Who between them spoke to you about our enrollment at the Egerton University. After the excerpt, Ole Kaelo hesitates telling Resian what he wanted to tell her and tells her to go to the kitchen. He tells her to tell her mother to come. She asked him who between them had spoken to him about their enrollment at theEgerton University. Suspense. The reader is left in suspense wanting to know why Ole Kaelo had called his daughter. Dialogue- there is dialogue between Resian and her father. It reveals the strained relationship between daughter and father. Nervously worriedly fearfullySit far awayControl herselfTroubled disturbedPRACTICE EXCERPTSRead the following excerpt and answer the questions that followHowever, the notion that he was about to hand over his own daughter to a gangster continued to gnaw at the conscience of Ole Kaelo relentlessly. He felt guilty, especially when he recalled the atrocities that were known to have been committed by Oloisudori over the years. But another voice told him quietly that he was being foolish and unreasonable to question his own conscience over the matter of Oloisudori, for he was just one among many who were enjoying the fruits of their labour. And it was hardly anybody s business to know how honest that labour was. After all, the small voice reassured him tauntingly, those who committed bigger crimes such as Goldenberg and Anglo-leasing, were still enjoying the fruits of their labour. Had they not invested the yields of their ill-gotten money in housing estates, in shares, in import and exports in tourism, in transport and in other trades, just as Oloisudori had done? When he went to bed later that evening, he remained awake for many hours pondering over those disturbing thoughts that went through his mind fleetingly, like water that churned violently in a turbulent sea. He thought of Oloisudori s impending visit and his intended marriage to Resian. He knew the success of failure of the event would determine the fate of his business. Even his continued ownership of that house where he and his family lived, depended on the outcomes of that event. Should Oloisudori fail to get Resian and recall the loan he had extended to him to buy that house, he was done.


He knew the success of failure of the event would determine the fate of his business. Even his continued ownership of that house where he and his family lived, depended on the outcomes of that event. Should Oloisudori fail to get Resian and recall the loan he had extended to him to buy that house, he was done. And knowing Oloisudori, he could very easily draw the rug from beneath his feet, leaving him vulnerable to all kinds of vagaries. And the thoughts gave him anxious moments. At dawn when sleep overtook him, Ole Kaelo had a pleasant dream. Resian had consented to Oloisudori s proposal. After Oloisudori reported that to him, he was greatly pleased and relieved. His wife was rapturous. Although they were astonished at the turn of events, they were relieved to know that they would not have to live with the guilt of having forced their daughter to get married. What a wise child his once hardheaded daughter had turned to be after all! And how devious! After all those years of sullenness, awkwardness and tactlessness, she had finally brought relief to their life and ushered in a period of peace and tranquility. But then, it was just that. A dream! Place the excerpt in its immediate context. 4Mks Discuss three major issues in this excerpt. 6Mks Discuss two character traits of Ole Kaelo in this excerpt. 4Mks And the thoughts gave him anxious moments Add a question tag. 1Mk Discuss any three aspects of style in this excerpt. 6Mks Explain the meaning of the following expressions from the excerpt. 4Mks i . Gnaw ii . Pondering iii . Impending visit iv . He was done. 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 of laughter. She woke up with a start, jumped up to her feet and stared at the door with wide panic-stricken eyes. For a moment she could not figure out her surroundings and called out the name of her sister Taiyo. She was terrified. The door flung open and Olarinkoi staggered in. He was stone drunk. Resian stared at him unblinkingly as he walked towards her and she backed off terrified, squeezing herself flatly against the wall.


The door flung open and Olarinkoi staggered in. He was stone drunk. Resian stared at him unblinkingly as he walked towards her and she backed off terrified, squeezing herself flatly against the wall. He followed her there and got hold of her shoulders and shook her violently glaring at her with his glittering eyes. You silly thing, he thundered angrily. I tell you to prepare food and you refuse to 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 she did not understand his intention until he began unfastening her buttons with his rough trembling hands. Then the truth came, and with it, terror and panic. She tried to get away from him, but he held her effortlessly as he brutally continued fumbling with her dress, trying to loosen it. She screamed as loudly as she could while she pushed him away and thrashed frantically about. But that did not deter him and he totally ignored her screams holding her more firmly with his strong arms. Against her loud protest, he tore 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 the flesh like a ferocious animal and tenaciously held onto it, tugging at it fiercely like a lioness. She could feel the flesh tearing and she tasted the salt of his blood as it filled her mouth but she clung unto the thumb as Olarinkoi howled with pain. Make notes on the contents of Resian s dream. 4Mks Discuss one character traits of Resian in this excerpt. 2Mks What has greatly changed in Olarinkoi in this excerpt compared to his earlier conduct in the novel? 3Mks Identify and illustrate two aspects of style in this excerpt. 4Mks Explain two major issues raised in the excerpt. 4Mks Explain what happens immediately after the excerpt.


3Mks Identify and illustrate two aspects of style in this excerpt. 4Mks Explain two major issues raised in the excerpt. 4Mks Explain what happens immediately after the excerpt. 3Mks Today we shall see how educated your body is Rewrite in reported speech. 1Mk Explain the meaning of the following expressions in the passage. 4 Mks i . Unblinkingly ii . 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 have tremendous respect. It is the likes of Olarinkoi I am mad at, and all those other males who come here ordering us to do that or the other for them, simply because they are males. When women visit us, they give us the leeway to respond to their requests. But as we burn our fingers here Mr.Olarinkoi is dozing off comfortably in our living room waiting 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 of potatoes and threw the knife into the pail that held the peeled potatoes. Supporting herself by holding onto a nearby wall, she painfully lifted a large, heavy body. My enkaini, I agree with you that something is wrong with our child, and I think I know what ails 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, you cannot argue with Yeiyo Botorr, Taiyo told her sternly as soon as they were out of earshot 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 little sister. What happens before this extract? 3mks Comment on any two stylistic devices used in the extract. 4mks Explain any issue brought about in this extract.


I am not sick Resian was saying that when she was cut short by Taiyo. Even if you are not sick, you cannot argue with Yeiyo Botorr, Taiyo told her sternly as soon as they were out of earshot 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 little sister. What happens before this extract? 3mks Comment on any two stylistic devices used in the extract. 4mks Explain any issue brought about in this extract. 3mks What is the character of Yeiyoo Botorr from this extract? 4mks From elsewhere in this text how does Olarinkoi contribute to the plot development of the novel? 3mks Re-write and add a question tag. 1mks Nothing is wrong with me. Write the meaning of the following vocabulary. 4mks a SternlyAntagonizeRetortedLeeway8. 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 traditional esuguroi drink had been served in generous measures, tongues loosened and hearts gladdened. 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 pleasurable and lively celebration progressed, voices became animated; hands and arms gesticulated vigorously while heads turned more often. Eyes searched out acquaintances within the throng of revelers. And it was all pomp and gaiety as ivory adorned and bejeweled fingers fluttered; bare shoulders gleamed in the light multicoloured bead ornaments glittered upon elaborately bedecked necks: pendulous ilmiintoniof 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. Place this extract in its immediate context. 4mks State and explain two thematic concerns in this context.


And it was all pomp and gaiety as ivory adorned and bejeweled fingers fluttered; bare shoulders gleamed in the light multicoloured bead ornaments glittered upon elaborately bedecked necks: pendulous ilmiintoniof 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. Place this extract in its immediate context. 4mks State and explain two thematic concerns in this context. 4mks What is the significance of the use of words like esuguroi, ilmiintoni, lesos, kangas, and shukas? 3mks Identify and explain two character traits of ole Kaelo. 4mks Eyes searched out acquaintances within the throng of revelers. Rewrite to form a question 1mk Which other party has an equal weight from the rest of the novel. What is its significance? 3mks Comment on the prevalent mood in the context. 2mks Explain the meaning of the following words: 4mks a HubbubGesticulatedGaietyDangledCHAPTER SIXGENERAL ESSAY QUESTIONS AND SAMPLE ESSAYSBlossomsoftheSavannah is a novel about hope that leads to victory; write a composition to illustrate on this statement. In Oloisudori and Olarinkoi there is no lesser evil. Write an essay to illustrate on this statement. One has to know which side of bread is buttered. By referring closely to the lives of Kaelo and Oloisudori show the truthfulness of this statement. Kaelo digs his own grave. Write a composition to show the truthfulness of this statement Though Resian goes through the valley of death, her determination leads her to a victorious life. Write a composition to show the validity of this assertion. Maa culture has not completely shed off archaic practices and traditions. Support this statement with illustrations from the novel. Strong selfless friendship is the remedy to stormy times. Using the lives of Taiyo and Resian, write a composition to illustrate truthfulness of the statement.


Maa culture has not completely shed off archaic practices and traditions. Support this statement with illustrations from the novel. Strong selfless friendship is the remedy to stormy times. Using the lives of Taiyo and Resian, write a composition to illustrate truthfulness of the statement. Oloisudori, Kaelo, Mama Milanoi and Olarinkoi are to blame for the traumatizing life led by Resian. Write an essay in support of this argument. By referring to the lives of Oloisudori and Olarinkoi, show how bad deeds are paid with bad deeds. Blossomsofthesavannahis a novel about women fighting for their redemption. By referring to the lives of Minik and Nabaru support the assertion. Blossomsofthesavannahis a novel about patriarchy. Write an essay to validate this argument using the character Oloisudori and Olarinkoi. Optimism and ambition leads to victory support. Women are their own enemies Write an essay exemplifying this position. The strong bond between Resian and Taiyo contributes significantly to their triumph. Write an essay in support of the statement. The old and the young generations in BlossomsoftheSavannahare in conflict. Discuss. Bad decisions can adversely affect our future. Write an essay in support of the statement with illustrations from the novel. Change is as good as rest. To what extent do you agree with the assertion as far as BlossomsoftheSavannahis concerned? Persistence, focus and determination is the secret behind success. Expound on this position drawing your illustrations from the novel. Some cultural practices have no place in the current Nasilian society. Discuss. Not all aspects of culture and traditions are bad. Drawing your illustrations from the novel BlossomsoftheSavannah,validate the assertion. There is need for women to unite in their fight against harmful cultural practices Discuss. Greed for money is the source of most evils in the society. Show how valid this statement is by getting supporting evidence from the novel BlossomsoftheSavannah. Our greatest enemies are those close to us. Support this statement with illustrations from the novel. Failure to take one stand on matters to do with culture can be very detrimental. Write an essay reacting to this assertion. Write an essay showing why Mama Milanoi is to blame most for the ordeals her daughters go through.


Our greatest enemies are those close to us. Support this statement with illustrations from the novel. Failure to take one stand on matters to do with culture can be very detrimental. Write an essay reacting to this assertion. Write an essay showing why Mama Milanoi is to blame most for the ordeals her daughters go through. Write a composition in agreement with the assertion that harmful cultural practices against women would be history in Nasila if there were more women like Minik. Women should speak and act in order to have their way in the society Write an essay in support of the statement with illustrations from the novel. The rich cultural heritage of the Maa is under attack by modernity. DiscussNothing is impossible to somebody with the will to succeed. Discuss Resian has been wronged more by her father than the Nasilian society. Write an argumentative essay reacting to this statement. Material security does not guarantee happiness. Gender inequality is tantamount to violation of human rights. Write an essay in support of the assertion drawing your illustrations from BlossomsoftheSavannah. Cultural erosion is the root cause of most evil things in Nasila. Discuss. Help can come even when least expected. Discuss. SAMPLE ESSAYS1. Though Resian goes through the valley of death, her determination leads her to a victorious life. Write a composition to show the validity of this assertion. Resian in the BlossomsoftheSavannahseems to experience several challenging situations in her life. In the scenarios she seems resolute in her actions as shown in the following waysOloisudori declares his intention of marrying her at an early age. This follows after he changes his initial plan: extorting Kaelo. He demands that she should first be circumcised so as to get rid of her state as nemengalanaintoiye. He intends to use anesthesia 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 he had earlier brought and escapes to her father s shop. Her father beats her so as to submit 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 young man emerges from the blues and grabs Taiyo.


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 young man emerges from the blues and grabs Taiyo. Resian order the callous young man to release Taiyo immediately. The Young man has no option but to give in though he promises to revisit his grave decision. Though in a dream, enkamurataniand other two women surround Resian to circumcise her holding an olmurunya. Although Resian is in a strange land and is defenseless she does her best to combat the situation. Determined, Resian twists enkamuratani s hand with an intention of ensuring that she does not initiate other girls in the future. She knocks the old witch using a mallet as well as fights the third woman until she disappears. Olarinkoi disappears with Resian to a far hut in the forest. He locks her up and returns very late in the night while drank. Once he returns, he is in his mission of raping her. He unzips and this gesture sets her trembling. She bites Olarinkoi s thumb so that the pain reduces his action of rape. Owing to the fact that Resian had earlier witnessed Olarinkoi s fiery attacks when he dealt with two callous men, it calls for a lot of determination on the part of Resian to tackle him. In summary, from the above illustrations it is evident that Resian suffers rough challenging times in her life but she deals with all these situations with determination. 2. The strong bond between Resian and Taiyo contributes significantly to their triumph. Write an essay in support of the statement. No man is an island. Human beings were created to relate mutually. The close friendship between Resian and Taiyo is the key to overcoming stormy times that present themselves in their lives as followsIn their new environment at Nasila, the girls meet unique challenges. They are not used to the communal life for all along they have stayed in an urban set up where life is individualistic. At Nasila, they have to get used to impromptu visitors and superior male counterparts. It is the love between the two girls that helps in these scenarios. The duo stay together most of the times. By so doing, they share a lot Taiyo counsels Resian on using kind language on Yeiyo Botorr her aunt.


It is the love between the two girls that helps in these scenarios. The duo stay together most of the times. By so doing, they share a lot Taiyo counsels Resian on using kind language on Yeiyo Botorr her aunt. The two girls discuss about danger that lurks from the hostile youth especially because of their uncircumcised condition. In overcoming the challenge of female genital mutilation FGM , their friendship bond comes in handy. When Resian goes on a hunger strike she says it is only Taiyo who can change her stand. When Taiyo is informed of Resian s condition, she does not hesitate to offer herself for Resian s redemption even when there are risks all over. While at Nasila, they have a lot of time sharing their views towards FGM. The discussions must have strengthened their hard stands towards FGM. It is from these discussions that they vow never to give in to FGM. In the incident when Taiyo and Resian are accosted by two callous young men their coordination and friendship save them. The incident finds them while they are walking together where they had visited Maiso for lunch. If the struggle had between two men versus one girl probably she would have been surmounted. Although most of the salvation is largely brought by Olarinkoi the fact that the two girls where together makes it easier for them to go about the ordeal. Their joint screaming and their escape unhurt is partly contributed by their togetherness. The two birds of a feather hatch a scheme to outwit Oloisudori. They wrap the gifts he had 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 discuss the 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 and later with Olarinkoi, they manage to leave Nasila. It is clear from the above illustration that strong friendship bonds can help friend go about hard experiences and overcome them in their lives. 3. Bad decisions can adversely affect our lives. Write an essay in support of the statement with illustrations from the novel. The Choices we make can affect us positively or negatively. Bad choices definitely have adverse effects on our future.


Write an essay in support of the statement with illustrations from the novel. The Choices we make can affect us positively or negatively. Bad choices definitely have adverse effects on our future. A character like Ole Kaelo makes several bad choices which 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 is not a man of integrity and warns him about doing business with him. He even warns him to keep his daughters from him. Oloisudori is unheeding to this warning. He goes on to sign business contracts and receiving a loan from him. Later, this man causes him great worry when he threatens to bring his business down if he does not give him his daughter in marriage. Ole Kaelo makes the bad choice of agreeing to give his daughter Resian in marriage to Oloisudori. He does this to save his business empire and to acquire more wealth as dowry from him. This unleashes a myriad of problems in his family. He keeps assuring himself 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 poor relationship between him and his daughter, who ran away and gets into more trouble with Olarinkoi. Taiyo also has her life ruined by being forcefully circumcised before being forced to marry Oloisudori. Finally, he loses his daughters trust and his fate is unknown because Oloisudori might come for him in person. Olarinkoi is not known by the Kaelos yet nobody asks questions about him. He seems a mystery and with time becomes like a member of the family. This earns him trust among the Kaelos to the point that Resian trusts him to take her to Minik s ranch. This man who the family trusted so much turns into a beast by raping Resian and even planning to circumcise her by force before marrying her. If the Kaelo s had not trusted the stranger, Resian suffering in his hands would have been avoided. Mama Milanoi makes a bad choice of giving over her daughter Taiyo to three strange women cheating her that she was being taken to her sister. Her plans is to have Taiyo circumcised before being married by Oloisudori. This action makes her lose the trust her daughters had for her.


Mama Milanoi makes a bad choice of giving over her daughter Taiyo to three strange women cheating her that she was being taken to her sister. Her plans is to have Taiyo circumcised before being married by Oloisudori. This action makes her lose the trust her daughters had for her. The wound she has caused them will definitely take time to heal. They too are angry with her that they vow that they would not want to be like her in marriage. Bad decisions made knowingly or unknowingly will definitely have negative impact in our lives or on those that are dear to us. 4. Gender inequality is tantamount to violation of human rights. Write an essay in support of the assertion drawing your illustrations from BlossomsoftheSavannah. Today s position on the male and female gender is that men and women are equal and none of the gender should dominate over the other. In BlossomsoftheSavannah, women are culturally forced to be subservient to men, a practice that denies them some fundamental rights as human beings. A wife has the right to state his position on any matter even if it is contrary to the husband s position. This is not the case with Mama Milanoi, wife to Ole Kaelo. She admits that she did not know which man her husband was doing business with and even if she did, she would not do anything about it for he was the one who carried the family s vision. She thus leaves every aspect of decision making to him whether those decisions are good or bad. A woman is a being to be loved and not to love back. Although Ole Kaelo genuinely loved Mama Milanoi when he saw her first, her feelings on him are immaterial. Women were not expected to resist a man s advances according to Nasilian culture. This is a great violation of her right to love or hate. In her case there is no room for that. It is also expected that Resian should give in to Oloisudori s plans to marry her. Refusal is regarded as stubbornness. In fact, Oloisudori claims that none of his wives put any resistance in his interest in them. This means that their feelings for him did not matter a great violation of their freedom to choose their marriage partner. Resian and Taiyo are forced to undergo cultural coaching by Joseph Parmuat. Resian rebels this citing inequality in the plan. She opines that if they were boys, such a thing would not be done on them.


Resian and Taiyo are forced to undergo cultural coaching by Joseph Parmuat. Resian rebels this citing inequality in the plan. She opines that if they were boys, such a thing would not be done on them. Instead, they would be freely roaming Nasila with nobody bothering 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 cook for their men but there are no lessons for boys on how to please women. Resian opposes such arrangements saying she would not be taught to solely please men. She claims that even boys should be taught how to please women. Gender inequality in this society elevates man over the woman to the extent that Resian says that it made men assume that they had right over the body of any woman. This has reduced women to be objects of sex to be exploited by men at will. This practice started with the Ilarinkon warriors who sexually exploited women after arousing their desires. Taiyo and Resian undergo several rape attempts with Resian ending up being raped by Olarinkoi who assumes he has every right over her body. These inequalities have greatly undermined 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 of basic human rights that all should be accorded a chance to enjoy. Women in the novel have most of their rights curtailed as a result of gender imbalance between men and women. 5. Help can come when least expected. Discuss. Most people reach the end of the tether in difficult situations and are just about to give up when help comes. Most instances of help appear coincidental but nonetheless; they change 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 of Resian and Taiyo when they need help most. He comes to the rescue of the two girls when 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 are much grateful and would not want to imagine what would have happened if he had not come at that time, even fearing that they would have been infected with HIV.


He comes to the rescue of the two girls when 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 are much grateful and would not want to imagine what would have happened if he had not come 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 betrayal by planning to marry her off to Oloisudori. He comes to her rescue when she is even contemplating 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 her to Minik whom she had been yearning to meet someday. Although the help turns disastrous with Olarinkoi turning against her, she is able to escape the current wrath of Oloisudori. Taiyo is rescued from the hands of her circumcisers by Minik s men. Minik s rescue team use tricks to rescue her from the well-guarded home which she would not have escaped in her sickly state. Were it not for Minik s intervention, Taiyo would surely have been forcefully married off to Oloisudori after healing. The rescue gives Taiyo a new lease of life, reunion with her sister and of course quicker physical and emotional recovery. Minik s help to Resian and Taiyo perhaps is the most important event that completely changes their lives. She gives refugee to the girls in her ranch hence protecting them from marauding men like Oloisudori and Olarinkoi. She gives Resian a job in the ranch hence 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, their dream university. These kind gestures create a happy ending in a novel that has been dominated by sad events. When people are about to despair, that is usually the point when help comes. No matter how belated characters like Resian and Taiyo get help, their lives are greatly impacted and changed by those interventions.


1. Blossoms of the Savannah is a novel about hope that leads to victory; write a composition to illustrate on this statement. 2. In Oloisudori and Olarinkoi there is no lesser evil. Write an essay to illustrate on this statement. 3. One has to know which side of bread is buttered. By referring closely to the lives of Kaelo and Oloisudori show the truthfulness of this statement. 4. Kaelo digs his own grave. Write a composition to show the truthfulness of this statement5. Though Resian goes through the valley of death, her determination leads her to a victorious life. Write a composition to show the validity of this assertion. 6. Maa culture has not completely shed off archaic practices and traditions. Support this statement with illustrations from the novel. 7. Strong selfless friendship is the remedy to stormy times. Using the lives of Taiyo and Resian, write a composition to illustrate truthfulness of the statement. 8. Oloisudori, Kaelo, Mama Milanoi and Olarinkoi are to blame for the traumatizing life led 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 paid with 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 validate this 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 their triumph. 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 the statement with illustrations from the novel. 17. Change is as good as rest. To what extent do you agree with the assertion as far as Blossoms of the Savannah is concerned? 18. Persistence, focus and determination is the secret behind success. Expound on this position drawing your illustrations from the novel. 19.


18. Persistence, focus and determination is the secret behind success. Expound on this position drawing your illustrations from the novel. 19. 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 from the 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 this statement is by getting supporting evidence from the novel Blossoms of the Savannah. 23. Our greatest enemies are those close to us. Support this statement with illustrations 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 her daughters go through. 26. Write a composition in agreement with the assertion that harmful cultural practices against 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 an essay 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 an argumentative 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 in support 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. 34. Help can come even when least expected. Discuss. SAMPLE ESSAYS1. Though Resian goes through the valley of death, her determination leads her to a victorious life. Write a composition to show the validity of this assertion. Resian in the Blossoms of the Savannah seems to experience several challenging situations in her life. In the scenarios she seems resolute in her actions as shown in the following waysOloisudori declares his intention of marrying her at an early age. This follows after he changes his initial plan: extorting Kaelo.


Resian in the Blossoms of the Savannah seems to experience several challenging situations in her life. In the scenarios she seems resolute in her actions as shown in the following waysOloisudori declares his intention of marrying her at an early age. This follows after he changes his initial plan: extorting Kaelo. He demands that she should first be circumcised so as to get rid of her state as nemengalana intoiye. He intends to use anesthesia 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 he had earlier brought and escapes to her father s shop. Her father beats her so as to submit 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 young man emerges from the blues and grabs Taiyo. Resian order the callous young man to release Taiyo immediately. The Young man has no option but to give in though he promises to revisit his grave decision. Though in a dream, enkamuratani and other two women surround Resian to circumcise her holding an olmurunya. Although Resian is in a strange land and is defenseless she does her best to combat the situation. Determined, Resian twists enkamuratani s hand with an intention of ensuring that she does not initiate other girls in the future. She knocks the old witch using a mallet as well as fights the third woman until she disappears. Olarinkoi disappears with Resian to a far hut in the forest. He locks her up and returns very late in the night while drank. Once he returns, he is in his mission of raping her. He unzips and this gesture sets her trembling. She bites Olarinkoi s thumb so that the pain reduces his action of rape. Owing to the fact that Resian had earlier witnessed Olarinkoi s fiery attacks when he dealt with two callous men, it calls for a lot of determination on the part of Resian to tackle him. In summary, from the above illustrations it is evident that Resian suffers rough challenging times in her life but she deals with all these situations with determination. 2.


Owing to the fact that Resian had earlier witnessed Olarinkoi s fiery attacks when he dealt with two callous men, it calls for a lot of determination on the part of Resian to tackle him. In summary, from the above illustrations it is evident that Resian suffers rough challenging times in her life but she deals with all these situations with determination. 2. The strong bond between Resian and Taiyo contributes significantly to their triumph. Write an essay in support of the statement. No man is an island. Human beings were created to relate mutually. The close friendship between Resian and Taiyo is the key to overcoming stormy times that present themselves in their lives as followsIn their new environment at Nasila, the girls meet unique challenges. They are not used to the communal life for all along they have stayed in an urban set up where life is individualistic. At Nasila, they have to get used to impromptu visitors and superior male counterparts. It is the love between the two girls that helps in these scenarios. The duo stay together most of the times. By so doing, they share a lot Taiyo counsels Resian on using kind language on Yeiyo Botorr her aunt. The two girls discuss about danger that lurks from the hostile youth especially because of their uncircumcised condition. In overcoming the challenge of female genital mutilation FGM , their friendship bond comes in handy. When Resian goes on a hunger strike she says it is only Taiyo who can change her stand. When Taiyo is informed of Resian s condition, she does not hesitate to offer herself for Resian s redemption even when there are risks all over. While at Nasila, they have a lot of time sharing their views towards FGM. The discussions must have strengthened their hard stands towards FGM. It is from these discussions that they vow never to give in to FGM. In the incident when Taiyo and Resian are accosted by two callous young men their coordination and friendship save them. The incident finds them while they are walking together where they had visited Maiso for lunch. If the struggle had between two men versus one girl probably she would have been surmounted. Although most of the salvation is largely brought by Olarinkoi the fact that the two girls where together makes it easier for them to go about the ordeal. Their joint screaming and their escape unhurt is partly contributed by their togetherness.


If the struggle had between two men versus one girl probably she would have been surmounted. Although most of the salvation is largely brought by Olarinkoi the fact that the two girls where together makes it easier for them to go about the ordeal. Their joint screaming and their escape unhurt is partly contributed by their togetherness. The two birds of a feather hatch a scheme to outwit Oloisudori. They wrap the gifts he had 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 discuss the 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 and later with Olarinkoi, they manage to leave Nasila. It is clear from the above illustration that strong friendship bonds can help friend go about hard experiences and overcome them in their lives. 3. Bad decisions can adversely affect our lives. Write an essay in support of the statement with illustrations from the novel. The Choices we make can affect us positively or negatively. Bad choices definitely have adverse effects on our future. A character like Ole Kaelo makes several bad choices which 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 is not a man of integrity and warns him about doing business with him. He even warns him to keep his daughters from him. Oloisudori is unheeding to this warning. He goes on to sign business contracts and receiving a loan from him. Later, this man causes him great worry when he threatens to bring his business down if he does not give him his daughter in marriage. Ole Kaelo makes the bad choice of agreeing to give his daughter Resian in marriage to Oloisudori. He does this to save his business empire and to acquire more wealth as dowry from him. This unleashes a myriad of problems in his family. He keeps assuring himself 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 poor relationship between him and his daughter, who ran away and gets into more trouble with Olarinkoi.


This unleashes a myriad of problems in his family. He keeps assuring himself 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 poor relationship between him and his daughter, who ran away and gets into more trouble with Olarinkoi. Taiyo also has her life ruined by being forcefully circumcised before being forced to marry Oloisudori. Finally, he loses his daughters trust and his fate is unknown because Oloisudori might come for him in person. Olarinkoi is not known by the Kaelos yet nobody asks questions about him. He seems a mystery and with time becomes like a member of the family. This earns him trust among the Kaelos to the point that Resian trusts him to take her to Minik s ranch. This man who the family trusted so much turns into a beast by raping Resian and even planning to circumcise her by force before marrying her. If the Kaelo s had not trusted the stranger, Resian suffering in his hands would have been avoided. Mama Milanoi makes a bad choice of giving over her daughter Taiyo to three strange women cheating her that she was being taken to her sister. Her plans is to have Taiyo circumcised before being married by Oloisudori. This action makes her lose the trust her daughters had for her. The wound she has caused them will definitely take time to heal. They too are angry with her that they vow that they would not want to be like her in marriage. Bad decisions made knowingly or unknowingly will definitely have negative impact in our lives or on those that are dear to us. 4. Gender inequality is tantamount to violation of human rights. Write an essay in support 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 and none 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 some fundamental rights as human beings. A wife has the right to state his position on any matter even if it is contrary to the husband s position. This is not the case with Mama Milanoi, wife to Ole Kaelo.


In Blossoms of the Savannah, women are culturally forced to be subservient to men, a practice that denies them some fundamental rights as human beings. A wife has the right to state his position on any matter even if it is contrary to the husband s position. This is not the case with Mama Milanoi, wife to Ole Kaelo. She admits that she did not know which man her husband was doing business with and even if she did, she would not do anything about it for he was the one who carried the family s vision. She thus leaves every aspect of decision making to him whether those decisions are good or bad. A woman is a being to be loved and not to love back. Although Ole Kaelo genuinely loved Mama Milanoi when he saw her first, her feelings on him are immaterial. Women were not expected to resist a man s advances according to Nasilian culture. This is a great violation of her right to love or hate. In her case there is no room for that. It is also expected that Resian should give in to Oloisudori s plans to marry her. Refusal is regarded as stubbornness. In fact, Oloisudori claims that none of his wives put any resistance in his interest in them. This means that their feelings for him did not matter a great violation of their freedom to choose their marriage partner. Resian and Taiyo are forced to undergo cultural coaching by Joseph Parmuat. Resian rebels this citing inequality in the plan. She opines that if they were boys, such a thing would not be done on them. Instead, they would be freely roaming Nasila with nobody bothering 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 cook for their men but there are no lessons for boys on how to please women. Resian opposes such arrangements saying she would not be taught to solely please men. She claims that even boys should be taught how to please women. Gender inequality in this society elevates man over the woman to the extent that Resian says that it made men assume that they had right over the body of any woman. This has reduced women to be objects of sex to be exploited by men at will. This practice started with the Ilarinkon warriors who sexually exploited women after arousing their desires.


Gender inequality in this society elevates man over the woman to the extent that Resian says that it made men assume that they had right over the body of any woman. This has reduced women to be objects of sex to be exploited by men at will. This practice started with the Ilarinkon warriors who sexually exploited women after arousing their desires. Taiyo and Resian undergo several rape attempts with Resian ending up being raped by Olarinkoi who assumes he has every right over her body. These inequalities have greatly undermined 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 of basic human rights that all should be accorded a chance to enjoy. Women in the novel have most of their rights curtailed as a result of gender imbalance between men and women. 5. Help can come when least expected. Discuss. Most people reach the end of the tether in difficult situations and are just about to give up when help comes. Most instances of help appear coincidental but nonetheless; they change 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 of Resian and Taiyo when they need help most. He comes to the rescue of the two girls when 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 are much grateful and would not want to imagine what would have happened if he had not come 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 sbetrayal by planning to marry her off to Oloisudori. He comes to her rescue when she is even contemplating 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 her to Minik whom she had been yearning to meet someday. Although the help turns disastrous with Olarinkoi turning against her, she is able to escape the current wrath of Oloisudori. Taiyo is rescued from the hands of her circumcisers by Minik s men.


Olarinkoi promises to take her to Minik whom she had been yearning to meet someday. Although the help turns disastrous with Olarinkoi turning against her, she is able to escape the current wrath of Oloisudori. Taiyo is rescued from the hands of her circumcisers by Minik s men. Minik s rescue team use tricks to rescue her from the well-guarded home which she would not have escaped in her sickly state. Were it not for Minik s intervention, Taiyo would surely have been forcefully married off to Oloisudori after healing. The rescue gives Taiyo a new lease of life, reunion with her sister and of course quicker physical and emotional recovery. Minik s help to Resian and Taiyo perhaps is the most important event that completely changes their lives. She gives refugee to the girls in her ranch hence protecting them from marauding men like Oloisudori and Olarinkoi. She gives Resian a job in the ranch hence 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, their dream university. These kind gestures create a happy ending in a novel that has been dominated by sad events. When people are about to despair, that is usually the point when help comes. No matter how belated characters like Resian and Taiyo get help, their lives are greatly impacted and changed by those interventions.


A DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE MEMORIES WE LOSTANDOTHER STORIES. ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT STORIES COMPILED BY CHRIS WANJALA. TABLE OF CONTENTIntroduction pageAuthorsCopyrightTable of contentMemories we lost. ............................................ 1How much land does mannee.........................8Light.................................................................13My Fathers Head. The Umbrella Man............................................24The President...................................................31Window SeatAlmost Home...................................................... 45The Folded Leaf...................................................55Hitting BudapestMissing Out.........................................................68No need to LieThe Handsomest Drowned Man In the world. Stones Bounce On WaterSAMPLE ANSWERED QUESTIONS.................................961. MEMORIES WE LOSTBy Lidudumalingani MqombofhiAbout the AuthorThe author Lidudumalingani was born in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in a village called Zikhovane. Lidudumalingani is a writer, filmmaker and a photographer. He grew up herding cattle and moulding goats from clay and later grew fond of words and images. He writes about music, art, culture and films for the Mail, Guardian and Africa is my country. He has published in literature journals Chimurenga chronic and pufrock and the second short, sharp story collection Adults only. He currently lives in Cape TownThe TitleMemories we lost is a biography. The life of a sister seen by a younger sister. The story is about mental illnessghigpphrenig and its effect. It is first described as this thing that takes the narrator's younger sister. Over time it robs the sister of the ability to speak and remember hence the title Memories we lost. The title is a reflection of loss and regret. The settingThe story is set in South Africa, indeed the author Lidudumalingani is a South African. A number of South African indigenous words are used in the story. The plotThe story Memories we lost is about challenges brought by mental illness to the victim and those around them. The mental illness is schizophrenia. It is a mental disorderCharacterized by many symptoms. It causes a breakdown in the relationship between thoughts, feelings and actions. There are many causes Of the disease and hereditary is one of them. It's No wonder the disease runs in the narrator's family.


It causes a breakdown in the relationship between thoughts, feelings and actions. There are many causes Of the disease and hereditary is one of them. It's No wonder the disease runs in the narrator's family. The narrator's father was a scherophrene. Events and actions in the story rotate around a sick sister. The sickness is terrifying and attacks without warning. The narrator tells us that after the attack is over she would mumble c prayer and would embrace the sister for a long time. This suggests . The reader that the illness is horrific and painful. In one of these attacks the sick sister screams and disappears intr, the night. All men and boys go out in search of her The men Or boys disoriented and peered shuffled in the dark and split into smc groups as instructed by a man " Pg 1 0. Hours later they return bu without the sister. It is the mother who returns the following dot carrying the daughter. In a different episode as the narrator is telling her sister a story, she is seized by an attack and knocks her head on the wall so much one so hard that she bleed profusely. An effort to shield her from doing this fails because of the abnormal strength that the sister has during an attack. The episode is so memorable to the mind of the narrator and says, "The smell of blood lingered after many sunsets had come; even after the rain had come " Pg 1 2. The disease makes the sister violent and destructive. This is evident ir a case where she flung a desk across a room smashing the glass window. In yet another moment of attack the ill sister pours hot porridge on the sister's chest causing her a lot of pain and harm. It is due to the disease that the narrator's sister drops out of school and cannot continue with her schooling 'This thing, this thing that took over her followed her to school and had to drop out ' This makes the narrator who loves the sister so much to absent himself from school. Eventually suffering the same fate The narrator spends much time with the sister playing e g drawing sketches. It is while narrator is in school that she learns about schizophrenia. She comes to understand that it is what the sister was suffering from. She further learns that there is not medication for the disease and has no cure. The medicine she was taking was of no help.


She comes to understand that it is what the sister was suffering from. She further learns that there is not medication for the disease and has no cure. The medicine she was taking was of no help. The sisters secretly decide not to take the medicine anymore "The first thing my sister and I got rid of was her arsenal of medicaitrion " Pg 1 3,Henceforth they buried all the herbs and the narrator demonstrated to the sister how to fake taking medication drinks. Like any good mother, the mother has made many attempts to have the girl cured. She has used herbs, modern medication, prayers and even consulted. The younger sister tries as much as possible to bring the sister to be her old self. In one such episode the sisters are playing in the rain. They are happy and the disease appears to have 'left' the sister " We jumped in the rain in that moment, my sister returned; she smiled and laughed. That day we began to form new childhood memories, filling the void left by one that had been wiped out " Pg 1 4The mother sees them in this state and she imagines that the disease was going to come again. She organizes for another ritual to cure the daughter. This time round she organizes for a Nkunzi witchdoctor from another village famous for baking people on a fire from cow dung and wood. The narrator is aware that effects of ritual is unknown as dangerous ritual and says "l had not heard anyone who had survived either "She could not allow this to happen to the sister. The both ran away to the unknown place. Just like the father before them the two sisters are escaping from their village and the people. The want to put enough distance between themselves and the home memories and secrets that stamp them as belonging to a family known for mental illness. But at the end hope is on sight, for after walking the whole night they reached a town and a hospital in sight. They knowingly fifteen each other grip. CHARACTERIZATIONTHE NARRATORShe is a sister to the mentally ill sister. The narrator and the sister have no names because they symbolize or represent others like them who love and live with mentally ill relatives. The narrator is loving or affectionate. She loves the mentally ill sister despite her state. This is unlike many families where the mentally ill have no one to take care of them.


EXCERPTS FROM BLOSSOMS OF THE SAVANNAH1. Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. No Joseph, she said in an infantile whimper. Ican t bear that we can t express the love that we have for one another because of some primitive culture. If by loving you, I offend the sensibilities of Nasila then let me offend and face the consequences of doing so! I also love you very much, Joseph Parmuat responded finally. I loved you the moment I saw you during your father s homecoming ceremony. But then the clan matter came to separate us. It is true we have no blood relation. But Nasila culture dictates who are related 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. No way, 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 culture that 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. At last 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. I can only be your wife over my dead body. Yes, you and my father can kill me and carry my dead body to your palatial home. He was stunned by those harsh words.


She would ask Joseph Parmuat, to assist her compose a song in her praise. She had already put words to a tune she had composed to ridicule the three women who she thought collaborated with men to oppress the women folk. They were Nasila s three blind mice who, she thought, did not seem to know that the world was changing. Those were the enkasakutoni, who threatened to curse intoiye nemengalana and ensured they did not get husbands nor children: the midwife Enkaitoyoni who threatened to spy on the young women as they gave birth to ensure that any who was still among intoiye-nemengalana had her status altered there and then; and the dreadedEnkamuratani, who would never tire of wielding her olmurunya menacingly. Place the excerpt in its immediate context. 4Mks Identify and illustrate two aspects of style in this excerpt. 4Mks Discuss two themes evident in the excerpt. 4Mks Discuss one character trait of Resian and Taiyo in the excerpt. 4Mks The straps that supported the containers pressed down their heads with a painful exhaustion. Rewrite beginning: with . 1Mk How do Resian s thoughts now come to be fulfilled in future? Briefly explain. 4Mks Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt. 4Mks 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 are calling 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 into herfather s face with eager expectation. If I do remember well, her father began in a low even tone, you will be nineteen in September this year, am I right You are quite right, Papaai. Resian answered eyeing him curiously. His face was unusually kind. His eyes held hers as he smiled broadly. That s it! She thought triumphantly. That must be it!


His eyes held hers as he smiled broadly. That s it! She thought triumphantly. That must be it! You and I have not discussed important issues for a long time, he said with a friendly chuckle that was intended to bring her closer to him. I thought today would be the best day 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 could not holdherself any more. The anxiety was too great. Papaai, is it Yeiyo or Taiyo who spoke to you? She asked sensationally, thinking she 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, asked after 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 time agitated and shaking his head vigorously. No, I have never spoken to anybody about any of you enrolling at the university. Never! When I said I wanted us to discuss your future, that isn t what I meant at all. Of course not! Resian looked at her father s face enquiringly. What has happened before the excerpt? 3mks What is so ironical in this passage? Explain your answer referring to elsewhere in the novel. 3mks Your future is very important to me, my dear child From elsewhere in the novel, explain why Ole Kaelo tells his daughter so. 3Mks Discuss two aspects of character in Resian in this excerpt. 4Mks What major issue is addressed in this excerpt? 2Mks Explain what happens after this excerpt. 3Mks Who between them spoke to you about our enrolment at the Egerton university? Rewrite in the direct speech. 1Mk A part from irony, discuss any other aspect of style evident in the excerpt. 2Mks Explain the meaning of the following words and expressions used in the excerpt. 4 Mks i . Apprehensively ii . Sit a mile away iii . Hold herself iv .


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 feels infatuated too. She sobs uncontrollably2. Joseph is responsible. He has self-control aimed at preventing the duo from messing up. He is patriotic. He chooses to take sides with the Nasila culture. He feels they should not 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 enslaving nature of Nasila culture. I cannot accept culture that does not feed me. She poses that culture should be beneficial. 4. He accepts to be the contact man in the mission of rescuing Taiyo. He makes her captors 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 to grow while he feels culture should restrain love feelings. Culture. Their love relationship is held at ransom by culture that objects love between people 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. Taiyo appreciates the new stance of Joseph. She sheds tears. Sample excerpt 21. Oloisudori informs Resian of the benefits she will get for marrying him. Resian gets very annoyed and speechless. Resian learns that her father has already received dowry for 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. Asked your father, he will tell you. 3. She is feeling disappointed and desperate of her father s action of receiving dowry with an aim of sealing her marriage with Oloisudori. She feels really betrayed. 4.


She is feeling disappointed and desperate of her father s action of receiving dowry with an aim of sealing her marriage with Oloisudori. She feels really betrayed. 4. 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 a young girl even after he is told her wish is to study at the university. It is also ironical that Kaelo has already picked dowry from Oloisudori and has never bothered to inform Resian 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 s driver. She goes to her father s shop. She is raving mad with indignation. She becomes very disappointed with her father. Sample excerpt 31. Before the excerpt, Taiyo and Resian go to the River to fetch water. They remember their discussion with their aunt and admire Minik s fight against women oppression by men. They muse that men must be very angry with her for snatching five hundred girls from her. After the excerpt, Taiyo sings the song she has composed about three women whom she refers as mice silently in her heart. One of those women is the enkamuratani chasing a woman with a knife. 2. Flashback- Resian recalls fifteen years back when she and Taiyo accompanied their father 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 as Nasila s three blind mice. 3. Theme of Determination or optimism. Resian is full of optimism that one day she would join Egerton university. Women as their own enemies. The three Nasila women collaborated with men to oppress women. Negative cultural practices. The three women propagate negative cultural practices against women such as F.G.M. 4. Resian is visionary. She thought how wonderful it would be, had she a chance to enroll at the Egerton University. She dreams of going to university.


Resian is visionary. She thought how wonderful it would be, had she a chance to enroll at the Egerton University. She dreams of going to university. Taiyo-critical-she wants to compose a song ridiculing three Nasilian women who collaborated with men to oppress women. 5. With a painful exhaustion, the straps that supported the containers pressed down their heads. 6. Later, she is rescued from a planned marriage by Nabaru and is taken to Minik s ranch. There, she is given a house and a job. Minik also helps in securing their admission at Egerton University. She also gives a scholarship. The novel ends when she and 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 that she is being called to be informed about admission to the university. She thinks that it is her 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 dream wish of joining Egerton University but he has plans to marry her off to his friend Oloisudori. 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 this succeeds, his business would be saved because Oloisudori had helped him establish the business and even building his house in Nasila. 4. Ignorant- she thinks that her father has good news about joining university which is not the case. She says, That s it! She thought triumphantly. Is it Yeiyo or Taiyo who spoke 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 to you about our enrollment at the Egerton University. 6. After the excerpt, Ole Kaelo hesitates telling Resian what he wanted to tell her and tells her to go to the kitchen. He tells her to tell her mother to come. 7.


After the excerpt, Ole Kaelo hesitates telling Resian what he wanted to tell her and tells 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 the Egerton University. 8. Suspense. The reader is left in suspense wanting to know why Ole Kaelo had called his daughter. Dialogue- there is dialogue between Resian and her father. It reveals the strained relationship between daughter and father. Nervously worriedly fearfullySit far awayControl herselfTroubled disturbedPRACTICE 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 gangster continued to gnaw at the conscience of Ole Kaelo relentlessly. He felt guilty, especially when he recalled the atrocities that were known to have been committed by Oloisudori over the years. But another voice told him quietly that he was being foolish and unreasonable to question his own conscience over the matter of Oloisudori, for he was just one among many who were enjoying the fruits of their labour. And it was hardly anybody s business to know how honest that labour was. After all, the small voice reassured him tauntingly, those who committed bigger crimes such as Goldenberg and Anglo-leasing, were still enjoying the fruits of their labour. Had they not invested the yields of their ill-gotten money in housing estates, in shares, in import and exports in tourism, in transport and in other trades, just as Oloisudori had done? When he went to bed later that evening, he remained awake for many hours pondering over those disturbing thoughts that went through his mind fleetingly, like water that churned violently in a turbulent sea. He thought of Oloisudori s impending visit and his intended marriage to Resian. He knew the success of failure of the event would determine the fate of his business. Even his continued ownership of that house where he and his family lived, depended on the outcomes of that event. Should Oloisudori fail to get Resian and recall the loan he had extended to him to buy that house, he was done. And knowing Oloisudori, he could very easily draw the rug from beneath his feet, leaving him vulnerable to all kinds of vagaries.


Even his continued ownership of that house where he and his family lived, depended on the outcomes of that event. Should Oloisudori fail to get Resian and recall the loan he had extended to him to buy that house, he was done. And knowing Oloisudori, he could very easily draw the rug from beneath his feet, leaving him vulnerable to all kinds of vagaries. And the thoughts gave him anxious moments. At dawn when sleep overtook him, Ole Kaelo had a pleasant dream. Resian had consented to Oloisudori s proposal. After Oloisudori reported that to him, he was greatly pleased and relieved. His wife was rapturous. Although they were astonished at the turn of events, they were relieved to know that they would not have to live with the guilt of having forced their daughter to get married. What a wise child his once hardheaded daughter had turned to be after all! And how devious! After all those years of sullenness, awkwardness and tactlessness, she had finally brought relief to their life and ushered in a period of peace and tranquility. But then, it was just that. A dream! Place the excerpt in its immediate context. 4Mks Discuss three major issues in this excerpt. 6Mks Discuss two character traits of Ole Kaelo in this excerpt. 4Mks And the thoughts gave him anxious moments Add a question tag. 1Mk Discuss any three aspects of style in this excerpt. 6Mks 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 of laughter. She woke up with a start, jumped up to her feet and stared at the door with wide panic-stricken eyes. For a moment she could not figure out her surroundings and called out the name of her sister Taiyo. She was terrified. The door flung open and Olarinkoi staggered in. He was stone drunk. Resian stared at him unblinkingly as he walked towards her and she backed off terrified, squeezing herself flatly against the wall. He followed her there and got hold of her shoulders and shook her violently glaring at her with his glittering eyes.


He was stone drunk. Resian stared at him unblinkingly as he walked towards her and she backed off terrified, squeezing herself flatly against the wall. He followed her there and got hold of her shoulders and shook her violently glaring at her with his glittering eyes. You silly thing, he thundered angrily. I tell you to prepare food and you refuse to 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 she did not understand his intention until he began unfastening her buttons with his rough trembling hands. Then the truth came, and with it, terror and panic. She tried to get away from him, but he held her effortlessly as he brutally continued fumbling with her dress, trying to loosen it. She screamed as loudly as she could while she pushed him away and thrashed frantically about. But that did not deter him and he totally ignored her screams holding her more firmly with his strong arms. Against her loud protest, he tore 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 the flesh like a ferocious animal and tenaciously held onto it, tugging at it fiercely like a lioness. She could feel the flesh tearing and she tasted the salt of his blood as it filled her mouth but she clung unto the thumb as Olarinkoi howled with pain.


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 the flesh like a ferocious animal and tenaciously held onto it, tugging at it fiercely like a lioness. She could feel the flesh tearing and she tasted the salt of his blood as it filled her mouth but she clung unto the thumb as Olarinkoi howled with pain. Make notes on the contents of Resian s dream. 4Mks Discuss one character traits of Resian in this excerpt. 2Mks What has greatly changed in Olarinkoi in this excerpt compared to his earlier conduct in the novel? 3Mks Identify and illustrate two aspects of style in this excerpt. 4Mks Explain two major issues raised in the excerpt. 4Mks Explain what happens immediately after the excerpt. 3Mks Today we shall see how educated your body is Rewrite in reported speech. 1Mk Explain the meaning of the following expressions in the passage. 4 Mks i . Unblinkingly ii . 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 have tremendous respect. It is the likes of Olarinkoi I am mad at, and all those other males who come here ordering us to do that or the other for them, simply because they are males. When women visit us, they give us the leeway to respond to their requests. But as we burn our fingers here Mr.Olarinkoi is dozing off comfortably in our living room waiting 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 of potatoes and threw the knife into the pail that held the peeled potatoes. Supporting herself by holding onto a nearby wall, she painfully lifted a large, heavy body. My enkaini, I agree with you that something is wrong with our child, and I think I know what ails her. Come along with me and I will tell you what I think ails her.


Supporting herself by holding onto a nearby wall, she painfully lifted a large, heavy body. My enkaini, I agree with you that something is wrong with our child, and I think I know what ails 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, you cannot argue with Yeiyo Botorr, Taiyo told her sternly as soon as they were out of earshot 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 little sister. 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 of the 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 traditional esuguroi drink had been served in generous measures, tongues loosened and hearts gladdened. 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 pleasurable and lively celebration progressed, voices became animated; hands and arms gesticulated vigorously while heads turned more often. Eyes searched out acquaintances within the throng of revelers.


Within no time, one could hardly be heard over the hubbub of talk and laughter. And as the pleasurable and lively celebration progressed, voices became animated; hands and arms gesticulated vigorously while heads turned more often. Eyes searched out acquaintances within the throng of revelers. And it was all pomp and gaiety as ivory adorned and bejeweled fingers fluttered; bare shoulders gleamed in the light multicoloured bead ornaments glittered upon elaborately bedecked necks: pendulous ilmiintoni of all colours dangled loosely down extended ear-lobes: 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 a question 1mk 6.Which other party has an equal weight from the rest of the novel. What is its significance? 3mks 7.Comment on the prevalent mood in the context. 2mks 8.Explain the meaning of the following words: 4mks a Hubbubb Gesticulatedc Gaietyd Dangled.


THE PEARLBy John SteinbeckThe Pearl: An OverviewThe Pearl is a novella by American author John Steinbeck, first published in 1947. It is the story of a pearl diver, Kino, and explores man's nature as well as greed, defiance of societal norms, and evil. Steinbeck's inspiration was a Mexican folk tale from La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, which he had heard in a visit to the formerly pearl-rich region in 1940. In 1947, it was adapted into a Mexican film named La perla and in 1987 into a cult Kannada movie Ondu Muttina Kathe. The story is one of Steinbeck's most popular books and has been widely used in high school classes. SummaryThe Pearl, which takes place in La Paz, Mexico, begins with a description of the seemingly idyllic family life of Kino, his wife Juana and their infant son, Coyotito. Kino watches as Coyotito sleeps, but sees a scorpion crawl down the rope that holds the hanging box where Coyotito lies. Kino attempts to catch the scorpion, but Coyotito bumps the rope and the scorpion falls on him. Although Kino kills the scorpion, it still stings Coyotito. Juana and Kino, accompanied by their neighbors, go to see the local doctor, who refuses to treat Coyotito because Kino cannot pay. Kino and Juana leave the doctors and take Coyotito down near the sea, where Juana uses a seaweed poultice on Coyotito's shoulder, which is now swollen. Kino dives for oysters from his canoe, attempting to find pearls. He finds a very large oyster which, when Kino opens it, yields an immense pearl, which Kino therefore dubs "The Pearl of the World". Kino puts back his head and howls, causing the other pearl divers to look up and race toward Kino's canoe. The news that Kino has found an immense pearl travels fast through La Paz. The doctor who refused to treat Coyotito decides to visit Kino. Kino's neighbors begin to feel bitter toward him for his good fortune, but neither Kino nor Juana realizes this feeling they have engendered.


The news that Kino has found an immense pearl travels fast through La Paz. The doctor who refused to treat Coyotito decides to visit Kino. Kino's neighbors begin to feel bitter toward him for his good fortune, but neither Kino nor Juana realizes this feeling they have engendered. Juan Tomas, the brother of Kino, asks him what he will do with his money, and he envisions getting married to Juana in a church and dressing Coyotito in a yachting cap and sailor suit. He claims that he will send Coyotito to school and buy a rifle for himself. The local priest visits and tells Kino to remember to give thanks and to pray for guidance. The doctor also visits, and although Coyotito seems to be healing, the doctor insists that Coyotito still faces danger and treats him. Kino tells the doctor that he will pay him once he sells his pearl, and the doctor attempts to discern where the pearl is located Kino has buried it in the corner of his hut . That night, a thief attempts to break into Kino's hut, but Kino drives him away. Juana tells Kino that the pearl will destroy them, but Kino insists that the pearl is their one chance and that tomorrow they will sell it. Kino's neighbors wonder what they would do if they had found the pearl, and suggest giving it as a present to the Pope, buying Masses for the souls of his family, and distributing it among the poor of La Paz. Kino goes to sell his pearl, accompanied by his neighbors, but the pearl dealer only offers a thousand pesos when Kino believes that he deserves fifty thousand. Although other dealers inspect the pearl and give similar prices, Kino refuses their offer and decides to go to the capital to sell it there. That night, Kino is attacked by more thieves, and Juana once again reminds Kino that the pearl is evil. However, Kino vows that he will not be cheated, for he is a man. Later that night, Juana attempts to take the pearl and throw it into the ocean, but Kino finds her and beats her for doing so. While outside, a group of men accost Kino and knock the pearl from his hand. Juana watches from a distance, and sees Kino approach her, limping with another man whose throat Kino has slit.


Later that night, Juana attempts to take the pearl and throw it into the ocean, but Kino finds her and beats her for doing so. While outside, a group of men accost Kino and knock the pearl from his hand. Juana watches from a distance, and sees Kino approach her, limping with another man whose throat Kino has slit. Juana finds the pearl, and they decide that they must go away even if the murder was in self-defense. Kino finds that his canoe has been damaged and their house was torn up and the outside set afire. Kino and Juana stay with Juan Tomas and his wife, Apolonia, where they hide for the next day before setting out for the capital that night. Kino and Juana travel that night, and rest during the day. When Kino believes that he is being followed, the two hide and Kino sees several bighorn sheep trackers who pass by him. Kino and Juana escape into the mountains, where Juana and Coyotito hide in the cave while Kino, taking his clothes off so that no one will see his white clothing. The trackers think that they hear something when they hear Coyotito crying, but decide that it is merely a coyote pup. After a tracker shoots in the direction of the cries, Kino attacks the three trackers, killing all three of them. Kino can hear nothing but the cry of death, for he soon realizes that Coyotito is dead from that first shot. Juana and Kino return to La Paz. Kino carries a rifle stolen from the one of the trackers he killed, while Juana carries the dead Coyotito. The two approach the gulf, and Kino, who now sees the image of Coyotito with his head blown off in the pearl, throws it into the ocean. SettingSteinbeck began writing the story as a movie script in 1944, and first published it as a short story called "The Pearl of the World" in Woman's Home Companion in December 1945. The original publication is also sometimes listed as "The Pearl of La Paz". He expanded it to novella length and published it under the name The Pearl by Viking Press in 1947. As he was writing the novella version, he was frequently travelling to Mexico where the film version, co-written with Jack Wagner, was being filmed.


The original publication is also sometimes listed as "The Pearl of La Paz". He expanded it to novella length and published it under the name The Pearl by Viking Press in 1947. As he was writing the novella version, he was frequently travelling to Mexico where the film version, co-written with Jack Wagner, was being filmed. The film was also released by RKO in 1947 as a co-promotion with the book. The Pearl was loosely adapted in 2001 for a film directed by Alfredo Zacharias and starring Lukas Haas and Richard Harris which was released directly to video in 2005. The Pearl Character ListKinoA prototypical Mexican-Indian who works as a pearl diver, he begins the story as a devoted father and husband to Coyotito and Juana, respectively. Kino is the central character of the story, an everyman' who finds himself becoming increasingly violent, paranoid and defiant as he faces opposition from others after he finds the pearl, and resorts to assaulting Juana and murdering those who threaten him. JuanaThe mother of Coyotito and the wife of Kino, Juana is, as her name suggests, the representation of woman for Steinbeck in the story. She dutifully supports her husband, despite his worsening treatment of her, but warns him against the dangers that the pearl can bring to the family. Juana remains steadfast throughout the story and devoted to maintaining her family. She even refuses to obey Kino when he suggests that they take separate paths to avoid the trackers. CoyotitoThe infant son of Kino and Juana, after he is stung by a scorpion, the doctor refuses to treat him because his parents have no money. Although Juana seemingly cures him with a seaweed poultice, he receives treatment from the doctor only after Kino finds the pearl. When Kino and Juana are hunted by trackers after escaping La Paz, one of the trackers shoots Coyotito in the head as they hide in a cave. The DoctorA fat, complacent man who is not from the same race as Kino and Juana, he refuses to treat Coyotito for a scorpion sting when Kino and Juana cannot pay enough. However, once he learns that Kino has found the Pearl of the World, he treats the healed Coyotito after leading Kino and Juana to believe that Coyotito may suffer unseen consequences from the bite.


When Kino and Juana are hunted by trackers after escaping La Paz, one of the trackers shoots Coyotito in the head as they hide in a cave. The DoctorA fat, complacent man who is not from the same race as Kino and Juana, he refuses to treat Coyotito for a scorpion sting when Kino and Juana cannot pay enough. However, once he learns that Kino has found the Pearl of the World, he treats the healed Coyotito after leading Kino and Juana to believe that Coyotito may suffer unseen consequences from the bite. Seemingly interested in stealing the pearl, the doctor is not of the same race as Kino and Juana, and longs for his days in Paris. Juan TomasThe brother of Kino and the husband of Apolonia, he warns Kino against the disastrous consequences that he faces from finding the pearl. Juan Tomas hides Kino and Juana in his house after Kino murders a man in self-defense. ApoloniaThe fat wife of Juan Tomas, Apolonia allows Kino and Juana to hide in her house after Kino murders a man in self-defense. Book Summary and Analysis by ChaptersChapter 1Kino awakes and watches the hanging box where his infant son, Coyotito, sleeps. He then watches his wife, Juana, who has also awakened and rests peacefully. Kino thinks of the Song of the Family, a traditional song of his ancestors, as the dawn comes and Juana begins to prepare breakfast. Kino's ancestors had been great makers of songs, and everything they saw or thought had become a song. Juana sings softly to Coyotito part of the family song. Kino looks at them and thinks that "this is safety, this is warmth, this is the Whole. "Kino sees a movement near the hanging box where Coyotito sleeps. A scorpion moves slowly down the rope supporting the box. Kino thinks of the Song of Evil, the music of the enemy, as the Song of the Family cries plaintively. Kino stands still, ready to grasp the scorpion, but Coyotito shakes the rope and the scorpion falls on him. Kino reaches to catch it, but it falls onto the baby's shoulder and strikes. Kino grabs the scorpion and kills it as Coyotito screams in pain. Juana begins to suck the puncture to remove the poison.


Kino reaches to catch it, but it falls onto the baby's shoulder and strikes. Kino grabs the scorpion and kills it as Coyotito screams in pain. Juana begins to suck the puncture to remove the poison. Having heard the baby's screams, Kino's brother, Juan Tomas, and his fat wife Apolonia enter with their children. Juana orders them to find a doctor. The doctor never comes to their cluster of brush houses, so Juana decides to go to the doctor herself. The event becomes a neighborhood affair, for Juan Tomas and Apolonia accompany them and even the beggars in front of the church follow Juana as she marches toward the doctor. Kino feels weak as he approaches the doctor's home, for the doctor is not of his race and thus believes that Kino's people are simple animals. Kino tells the doctor's servant that his child was poisoned by a scorpion. The doctor is a fat man who longs for civilized living. Although the doctor is at home, he refuses to treat Coyotito unless he knows that he has money. The servant asks if Kino has money, and when he can only offer small seed pearls, the servant tells Kino that the doctor has gone out. Kino strikes the gate with his fist, splitting his knuckles. Chapter 1 AnalysisThe Pearl takes place among an impoverished Mexican-Indian community in La Paz. Although the story involves essentially only this couple, Steinbeck uses Kino and Juana as symbolic of the community in which they live. Steinbeck constructs Kino as an everyman with concerns typical of persons of all social stations. As shown by his encounter with the scorpion, Kino is a devoted father who dotes on his infant son and adores his wife. Quite importantly, as the story begins Kino is perfectly content with his situation, despite his lack of material possessions and difficult existence. As Kino watches his family, he believes that this is the "whole," the entirety of everything he really needs. This is significant, for this early contentment contrasts with the later panic that Kino and Juana will feel once they receive hope for a better future. Juana, whose name even translates into woman,' symbolizes a feminine ideal that complements Kino's masculine prototype.


The idea of community is also significant in terms of the various songs that Kino remembers. These songs are entirely symbolic, meant to place Kino in the larger, less personal context as a member of a community with a sense of heritage and to reinforce his status as an everyman. The two songs that Kino remembers during this chapter, the Song of the Family and the Song of Evil, also place the story in a context with diametric opposites; the story is largely a parable with defined parameters of good and evil. Steinbeck uses the doctor who refuses to treat Coyotito as a symbol of the forces of oppression that Kino and Juana face. The doctor represents the societal system that places a monetary value on human life, as well as the obstacles that Kino and Juana face. The racial divide between the doctor and Kino plays a considerable role in his refusal to treat Coyotito; although this aspect of the story is not omnipresent, this presents an additional element of adversity that Kino and Juana must endure. In this chapter, Steinbeck foreshadows eventual changes in Kino's character when he smashes his fist on the doctor's gate. This event shows that Kino reverts to violence and anger when confronted with adversity, yet when he does so he hurts only himself. Chapter 2Kino and Juana walk slowly down the beach to Kino's canoe, the one thing of value that he owns. The canoe is old, bought by Kino's grandfather, and is the source of food for Kino. It is their most important possession, for "a man with a boat can guarantee a woman that she will eat something.". Coyotito still suffers from the scorpion bite: the swelling on his shoulder continues up his neck and his face is puffed and feverish. Juana makes a poultice from brown seaweed. This poultice is "as good a remedy as any and probably better than the doctor could have done. "Kino and Juana get into the canoe so that Kino can find pearl oysters that may pay for the treatment for Coyotito. Kino dives for pearl oysters, where he thinks of the Song of the Pearl That Might Be and the Song of the Undersea. Kino works steadily under the water until he sees a large oyster lying by itself with its shell partly open, revealing what seems to be a massive pearl. Kino forces the oyster loose and holds it tightly against him.


Kino dives for pearl oysters, where he thinks of the Song of the Pearl That Might Be and the Song of the Undersea. Kino works steadily under the water until he sees a large oyster lying by itself with its shell partly open, revealing what seems to be a massive pearl. Kino forces the oyster loose and holds it tightly against him. When Kino comes up for air, Juana can sense his excitement. Kino opens the various oysters he had caught, leaving the largest one for last. He worries that the large pearl he saw was merely a reflection, for "in this Gulf of uncertain light there were more illusions than realities.". Finally, Kino opens the oyster to see a rich, perfectly curved pearl. Juana lifts the poultice of seaweed from Coyotito to see that the swelling has begun to recede. Kino puts back his head and howls, causing the men in other canoes to look up and race toward Kino's canoe. Chapter 2 AnalysisSteinbeck continues to detail the extreme poverty in which Kino and Juana live; not only can they not afford their own canoe so that Kino may perform his job as a pearl diver, they must use a canoe that is several generations old. This is important, for it gives greater weight to the discovery of the pearl, which could raise them from a meager existence into some sense of security. The canoe is a symbol of Kino's heritage, a relic passed down from his grandfather, but it also represents Kino's role as a provider for his family. Steinbeck generalizes the statement that a man with a canoe can ensure that his wife will never go hungry to illustrate Kino's status as an everyman and to emphasize the distinct roles and duties of a husband and father. The life that Kino and Juana lead is also an antiquated one; when the doctor refuses to treat Coyotito, Juana relies on primitive methods to cure her son. Steinbeck does not offer a sharp critique of these methods. Instead, he finds them more than adequate to the task and perhaps better than the treatment that the doctor might offer. In this novel, Steinbeck gives greater emphasis and value to traditional behaviors and even primitivism over modern conveniences and, in particular, those who have those luxuries. Kino's occupation as a pearl diver demonstrates the small chance that he and his family have for success.