Although Mama Milanoi realizes when it is too late the role Oloisudori has playedin shaping their material lives, she admits that she would not have helped to separatehim from such a man because it Was the man who made decisions as to whichdirection their lives took p.114 .According to Resian, the ancient Ilarinkon were no different from the current ones. Sheis of the view that the current Ilarinkon are worse and that they are despotic oppressivetyrants who oppress women by ensuring that they are subjected to FGM for ever p.91 .The current Ilarinkon include Ole Kaelo, Oloisudori and Olarinkoi. Ole Kaelo forcesResian to attend to and serve his friend Oloisudori when her mother says nothing aboutit. He orders: You have to be there it is important to me that you are there p.171 .Olarinkoi s chauvinism is seen in his changed attitude towards Resian when he takesher to his house far from Nasila. He tells her, You woman You can either cook or keep63standing stupidly or die of hunger and Resian stared at the man who seemed to havesuddenly turned from a person she had known for quite some time, to a beast p.218 .He later molests her sexually after returning drunk. Oloisudori is a male chauvinist. Thisis seen in his address to Resian when she refuses his marriage offer. He tells her Youcan never escape Resian Whether you scream your heart out, or jump into the deepsea you are mine. You are my wife from now henceforth p.204 . He arrogantly tellsher: No one plays games with Oloisudori. Ask your father, he will tell you p.204 . Addmore illustrations .GENDER INEQUALITYMen and women are not equal in this novel. Women s position is lower than that of menwho dominate over everything and suppress women. This is especially seen at thefamily level where the husband is the sole decision maker and the wife just acceptsthose decisions without question. Ole Kaelo has a very easy time courting and marryinghis wife. A woman is not supposed to resist a man who wants to marry her as perNasilian tradition whether she loves him or not.


This is especially seen at thefamily level where the husband is the sole decision maker and the wife just acceptsthose decisions without question. Ole Kaelo has a very easy time courting and marryinghis wife. A woman is not supposed to resist a man who wants to marry her as perNasilian tradition whether she loves him or not. We are told She accepted him withoutany resistance. Tradition did not allow her to offer any and as expected of her, she didnot resist p.29 . Mama Milanoi is an unequal marriage partner to Ole Kaelo. She leavesdecision making to her husband and does not oppose any of his decisions. She refusesto be drawn into the discussion about the coaching of her daughters by Joseph saying It was Taiyo s father s territory p.56 .Mama Milanoi cannot oppose him for in herculture there was no room for dissent, especially if the subject was in conformity withthe culture p.61 .In this society, women had no say. It was a patriarchal society where the Emakerereiand her ilk were fighting to find relevance with little success p.62 . Such genderimbalance uplifts the man over the woman. In their case, it leaves Ole Kaelo with thesole responsibility of making final decisions on all matters affecting the family. We arealso told that Mama Milanoi has been held captive by her husband who never foronce allowed her to express her own opinion on any matter however small it was p.277 . This suppression has prevented her from speaking her mind and opposing thesubjection of her daughters to outdated cultural practices. Resian is opposed to her64father s hiring of Joseph to coach them about Nasilian culture. She says I am beginningto think it is disadvantageous being a woman in this society p.73 . She finds fault withthe plan reasoning that if they were sons, they would not be subjected to such culturalcoaching. Resian regrets living in a society where men thought they had right to everywoman s body p.143 . This is after their near-rape by two men. Such unjustified rightsemanate from the fact that men deem themselves as superior to women and can dowhatever they want with women. CHANGEChange refers to transition or transformation of characters or situations.


Resian regrets living in a society where men thought they had right to everywoman s body p.143 . This is after their near-rape by two men. Such unjustified rightsemanate from the fact that men deem themselves as superior to women and can dowhatever they want with women. CHANGEChange refers to transition or transformation of characters or situations. Most of thechanges in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah are caused by the erosion of the Maaculture as a result of its coming into contact with modern culture or civilization. Thiscauses alienation in characters and as a result they change. The Ole Kaelos are forced by destiny to relocate to Nasila after his retrenchment. Thiscame as a thunderbolt at midday p.7 . The environment in Kaelo s new home in Nasilais different from that in their urban home in Nakuru. Taiyo and Resian are woken up thefirst day in Nasila by a lively chatter of birds in the trees surrounding the house Whata contrast to what they were used to in Nakuru! P.14 . In Nakuru, they were alwayswoken up by hoots from Matatus, touts shouts, engine revving and banging on vehicles. Nasila culture is changing due to alienation. Mama Milanoi cannot believe she can havea man as old as Oloisudori as her mother-in-law. She observes that in the past, such athing would not have happened for Culture would not have allowed it to happen p.114 . She feels that if Nasila culture was intact, such a thing would not havehappened and she wonders where that culture had fled to Had the culture becomemoribund, useless and impotent? P.117 This could be true because forced marriagesto old people were not there in the past and any old man who showed interest in ayoung girl was met with much retribution from women and the entire society. Pp.115117 . The traditional Nasilian culture had many advantages to the people. It regulatedlives of people, defined relationships, did not favour or discriminate and above all, wascherished by all. Sadly, according to Mama Milanoi, this culture was no more.


The traditional Nasilian culture had many advantages to the people. It regulatedlives of people, defined relationships, did not favour or discriminate and above all, wascherished by all. Sadly, according to Mama Milanoi, this culture was no more. It was65defiled and polluted by the likes of Oloisudori had become mutable and containeddefiant mutants that it could not regulate and which were above Nasila laws p.118 .One of the causes of this great change in Nasila culture is education for Mama Milanoigoes on to observe that she had seen changes in her daughters. They had gonethrough a school system that intermingled them with children from other cultures. P.118 . As a result, her children know very little of Nasila culture. They were children ofa new undefined culture. Theirs was a mutant of another kind p.118 . Indeed, Resianbest exemplifies the epitome of this new undefined culture. Joseph Parmuat observes that Individualism, petty jealousy and lack of trust killed thatonce important aspect of Nasila culture p.127 . The individualism of the likes of OleKaelo and Oloisudori are very central in eroding the culture of Nasila hence bringingmany changes in the society. According to Taiyo, culture and traditions are never static. She says, By being dynamic, culture shades off aspects that become irrelevant withtime p.128 . She hopes that the outdated FGM and restriction on inter-clan marriageshould be abolished from Nasila cultural practices. Joseph and Minik cites culturalpractices like throwing the dead to the hyenas, leaving the elderly and sick in desertedhomesteads to be devoured by wild animals and emuata pp.128, 263 . This ascertainsthe dynamism and transformational characteristic of Nasilian culture over the years anaspect that gives hope to fighters against outdated practices such as F.G.M.LOVE, MARRIAGE AND FAMILYOle Kaelo has effectively played his role as a father by providing and putting up a housefor his family in Nasila. The house he has built for his family in Nasila is so magnificentthat Mama Milanoi exclaims, Father of all creation! This is but a dream p.30 . Taiyosays that the house is magnificent while Resian exclaims she had never seen anythinglike it before p.31 .


The house he has built for his family in Nasila is so magnificentthat Mama Milanoi exclaims, Father of all creation! This is but a dream p.30 . Taiyosays that the house is magnificent while Resian exclaims she had never seen anythinglike it before p.31 . At another level, both parents fail in their emotional obligations toone of their daughters, Resian. Ole Kaelo for instance has instilled fear in her such thatthere is no free interaction between father and daughter, has hated her from birth, keepsreprimanding her, abuses her and finally greatly betrays her by conspiring to marry heroff to his friend Oloisudori pp. 206-210 and when this aborts, he turns to his favoritedaughter Taiyo but not before he has her forcefully circumcised p.273 . The hitherto66good and peaceful family especially when he was in Nakuru has fallen apart at the endof the novel due to his greed for wealth. In the traditional Nasilian culture, love is not entirely a prerequisite to marriage. Although Ole Kaelo was smitten with love for Mama Milanoi the first time he saw her inthe church, her feelings for him are not required for them to marry. We are told that From the moment he saw her, he had been obsessed and he was still obsessed twentytwo years later p.9 . On his wife s side, we are told, She accepted him without anyresistance. Tradition did not allow her to offer any and as expected of her, she did notresist p.29 . What she considers is his character. We are told she knew he was a goodman, a great provider, a planner and a man with the will to succeed. She also knew heloved her genuinely p.29 . He continues loving his wife many years after their marriageshowing his satisfaction with her. When he wakes up he says, Oh, did he not have awife there. He was elated p.59 .Simiren, brother to Ole Kaelo, is a polygamist but he treats all his wives equally. It wasonly yeiyo-botorr, who occupied a special position in the home and who received favourfrom her husband without anyone frowning. Communal life, selflessness, and respectcharacterize this family and there are few disagreements and disputes.


He was elated p.59 .Simiren, brother to Ole Kaelo, is a polygamist but he treats all his wives equally. It wasonly yeiyo-botorr, who occupied a special position in the home and who received favourfrom her husband without anyone frowning. Communal life, selflessness, and respectcharacterize this family and there are few disagreements and disputes. The family ingeneral is a haven of peace, a thing that makes Resian and Taiyo admire traditional wayof life in their uncle s polygamous marriage p.154 .Taiyo puts love first before cultural dictates on who one should marry. Their culturedoes not allow inter-culture marriage but nonetheless, she falls in love with JosephParmuat, who belongs to her own clan and hence they are not allowed to marry. Taiyo isassertive enough for she is the one who approaches Joseph saying, I know you are inlove with me the way I am in love with you p.133 . Joseph reciprocates her love forhim saying, I loved you the moment I saw you during your father s homecomingceremony p.134 . When Resian asks Joseph to be her Patureishi, he says that culturedoes not allow it for she is like his sister p.127 .Taiyo loves her sister so much that shehas stepped in to fill the vacuum that has been left in Resian s heart due to her parent scold attitude towards her. Resian has relied on her sister for protection since primary67and Taiyo has made it her duty to mop her tears p.34 .SUFFERINGThere are several characters who suffer in the hands of the blunt Nasilian culture. Resian is slapped by her father for refusing to marry Oloisudori. After this, sheundergoes a series of mental and physical suffering. She suffers as she is transportedto the assumed Minik s Sheep ranch by Olarinkoi. At night during the journey, she fearsattack of wild animals. She also had a layer of dust in her mouth, in her nostrils, in herears and on her eyelashes p.215 . She suffers in the hands of Olarinkoi and his mother. She is physically assaulted by Olarinkoi until she passes out after which he proceeds torape her. After the sexual assault, she falls sick and has hallucinations.


She also had a layer of dust in her mouth, in her nostrils, in herears and on her eyelashes p.215 . She suffers in the hands of Olarinkoi and his mother. She is physically assaulted by Olarinkoi until she passes out after which he proceeds torape her. After the sexual assault, she falls sick and has hallucinations. We are told thatwhen she later came to, confused fleeting impressions registered on her awareness p.223 .Taiyo also suffers the blunt of archaic retrogressive Nasilian culture. She is forcedagainst her will to undergo FGM. During the painful rite, we are told She screamed andscreamed, but nobody came to her rescue. Then she fainted. When she came to, twodays later, she was sore, bitter and angry p.273 .RELIGION AND SUPERSTITIONSDuring the homecoming party of Ole Kaelo, an elder is expected to bless his homebefore Ole Kaelo can be received back in Nasila. We are told The elders would alsobless the wife, children and property that he brought back and which were all henceforthgoing to be the wealth of the Ilmolelian clan p.38 . The ceremony is conducted by OleMusanka who is to conduct the sacred ceremony of officially receiving him into theIlmolelian culture and offer blessings for his family s well-being p.50 . Apart fromblessing Ole Kaelo, the elder had special blessing for Taiyo. He even prophecies thatshe would be the mother of the next leader p.52 . This man also curses Emakererei, thewasp, whose real name is Minik for fighting F.G.M. He says May she go down with thesetting sun p.52 . 68Teiyo Bottor, Resian and Taiyo s aunt tell their mother that their daughter Resian hasOlkuenyi, a bad spirit and it is only circumcision that could get rid of it p.78 . MamaMilanoi remembers that when she was young, diseases were treated through a bloodletting ceremony known as angam. Several nicks were made on the ailing sections ofthe body and the blood sucked out p.79 . Curses are indications of the superstitiousnature of this community. The Enkoiboni, is a diviner.


Several nicks were made on the ailing sections ofthe body and the blood sucked out p.79 . Curses are indications of the superstitiousnature of this community. The Enkoiboni, is a diviner. It is said that she had prophesiedthat Ole Kaelo would move to Nasila with his two uncircumcised daughters and that hisson would go to live in that home and finally bring with him one of Ole Kaelo s daughterto be circumcised before marrying her. Going by that, it is evident that her propheciesand predictions are true p.232 . As Nabaru and Resian escape from Olarinkoi, Olarinkoicurses her saying, My mother s curse will find you there p.249 . He also boasts thathis mother s predictions always come to pass p.250 .WOMEN AS THEIR OWN ENEMIESMuch as the modern woman opposes retrogressive cultural practice such as F.G.M,majority of women support these practices. Mama Milanoi is in support of F.G.M evenas her daughters fight to resist the harmful practice. The writer puts: Did she notsupport female genital mutilation that was prevalent among her people in Nasila? P.63 . Despite being a woman, she betrays her daughter by giving her over to theenkamuratani to be circumcised pp.272-273 . She also keeps quiet and does not speakto oppose her husband s plans to marry off her daughters to an old man. This is despitethe fact that she is inwardly opposed to the whole idea. According to Maa oral tradition,it was women who came up with the idea of F.GM. They made a lasting resolution tosexual exploitation of women by the Olarinkoi and that gave rise to enkamuratani. Andher olmurunya was shaped, sharpened and handed to her p.87 . The same practicethat was useful then comes to haunt young girls such as Taiyo and Resian. Nabaru also finds fault with the Maa women. She believes that they were theperpetrators of FGM and that no woman had taken up the olmurunya to circumcise agirl. P.277 . Resian says that if all women said no to the detestable culture, men woulddo nothing and the practice would stop p.278 .


She believes that they were theperpetrators of FGM and that no woman had taken up the olmurunya to circumcise agirl. P.277 . Resian says that if all women said no to the detestable culture, men woulddo nothing and the practice would stop p.278 . However, women are not speaking inone voice hence it has becomes very difficult to fight cultural practices that harms them. 69Olarinkoi s mother also greatly serves in oppressing fellow women. She is planning tohave Resian circumcised before she can be married by her son. The three women thatTaiyo composes a song to ridicule also serve in oppressing women. We are told thatthey collaborated with men to oppress women p.153 .WAR VIOLENCEThe traditional Maa community in which the novel is set takes pride in engaging inexternal battles and wars to protect their territory or as an economic undertaking. Thereare many cases of violence reported in the clan. One remarkable war is that between Olarinkoi and Maa warriors that led to the Maapeople being ruled for many years. After many years under the Ilarinkon rule, we are toldthat the Maa people eventually revolted and overthrew the Olarinkoi despotic rule p.87 . Ole Kaelo attacks his daughter Resian for refusing to cooperate in his plan tohave her married to Oloisudori. After a moment of frozen immobility, her fathersuddenly pushed his chair, moved fast from behind the desk and slapped her face,sending her reeling back so that she almost fell p.209 .The fight between the girls at Minik s ranch and Oloisudori s men ends the protractedoppression of the man on Kaelo s daughters. We are told that his convoy wasreduced to smoldering shells and acrid smell of burning tyres p283 . There is also afight between Olarinkoi and the men that wanted to rape Resian and Taiyo. The braveryof Olarinkoi saves the girls from being raped. When the two young men are caught up byOlarinkoi and his men, they are beaten up before being spared. Women are also violent. The case in point is the old man they punish for being infatuated by a young girl.


The braveryof Olarinkoi saves the girls from being raped. When the two young men are caught up byOlarinkoi and his men, they are beaten up before being spared. Women are also violent. The case in point is the old man they punish for being infatuated by a young girl. We aretold Then all the women proceeded to the homestead of the accused, armed with allkinds of weapons that included firewood and their husbands knobkerries p.115 .They go on to beating him thoroughly and stripping him naked p.116 . Finally, thisman dies and the women feel satisfied that they have avenged their anger. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ON THEMES1. Explain four good aspects of Nasilian culture. 702. Discuss four cases of culture conflict in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah.3. Identify and illustrate instances of alienation in the novel.4. Determination is the key to success. Write a detailed composition to illustrate thestatement.5. Resian, Taiyo and Minik are justified in their fight against FGM because many culturalpractices have been abandoned. Do you agree? Support your answer with illustrationsfrom the novel.6. Illustrate cases of betrayal in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah and their impacton characters.7. Discuss four evils present in a morally decadent society. CHAPTER FOURLANGUAGE AND STYLEThe language used in literature is different from that used in other disciplines. Languagein literature goes a notch higher because it is not only used originally but alsoinnovatively. This contributes to aesthetics or beauty in literary texts hence appealing tothe readers. Style on the other hand can simply be defined as the unique manner ofdoing something. Just like everybody has a walking style and hair cutting style,playwrights have unique ways which they use to pass their messages to the audience. There are a number of stylistic devices in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah. Thisguidebook will enumerate some of these devices. Vivid DescriptionThe writer uses words to paint clear mental images on the readers mind. This enablesthe audience to understand the text better. As the Kaelo s are preparing to depart fromNakuru for Nasila the scenery is vividly described. He was gesticulating violently,apparently reprimanding loaders for being slow and inept p.1 . This description pointsout clearly the character of Kaelo as stern.


As the Kaelo s are preparing to depart fromNakuru for Nasila the scenery is vividly described. He was gesticulating violently,apparently reprimanding loaders for being slow and inept p.1 . This description pointsout clearly the character of Kaelo as stern. The welcoming ceremony of the Kaelo s71familybyuncleSimiren sfamilyisvividlydescribed Chunksofmeatwentround...selected a piece from the tray p.12 . The description helps in showing thegenerous nature of Kaelo as well as his meticulous planning abilities. Life at Nasila isvividly described the intermittent crowing of roosters a rare atmosphere of tranquilityand serenity... p.14 . The description is used to contrast the peaceful mood of the ruralNasila and the urban town of Nakuru that is characterized by hustles and bustles. Simiren s polygamous setting is described vividly Three main houses stood within awell-tended and a evenly trimmed kei apple perimeter hedge p.14 . The sixteen or sochildren aged between three and sixteen were perched on benches, stools and chairs p.16 . This description shows high birthrate in the family. It also paints a polygamousfamily in Nasila. The vivid description of Ole Supeyo p.23 , he lifted a corner of hisshirt and scratched his belly while his other hand stroked the stubble on his chin shows his wealthy status in the society. Oloisudori is described in uncomplimentary terms wide gap black eyes .looking like awarthog p.92 . The description signals Oloisudori s mean character and the readerscan even form a picture of a criminal before much is disclosed to them. There is a vividdescription of how women in the past dealt with an old man who sexually mistreated ayoung girl p.117 . Taiyo s bold visit to Joseph s bachelor house is vividly described p.130 . It shows the feelings of the two lovers who are restrained by culture. The attack ofthe two girls by two men in which Olarinkoi saves them is vividly described. He spranglike a ghost p.141 .


It shows the feelings of the two lovers who are restrained by culture. The attack ofthe two girls by two men in which Olarinkoi saves them is vividly described. He spranglike a ghost p.141 . This shows the risk the girls are going though in the hostile Nasilaenvironment. The search conducted by thirty men with Kaelo and Joseph is vividly described to showthe urgency of getting the girls molesters p161 . The resigned Resian is vividlydescribed after she is required to serve Oloisudori and his group p.172 . She walked toan oloponi tree at the centre of the garden. Finding a log underneath it, she sankdown her shoulders drooping It shows Oloisudori s insensitive character. Thejourney by Oloisudori and the couple is vividly described p. 190,191 . It showsOloisudori s cunning and scheming character. The journey by Resian, Olarinkoi and the72pick-up driver is vividly described to show the ill manners of the two young men p. 212,213 . The escape by Resian and Nabaru is also vividly described to show the riskinvolved by the two females with strong character p. 247 .SimilesA simile is a stylistic device that compares two things indirectly with an aim of drawinga mental picture in the mind of the reader. Before the Kaelo s relocate to Nasila, somewomen from Nasila visit Mama Milanoi. They signal a future menace since the girls arenot circumcised. The author says, The words came to haunt her like a demented spirit p.8 . This is later seen when mama Milanoi and Kaelo have to live alone in their old ageafter Taiyo and Resian go to the ranch and later to the university p.13 . They hadlikened him to a mono- eyed giant who stood on legs of straw. P.13 .Kaelo is comparedto a giant because he holds a senior position in his home, as the head in his house yethe has chosen to be very weak by having only one wife and two daughters. The eldersfeel Kaelo is not stable. He should be supported by many sons like Simiren. Ole Supeyocompares effects of FGM with effects of dehorning cows.


The eldersfeel Kaelo is not stable. He should be supported by many sons like Simiren. Ole Supeyocompares effects of FGM with effects of dehorning cows. Like cattle that requiredbeing dehorned to reduce accidental injuries to each other, a certain docility wasrequired to keep more than one wife in one homestead p.22 . This simile shows thechauvinistic nature of Supeyo. The sense of foreboding from the threat was still hanging in the air like the sword ofDamocles. P.27 . This simile shows the apprehensive mood in which the girls are inafter they are accosted by the callous young man. Mama Milanoi says her husband hadbullied and scolded her like half-witted child p.29 . This shows how Kaelo consideredher as a child. It also reveals the low position of a wife in a Maa family. Uncle Simiren danced, his bald head shining like a piece of iron sheet in the afternoonsun. P.45 . The simile shows the industry, age and alienation of Simiren as well as thecelebratory mood in the event. After the drinks, voices of laughter of the revelers aredescribed as: they rose and fell like sound of waves beating upon flooded river banksto show the exuberant carefree mood p.50 . A simile describes Resian s condition ofinsecurity, Lonely stalked her like a lost young leopard. P.57 . This shows the danger73that looms in the new environment. Kaelo comments, Your daughter Resian is like anoverfed lizard in the afternoon sun p.64 .The simile is used to comment on the lazycharacter of Resian. Olarinkoi is described as sitting quietly and staring unblinkingly like a leopard wouldwhile stalking an antelope p.75 . This shows Olarinkoi s antisocial nature. It alsoindirectly reveals his real intention in Kaelo s home. Yeiyo Botorr expresses hercontempt for Resian s assertive character in a simile. One with olkuenyi bad spirit was shunned like plague p.78 . It was easier to fall in love with a serpent than withOlarinkoi p.80 .


P.26 . Ole Musanka describes Kaelo as a tinystrand of hair that has been blown away from its owner s head by a gust of wind. P.51 . 74This shows that Kaelo is part of Maa culture and is owned by the Maa culture. P.51 . Italso brings out the wise character of Ole Musanka. To express her contempt andannoyance, Resian describes Oloisudori, what an ill-mannered devil this man is. P.93 .After the heinous act by Olarinkoi on Resian, rape, the sun is described as a bowl of red p.226 .PersonificationIt is a stylistic device in which a novelist uses human attributes on non-living things withsignificance to the novel. For instance Nakuru is described as That beloved town thatwas the mother of all flamingoes p.2 . It is evident that the flamingoes make the areavery attractive and probably that is one of the reasons Taiyo sheds tears and is hesitantto leave it for Nasila a rural set up. It could also be interpreted that Nakuru is enlivenedby the flamingoes making it relaxing. On reaching Nasila, the tranquility is expressed, acool fresh breeze swept in and caressed her face soothingly. P.14 .The breeze in thiscase is emphasized by being given a human quality of caressing. A pot of ugali is saidto hiss cheerfully at the side p.280 .The exaggeration is aimed at emphasizing on thesignificance of the happy event. DialogueIt is a novelistic style in which the writer presents the actual conversation betweencharacters. It brings a break from prose and therefore breaks monotony on the part ofthe reader. Taiyo and Resian converse about their new residence p.3 . The dialogueshows their mixed attitudes towards Nasila. Resian is afraid of the new home. She fearsthat the new shop may not pick something which may make the family needy in thefuture. However, Taiyo encourages her to have faith. While taking a walk around Simiren s compound, Taiyo and Resian converse on theapprehension and rivalry among the four houses. This exposes the enmity in apolygamous marriage.


She fearsthat the new shop may not pick something which may make the family needy in thefuture. However, Taiyo encourages her to have faith. While taking a walk around Simiren s compound, Taiyo and Resian converse on theapprehension and rivalry among the four houses. This exposes the enmity in apolygamous marriage. The dialogue between Joseph and Ole Kaelo serves to warnTaiyo and Joseph against having any love relationship p.70 .The heated conversation between yeiyo-Botorr, mama Milanoi, Taiyo and Resian on p.77reveals Resian s assertiveness and daring character. It also shows yeiyo-botorr as75conservative. The dialogue between Taiyo, Resian and yeiyo-Kiti gives the girls moreinformation about Minik Nkoitoi and adds curiosity on the part of the girls to see her inthe future p.151 .On the other hand, the heated dialogue between Kaelo and Resian p. 210, 211 bringsout Kaelo s character as mean and abusive while it portrays Resian as sentimental. Lastly, the conversation between Resian, Taiyo and Minik on p. 280 in Minik s officebrings out the manager s character as courteous. FlashbackIt is a style in which a novelist takes us back to a time in the past with an intention ofinforming the reader on past occurrences. It reveals critical information to the audienceas well as helping in plot development. We are informed of how the Kaelo s got marriedtwenty two years ago and how Kaelo got employed by Agribix Limited. In order formama Milanoi to view the future in the right perspective, she first recalls on the past p.7 . Kaelo flashes back how he had first spotted Jane, his wife in a church service p.9 . The flashback helps in identifying Mama Milanoi as religious. Through a flashback we are told of the humorous story of how Ole Supeyo would takeKaelo to the forest and instruct him to count a lot of money. From this flashback, wediscover their deep rooted friendship p. 21 . The flashback in this case is also a sourceof humour. Mama Milanoi flashes back to a time when Kaelo married her twenty twoyears ago and how her parents were happy to get a wealthy son in law p. 28 .


The flashback in this case is also a sourceof humour. Mama Milanoi flashes back to a time when Kaelo married her twenty twoyears ago and how her parents were happy to get a wealthy son in law p. 28 . Theflashback informs the audience of the concern Jane s parents had for their daughter. Taiyo has a flashback on how she excelled in music festivals and was awarded andgarlanded. An FM radio station sponsored her to attend an extravaganza p.44 . Thisflashback is essential in revealing Taiyo as a talented girl. It explains why she isinterested with the Maasai dance as well. Mama Milanoi flashes back when an old manlike Oloisudori would not have been allowed by culture to marry young girls. P.114 .insuch a case Mama Milanoi would have appealed to an elder s court which would rulehim out of elders. It would also fine him. Irony76This stylistic device entails a writer depicting what is contrary to what is expected by thereader. For instance, Mama Milanoi optimistically thinks that it would be easy for thecouple to marry off their two girls at Nasila than Nakuru town p.8 . However, thisproves to be difficult later in the novel. The two girls put up a spirited fight against theirmarriage to Oloisudori. Resian escapes from her prophesied marriage to Olarinkoi whileTaiyo escape shortly after undergoing FGM.It is ironical that Kaelo detests his daughter Resian simply because she is born a girlinstead of a son as he wishes. Since the baby is innocent and did not contribute in hersex, we expect the father to appreciate her. Furthermore, according to biologicalsciences it is the man who carries male genes p.10 . It is ironical when Kaelodismisses elders as practitioners of archaic traditions when they mount pressure forhim to be polygamous yet later he supports F.G.M on his daughters which is an equallyarchaic humiliating practice. This clearly portrays greed that overwhelms him as well ashis weak character p.113 . It is ironical that Kaelo had been warned against the criminalrecord of Oloisudori from Supeyo but still falls for his snare p.108 .


It is ironical when Kaelodismisses elders as practitioners of archaic traditions when they mount pressure forhim to be polygamous yet later he supports F.G.M on his daughters which is an equallyarchaic humiliating practice. This clearly portrays greed that overwhelms him as well ashis weak character p.113 . It is ironical that Kaelo had been warned against the criminalrecord of Oloisudori from Supeyo but still falls for his snare p.108 . It is ironical thatafter Joseph wins the hearts of Resian, his heart is filled with frightening premonition p.136 .Although the first day at Simiren s place begins happily, it ends while the girls aredisappointed after they are accosted by a callous young man. It is ironical that mamaMilanoi feels she has failed in giving Kaelo a son and even praises and praise God for ababy boy p.29 .It is ironical that the idea of Enkamuratani and Olmurunya was hatchedby women themselves p.87 . Many years later this practice becomes a source ofhumiliation and pain to the female population. It is ironical that FGM that adverselyaffects women in the Maa community is practically done by women p.227 .It is also ironical that Olarinkoi, the mysterious young man Resian detested later savestheir lives. P.142 . Still, it is ironical that when Kaelo calls Resian to inform her ofmarriage to Oloisudori, Resian thinks she is being called for admission in the university p.182 .Lastly, it is ironical that Emuata a heavy copper ring is primarily made to makebrides beautiful yet it is heavy and uncomfortable to the females p.263 . 77SymbolismThe physical appearance of the two sisters and their mother is symbolically expressed, Taiyo and Resian both head and shoulder taller than their mother, stood on p.11 .Theheight of the two girls is physically compared to that of their mother. The height couldbe interpreted in terms of their contribution to female emancipation. The deepermeaning is that Resian and Taiyo s role in fighting gender inequality is greater than thatof their mother. At the time of the planned circumcision of Resian, the sun is described, it s sad yellowlight discordant howls of hyenas... p.243 .


77SymbolismThe physical appearance of the two sisters and their mother is symbolically expressed, Taiyo and Resian both head and shoulder taller than their mother, stood on p.11 .Theheight of the two girls is physically compared to that of their mother. The height couldbe interpreted in terms of their contribution to female emancipation. The deepermeaning is that Resian and Taiyo s role in fighting gender inequality is greater than thatof their mother. At the time of the planned circumcision of Resian, the sun is described, it s sad yellowlight discordant howls of hyenas... p.243 . These symbols reinforces the mood. Also,as Nabaru and Resian leave the desolate village, there is a heavy downpour. The rainsymbolizes hope in future. P.248 . At the ranch, Resian is led to a house with asoothingly cool carpet which cools her tired and thorn pricked feet p.260 . This symbolassures the comfortable life the future holds for Resian. The conspicuous departure for Egerton University by Resian, Taiyo and Minik issymbolic. P.246 . They leave behind Oloisudori s burnt vehicles. It symbolizes theirvictory over Oloisudori s army, patriarchy, FGM and stereotype. Local DialectIt involves the use of Maasai and Swahili words in the novel by the author. The usageenriches the setting of the fiction; the Maasai geographical area of settlement and therural set up aspect of the novel. It makes the story credible, authentic and alive as wellas anchoring the elaborate theme of culture. In depicting the serene atmosphere, theauthor says, Interspersed were the olive- green ilorienito brown wild olive trees whosefragrant cluster of bushes of olobaani Ilkilenya climbers grew p.15 . Yeiyoo botorr p.16 , means eldest wife. Her presence portrays the different level of power in apolygamous marriage. Still to emphasize the beauty and serenity the writer says about Kaelo s home, clustersof oleleshua, osinoni and olkirrpanyany bushes dotted the compound. P.31 .


Yeiyoo botorr p.16 , means eldest wife. Her presence portrays the different level of power in apolygamous marriage. Still to emphasize the beauty and serenity the writer says about Kaelo s home, clustersof oleleshua, osinoni and olkirrpanyany bushes dotted the compound. P.31 . Peoplevisit Kaelo s new home so as to observe the girls with an aim of commending them as78inkainito p.36 .Enkaitoyoni and enkamuratani came to make acquaintance with potential clients. P.36 .After feeding and dancing, people take esuguroi drink to gladden their hearts p.46 .Esuguroi is a fermented honey beer spiced with aloe. It is believed that Resian hasKisirani, an evil ominous harbinger to a terrible thing p.78 .There are many other instances of use of local dialects such as intoiye nemengalana,olmurunya, papaai, enkoiboni, inkainito, shuka, olbitirr, mzee, mheshimiwa, patureishi,elangatare, oloiboni and many others. The meaning of these Maasai and Kiswahiliwords has been provided in the text or in the glossary of terms at the end of the novel. ForeshadowIt is a stylistic device in which something ominous is signaled to happen in the future. Mama Milanoi experiences a pang of strange premonition that twists her nervesunpleasantly p.17 . This suggests the lurking danger especially because her daughtersare in the status of intoiye nemengalana. Once they arrive in their new house, Resiansays, I feel an oppressive silence. P.32 .This points at the rough episodes sheencounters later p.32 . Taiyo and Resian experience a long night characterized bymournful calls of night birds p.55 . This signals the bad experience ahead. On page 138,Olmultut a bird of bad omen coos sorrowfully at Resian s gate. This bird is a harbingerof bad news. Its cry is ominous p.138 .Rhetorical QuestionsIt is a stylistic device which employs questions which do not necessarily requireanswers but are aimed at stimulating critical thinking.


On page 138,Olmultut a bird of bad omen coos sorrowfully at Resian s gate. This bird is a harbingerof bad news. Its cry is ominous p.138 .Rhetorical QuestionsIt is a stylistic device which employs questions which do not necessarily requireanswers but are aimed at stimulating critical thinking. To show that Kaelo is goingthrough a hard reflective moment, he asks, Was not everybody doing business with him?Was he really that bad? Was it the usual business rivalry and envy? Oloisudori p.27 .These questions show the dilemma in which Kaelo is in. Mama Milanoi wonders whatthey stand for as a family. Are they traditionalists or modernists? P.62 . This shows herdilemma towards F.G.M and her daughters. Resian asks, Was there a curse for beingborn a woman? P.205 . She rhetorically asks, Was it jealousy consuming her? P.49 .This is about the growing love between Taiyo and Joseph. Nabaru argues on page 277,79 if the Enkamuratani threw away the olmurunya and refused to wield it again, whatwould happen? It is a call for women s awakening to rise to the occasion and fightF.G.M.Oral Literature DevicesNarrativesKaelo had learnt that Odomongi and Orok-kiteng, the legendary twin homesteads of thefounder that begot of the five clans of Nasila: Ilmolelian, Ilmakesen, Ilukumae, Ilaiserand Iltarrosero were the cradle of Nasila people p.37 . Mama Milanoi s dilemma is aptlydescribed in a summarized narrative. Her situation was like that of ole Nkipida who waschased into a deserted hut by a lion just to be confronted by a hungry python at the door p.60 . This describes the conflict brought about by F.G.M. There is a common myththat by spilling blood through F.G.M bad spirit is purged away p.78 . Joseph narrates amoving story of the legendry Olarinkoi p.81 . In the story, women entertain Ilarinkonwarriors who demeaned and sexually exploited women p.86 .


There is a common myththat by spilling blood through F.G.M bad spirit is purged away p.78 . Joseph narrates amoving story of the legendry Olarinkoi p.81 . In the story, women entertain Ilarinkonwarriors who demeaned and sexually exploited women p.86 . The story also tells theorigin of F.G.M P.87 .Song and DanceOn page41, during the homecoming ceremony, a bevy of beautiful young women danceexciting traditional dance. Men also do a springy dance p.41 . It is from this dance thatTaiyo falls in love with Joseph Parmuat. He leads primary school children into a songabout welcoming the returning hero, Kaelo p.42 . Taiyo composes a song which shesings in her heart. The song is dedicated to three women who collaborated with men tooppress women folks p.153 .Girls from Intapuka e Maa sing a song p.281 . This song makes the two girls shedtears for it praises intoiye nemengalana. P.281 . It also reveals women assertivenessand readiness to fight oppressive cultural practices as well as song of hope, victory andequality. 80ProverbsThey are short statements laden with a deep meaning. They are mostly used by theelderly people as a measure of wisdom and experience. Ole Kaelo on p.25 says, Theman with the meat was the same man with the knife. This signifies that for him to getcontracts, he must work with the corrupt Oloisudori. On p.25 Ole Musanka quips, Whenan old rat begins to smell, it returns to its mother s home p.52 . Meaning that Kaelo isold and had to return to Maa culture as well as home for a sense of belonging. What thesuperstitious Yeiyoo Botorr says to mama Milanoi about Resian is in form of a proverb, To hide a boil that is under the armpit is unwise p.78 . Meaning the girl s condition ofintoiye nemengalana is vicious and will soon burst.


Meaning that Kaelo isold and had to return to Maa culture as well as home for a sense of belonging. What thesuperstitious Yeiyoo Botorr says to mama Milanoi about Resian is in form of a proverb, To hide a boil that is under the armpit is unwise p.78 . Meaning the girl s condition ofintoiye nemengalana is vicious and will soon burst. While encouraging Resian to escapeto the ranch Olarinkoi says, Home is never far for one who is still alive p.211 .SuspenseIt is a device in which the writer creates a pleasurable emotion of anticipation andexcitement regarding the outcome of events or phenomenon. In the novel, an air ofsuspense surrounds Olarinkoi. Kaelo does not introduce him to us at any point in thenovel nor does he mention him. P.79 . The audience is let to think about him evokingcuriosity which keep them reading. The breaking down of the lorry near the ranchattracts suspense p.252 . Readers wonder what is to happen next. They worry of thecharacter s safety. When Minik calls Taiyo and Resian in her office and stays for longwithout breaking the silence, suspense is created. Especially because she is holding twoletters with unknown contents p. 279 . The readers remain in suspense for long as towhether Resian will agree to be married by Oloisudori or not. They also keep readingand to see whether she will be circumcised by force by Olarinkoi s mother and bemarried by Olarinkoi as his mother had prophesied. DreamKaelo has a dream in which Resian consents to marriage by Oloisudori p.195 . Thedream shows the level of greed in Kaelo. While in a strange room belonging toOlarinkoi s people, Resian has a dream in which she meets Minik. The dream fires herambition. P.220 . Resian dreams a triumphant dream where she battles enkamuratani screw who want to circumcise her by force p.244, 245 . 81AllusionIt is a style in which there is a reference to something which is supposed to be knownbut not explicitly mentioned. A writer can refer to history, politics, the bible, literatureand so on.


Resian dreams a triumphant dream where she battles enkamuratani screw who want to circumcise her by force p.244, 245 . 81AllusionIt is a style in which there is a reference to something which is supposed to be knownbut not explicitly mentioned. A writer can refer to history, politics, the bible, literatureand so on. In this novel, there are literary and biblical allusions. Resian quotes from afamous speaker, What pained one most was not the injustices carried out against oneby the adversaries but the silence of those who called themselves his or her friends atthe time the injustice was done p.231 . This literary allusion is in reference to hermother who kept quiet all the time they were being exposed to barbaric Nasilian culturalpractices. There are several cases of biblical allusion. Resian remembers thetribulations of the Biblical Job. P.230 . She suddenly fell on her knees and hugged thelegs of the old woman washing them with tears p.234 .The allusion in this context isthat of Mary in the St Luke in the Bible where she chooses to anoint Jesus using her hair. In this context, the respect Resian has for the enkabaani is emphasized. Still, Resianreminds herself of what the Bible says, p.257 . Some scriptures on optimism arequoted. The Joseph in the bible alludes to the Biblical Joseph who sacrificed for Christby offering his tomb to be used by Christ p.277 . Joseph in the novel finally sacrificesby dying for the sake of Taiyo. 82CHAPTER FIVESAMPLE AND PRACTICE EXCERPTSSAMPLE EXCERPTS1. Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. No Joseph, she said in an infantile whimper. I can t bear that we can t express thelove that we have for one another because of some primitive culture. If by loving you, Ioffend the sensibilities of Nasila then let me offend and face the consequences ofdoing so! I also love you very much, Joseph Parmuat responded finally. I loved you the momentI saw you during your father s homecoming ceremony. But then the clan matter came toseparate us. It is true we have no blood relation. But Nasila culture dictates who arerelated and who are not.


But then the clan matter came toseparate us. It is true we have no blood relation. But Nasila culture dictates who arerelated and who are not. We are slotted among those who cannot marry. No, it can t be, I cannot accept its verdict, she said petulantly her words agonised. No83way, never! She stopped, confused and angry with herself at her inarticulate outburst. She took several long steadying breaths and then said, I cannot accept that a culturethat does not feed, clothe or house me comes to control my life. Our lives belong to us,Joseph. The destiny of our lives is in our own hands. We should guard it jealously. Atlast they drew a little a part .His eyes were open, honest and steady upon her face.1. What happens before this excerpt? 3mks 2. For both Joseph and Taiyo, give and illustrate two character traits. 4mks 3. How is dialogue significant in this excerpt? 4mks 4. Explain any two thematic concerns addressed in the excerpt. 4mks 5. From elsewhere in the novel, how does Joseph sacrifice for his love for Taiyo? 4mks 6. Explain the meaning of the following vocabulary as used in the excerpt. 4mks a destinyb infantilec petulantlyd primitive7. What happens immediately after this extract? 2mks 2. Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that followYou are mad! Resian screamed at him. You are stark mad if you think I am your wife. Ican only be your wife over my dead body. Yes, you and my father can kill me and carrymy dead body to your palatial home. He was stunned by those harsh words. He winced as if he had been struck. Then84already harsh line of his mouth tightened and he stood tense for a moment. Then herelaxed and watched her mockingly. You can never escape Resian, he repeated quietly,smiling. The very normality of his voice as he spoke those monstrous words was mostshocking and disturbing to her. Whether you scream your heart out, or jump into thedeep sea, Resian, you are mine.


You can never escape Resian, he repeated quietly,smiling. The very normality of his voice as he spoke those monstrous words was mostshocking and disturbing to her. Whether you scream your heart out, or jump into thedeep sea, Resian, you are mine. You are my wife from now henceforth I want to go now. Resian announced angrily shuddering with disgust and terror. You want to go? He asked, the contemptuous quiet of his voice a menace by itself. Go!You want to be persuaded, coaxed and pampered to marry Oloisudori Lonkiyaa? Sorry Iwill not do that! If you want to go, please yourself. You may opt to go, but when you aremine, you will do as I please. No one plays games with Oloisudori. Ask your father, hewill tell you. Stop it! Stop it! Resian screamed excruciatingly pained by the disdainful remarks ofOloisudori. Putting her hands over her ears, she made a dash for the door. He made noeffort to stop her but she flung it open and turned to glare at him with tearful eyesYou are mad! She screamed again sobbingly. You are stark mad! You hear me? Youare nothing but ol-ushuushi. She walked away and as she did so, she heard his softlaughter behind her.1. Say what happens before this excerpt. 3mks 2. How is Oloisudori portrayed in this excerpt? 4mks 3. Describe the feeling of Resian in this excerpt 3mks 4. From other areas of the novel, state other crimes that are practiced by Oloisudori. 3mks .5. How does the writer utilize irony in this excerpt? 85 3mks 6. You are my wife from now henceforth Rewrite in the reported speech. 1mk 7. Explain the meaning of the following words 4mks a Pamperedb Disgustc Madd Palatial7. What happens immediately after this extract? 3mks 3.


You are my wife from now henceforth Rewrite in the reported speech. 1mk 7. Explain the meaning of the following words 4mks a Pamperedb Disgustc Madd Palatial7. What happens immediately after this extract? 3mks 3. Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow. They were silent as they climbed the hill on their way back from Nasila river to drawwater. The water containers that they carried on their backs were now heavy. Thestraps that supported the containers pressed down their heads with a painfulexhaustion. As they walked, each one of them allowed her mind to fleetingly roam the fanciful landof wishful thinking. Resian thought how wonderful it would be, had she had a chance to enroll at theEgerton University and after graduation had a chance to work with her role model, Minikene Nkoitoi, the Emakererei at the sheep ranch that she managed. She imagined herselfalready there driving a large flock of sheep. And when she thought of sheep, her mindflew back to fifteen years or so earlier and reminisced the first time she saw a sheep. Itwas a childhood memory, a memorable picture from the swirling scene around herwhich had been captured and preserved by her mind when she and Taiyo accompaniedtheir father to the Nakuru Agricultural Show. She could still see in her mind a group ofbig, docile, tawny woolly animals that stood panting drowsily in a green pasture, with the86sun beaming down brightly from a clear blue sky. She had then admired the white longovercoats that the handlers wore. Taiyo also thought of Emakererei. She would ask Joseph Parmuat, to assist hercompose a song in her praise. She had already put words to a tune she had composedto ridicule the three women who she thought collaborated with men to oppress thewomen folk. They were Nasila s three blind mice who, she thought, did not seem toknow that the world was changing.


She had then admired the white longovercoats that the handlers wore. Taiyo also thought of Emakererei. She would ask Joseph Parmuat, to assist hercompose a song in her praise. She had already put words to a tune she had composedto ridicule the three women who she thought collaborated with men to oppress thewomen folk. They were Nasila s three blind mice who, she thought, did not seem toknow that the world was changing. Those were the enkasakutoni, who threatened tocurse intoiye nemengalana and ensured they did not get husbands nor children: themidwife Enkaitoyoni who threatened to spy on the young women as they gave birth toensure that any who was still among intoiye-nemengalana had her status altered thereand then; and the dreaded Enkamuratani, who would never tire of wielding herolmurunya menacingly.1.Place the excerpt in its immediate context. 4Mks 2.Identify and illustrate two aspects of style in this excerpt. 4Mks 3.Discuss two themes evident in the excerpt. 4Mks 4.Discuss one character trait of Resian and Taiyo in the excerpt. 4Mks 5.The straps that supported the containers pressed down their heads with apainful exhaustion. Rewrite beginning: with . 1Mk 6.How do Resian s thoughts now come to be fulfilled in future? Brieflyexplain. 4Mks 7.Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt. 4Mks 87 i Reminisced ii Collaborated iii Dreaded iv Menacingly4. Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow Yes, Papaai, Resian said apprehensively. I am here. Taiyo tells me you arecalling me? Yes, yes, her father replied. Please take a seat. Yes, Papaai, Resian repeated as she sat on a chair far away from her father. Come nearer child, her father said pleasantly. Why do you sit a mile away?


I am here. Taiyo tells me you arecalling me? Yes, yes, her father replied. Please take a seat. Yes, Papaai, Resian repeated as she sat on a chair far away from her father. Come nearer child, her father said pleasantly. Why do you sit a mile away? Come nearer. Resian moved her chair hardly an inch from where it was and then she looked up intoherfather s face with eager expectation. If I do remember well, her father began in a low even tone, you will be nineteen inSeptember this year, am I right You are quite right, Papaai. Resian answered eyeing him curiously. His face wasunusually kind. His eyes held hers as he smiled broadly. That s it! She thoughttriumphantly. That must be it! You and I have not discussed important issues for a long time, he said with a friendlychuckle that was intended to bring her closer to him. I thought today would be the bestday to break the news. Your future is very important to me, my dear child. Resian thought the concern in her father s voice, rang false. She hesitated, but couldnot hold herself any more. The anxiety was too great. 88 Papaai, is it Yeiyo or Taiyo who spoke to you? She asked sensationally, thinkingshe was stating the obvious. But seeing her father s face cloud, she added quickly. Who between them spoke to you about our enrolment at the Egerton University? What are you talking about, child? Her father, who seemed dumbfounded, askedafter a long and uncomfortable silence. Both Yeiyo and Taiyo promised to talk to you about it, and I thought she had. What, in the name of God are you talking about, child? He repeated, this timeagitated and shaking his head vigorously. No, I have never spoken to anybody aboutany of you enrolling at the university. Never! When I said I wanted us to discuss yourfuture, that isn t what I meant at all.


No, I have never spoken to anybody aboutany of you enrolling at the university. Never! When I said I wanted us to discuss yourfuture, that isn t what I meant at all. Of course not! Resian looked at her father s faceenquiringly.1.What has happened before the excerpt? 3mks 2.What is so ironical in this passage?Explain your answer referring toelsewhere in the novel. 3mks 3. Your future is very important to me, my dear child From elsewhere in thenovel, explain why Ole Kaelo tells his daughter so. 3Mks 4.Discuss two aspects of character in Resian in this excerpt. 4Mks 5.What major issue is addressed in this excerpt? 2Mks 6.Explain what happens after this excerpt. 3Mks 7. Who between them spoke to you about our enrolment at the Egerton89university? Rewrite in the direct speech. 1Mk 8.A part from irony, discuss any other aspect of style evident in the excerpt. 2Mks 9.Explain the meaning of the following words and expressions used in theexcerpt. 4 Mks i . Apprehensively ii . Sit a mile away iii . Hold herself iv . AgitatedANSWERS TO SAMPLE EXTRACTSSample excerpt 11. Taiyo visits Joseph s bachelor house. She expresses her infatuation. Joseph feelsinfatuated too. She sobs uncontrollably2. Joseph is responsible. He has self-control aimed at preventing the duo from messingup. He is patriotic. He chooses to take sides with the Nasila culture. He feels they shouldnot break the normsTaiyo is loving. She has strong feelings for Joseph. Assertive. She is ready to offend sensibilities of Nasila culture for love. Sacrificing. She is ready to risk herself for love.3. It brings out Taiyo s interrogative nature. She skeptically questions the enslaving90nature of Nasila culture. I cannot accept culture that does not feed me. She poses thatculture should be beneficial.4. He accepts to be the contact man in the mission of rescuing Taiyo. He makes hercaptors drunk leading to her escape. The captors later kill him.5.Love. Taiyo and Joseph express their views towards love. She feels it should be let togrow while he feels culture should restrain love feelings. Culture.


The captors later kill him.5.Love. Taiyo and Joseph express their views towards love. She feels it should be let togrow while he feels culture should restrain love feelings. Culture. Their love relationship is held at ransom by culture that objects love betweenpeople of the same clan.6. A Fateb Childish immaturec Grudginglyd Fate7. Joseph says he is ready to face any eventuality that may arise out of love. Taiyoappreciates the new stance of Joseph. She sheds tears. Sample excerpt 21. Oloisudori informs Resian of the benefits she will get for marrying him. Resian getsvery annoyed and speechless. Resian learns that her father has already received dowryfor her marriage to Oloisudori. He reports to her that their fate is sealed.2. Contemptuous. He asked, the contemptuous quiet of his voice a menace by itself. Proud. He feels superior and egocentric. No one plays games with Oloisudori. Askedyour father, he will tell you. 3. She is feeling disappointed and desperate of her father s action of receiving dowrywith an aim of sealing her marriage with Oloisudori. She feels really betrayed. 914. Extortion, assassinations shadowy businesses, sexual immorality, robber, smuggler,poacher5. It is ironical that Oloisudori who is older than Resian s father plans to marry Resian ayoung girl even after he is told her wish is to study at the university. It is also ironicalthat Kaelo has already picked dowry from Oloisudori and has never bothered to informResian of it.6. He told her that she was her wife from then henceforth.7. A Insaneb Grand like a palacec Strong loathed Treat with excessive care8. Resian rans blindly knocking a chair and a table and disappears past Oloisudori sdriver. She goes to her father s shop. She is raving mad with indignation. She becomesvery disappointed with her father. Sample excerpt 31. Before the excerpt, Taiyo and Resian go to the River to fetch water. They remembertheir discussion with their aunt and admire Minik s fight against women oppression bymen. They muse that men must be very angry with her for snatching five hundred girlsfrom her.


Before the excerpt, Taiyo and Resian go to the River to fetch water. They remembertheir discussion with their aunt and admire Minik s fight against women oppression bymen. They muse that men must be very angry with her for snatching five hundred girlsfrom her. After the excerpt, Taiyo sings the song she has composed about three womenwhom she refers as mice silently in her heart. One of those women is the enkamuratanichasing a woman with a knife.2. Flashback- Resian recalls fifteen years back when she and Taiyo accompanied theirfather to the Nakuru agricultural show and she saw sheep the first time. Vivid description-The sheep are vividly described as big, docile tawny wooly animals. Metaphors-She calls the three women who collaborated with men to oppress women as92Nasila s three blind mice.3. Theme of Determination or optimism. Resian is full of optimism that one day shewould join Egerton university. Women as their own enemies. The three Nasila women collaborated with men tooppress women. Negative cultural practices. The three women propagate negative cultural practicesagainst women such as F.G.M.4. Resian is visionary. She thought how wonderful it would be, had she a chance toenroll at the Egerton University. She dreams of going to university. Taiyo-critical-she wants to compose a song ridiculing three Nasilian women whocollaborated with men to oppress women.5. With a painful exhaustion, the straps that supported the containers pressed downtheir heads.6. Later, she is rescued from a planned marriage by Nabaru and is taken to Minik sranch. There, she is given a house and a job. Minik also helps in securing theiradmission at Egerton University. She also gives a scholarship. The novel ends when sheand Taiyo are going to University.7. Recall RecalledWorked togetherFearedThreateninglySample Excerpt 41. Ole Kaelo sends Taiyo to call Resian for him. Resian feels hopeful and excited thatshe is being called to be informed about admission to the university. She thinks that it isher mother or sister who has talked to her father about the matter.2.


Ole Kaelo sends Taiyo to call Resian for him. Resian feels hopeful and excited thatshe is being called to be informed about admission to the university. She thinks that it isher mother or sister who has talked to her father about the matter.2. It is ironical for Resian to think that her father is going to tell her about her dream93wish of joining Egerton University but he has plans to marry her off to his friendOloisudori. This is even as he says your future is very important to me 3. He says this because he has plans to marry her to his friend Oloisudori. If thissucceeds, his business would be saved because Oloisudori had helped him establishthe business and even building his house in Nasila.4. Ignorant- she thinks that her father has good news about joining university which isnot the case. She says, That s it! She thought triumphantly. Is it Yeiyo or Taiyo whospoke to you? Apprehensive. She replies to her father apprehensively. Fearful- she is in fear of her father. She sits on a chair far from her father.5. Determination optimism. Resian is very much determined to join Egerton University. She thinks it is the reason why her father has called her. Who between them spoke toyou about our enrollment at the Egerton University. 6. After the excerpt, Ole Kaelo hesitates telling Resian what he wanted to tell her andtells her to go to the kitchen. He tells her to tell her mother to come.7. She asked him who between them had spoken to him about their enrollment at theEgerton University.8. Suspense. The reader is left in suspense wanting to know why Ole Kaelo had calledhis daughter. Dialogue- there is dialogue between Resian and her father. It reveals the strainedrelationship between daughter and father. Nervously worriedly fearfullySit far awayControl herselfTroubled disturbed94PRACTICE EXCERPTS1. Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that followHowever, the notion that he was about to hand over his own daughter to a gangstercontinued to gnaw at the conscience of Ole Kaelo relentlessly.


The reader is left in suspense wanting to know why Ole Kaelo had calledhis daughter. Dialogue- there is dialogue between Resian and her father. It reveals the strainedrelationship between daughter and father. Nervously worriedly fearfullySit far awayControl herselfTroubled disturbed94PRACTICE EXCERPTS1. Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that followHowever, the notion that he was about to hand over his own daughter to a gangstercontinued to gnaw at the conscience of Ole Kaelo relentlessly. He felt guilty, especiallywhen he recalled the atrocities that were known to have been committed by Oloisudoriover the years. But another voice told him quietly that he was being foolish andunreasonable to question his own conscience over the matter of Oloisudori, for he wasjust one among many who were enjoying the fruits of their labour. And it was hardlyanybody s business to know how honest that labour was. After all, the small voicereassured him tauntingly, those who committed bigger crimes such as Goldenberg andAnglo-leasing, were still enjoying the fruits of their labour. Had they not invested theyields of their ill-gotten money in housing estates, in shares, in import and exports intourism, in transport and in other trades, just as Oloisudori had done?When he went to bed later that evening, he remained awake for many hourspondering over those disturbing thoughts that went through his mind fleetingly, likewater that churned violently in a turbulent sea. He thought of Oloisudori s impendingvisit and his intended marriage to Resian. He knew the success of failure of the eventwould determine the fate of his business. Even his continued ownership of that housewhere he and his family lived, depended on the outcomes of that event. ShouldOloisudori fail to get Resian and recall the loan he had extended to him to buy thathouse, he was done. And knowing Oloisudori, he could very easily draw the rug frombeneath his feet, leaving him vulnerable to all kinds of vagaries. And the thoughts gavehim anxious moments. At dawn when sleep overtook him, Ole Kaelo had a pleasant dream. Resian hadconsented to Oloisudori s proposal. After Oloisudori reported that to him, he wasgreatly pleased and relieved. His wife was rapturous.


And the thoughts gavehim anxious moments. At dawn when sleep overtook him, Ole Kaelo had a pleasant dream. Resian hadconsented to Oloisudori s proposal. After Oloisudori reported that to him, he wasgreatly pleased and relieved. His wife was rapturous. Although they were astonished atthe turn of events, they were relieved to know that they would not have to live with theguilt of having forced their daughter to get married. What a wise child his oncehardheaded daughter had turned to be after all! And how devious! After all those yearsof sullenness, awkwardness and tactlessness, she had finally brought relief to their life95and ushered in a period of peace and tranquility. But then, it was just that. A dream!1.Place the excerpt in its immediate context. 4Mks 2.Discuss three major issues in this excerpt. 6Mks 3.Discuss two character traits of Ole Kaelo in this excerpt. 4Mks 4. And the thoughts gave him anxious moments Add a question tag. 1Mk 5.Discuss any three aspects of style in this excerpt. 6Mks 6.Explain the meaning of the following expressions from the excerpt. 4Mks i . Gnaw ii . Pondering iii . Impending visit iv . He was done.2. Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow. Her dream was rudely and violently interrupted by a thunderous bang and a loud roar oflaughter. She woke up with a start, jumped up to her feet and stared at the door withwide panic-stricken eyes. For a moment she could not figure out her surroundings andcalled out the name of her sister Taiyo. She was terrified. The door flung open andOlarinkoi staggered in. He was stone drunk. Resian stared at him unblinkingly as hewalked towards her and she backed off terrified, squeezing herself flatly against thewall. He followed her there and got hold of her shoulders and shook her violently glaringat her with his glittering eyes. 96 You silly thing, he thundered angrily. I tell you to prepare food and you refuseto do so, eh? Today you will know who is the owner of this home. If you are still in doubt,let me tell you frankly that from today on you are my wife, hear that, eh?


I tell you to prepare food and you refuseto do so, eh? Today you will know who is the owner of this home. If you are still in doubt,let me tell you frankly that from today on you are my wife, hear that, eh? You are my wife. For a long time you have been sneering at me, showing how highly educated you are. Today we shall see how educated your body is! Yes, we shall see! He got hold of her hand and began dragging her into the other room. At first shedid not understand his intention until he began unfastening her buttons with his roughtrembling hands. Then the truth came, and with it, terror and panic. She tried to getaway from him, but he held her effortlessly as he brutally continued fumbling with herdress, trying to loosen it. She screamed as loudly as she could while she pushed himaway and thrashed frantically about. But that did not deter him and he totally ignoredher screams holding her more firmly with his strong arms. Against her loud protest, hetore her garments and began to push her towards the bed. Then desperately she took the last chance of self defense and self-preservation. Mustering all her strength, she thrust his thumb into her mouth; sunk her teeth into theflesh like a ferocious animal and tenaciously held onto it, tugging at it fiercely like alioness. She could feel the flesh tearing and she tasted the salt of his blood as it filledher mouth but she clung unto the thumb as Olarinkoi howled with pain.1.Make notes on the contents of Resian s dream. 4Mks 2.Discuss one character traits of Resian in this excerpt. 2Mks 3.What has greatly changed in Olarinkoi in this excerpt compared to hisearlier conduct in the novel? 3Mks 4.Identify and illustrate two aspects of style in this excerpt. 4Mks 5.Explain two major issues raised in the excerpt. 97 4Mks 6.Explain what happens immediately after the excerpt. 3Mks 7. Today we shall see how educated your body is Rewrite in reportedspeech. 1Mk 8.Explain the meaning of the following expressions in the passage. 4 Mks i . Unblinkingly ii . Effortlessly iii . Mustering iv . Howled3.


Effortlessly iii . Mustering iv . Howled3. Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow Nothing is wrong with me, Resian retorted furiously. And pointing at the living room,with her figure, she fiercely charged, I have no quarrel with my father for whom, I havetremendous respect. It is the likes of Olarinkoi I am mad at, and all those other maleswho come here ordering us to do that or the other for them, simply because they aremales. When women visit us, they give us the leeway to respond to their requests. Butas we burn our fingers here Mr.Olarinkoi is dozing off comfortably in our living roomwaiting for his lunch and possibly a little angry and impatient with us for delaying it. It is enough, cried Yeiyo Botorr viciously. She instantly abandoned the peeling ofpotatoes and threw the knife into the pail that held the peeled potatoes. Supportingherself by holding onto a nearby wall, she painfully lifted a large, heavy body. Myenkaini, I agree with you that something is wrong with our child, and I think I know whatails her. Come along with me and I will tell you what I think ails her. I am not sick Resian was saying that when she was cut short by Taiyo. Even if you are not sick, you98cannot argue with Yeiyo Botorr, Taiyo told her sternly as soon as they were out ofearshot of their mother and Yeiyo Botorr, there are things one has to learn on their own. One of them is that you cannot antagonize the older people by arguing with them,however, untenable their argument may be. That goes without saying, my dear littlesister. 1. What happens before this extract? 3mks 2. Comment on any two stylistic devices used in the extract. 4mks 3. Explain any issue brought about in this extract. 3mks 4. What is the character of Yeiyoo Botorr from this extract? 4mks 5. From elsewhere in this text how does Olarinkoi contribute to the plot development ofthe novel? 3mks 6. Re-write and add a question tag. 1mks Nothing is wrong with me.7.


What is the character of Yeiyoo Botorr from this extract? 4mks 5. From elsewhere in this text how does Olarinkoi contribute to the plot development ofthe novel? 3mks 6. Re-write and add a question tag. 1mks Nothing is wrong with me.7. Write the meaning of the following vocabulary. 4mks a Sternlyb Antagonizec Retortedd Leeway8. What happens immediately after this extract? 3mks 4. Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that followAt seven o clock in the evening after the lights had been put on, and the traditional99esuguroi drink had been served in generous measures, tongues loosened and heartsgladdened. Soon after, the party gathered momentum and voices rose. Within no time,one could hardly be heard over the hubbub of talk and laughter. And as the pleasurableandlivelycelebrationprogressed,voicesbecameanimated;handsandarmsgesticulatedvigorouslywhileheadsturnedmoreoften. Eyessearchedoutacquaintances within the throng of revelers. And it was all pomp and gaiety as ivory adorned and bejeweled fingers fluttered; bareshoulders gleamed in the light multicoloured bead ornaments glittered upon elaboratelybedecked necks: pendulous ilmiintoni of all colours dangled loosely down extended earlobes: and the bright colours of lesos, kangas, red shukas and multicoloured blankets,all turned the Ole Kaelo living room into a kaleidoscope of shifting light and colour.1. Place this extract in its immediate context. 4mks 2. State and explain two thematic concerns in this context. 4mks 3. What is the significance of the use of words like esuguroi, ilmiintoni, lesos, kangas,and shukas? 3mks 4. Identify and explain two character traits of ole Kaelo. 4mks 5. Eyes searched out acquaintances within the throng of revelers. Rewrite to form aquestion 1mk 6. Which other party has an equal weight from the rest of the novel. What is itssignificance? 3mks 1007. Comment on the prevalent mood in the context. 2mks 8.


Which other party has an equal weight from the rest of the novel. What is itssignificance? 3mks 1007. Comment on the prevalent mood in the context. 2mks 8. Explain the meaning of the following words: 4mks a Hubbubb Gesticulatedc Gaietyd DangledCHAPTER SIXGENERAL ESSAY QUESTIONS AND SAMPLE ESSAYS1. Blossoms of the Savannah is a novel about hope that leads to victory; write acomposition to illustrate on this statement.2. In Oloisudori and Olarinkoi there is no lesser evil. Write an essay to illustrate on thisstatement.3. One has to know which side of bread is buttered. By referring closely to the lives ofKaelo and Oloisudori show the truthfulness of this statement.4. Kaelo digs his own grave. Write a composition to show the truthfulness of thisstatement5. Though Resian goes through the valley of death, her determination leads her to avictorious life. Write a composition to show the validity of this assertion. 1016. Maa culture has not completely shed off archaic practices and traditions. Supportthis statement with illustrations from the novel.7. Strong selfless friendship is the remedy to stormy times. Using the lives of Taiyoand Resian, write a composition to illustrate truthfulness of the statement.8. Oloisudori, Kaelo, Mama Milanoi and Olarinkoi are to blame for the traumatizing lifeled by Resian. Write an essay in support of this argument.9. By referring to the lives of Oloisudori and Olarinkoi, show how bad deeds are paidwith bad deeds.10. Blossoms of the savannah is a novel about women fighting for their redemption. By referring to the lives of Minik and Nabaru support the assertion.11. Blossoms of the savannah is a novel about patriarchy. Write an essay to validatethis argument using the character Oloisudori and Olarinkoi.12. Optimism and ambition leads to victory support.13. Women are their own enemies Write an essay exemplifying this position.14. The strong bond between Resian and Taiyo contributes significantly to theirtriumph. Write an essay in support of the statement.15.


Optimism and ambition leads to victory support.13. Women are their own enemies Write an essay exemplifying this position.14. The strong bond between Resian and Taiyo contributes significantly to theirtriumph. Write an essay in support of the statement.15. The old and the young generations in Blossoms of the Savannah are in conflict. Discuss.16. Bad decisions can adversely affect our future. Write an essay in support of thestatement with illustrations from the novel.17. Change is as good as rest. To what extent do you agree with the assertion as far asBlossoms of the Savannah is concerned?18. Persistence, focus and determination is the secret behind success. Expound onthis position drawing your illustrations from the novel. 10219. Some cultural practices have no place in the current Nasilian society. Discuss.20. Not all aspects of culture and traditions are bad. Drawing your illustrations fromthe novel Blossoms of the Savannah, validate the assertion.21. There is need for women to unite in their fight against harmful cultural practices Discuss.22. Greed for money is the source of most evils in the society. Show how valid thisstatement is by getting supporting evidence from the novel Blossoms of the Savannah.23. Our greatest enemies are those close to us. Support this statement withillustrations from the novel.24. Failure to take one stand on matters to do with culture can be very detrimental. Write an essay reacting to this assertion.25. Write an essay showing why Mama Milanoi is to blame most for the ordeals herdaughters go through.26. Write a composition in agreement with the assertion that harmful cultural practicesagainst women would be history in Nasila if there were more women like Minik.27. Women should speak and act in order to have their way in the society Write anessay in support of the statement with illustrations from the novel.28. The rich cultural heritage of the Maa is under attack by modernity. Discuss29. Nothing is impossible to somebody with the will to succeed. Discuss30. Resian has been wronged more by her father than the Nasilian society. Write anargumentative essay reacting to this statement.31. Material security does not guarantee happiness.32. Gender inequality is tantamount to violation of human rights. Write an essay insupport of the assertion drawing your illustrations from Blossoms of the Savannah.33.


Material security does not guarantee happiness.32. Gender inequality is tantamount to violation of human rights. Write an essay insupport of the assertion drawing your illustrations from Blossoms of the Savannah.33. Cultural erosion is the root cause of most evil things in Nasila. Discuss. 10334. Help can come even when least expected. Discuss. SAMPLE ESSAYS1. Though Resian goes through the valley of death, her determination leads her to avictorious life. Write a composition to show the validity of this assertion. Resian in theBlossoms of the Savannah seems to experience several challengingsituations in her life. In the scenarios she seems resolute in her actions as shown in thefollowing waysOloisudori declares his intention of marrying her at an early age. This follows after hechanges his initial plan: extorting Kaelo. He demands that she should first becircumcised so as to get rid of her state as nemengalana intoiye. He intends to useanesthesia to make her unconscious and grab her. Resian resolves not to be married. She tells Oloisudori point blank that she cannot be his wife. She returns the gifts that hehad earlier brought and escapes to her father s shop. Her father beats her so as tosubmit to the marriage, but Resian remains steady is her decision. A number of callous youth in Nasila wish to assault Resian and Taiyo. In the first days,Resian and Taiyo take a walk around uncle Simiren compound. All of a sudden a youngman emerges from the blues and grabs Taiyo. Resian order the callous young man torelease Taiyo immediately. The Young man has no option but to give in though hepromises to revisit his grave decision. Though in a dream, enkamuratani and other two women surround Resian to circumciseher holding an olmurunya. Although Resian is in a strange land and is defenseless shedoes her best to combat the situation. Determined, Resian twists enkamuratani s handwith an intention of ensuring that she does not initiate other girls in the future. Sheknocks the old witch using a mallet as well as fights the third woman until shedisappears. Olarinkoi disappears with Resian to a far hut in the forest. He locks her up and returnsvery late in the night while drank. Once he returns, he is in his mission of raping her.


Sheknocks the old witch using a mallet as well as fights the third woman until shedisappears. Olarinkoi disappears with Resian to a far hut in the forest. He locks her up and returnsvery late in the night while drank. Once he returns, he is in his mission of raping her. He104unzips and this gesture sets her trembling. She bites Olarinkoi s thumb so that the painreduces his action of rape. Owing to the fact that Resian had earlier witnessedOlarinkoi s fiery attacks when he dealt with two callous men, it calls for a lot ofdetermination on the part of Resian to tackle him. In summary, from the above illustrations it is evident that Resian suffers roughchallenging times in her life but she deals with all these situations with determination.2. The strong bond between Resian and Taiyo contributes significantly to theirtriumph. Write an essay in support of the statement. No man is an island. Human beings were created to relate mutually. The closefriendship between Resian and Taiyo is the key to overcoming stormy times thatpresent themselves in their lives as followsIn their new environment at Nasila, the girls meet unique challenges. They are not usedto the communal life for all along they have stayed in an urban set up where life isindividualistic. At Nasila, they have to get used to impromptu visitors and superior malecounterparts. It is the love between the two girls that helps in these scenarios. The duostay together most of the times. By so doing, they share a lot Taiyo counsels Resian onusing kind language on Yeiyo Botorr her aunt. The two girls discuss about danger thatlurks from the hostile youth especially because of their uncircumcised condition. In overcoming the challenge of female genital mutilation FGM , their friendship bondcomes in handy. When Resian goes on a hunger strike she says it is only Taiyo who canchange her stand. When Taiyo is informed of Resian s condition, she does not hesitateto offer herself for Resian s redemption even when there are risks all over. While atNasila, they have a lot of time sharing their views towards FGM. The discussions musthave strengthened their hard stands towards FGM.


When Taiyo is informed of Resian s condition, she does not hesitateto offer herself for Resian s redemption even when there are risks all over. While atNasila, they have a lot of time sharing their views towards FGM. The discussions musthave strengthened their hard stands towards FGM. It is from these discussions thatthey vow never to give in to FGM.In the incident when Taiyo and Resian are accosted by two callous young men theircoordination and friendship save them. The incident finds them while they are walkingtogether where they had visited Maiso for lunch. If the struggle had between two men105versus one girl probably she would have been surmounted. Although most of thesalvation is largely brought by Olarinkoi the fact that the two girls where together makesit easier for them to go about the ordeal. Their joint screaming and their escape unhurtis partly contributed by their togetherness. The two birds of a feather hatch a scheme to outwit Oloisudori. They wrap the gifts hehad brought them into a box and title it as a gift. They then plan how to execute the plan. They arrange on how Resian is to thank Oloisudori and give him the gift. They discussthe aim of the gesture; to clarify to Oloisudori the fact they cannot be cheated with gifts. From this co-operation, Resian manages to trick Oloisudori and tells off her father andlater with Olarinkoi, they manage to leave Nasila. It is clear from the above illustration that strong friendship bonds can help friend goabout hard experiences and overcome them in their lives.3. Bad decisions can adversely affect our lives. Write an essay in support of thestatement with illustrations from the novel. The Choices we make can affect us positively or negatively. Bad choices definitely haveadverse effects on our future. A character like Ole Kaelo makes several bad choiceswhich not only affect his life but also his daughters. Ole Kaelo is advised by his friend what kind of man Oloisudori is. He is told that he isnot a man of integrity and warns him about doing business with him. He even warnshim to keep his daughters from him. Oloisudori is unheeding to this warning. He goeson to sign business contracts and receiving a loan from him.


He even warnshim to keep his daughters from him. Oloisudori is unheeding to this warning. He goeson to sign business contracts and receiving a loan from him. Later, this man causes himgreat worry when he threatens to bring his business down if he does not give him hisdaughter in marriage. Ole Kaelo makes the bad choice of agreeing to give his daughter Resian in marriage toOloisudori. He does this to save his business empire and to acquire more wealth asdowry from him. This unleashes a myriad of problems in his family. He keeps assuringhimself that his choice of Oloisudori is good and that the man is not all bad but inwardly,he has reservations about such a marriage. His decision worsens the already poor106relationship between him and his daughter, who ran away and gets into more troublewith Olarinkoi. Taiyo also has her life ruined by being forcefully circumcised beforebeing forced to marry Oloisudori. Finally, he loses his daughters trust and his fate isunknown because Oloisudori might come for him in person. Olarinkoi is not known by the Kaelos yet nobody asks questions about him. He seems amystery and with time becomes like a member of the family. This earns him trustamong the Kaelos to the point that Resian trusts him to take her to Minik s ranch. Thisman who the family trusted so much turns into a beast by raping Resian and evenplanning to circumcise her by force before marrying her. If the Kaelo s had not trustedthe stranger, Resian suffering in his hands would have been avoided. Mama Milanoi makes a bad choice of giving over her daughter Taiyo to three strangewomen cheating her that she was being taken to her sister. Her plans is to have Taiyocircumcised before being married by Oloisudori. This action makes her lose the trusther daughters had for her. The wound she has caused them will definitely take time toheal. They too are angry with her that they vow that they would not want to be like her inmarriage. Bad decisions made knowingly or unknowingly will definitely have negative impact inour lives or on those that are dear to us.4. Gender inequality is tantamount to violation of human rights.


The wound she has caused them will definitely take time toheal. They too are angry with her that they vow that they would not want to be like her inmarriage. Bad decisions made knowingly or unknowingly will definitely have negative impact inour lives or on those that are dear to us.4. Gender inequality is tantamount to violation of human rights. Write an essay insupport of the assertion drawing your illustrations from Blossoms of the Savannah. Today s position on the male and female gender is that men and women are equal andnone of the gender should dominate over the other. In Blossoms of the Savannah,women are culturally forced to be subservient to men, a practice that denies them somefundamental rights as human beings. A wife has the right to state his position on any matter even if it is contrary to thehusband s position. This is not the case with Mama Milanoi, wife to Ole Kaelo. Sheadmits that she did not know which man her husband was doing business with andeven if she did, she would not do anything about it for he was the one who carried the107family s vision. She thus leaves every aspect of decision making to him whether thosedecisions are good or bad. A woman is a being to be loved and not to love back. Although Ole Kaelo genuinelyloved Mama Milanoi when he saw her first, her feelings on him are immaterial. Womenwere not expected to resist a man s advances according to Nasilian culture. This is agreat violation of her right to love or hate. In her case there is no room for that. It is alsoexpected that Resian should give in to Oloisudori s plans to marry her. Refusal isregarded as stubbornness. In fact, Oloisudori claims that none of his wives put anyresistance in his interest in them. This means that their feelings for him did not matter agreat violation of their freedom to choose their marriage partner. Resian and Taiyo are forced to undergo cultural coaching by Joseph Parmuat. Resianrebels this citing inequality in the plan. She opines that if they were boys, such a thingwould not be done on them. Instead, they would be freely roaming Nasila with nobodybothering them. In their case, there is no such option simply because they are girls. Their right to choose what to and not to learn is violated.


She opines that if they were boys, such a thingwould not be done on them. Instead, they would be freely roaming Nasila with nobodybothering them. In their case, there is no such option simply because they are girls. Their right to choose what to and not to learn is violated. Girls are taught how to cookfor their men but there are no lessons for boys on how to please women. Resianopposes such arrangements saying she would not be taught to solely please men. Sheclaims that even boys should be taught how to please women. Gender inequality in this society elevates man over the woman to the extent that Resiansays that it made men assume that they had right over the body of any woman. This hasreduced women to be objects of sex to be exploited by men at will. This practice startedwith the Ilarinkon warriors who sexually exploited women after arousing their desires. Taiyo and Resian undergo several rape attempts with Resian ending up being raped byOlarinkoi who assumes he has every right over her body. These inequalities have greatlyundermined women s right to privacy and to choose whom to have sexual relation with. Gender inequality does not just stop at that. Instead, it is a major cause of violation ofbasic human rights that all should be accorded a chance to enjoy. Women in the novelhave most of their rights curtailed as a result of gender imbalance between men andwomen. 1085. Help can come when least expected. Discuss. Most people reach the end of the tether in difficult situations and are just about to giveup when help comes. Most instances of help appear coincidental but nonetheless; theychange the course of life of the character as well as shaping the rest of the novel. Olarinkoi seems to be at the right place at the right time. He happens to be the savior ofResian and Taiyo when they need help most. He comes to the rescue of the two girlswhen they are coming from their father s shop and are about to be raped by two men. Olarinkoi single-handedly saves the girls by fighting the men. Resian and Taiyo aremuch grateful and would not want to imagine what would have happened if he had notcome at that time, even fearing that they would have been infected with HIV.Olarinkoi again comes to the rescue of Resian when she discovers her father s betrayalby planning to marry her off to Oloisudori.


He happens to be the savior ofResian and Taiyo when they need help most. He comes to the rescue of the two girlswhen they are coming from their father s shop and are about to be raped by two men. Olarinkoi single-handedly saves the girls by fighting the men. Resian and Taiyo aremuch grateful and would not want to imagine what would have happened if he had notcome at that time, even fearing that they would have been infected with HIV.Olarinkoi again comes to the rescue of Resian when she discovers her father s betrayalby planning to marry her off to Oloisudori. He comes to her rescue when she is evencontemplating committing suicide by drowning herself into the river. At the same time,Oloisudori and his men are looking for her to abduct her. Olarinkoi promises to take herto Minik whom she had been yearning to meet someday. Although the help turnsdisastrous with Olarinkoi turning against her, she is able to escape the current wrath ofOloisudori. Taiyo is rescued from the hands of her circumcisers by Minik s men. Minik s rescueteam use tricks to rescue her from the well-guarded home which she would not haveescaped in her sickly state. Were it not for Minik s intervention, Taiyo would surely havebeen forcefully married off to Oloisudori after healing. The rescue gives Taiyo a newlease of life, reunion with her sister and of course quicker physical and emotionalrecovery. Minik s help to Resian and Taiyo perhaps is the most important event that completelychanges their lives. She gives refugee to the girls in her ranch hence protecting themfrom marauding men like Oloisudori and Olarinkoi. She gives Resian a job in the ranchhence giving her something to live on and promises her a scholarship from the ranch. Most importantly, she is able to have the two girls enrolled at Egerton University, theirdream university. These kind gestures create a happy ending in a novel that has been109dominated by sad events. When people are about to despair, that is usually the point when help comes. No matterhow belated characters like Resian and Taiyo get help, their lives are greatly impactedand changed by those interventions.


-1- A DOLL'S HOUSE by Henrik Ibsen 1879 translated by William Archer CHARACTERS TORVALD HELMER. NORA, his wife. DOCTOR RANK. MRS. LINDEN. NILS KROGSTAD. THE HELMERS' THREE CHILDREN. ANNA, 2 their nurse. A MAID-SERVANT ELLEN . A PORTER. The action passes in Helmer's house a flat in Christiania. In the original "Fru Linde.". 2 In the original "Anne-Marie.". ACT FIRST A room, comfortably and tastefully, but not expensively, furnished. In the back, on the right, a door leads to the hall; on the left another door leads to HELMER s study. Between the two doors a pianoforte. In the middle of the left wall a door, and nearer the front a window. Near the window a round table with armchairs and a small sofa. In the right wall, somewhat to the back, a door, and against the same wall, further forward, a porcelain stove; in front of it a couple of arm-chairs and a rocking-chair. Between the stove and the side-door a small table. Engravings on the walls. A whatnot with china and bric-a-brac. A small bookcase filled with handsomely bound books. Carpet. A fire in the stove. It is a winter day. A bell rings in the hall outside. Presently the outer door of the flat is heard to open. Then NORA enters, humming gaily. She is in outdoor dress, and carries several parcels, which she lays on the right-hand table. She leaves the door into the hall open, and a PORTER is seen outside, carrying a Christmas-tree and a basket, which he gives to the MAID-SERVANT who has opened the door. NORA. Hide the Christmas-tree carefully, Ellen; the children must on no account see it before this evening, when it's lighted up. To the PORTER, taking out her purse. How much? PORTER. Fifty ore. About sixpence. There are 100 ore in a krone or crown, which is worth thirteenpence halfpenny. NORA. There is a crown. No, keep the change. The PORTER thanks her and goes. NORA shuts the door.


No, really I don't know of anything- Well, listen, Torvald- HELMER. Well? NORA. Playing with his coat-buttons, without looking him in the face. If you really want to give me something, you might, you know- you might- HELMER. Well? Out with it! NORA. Quickly. You might give me money, Torvald. Only just what you think you can spare; then I can buy something with it later-3- on. HELMER. But, Nora- NORA. Oh, please do, dear Torvald, please do! I should hang the money in lovely gilt paper on the Christmas-tree. Wouldn't that be fun? HELMER. What do they call the birds that are always making the money fly? NORA. Yes, I know- spendthrifts, of course. But please do as I ask you, Torvald. Then I shall have time to think what I want most. Isn't that very sensible, now? ". Spillefugl," literally "playbird," means a gambler. HELMER. Smiling. Certainly; that is to say, if you really kept the money I gave you, and really spent it on something for yourself. But it all goes in housekeeping, and for all manner of useless things, and then I have to pay up again. NORA. But, Torvald- HELMER. Can you deny it, Nora dear? He puts his arm round her. It's a sweet little lark, but it gets through a lot of money. No one would believe how much it costs a man to keep such a little bird as you. NORA. For shame! How can you say so? Why, I save as much as ever I can. HELMER. Laughing. Very true- as much as you can- but that's precisely nothing. NORA. Hums and smiles with covert glee. H'm! If you only knew, Torvald, what expenses we larks and squirrels have. HELMER. You're a strange little being! Just like your father- always on the look-out for all the money you can lay your hands on; but the moment you have it, it seems to slip through your fingers; you never know what becomes of it. Well, one must take you as you are. It's in the blood.


Just like your father- always on the look-out for all the money you can lay your hands on; but the moment you have it, it seems to slip through your fingers; you never know what becomes of it. Well, one must take you as you are. It's in the blood. Yes, Nora, that sort of thing is hereditary. NORA. I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities. HELMER. And I don't wish you anything but just what you are- my own, sweet little song-bird. But I say- it strikes me you look so- so- what shall I call it?- so suspicious to-day- NORA. Do I? HELMER. You do, indeed. Look me full in the face. NORA. Looking at him. Well? HELMER. Threatening with his finger. Hasn't the little sweet-tooth been playing pranks to-day? NORA. No; how can you think such a thing! HELMER. Didn't she just look in at the confectioner's? NORA. No, Torvald; really- HELMER. Not to sip a little jelly? NORA. No; certainly not. HELMER. Hasn't she even nibbled a macaroon or two? NORA. No, Torvald, indeed, indeed! HELMER. Well, well, well; of course I'm only joking. NORA. Goes to the table on the right. I shouldn't think of doing what you disapprove of. HELMER. No, I'm sure of that; and, besides, you've given me your word- Going towards her. Well, keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, Nora darling. The Christmas-tree will bring them all to light, I daresay. NORA. Have you remembered to invite Doctor Rank? HELMER. No. But it's not necessary; he'll come as a matter of course. Besides, I shall ask him when he looks in to-day. I've ordered some capital wine. Nora, you can't think how I look-4- forward to this evening. NORA. And I too. How the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald! HELMER. Ah, it's glorious to feel that one has an assured position and ample means. Isn't it delightful to think of? NORA. Oh, it's wonderful!