a summary of “My father writes to my mother” by assia djebar how does she describe the weather and setting of her village

Answer 1

Assia Djebar’s “My father writes to my mother” is a poignant account of a young girl receiving letters from her father, who is away from their village during the war in which Algerian men are fighting for independence from France. The weather and the setting play a significant role in the story, illustrating the impact of war on daily life and invoking a sense of longing and nostalgia.

Throughout the story, Djebar uses vivid descriptions of the weather to create a sense of the changing seasons and the passage of time. She describes how the winter sky is filled with gray clouds, and the air feels cold and damp. The rain is persistent, soaking the ground and making it difficult to move around. This paints a somber picture of the village, mirroring the heaviness and uncertainty of the wartime situation.

As spring arrives, Djebar's descriptions of the weather become more hopeful and vibrant. She mentions the sunshine, flowers blooming, and the warmth spreading through the village. These descriptions bring a sense of renewal and hope, contrasting with the gloomy atmosphere of the previous season. The weather reflects the shifting emotions and circumstances of the characters, transitioning from a sense of despair to a glimmer of possibility.

The setting of the village is portrayed as idyllic, filled with natural beauty. The village is nestled between mountains and rivers, surrounded by green fields and trees. Djebar narrates how she enjoys reading her father's letters underneath a cherry tree, providing a sense of tranquility and escape from the tumultuous war happening outside the village.

However, this picturesque setting is continually disrupted by the presence of war and its effects. The village undergoes changes due to the mobilization of its men, as they leave to join the fight for independence. The absence of the men alters the village's rhythm and atmosphere, casting a shadow over the peaceful scenery.

In summary, Djebar describes the weather and setting of her village in "My father writes to my mother" to evoke the emotional and physical impact of war. The gloomy winter weather reflects the somber mood of the characters and the uncertainty surrounding the conflict, while the arrival of spring brings newfound hope. The village, once an idyllic haven, is transformed by the absence of men and the war's disruption, illustrating the toll it takes on daily life and the longing for a return to normalcy.