman 12-pt font, double spaced, one-inch margin all around, no extra spaces between paragraphs, and include a Works Cited at the end in Chicago Turabian style. Word count: 3300 words. This is the general range you should aim for. Do not fall significantly below it, and do not exceed it by much. It is very important to site all the pages!

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