Question

In “No Witchcraft for Sale” by Doris Lessing, how does Gideon’s cultural background affect his actions with the medicinal plant?

Answer 1

Answer: C. Gideon’s position as a tribal medicine man dictates that he not betray the secret to outsiders.

Explanation:

In “No Witchcraft for Sale”, Lessing's short story, Gideon is the protagonist of the story. He is a Native African who works as a cook for the Farquars family.

In the story, the boy from the Farquars family almost goes blind when a snake spits venom in his eyes. Luckily for him, Gideon helps him with some herbs used by the native people. When doctors come into the Farquars house to investigate this event, Gideon refuses to reveal the medicine he used. As stated in the story itself, "They all realized he would never give in." The correct option is, therefore, C.