The griot plays an important role in Malinke society and in sustaining and developing the oral texts of such epics as Sundiata. Find one or more passages from the text of Sundiata in which the griot's art is discussed. Contrast that image with the image of the historian in American or European cultures.

Explore expressions of friendship in the epic. Who are the important sets of friends? What traits are admired in friends? How do friends help Sundiata accomplish his destiny?

Animal imagery plays an important role in the epic. What does this imagery add to your reading of the epic? Give examples from both this work and twentieth-century books or movies.

Sundiata divides his empire into parts at the end of the text. Contrast his system of administration and justice with that of present-day Mali or that of your own country...