Theirs was a mutant of another kind p.118 . Education is one of the causes of alienation. The Kaelo s, for instance, want their daughters educated but at the same time are wary of the influence of education on them. We are told that the sons of Nasila who got educated got alienated and hardly came back home p.150 . There is a clash between formal education, which is an aspect of modern culture, with traditional Nasilian culture. This clash makes Nasila culture to be grappling with the changes education brought. These changes, according to the narrator, were threatening an explosion in the not too distant future pp.150-151 . CULTURAL CONFLICTSeveral characters undergo cultural conflict or dilemma in the novel as a result of encountering and embracing the modern culture. Nasila culture, which is part of the larger Maa culture, is also in crisis as a result of clashing with modernity. Mama Milanoi, wife to Ole Kaelo, is at cultural crossroads. She is in dilemma as far as the question of FGM is concerned. She understands the danger she would expose her daughters in Nasila where there are both positive and negative cultural practices and wishes she could shield them and protect them p.30 . She knows this would not be possible because Nasila people were very intolerant of those who ignored their cherished cultural sensibilities p.30 . She knows that she is in breach of Nasila traditions by not having circumcised her daughters by then p.60 . While back in Nakuru and before her husband s retrenchment, Mama Milanoi admits that FGM was a nonissue in the family for She had regarded the practice as an archaic rite that had been discarded and forgotten. But there it was now, rearing its ugly head and threatening to wreak havoc in the young innocent lives of her daughters p.63 . Mama Milanoi is torn between yielding her daughters to the barbaric culture and losing their faith, love and confidence and going against Nasila culture and becoming an alien in the clan. She fears doing anything that would wrong her husband and hence chooses to tread carefully around the matter. She comes out as a weak woman who shies from declaring her stand on Nasila culture when she meekly tells her husband, Our culture is everything and its rules, our lives p.61 .


Mama Milanoi is torn between yielding her daughters to the barbaric culture and losing their faith, love and confidence and going against Nasila culture and becoming an alien in the clan. She fears doing anything that would wrong her husband and hence chooses to tread carefully around the matter. She comes out as a weak woman who shies from declaring her stand on Nasila culture when she meekly tells her husband, Our culture is everything and its rules, our lives p.61 . Her dutiful role of a faithful and obedient wife to Ole Kaelo comes before her duty to her daughters hence chooses to obey his edicts. She wishes to join forces with the likes of Minik or Emakererei, and fight against practices like FGM but then fears for her marriage, If she aligned herself with a person who Nasila regarded as having such an obnoxious reputation, where would her marriage stand? P.62 . She even wonders whether as a family, they are traditionalists or modernists especially by embracing retrogressive cultural values p.62 . Joseph is faced with cultural conflict when he falls in love with Taiyo who is from his clan. His culture does not allow such a union and hence he is torn between loyalty to that culture or love for Taiyo. He asks himself several questions that reveal this crisis. Did he have to abandon Nasila culture in exchange of a woman who sneered at its tenets? He considered running away from Nasila and its culture but that left a sour taste in his mouth. P.137 . He finally opts to stick by Nasila culture arguing that it was too valuable to be abandoned in exchange of a woman s love. He finally resolves this conflict by declining Taiyo s love p.137 . Ole Kaelo s alienation from his culture and embracing a culture that was neither modern nor traditional creates internal conflict in him. He is torn between marrying his daughter Resian to Oloisudori or turning down his request, thereby losing his business. He keeps wondering what sort of a man Oloisudori is and at some point, he has to assure himself that he is a morally upright man so that he can marry his daughter to him p.194 . FEMALE ASSERTIVENESSAt the centre of fighting retrogressive cultural practices is Resian, Taiyo and Minik ene Nkoitoi who is commonly called Emakererei.


He is torn between marrying his daughter Resian to Oloisudori or turning down his request, thereby losing his business. He keeps wondering what sort of a man Oloisudori is and at some point, he has to assure himself that he is a morally upright man so that he can marry his daughter to him p.194 . FEMALE ASSERTIVENESSAt the centre of fighting retrogressive cultural practices is Resian, Taiyo and Minik ene Nkoitoi who is commonly called Emakererei. Both Resian and Taiyo resist F.GM and do all they can to fight the outmoded practice. Resian says she would not live anywhere near a man who would want to mutilate her sexuality while Taiyo says she would only be mutilated if only she were dead p.33 . This declaration sets the mood and tone in the rest of the novel where the girls fight various individuals that try to force them in taking a path they do not wish. Resian resists being circumcised by force in a dream by fighting the enkamurataniand the enkoiboni pp.244 -254 . She tells Minik that she had heard of her relentless fight against F.G.M and underage marriage p.262 . Her stand is that girl child circumcision should disappear from Maa language and regarded extinct and that IntoiyeNemengalana uncircumcised girl should stop being derogatory p.263 . Minik is bitter and angry about the continued practice of F.G.M at a time she believes the rite has stopped being useful to women. She blames the practice on the neo-culture of wealth which was dampening the fight against such outdated practices. Her take is that there was need to plan new strategies to battle the new monster that was rearing its ugly head p.269 . Resian has a different way out of the problem. She believes that if all women said no to the detestable culture, men would do nothing about it pp.277-278 . Women who have undergone F.G.M such as Minik and Nabaru agree that they are not different human beings hence downplaying its importance. Resian is opposed to cultural coaching by Joseph Parmuat. Her father observes that though they may find some cultural demands detestable, it is such practices that nurtured and bound their people together p.71 .


Women who have undergone F.G.M such as Minik and Nabaru agree that they are not different human beings hence downplaying its importance. Resian is opposed to cultural coaching by Joseph Parmuat. Her father observes that though they may find some cultural demands detestable, it is such practices that nurtured and bound their people together p.71 . To Resian, the coaching is worthless and she says that if they were sons, they would not be subjected to cultural coaching. She says, I refuse to be taught. I will either be taught at the university what is universally beneficial to all mankind or be taught nothing p.73 . She is opposed to informal education to girls meant to please men saying, I refuse to be taught to solely please male counterparts. They can also cook, and they can, and should also learn to please us females p.77 . She is described as someone who knows her rights by her mother and that she would not allow anyone trample on them p.118 . Later, she accepts to be coached but only after Joseph introduces interesting topics such as those of love. When Taiyo falls in love with Joseph, she does not care about what others or the culture says about it. She boldly tells Joseph, No, I don t care about the oppressive Nasila culture. Why should I care about violating the backward culture when it does not care when it violates my own rights? P.133 . She says this despite knowing very well that her culture does not allow inter-clan marriage. She assertively tells Joseph she does not care about her culture s position on the matter when he tells her they cannot marry p.134 . She is ready to defend her love for Joseph including eloping with him to join others who share with her neo-cultural persuasion. The two girls are ready to fight and resist forced marriages and Oloisudori s advances on them. They plan and succeed in returning the gifts that he had brought them saying, Woe to him if he thought she was a chattel to be secured by the content of a briefcase! P.198 . She flatly rejects Oloisudori s plans to marry her saying, You are stark mad if you think I am your wife. I can only be your wife over my dead body p.204 . She boldly tells her father that she would rather die than get married to a monster p.209 .


She flatly rejects Oloisudori s plans to marry her saying, You are stark mad if you think I am your wife. I can only be your wife over my dead body p.204 . She boldly tells her father that she would rather die than get married to a monster p.209 . When Resian is abducted by Olarinkoi, she continues in her fighting and resisting spirit. The writer says, Olarinkoi and his demonic mother may physically take her to Tanzania take her as his wife physically circumcise her, but mentally she was going to resist She was going to refuse to be subdued she was going to physically resist p.230 . The song by the girls from Intapuka-e-Maa during Taiyo s and Resian s farewell party is full of female assertion. They say they are proud to be uncircumcised and that they would be doctors, teachers and engineers and would build the nation together with men p.281 . This is a song of hope and optimism hence revealing a generation of young people that are not ready to be daunted by retrogressive cultural practices. MORAL DECADENCEDespite the rich cultural setting of the novel, there are many cases of immoral conduct or behavior that falls short of the morals of any society. This can be largely attributed to the clash or encounter between the traditional culture and modern culture. Many evils are perpetrated by Oloisudori and other characters with warped morality. Oloisudori is totally morally decayed. He engages in all sorts of vices in order to amass wealth. He is corrupt, immoral, an extortionist, a smuggler, a poacher, a blackmailer, a thug and even a killer p.101, 236 . He is also suspected by Ole Kaelo to belong to the cult of ilmasonik, a cult that thrived on extortion and blackmail p.107 . These vices, allegedly associated with him, point at his moral deficiency. When Ole Kaelo asks his friend Supeyo if Oloisudori is a man of integrity, he replies, Don t trust him any further than you would a hyena in your homestead keep the fellow away from your daughters p.26 . When Oloisudori meets Resian for the first time, his amorous character is evident.


These vices, allegedly associated with him, point at his moral deficiency. When Ole Kaelo asks his friend Supeyo if Oloisudori is a man of integrity, he replies, Don t trust him any further than you would a hyena in your homestead keep the fellow away from your daughters p.26 . When Oloisudori meets Resian for the first time, his amorous character is evident. He openly scans her body p.92 and cranes his neck to watch her p.95 . In his presence, Resian is uncomfortable for she felt from his looks as if her blouse was unbuttoned p.96 . She also feels as if he was caressing her entire body with his hands against her will p.96 . He tells Ole Kaelo his intention to marry his daughter very callously and as if he was talking about a goat or a sheep p.110 . In his first visit to Ole Kaelo s home, he took a long time washing his hands as he gloatingly peered at her p.179 . He has no shame taking the hand of Resian and kissing it without her consent. He looks at her in a sexually suggestive manner his gaze deliberately dropped from her face to her bosom and lingered there p.203 . This is before he drops the bombshell; which is marrying her and making her the happiest woman in East Africa. He shamelessly tells Kaelo of his intention to circumcise Resian before marrying her. Ole Kaelo regards such talks as very abnormal between a father-inlaw and a would be son-in-law. From such immoral talk, Ole Kaelo believes that the world had come to an end p.112 . Apart from Oloisudori, there are many other morally rotten characters in the novel such as Olarinkoi warriors, Olarinkoi, and enkoiboni. The Olarinkoi warriors, who subdued the Maa for long, are morally rotten. They forced the Maa women to compose lewd songs which they had to perform in the most outrageous and indecent postures and styles p.86 . They took advantage of the compromising situation of the Maa women to exploit them sexually knowing that they were not able to resist their natural instinctive desires p.86 .


Apart from Oloisudori, there are many other morally rotten characters in the novel such as Olarinkoi warriors, Olarinkoi, and enkoiboni. The Olarinkoi warriors, who subdued the Maa for long, are morally rotten. They forced the Maa women to compose lewd songs which they had to perform in the most outrageous and indecent postures and styles p.86 . They took advantage of the compromising situation of the Maa women to exploit them sexually knowing that they were not able to resist their natural instinctive desires p.86 . Taiyo and Resian s near rape by two men as they come from their father s shop in Nasila points at moral decay in Nasila. P.140 . This incident causes the girls mental torture. Some of these deeds are done to them because they are uncircumcised. Olarinkoi is also immoral. He abuses Resian by telling her: Today we shall see how educated your body is p.221 . This is before physically assaulting and raping her after she passes out. The foul language that enkoiboni, the mother to Olarinkoi, addresses Resian with is full of moral rottenness. Her language is full of abuses and bitterness. Enkabaani,Resian s nurse does not support enkoiboni sfoul language and urges Resian to ignore her. She does not respect Resian s privacy when she feels her stomach with her hands to check whether she was pregnant. All this time, Resian seethed with anger at the blatant intrusion of her privacy and total disregard for her feelings p.235 . BETRAYALBetrayal is breaking of the trust that existed between individuals before. The greatest betrayal in the novel is that of Ole Kaelo to his daughters. On page one, we are told that Ole Kaelo refused to allow his daughter Taiyo to travel to Mombasa with other young men and women selected by an FM radio station for a music extravaganza pp.1-2 . He refused to allow her saying that no daughter of his would so demean herself and her family as to perform in public in exchange of monetary gain p.45 . To him that would be like engaging in harlotry.


On page one, we are told that Ole Kaelo refused to allow his daughter Taiyo to travel to Mombasa with other young men and women selected by an FM radio station for a music extravaganza pp.1-2 . He refused to allow her saying that no daughter of his would so demean herself and her family as to perform in public in exchange of monetary gain p.45 . To him that would be like engaging in harlotry. In addition, he betrays his daughters ambitions to join Egerton University preferring instead to marry them off to Oloisudori, a very rich man. This shows he is not ready to help them realize their dreams as a father should do. Ole Kaelo has betrayed Resian in many ways. He has not loved her as he should from her birth. We are told that From the moment she was born, mute and helpless, he detested her p.10 . This has contributed to Resian growing up sullen, bewildered and resentful p.10 . He is biased in his treating of the two daughters for he does not love her as he loves Taiyo. Taiyo admits this emotional betrayal: For reasons she did not understand, she had always found their father strangely and harshly impatient towards Resian p.34 . However, she knew that he despised her ever since she was young p.173 . Ole Kaelo is strongly hateful and unappreciative of her: he wondered where in the world they fetched that awkward, overblown, stupid child And the very look in her eyes, half-fearful, half-defiant and wholly troubled, was always enough to raise his temper to the highest pitch p.41 . He also abuses her at the slightest provocation. He tells her: While Taiyo works herself to the bone, she lazes about like an over-fed lizard in the hot afternoon sun! P.64 . He goes on Look at the way you slouch I ll not be surprised if you soon become a hunchback p.64 . Even her mother fails Resian for we are told: Even stranger was their mother s failure to come to Resian s defense. It was as if her motherly instincts could not extend her protective wings to cover Resian.


He goes on Look at the way you slouch I ll not be surprised if you soon become a hunchback p.64 . Even her mother fails Resian for we are told: Even stranger was their mother s failure to come to Resian s defense. It was as if her motherly instincts could not extend her protective wings to cover Resian. Seeing her parents betrayal of her sister, Taiyo takes over to comfort Resian and reassure her when hurt especially by her father. Her role in Resian s life is very important because she relies on her to make requests to their father on her behalf for she cannot approach him directly. The case in point is her quest to join university which she keeps pestering Taiyo to ask their father to do on her behalf. A parent that cannot communicate with his child has definitely failed in his parental responsibility. Ole Kaelo and Oloisudori mercilessly hatch a plan to abduct Resian and marry her off without her consent if she does not cooperate. The plan is If she declined, he would leave it at that until the evening when his men would pounce on her and abduct her p.191 . After such a heinous plan, The three of them roared with rich laughter p.192 . He is even ready to have her circumcised so that she can get married to a man she does not even love. Mama Milanoi is not blameless because she is inwardly opposed to the abduction plan; but does not speak out to condemn such a wicked plan. When Oloisudori reveals his plan to marry Resian, it dawned on her that her father had already sold her p.204 . This greatly shocks her because she never thought that her father could go to the extent of selling her p.205 . He confirms the plan to marry her off to his friend Oloisudori and also shatters Resian s dream of enrolling as a student at Egerton University. He tells her: I thought about it alright, but decided that I am not sending you there! P.207 . This discovery makes her cry, accusing her father of hatred and betrayal by betrothing her to Oloisudori p.208 .


He confirms the plan to marry her off to his friend Oloisudori and also shatters Resian s dream of enrolling as a student at Egerton University. He tells her: I thought about it alright, but decided that I am not sending you there! P.207 . This discovery makes her cry, accusing her father of hatred and betrayal by betrothing her to Oloisudori p.208 . Resian does not absolve her mother from blame for she believes she also failed her p.230 especially due to her silence when all those plans against her were being devised. She reasons that her mother should not have been silent when her daughter was being sold to the highest bidder for Even the hyena s greed spared its own young ones p.231 . Mama Milanoi also betrays her daughter Taiyo by allowing her to accompany three women to take her to Resian only for her to end up being forcefully subjected to F.G.M. We are told that When she came to, two days later, she was sore, bitter and angry p.273 . Her mother does all this out of her docile submission and fear of her husband. In addition, she has to play along with Ole Kaelo in his devious acts so that they cannot lose the wealth Ole Kaelo has corruptly acquired by doing business with Oloisudori. Later, when Resian and Taiyo are reunited, they blame their mother for their ordeals saying She was an example of a wife they never wanted to become and that they knew she was always in awe of their father who held her captive and never for once allowed her to express her own opinion on any matter however small it was p.277 . MATERIALISM GREED AND OPULENCEMaterialism is putting material possession before anything else in one s life while greed is insatiable want for material possessions. Opulence in this novel refers to exaggerated display of wealth by characters. Ole Kaelo s house in Nasila is so magnificent that Mama Milanoi exclaims, Father of all creation! This is but a dream p.30 . Taiyo says that the house is magnificent while Resian exclaims she had never seen anything like it before p.31 .He has furnished his shop at Nasila extravagantly. We are told It was splendid, large and well stocked.


This is but a dream p.30 . Taiyo says that the house is magnificent while Resian exclaims she had never seen anything like it before p.31 .He has furnished his shop at Nasila extravagantly. We are told It was splendid, large and well stocked. The d cor was discreetly and fashionably done while taking into consideration the kind of customers that were expected p.65 . This is a show of extravagance and opulence which the rich in this society strongly believe are indications of a wealthy man. Taiyo tells her ever critical sister: It s important that the shop displays a certain measure of opulence p.65 . This is so that their father can attract rich customers. The genesis of Ole Kaelo s troubles is his signing of a contract with Oloisudori to start a business in Nasila. We are told that He had long realized the choice was between remaining a nobody; self-righteously and accepting, sensibly, that the man with the meat was also the same man with the knife p.25 . He therefore gets into business with him. His friend, Supeyo, warns him in advance what kind of man Oloisudori is and Oloisudori is probably the most corrupt keep the fellow away from your daughters p.26 . Despite the early warning, he is unheeding a thing which makes him lose his two dear daughters finally. Oloisudori has his hands on all sorts of businesses both legal and illegal. These are; agriculture, finance, tourism, import and export, mining and motor trade, extortion, poaching, smuggling and robbing p.101 . When he comes visiting Ole Kaelo, his show of extravagance cannot fail to be noticed in his extravagant dressing. He has a pin-striped designer suit, a gold watch, gold bracelet and a gold chain. P.177 . He shows off his wealth by giving generous gifts to Ole Kaelo, Mama Milanoi, Resian and Taiyo. P.178 . He also hands over a briefcase to Ole Kaelo which is later revealed to have contained a half a million shillings p.188 . Despite these ugly businesses, Ole Kaelo still deals with him in order to save his business from collapsing.


P.178 . He also hands over a briefcase to Ole Kaelo which is later revealed to have contained a half a million shillings p.188 . Despite these ugly businesses, Ole Kaelo still deals with him in order to save his business from collapsing. He is not sure whether Oloisudori does not belong to a cult that thrived on blackmail and extortion and which after helping a businessman grow his business, would come back making outrageous demands like sacrificing their beloved ones to the gods of the cult p.107 . Despite knowing all these about him, Ole Kaelo comforts himself in order to defend the material path he has taken. The narrator observes: He knew it was pursuit of success that made him interact with Oloisudori .Success was attainment, fortune and prosperity; it was triumph and it gave one happiness. It did not matter how it was obtained .the end justified the means pp.108-109 . He consoles himself for having decided to marry his daughter to Oloisudori saying, Where else would he ever get such a business offer as the one Oloisudori had offered him p.165 . He decides that he is not ready to lose his business premises and home for these were a matter of life and death to him. In order to survive, he realized with finality, he had to change his attitude towards Oloisudori; he had to embrace him p.165 . He sees the material side only if his daughter married Oloisudori, saying, she would soon have her own establishment and a wealthy husband who had much ambition p.166 . When Ole Kaelo visits one of the homes of Oloisudori and the house he is building for Resian, he falls instantly in love with the might of wealth that he witnesses. Ole Kaelo s house is lavishly furnished and the writer says it must have been done by a person whose mind must have been preoccupied by the need to be showy, and ostentatious. On the other hand, the house being built for Resian leaves Ole Kaelo speechless and Mama Milanoi stupefied by its grandeur and magnificence p.190 .


When Ole Kaelo visits one of the homes of Oloisudori and the house he is building for Resian, he falls instantly in love with the might of wealth that he witnesses. Ole Kaelo s house is lavishly furnished and the writer says it must have been done by a person whose mind must have been preoccupied by the need to be showy, and ostentatious. On the other hand, the house being built for Resian leaves Ole Kaelo speechless and Mama Milanoi stupefied by its grandeur and magnificence p.190 . Attracted by wealth, he concludes that it was only a stupid woman, like his daughter Resian, who would turn down the offer to own the riches they saw in Oloisudori s home p.188 . He also hopes that Taiyo, his other daughter would get a rich man to marry her and give him hefty sums of money just as Oloisudori had done. P.188 . After witnessing Oloisudori s wealth, he decides that Resian must be married by Oloisudori and that he was not going to allow his daughter s ignorance to destroy her future p.191 . He so much wants the marriage plan to work that he devises a plan with Oloisudori to abduct Resian by force if she did not cooperate p.191 .in fact they agree on usage of a anesthesia to make her unconscious. The only saving grace that can prevent losing his business and house is the success of the marriage. He admits that, the success or failure of the event would determine the fate of his business p.194 . He fears being reduced to poverty by Oloisudori and therefore, betrays his own daughter in exchange of material possessions. DETERMINATION OPTIMISMNot giving up in whatever one decides to do is very instrumental in achieving success. Resian s determination to go to university from the beginning of the novel to the time her dream is achieved is remarkable. This determination is seen from the time they are in Nakuru to when they relocate to Nasila. As her father and family is busy packing so that they can go to their rural home in Nasila, she tells her sister I don t want to work at the shop I want to come back to Nakuru and join Egerton University.


Resian s determination to go to university from the beginning of the novel to the time her dream is achieved is remarkable. This determination is seen from the time they are in Nakuru to when they relocate to Nasila. As her father and family is busy packing so that they can go to their rural home in Nasila, she tells her sister I don t want to work at the shop I want to come back to Nakuru and join Egerton University. I want to take a course in Veterinary Science and become a veterinary doctor p.4 . She keeps urging her sister to talk to their father so that they can be enrolled at the university. To escape FGM, she tells her sister: That s why it s imperative that you persuade Papaaito allow us go back to Nakuru and enroll at the university p.33 . She is worried that her father had spent all the money in decorating the shop and left with nothing for their university education p.65 . Sometimes, she would imagine herself admitted at the university and walking majestically with other students into one of those awesome lecture theatres, while donning her academic regalia p.89 . After their near-rape by two young men, Resian tells Taiyo to use that incident to compel their father to take them to university p.144 . She dreams of graduating and getting a chance to work with Minik eneNkoitoi, her lifelong role model. P.153 . She is determined to face Oloisudori and resist his advances on her. We are told that She had vowed to face the monster gallantly She was in the battle front and success or failure was in her hands p.200 . Her optimism to join university does not reduce even at her lowest moment when she realizes her father s intention to marry her by force to Oloisudori. She says, If I don t die and live to be eighty, I will still go to the university. I ll go to Egerton University, Papaai I hope you will be there to witness my graduation p.210 .Even in her dream while held captive by Olarinkoi at his hut, she has a dream that showcases her gallant and determined nature. She was determined that the old enkamurataniwould never circumcise another girl again p.244 .


She says, If I don t die and live to be eighty, I will still go to the university. I ll go to Egerton University, Papaai I hope you will be there to witness my graduation p.210 .Even in her dream while held captive by Olarinkoi at his hut, she has a dream that showcases her gallant and determined nature. She was determined that the old enkamurataniwould never circumcise another girl again p.244 . In the dream she fought both the enkamurataniand enkoiboniwith a mallet. Resian s determination to get university educated and resistance against FGM start bearing fruits when she and Nabaru reach Ntare-Naaju sheep ranch. She remembers the Maa adage that said: home was never far for one who was still alive pp.256-257 . Her dreams of joining Egerton University are fulfilled when Minik promises that she would ensure that she and Taiyo get enrolled at the university as they wanted. This is fulfilled when she brings them letters of admission to the university towards the end of the novel. The song that the girls from Intapuka-e-Maa sing is full of determination. The girls are proud of being uncircumcised and have hopes of being doctors, teachers and engineers and contribute in building the nation with men p.281 . Taiyo is determined to be married by Joseph. She says she won t be dissuaded by Nasila culture that prevents inter-clan marriage saying, I cannot accept its verdict I am too, ready to face any eventuality that may arise out of our love for one another p.134 . HELP BENEVOLENCEThe overcoming of difficult situations by some characters would not be possible without help and benevolence from other characters. Some of these incidents of help and benevolence, though coincidental, are very important in not only shaping characters lives but also in shaping the novel s plot. When Taiyo and Resian are about to be assaulted sexually by two men, we are told, Suddenly and unexpectedly, a third man sprang out of the bushes like a ghost p.141 . This man is Olarinkoi and he is the one that saves them by fighting the two men. The girls cannot imagine what would have happened to them if he had not come at that moment p.142-143 .


When Taiyo and Resian are about to be assaulted sexually by two men, we are told, Suddenly and unexpectedly, a third man sprang out of the bushes like a ghost p.141 . This man is Olarinkoi and he is the one that saves them by fighting the two men. The girls cannot imagine what would have happened to them if he had not come at that moment p.142-143 . Later, it is the same Olarinkoi who saves Resian from Oloisudori s men. His appearance is timely because Resian has even been contemplating to commit suicide by jumping into a river p.210 . Resian is nursed by Nabaru, a motherly woman after her sexual abuse by Olarinkoi p224 . At times she held her up, giving her drinks of water, or milk, or feeding her; putting bits of olpurdadipped in honey into her mouth p.224 . Nabaru also promises to help Resian in whatever her plans are: I am willing to help you to do what you intend to do or go where you want to go once you are back onto your feet p.233 . She keeps her word by coming to rescue Resian when Olarinkoi s mother is just about to attack and have her circumcised p.246 . Further, Taiyo and Resian get help from Minik when she promises to have her enrolled at Egerton University p.264 . She keeps her promise when she gives the two girls letters of admission to the university. Resian also qualifies for a scholarship from the ranch which is managed by Minik to fund her education. She in addition gives her a job in the ranch, an advance salary, as well as a fully furnished house. Resian is sincerely appreciative of Minik s benevolence, saying, Your voice dear Emakererei is truly the voice of God p.265 . Taiyo is rescued from the hands of her circumcisers by Minik. Both Nabaru and Minik are very instrumental in the physical and psychological healing of the two girls. We are told that with Nabaru s nursing care, Minik s encouragement and counseling sessions from a teacher from Intapuka-e-Maa school, Taiyo is able to fully recover p.276 .


Taiyo is rescued from the hands of her circumcisers by Minik. Both Nabaru and Minik are very instrumental in the physical and psychological healing of the two girls. We are told that with Nabaru s nursing care, Minik s encouragement and counseling sessions from a teacher from Intapuka-e-Maa school, Taiyo is able to fully recover p.276 . MALE CHAUVINISMMale chauvinism refers to the feeling of superiority by men and their domineering attitude over women in the society as a result of general male domination or patriarchy in a given society. Ole Kaelo is a male chauvinist. He beats his wife to submission to coerce her follow his decisions without any resistance. When his wife reasons that they should think of the family interests first with regard to adhering to Nasila culture, he irritably asks her, What do you mean? P.61 . When she realizes that he is getting angry, she beats a hasty retreat saying, Our culture is everything and it rules our lives p.61 . Although Mama Milanoi realizes when it is too late the role Oloisudori has played in shaping their material lives, she admits that she would not have helped to separate him from such a man because it Was the man who made decisions as to which direction their lives took p.114 . According to Resian, the ancient Ilarinkon were no different from the current ones. She is of the view that the current Ilarinkon are worse and that they are despotic oppressive tyrants who oppress women by ensuring that they are subjected to FGM for ever p.91 . The current Ilarinkon include Ole Kaelo, Oloisudori and Olarinkoi. Ole Kaelo forces Resian to attend to and serve his friend Oloisudori when her mother says nothing about it. He orders: You have to be there it is important to me that you are there p.171 . Olarinkoi s chauvinism is seen in his changed attitude towards Resian when he takes her to his house far from Nasila. He tells her, You woman You can either cook or keep standing stupidly or die of hunger and Resian stared at the man who seemed to have suddenly turned from a person she had known for quite some time, to a beast p.218 .


He orders: You have to be there it is important to me that you are there p.171 . Olarinkoi s chauvinism is seen in his changed attitude towards Resian when he takes her to his house far from Nasila. He tells her, You woman You can either cook or keep standing stupidly or die of hunger and Resian stared at the man who seemed to have suddenly turned from a person she had known for quite some time, to a beast p.218 . He later molests her sexually after returning drunk. Oloisudori is a male chauvinist. This is seen in his address to Resian when she refuses his marriage offer. He tells her You can never escape Resian Whether you scream your heart out, or jump into the deep sea you are mine. You are my wife from now henceforth p.204 . He arrogantly tells her: No one plays games with Oloisudori. Ask your father, he will tell you p.204 . Add more illustrations . GENDER INEQUALITYMen and women are not equal in this novel. Women s position is lower than that of men who dominate over everything and suppress women. This is especially seen at the family level where the husband is the sole decision maker and the wife just accepts those decisions without question. Ole Kaelo has a very easy time courting and marrying his wife. A woman is not supposed to resist a man who wants to marry her as per Nasilian tradition whether she loves him or not. We are told She accepted him without any resistance. Tradition did not allow her to offer any and as expected of her, she did not resist p.29 . Mama Milanoi is an unequal marriage partner to Ole Kaelo. She leaves decision making to her husband and does not oppose any of his decisions. She refuses to be drawn into the discussion about the coaching of her daughters by Joseph saying It was Taiyo s father s territory p.56 .Mama Milanoi cannot oppose him for in her culture there was no room for dissent, especially if the subject was in conformity with the culture p.61 . In this society, women had no say. It was a patriarchal society where the Emakererei and her ilk were fighting to find relevance with little success p.62 .


She refuses to be drawn into the discussion about the coaching of her daughters by Joseph saying It was Taiyo s father s territory p.56 .Mama Milanoi cannot oppose him for in her culture there was no room for dissent, especially if the subject was in conformity with the culture p.61 . In this society, women had no say. It was a patriarchal society where the Emakererei and her ilk were fighting to find relevance with little success p.62 . Such gender imbalance uplifts the man over the woman. In their case, it leaves Ole Kaelo with the sole responsibility of making final decisions on all matters affecting the family. We are also told that Mama Milanoi has been held captive by her husband who never for once allowed her to express her own opinion on any matter however small it was p.277 . This suppression has prevented her from speaking her mind and opposing the subjection of her daughters to outdated cultural practices. Resian is opposed to her father s hiring of Joseph to coach them about Nasilian culture. She says I am beginning to think it is disadvantageous being a woman in this society p.73 . She finds fault with the plan reasoning that if they were sons, they would not be subjected to such cultural coaching. Resian regrets living in a society where men thought they had right to every woman s body p.143 . This is after their near-rape by two men. Such unjustified rights emanate from the fact that men deem themselves as superior to women and can do whatever they want with women. CHANGEChange refers to transition or transformation of characters or situations. Most of the changes in the novel BlossomsoftheSavannahare caused by the erosion of the Maa culture as a result of its coming into contact with modern culture or civilization. This causes alienation in characters and as a result they change. The Ole Kaelos are forced by destiny to relocate to Nasila after his retrenchment. This came as a thunderbolt at midday p.7 . The environment in Kaelo s new home in Nasila is different from that in their urban home in Nakuru. Taiyo and Resian are woken up the first day in Nasila by a lively chatter of birds in the trees surrounding the house What a contrast to what they were used to in Nakuru! P.14 .


This came as a thunderbolt at midday p.7 . The environment in Kaelo s new home in Nasila is different from that in their urban home in Nakuru. Taiyo and Resian are woken up the first day in Nasila by a lively chatter of birds in the trees surrounding the house What a contrast to what they were used to in Nakuru! P.14 . In Nakuru, they were always woken up by hoots from Matatus, touts shouts, engine revving and banging on vehicles. Nasila culture is changing due to alienation. Mama Milanoi cannot believe she can have a man as old as Oloisudori as her mother-in-law. She observes that in the past, such a thing would not have happened for Culture would not have allowed it to happen p.114 . She feels that if Nasila culture was intact, such a thing would not have happened and she wonders where that culture had fled to Had the culture become moribund, useless and impotent? P.117 This could be true because forced marriages to old people were not there in the past and any old man who showed interest in a young girl was met with much retribution from women and the entire society. Pp.115117 . The traditional Nasilian culture had many advantages to the people. It regulated lives of people, defined relationships, did not favour or discriminate and above all, was cherished by all. Sadly, according to Mama Milanoi, this culture was no more. It was defiled and polluted by the likes of Oloisudori had become mutable and contained defiant mutants that it could not regulate and which were above Nasila laws p.118 . One of the causes of this great change in Nasila culture is education for Mama Milanoi goes on to observe that she had seen changes in her daughters. They had gone through a school system that intermingled them with children from other cultures. P.118 . As a result, her children know very little of Nasila culture. They were children of a new undefined culture. Theirs was a mutant of another kind p.118 . Indeed, Resian best exemplifies the epitome of this new undefined culture. Joseph Parmuat observes that Individualism, petty jealousy and lack of trust killed that once important aspect of Nasila culture p.127 .


Theirs was a mutant of another kind p.118 . Indeed, Resian best exemplifies the epitome of this new undefined culture. Joseph Parmuat observes that Individualism, petty jealousy and lack of trust killed that once important aspect of Nasila culture p.127 . The individualism of the likes of Ole Kaelo and Oloisudori are very central in eroding the culture of Nasila hence bringing many changes in the society. According to Taiyo, culture and traditions are never static. She says, By being dynamic, culture shades off aspects that become irrelevant with time p.128 . She hopes that the outdated FGM and restriction on inter-clan marriage should be abolished from Nasila cultural practices. Joseph and Minik cites cultural practices like throwing the dead to the hyenas, leaving the elderly and sick in deserted homesteads to be devoured by wild animals and emuata pp.128, 263 . This ascertains the dynamism and transformational characteristic of Nasilian culture over the years an aspect that gives hope to fighters against outdated practices such as F.G.M. LOVE, MARRIAGE AND FAMILYOle Kaelo has effectively played his role as a father by providing and putting up a house for his family in Nasila. The house he has built for his family in Nasila is so magnificent that Mama Milanoi exclaims, Father of all creation! This is but a dream p.30 . Taiyo says that the house is magnificent while Resian exclaims she had never seen anything like it before p.31 . At another level, both parents fail in their emotional obligations to one of their daughters, Resian. Ole Kaelo for instance has instilled fear in her such that there is no free interaction between father and daughter, has hated her from birth, keeps reprimanding her, abuses her and finally greatly betrays her by conspiring to marry her off to his friend Oloisudori pp. 206-210 and when this aborts, he turns to his favorite daughter Taiyo but not before he has her forcefully circumcised p.273 . The hitherto good and peaceful family especially when he was in Nakuru has fallen apart at the end of the novel due to his greed for wealth. In the traditional Nasilian culture, love is not entirely a prerequisite to marriage.


206-210 and when this aborts, he turns to his favorite daughter Taiyo but not before he has her forcefully circumcised p.273 . The hitherto good and peaceful family especially when he was in Nakuru has fallen apart at the end of the novel due to his greed for wealth. In the traditional Nasilian culture, love is not entirely a prerequisite to marriage. Although Ole Kaelo was smitten with love for Mama Milanoi the first time he saw her in the church, her feelings for him are not required for them to marry. We are told that From the moment he saw her, he had been obsessed and he was still obsessed twentytwo years later p.9 . On his wife s side, we are told, She accepted him without any resistance. Tradition did not allow her to offer any and as expected of her, she did not resist p.29 . What she considers is his character. We are told she knew he was a good man, a great provider, a planner and a man with the will to succeed. She also knew he loved her genuinely p.29 . He continues loving his wife many years after their marriage showing his satisfaction with her. When he wakes up he says, Oh, did he not have a wife there. He was elated p.59 . Simiren, brother to Ole Kaelo, is a polygamist but he treats all his wives equally. It was only yeiyo-botorr, who occupied a special position in the home and who received favour from her husband without anyone frowning. Communal life, selflessness, and respect characterize this family and there are few disagreements and disputes. The family in general is a haven of peace, a thing that makes Resian and Taiyo admire traditional way of life in their uncle s polygamous marriage p.154 . Taiyo puts love first before cultural dictates on who one should marry. Their culture does not allow inter-culture marriage but nonetheless, she falls in love with Joseph Parmuat, who belongs to her own clan and hence they are not allowed to marry. Taiyo is assertive enough for she is the one who approaches Joseph saying, I know you are in love with me the way I am in love with you p.133 . Joseph reciprocates her love for him saying, I loved you the moment I saw you during your father s homecoming ceremony p.134 .


Their culture does not allow inter-culture marriage but nonetheless, she falls in love with Joseph Parmuat, who belongs to her own clan and hence they are not allowed to marry. Taiyo is assertive enough for she is the one who approaches Joseph saying, I know you are in love with me the way I am in love with you p.133 . Joseph reciprocates her love for him saying, I loved you the moment I saw you during your father s homecoming ceremony p.134 . When Resian asks Joseph to be her Patureishi, he says that culture does not allow it for she is like his sister p.127 .Taiyo loves her sister so much that she has stepped in to fill the vacuum that has been left in Resian s heart due to her parent s cold attitude towards her. Resian has relied on her sister for protection since primary and Taiyo has made it her duty to mop her tears p.34 . SUFFERINGThere are several characters who suffer in the hands of the blunt Nasilian culture. Resian is slapped by her father for refusing to marry Oloisudori. After this, she undergoes a series of mental and physical suffering. She suffers as she is transported to the assumed Minik s Sheep ranch by Olarinkoi. At night during the journey, she fears attack of wild animals. She also had a layer of dust in her mouth, in her nostrils, in her ears and on her eyelashes p.215 . She suffers in the hands of Olarinkoi and his mother. She is physically assaulted by Olarinkoi until she passes out after which he proceeds to rape her. After the sexual assault, she falls sick and has hallucinations. We are told that when she later came to, confused fleeting impressions registered on her awareness p.223 . Taiyo also suffers the blunt of archaic retrogressive Nasilian culture. She is forced against her will to undergo FGM. During the painful rite, we are told She screamed and screamed, but nobody came to her rescue. Then she fainted. When she came to, two days later, she was sore, bitter and angry p.273 . RELIGION AND SUPERSTITIONSDuring the homecoming party of Ole Kaelo, an elder is expected to bless his home before Ole Kaelo can be received back in Nasila.


Then she fainted. When she came to, two days later, she was sore, bitter and angry p.273 . RELIGION AND SUPERSTITIONSDuring the homecoming party of Ole Kaelo, an elder is expected to bless his home before Ole Kaelo can be received back in Nasila. We are told The elders would also bless the wife, children and property that he brought back and which were all henceforth going to be the wealth of the Ilmolelian clan p.38 . The ceremony is conducted by Ole Musanka who is to conduct the sacred ceremony of officially receiving him into the Ilmolelian culture and offer blessings for his family s well-being p.50 . Apart from blessing Ole Kaelo, the elder had special blessing for Taiyo. He even prophecies that she would be the mother of the next leader p.52 . This man also curses Emakererei, the wasp, whose real name is Minik for fighting F.G.M. He says May she go down with the setting sun p.52 . Teiyo Bottor, Resian and Taiyo s aunt tell their mother that their daughter Resian hasOlkuenyi,a bad spirit and it is only circumcision that could get rid of it p.78 . Mama Milanoi remembers that when she was young, diseases were treated through a bloodletting ceremony known as angam. Several nicks were made on the ailing sections of the body and the blood sucked out p.79 . Curses are indications of the superstitious nature of this community. The Enkoiboni,is a diviner. It is said that she had prophesied that Ole Kaelo would move to Nasila with his two uncircumcised daughters and that his son would go to live in that home and finally bring with him one of Ole Kaelo s daughter to be circumcised before marrying her. Going by that, it is evident that her prophecies and predictions are true p.232 . As Nabaru and Resian escape from Olarinkoi, Olarinkoi curses her saying, My mother s curse will find you there p.249 . He also boasts that his mother s predictions always come to pass p.250 .


Going by that, it is evident that her prophecies and predictions are true p.232 . As Nabaru and Resian escape from Olarinkoi, Olarinkoi curses her saying, My mother s curse will find you there p.249 . He also boasts that his mother s predictions always come to pass p.250 . WOMEN AS THEIR OWN ENEMIESMuch as the modern woman opposes retrogressive cultural practice such as F.G.M, majority of women support these practices. Mama Milanoi is in support of F.G.M even as her daughters fight to resist the harmful practice. The writer puts: Did she not support female genital mutilation that was prevalent among her people in Nasila? P.63 . Despite being a woman, she betrays her daughter by giving her over to the enkamuratanito be circumcised pp.272-273 . She also keeps quiet and does not speak to oppose her husband s plans to marry off her daughters to an old man. This is despite the fact that she is inwardly opposed to the whole idea. According to Maa oral tradition, it was women who came up with the idea of F.GM. They made a lasting resolution to sexual exploitation of women by the Olarinkoi and that gave rise to enkamuratani. And her olmurunyawas shaped, sharpened and handed to her p.87 . The same practice that was useful then comes to haunt young girls such as Taiyo and Resian. Nabaru also finds fault with the Maa women. She believes that they were the perpetrators of FGM and that no woman had taken up the olmurunyato circumcise a girl. P.277 . Resian says that if all women said no to the detestable culture, men would do nothing and the practice would stop p.278 . However, women are not speaking in one voice hence it has becomes very difficult to fight cultural practices that harms them. Olarinkoi s mother also greatly serves in oppressing fellow women. She is planning to have Resian circumcised before she can be married by her son. The three women that Taiyo composes a song to ridicule also serve in oppressing women. We are told that they collaborated with men to oppress women p.153 .


She is planning to have Resian circumcised before she can be married by her son. The three women that Taiyo composes a song to ridicule also serve in oppressing women. We are told that they collaborated with men to oppress women p.153 . WAR VIOLENCEThe traditional Maa community in which the novel is set takes pride in engaging in external battles and wars to protect their territory or as an economic undertaking. There are many cases of violence reported in the clan. One remarkable war is that between Olarinkoi and Maa warriors that led to the Maa people being ruled for many years. After many years under the Ilarinkon rule, we are told that the Maa people eventually revolted and overthrew the Olarinkoi despotic rule p.87 . Ole Kaelo attacks his daughter Resian for refusing to cooperate in his plan to have her married to Oloisudori. After a moment of frozen immobility, her father suddenly pushed his chair, moved fast from behind the desk and slapped her face, sending her reeling back so that she almost fell p.209 . The fight between the girls at Minik s ranch and Oloisudori s men ends the protracted oppression of the man on Kaelo s daughters. We are told that his convoy was reduced to smoldering shells and acrid smell of burning tyres p283 . There is also a fight between Olarinkoi and the men that wanted to rape Resian and Taiyo. The bravery of Olarinkoi saves the girls from being raped. When the two young men are caught up by Olarinkoi and his men, they are beaten up before being spared. Women are also violent. The case in point is the old man they punish for being infatuated by a young girl. We are told Then all the women proceeded to the homestead of the accused, armed with all kinds of weapons that included firewood and their husbands knobkerries p.115 . They go on to beating him thoroughly and stripping him naked p.116 . Finally, this man dies and the women feel satisfied that they have avenged their anger. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ON THEMESExplain four good aspects of Nasilian culture. Discuss four cases of culture conflict in the novel BlossomsoftheSavannah.


Finally, this man dies and the women feel satisfied that they have avenged their anger. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ON THEMESExplain four good aspects of Nasilian culture. Discuss four cases of culture conflict in the novel BlossomsoftheSavannah. Identify and illustrate instances of alienation in the novel. Determination is the key to success. Write a detailed composition to illustrate the statement. Resian, Taiyo and Minik are justified in their fight against FGM because many cultural practices have been abandoned. Do you agree? Support your answer with illustrations from the novel. Illustrate cases of betrayal in the novel BlossomsoftheSavannahand their impact on characters. Discuss four evils present in a morally decadent society. CHAPTER FOURLANGUAGE AND STYLEThe language used in literature is different from that used in other disciplines. Language in literature goes a notch higher because it is not only used originally but also innovatively. This contributes to aesthetics or beauty in literary texts hence appealing to the readers. Style on the other hand can simply be defined as the unique manner of doing something. Just like everybody has a walking style and hair cutting style, playwrights have unique ways which they use to pass their messages to the audience. There are a number of stylistic devices in the novel BlossomsoftheSavannah. This guidebook will enumerate some of these devices. Vivid DescriptionThe writer uses words to paint clear mental images on the readers mind. This enables the audience to understand the text better. As the Kaelo s are preparing to depart from Nakuru for Nasila the scenery is vividly described. He was gesticulating violently, apparently reprimanding loaders for being slow and inept p.1 . This description points out clearly the character of Kaelo as stern. The welcoming ceremony of the Kaelo s family by uncle Simiren s family is vividly described Chunks of meat went round...selected a piece from the tray p.12 . The description helps in showing the generous nature of Kaelo as well as his meticulous planning abilities. Life at Nasila is vividly described the intermittent crowing of roosters a rare atmosphere of tranquility and serenity... p.14 . The description is used to contrast the peaceful mood of the rural Nasila and the urban town of Nakuru that is characterized by hustles and bustles.


The description helps in showing the generous nature of Kaelo as well as his meticulous planning abilities. Life at Nasila is vividly described the intermittent crowing of roosters a rare atmosphere of tranquility and serenity... p.14 . The description is used to contrast the peaceful mood of the rural Nasila and the urban town of Nakuru that is characterized by hustles and bustles. Simiren s polygamous setting is described vividly Three main houses stood within a well-tended and a evenly trimmed kei apple perimeter hedge p.14 . The sixteen or so children aged between three and sixteen were perched on benches, stools and chairs p.16 . This description shows high birthrate in the family. It also paints a polygamous family in Nasila. The vivid description of Ole Supeyo p.23 , he lifted a corner of his shirt and scratched his belly while his other hand stroked the stubble on his chin shows his wealthy status in the society. Oloisudori is described in uncomplimentary terms wide gap black eyes .looking like a warthog p.92 . The description signals Oloisudori s mean character and the readers can even form a picture of a criminal before much is disclosed to them. There is a vivid description of how women in the past dealt with an old man who sexually mistreated a young girl p.117 . Taiyo s bold visit to Joseph s bachelor house is vividly described p. 130 . It shows the feelings of the two lovers who are restrained by culture. The attack of the two girls by two men in which Olarinkoi saves them is vividly described. He sprang like a ghost p.141 . This shows the risk the girls are going though in the hostile Nasila environment. The search conducted by thirty men with Kaelo and Joseph is vividly described to show the urgency of getting the girls molesters p161 . The resigned Resian is vividly described after she is required to serve Oloisudori and his group p.172 . She walked to an oloponi tree at the centre of the garden. Finding a log underneath it, she sank down her shoulders drooping It shows Oloisudori s insensitive character. The journey by Oloisudori and the couple is vividly described p. 190,191 .


Finding a log underneath it, she sank down her shoulders drooping It shows Oloisudori s insensitive character. The journey by Oloisudori and the couple is vividly described p. 190,191 . It shows Oloisudori s cunning and scheming character. The journey by Resian, Olarinkoi and the pick-up driver is vividly described to show the ill manners of the two young men p. 212, 213 . The escape by Resian and Nabaru is also vividly described to show the risk involved by the two females with strong character p. 247 . SimilesA simile is a stylistic device that compares two things indirectly with an aim of drawing a mental picture in the mind of the reader. Before the Kaelo s relocate to Nasila, some women from Nasila visit Mama Milanoi. They signal a future menace since the girls are not circumcised. The author says, The words came to haunt her like a demented spirit p.8 . This is later seen when mama Milanoi and Kaelo have to live alone in their old age after Taiyo and Resian go to the ranch and later to the university p.13 . They had likened him to a mono- eyed giant who stood on legs of straw. P.13 .Kaelo is compared to a giant because he holds a senior position in his home, as the head in his house yet he has chosen to be very weak by having only one wife and two daughters. The elders feel Kaelo is not stable. He should be supported by many sons like Simiren. Ole Supeyo compares effects of FGM with effects of dehorning cows. Like cattle that required being dehorned to reduce accidental injuries to each other, a certain docility was required to keep more than one wife in one homestead p.22 . This simile shows the chauvinistic nature of Supeyo. The sense of foreboding from the threat was still hanging in the air like the sword of Damocles. P.27 . This simile shows the apprehensive mood in which the girls are in after they are accosted by the callous young man. Mama Milanoi says her husband had bullied and scolded her like half-witted child p.29 . This shows how Kaelo considered her as a child.


This simile shows the apprehensive mood in which the girls are in after they are accosted by the callous young man. Mama Milanoi says her husband had bullied and scolded her like half-witted child p.29 . This shows how Kaelo considered her as a child. It also reveals the low position of a wife in a Maa family. Uncle Simiren danced, his bald head shining like a piece of iron sheet in the afternoon sun. P.45 . The simile shows the industry, age and alienation of Simiren as well as the celebratory mood in the event. After the drinks, voices of laughter of the revelers are described as: they rose and fell like sound of waves beating upon flooded river banks to show the exuberant carefree mood p.50 . A simile describes Resian s condition of insecurity, Lonely stalked her like a lost young leopard. P.57 . This shows the danger that looms in the new environment. Kaelo comments, Your daughter Resian is like an overfed lizard in the afternoon sun p.64 .The simile is used to comment on the lazy character of Resian. Olarinkoi is described as sitting quietly and staring unblinkingly like a leopard would while stalking an antelope p.75 . This shows Olarinkoi s antisocial nature. It also indirectly reveals his real intention in Kaelo s home. Yeiyo Botorr expresses her contempt for Resian s assertive character in a simile. One with olkuenyi bad spirit was shunned like plague p.78 . It was easier to fall in love with a serpent than with Olarinkoi p.80 . Taiyo s statements shows that Olarinkoi is antisocial and nobody would wish him to be their friend. Mama Milanoi cannot bear the pricking language of Resian on Oloisudori. She says, You spoke like one with a demented spirit? This shows Mama Milanoi s fear towards Oloisudori and her meekness to Kaelo. Kaelo comments, Why do you run like one who has seen an apparition? P.96 . In this simile, Kaelo-Resian cold relationship is shown. After Oloisudori s visit, the couple has sleepless nights.


After the heinous act by Olarinkoi on Resian, rape, the sun is described as a bowl of red p.226 . PersonificationIt is a stylistic device in which a novelist uses human attributes on non-living things with significance to the novel. For instance Nakuru is described as That beloved town that was the mother of all flamingoes p.2 . It is evident that the flamingoes make the area very attractive and probably that is one of the reasons Taiyo sheds tears and is hesitant to leave it for Nasila a rural set up. It could also be interpreted that Nakuru is enlivened by the flamingoes making it relaxing. On reaching Nasila, the tranquility is expressed, a cool fresh breeze swept in and caressed her face soothingly. P.14 .The breeze in this case is emphasized by being given a human quality of caressing. A pot of ugali is said to hiss cheerfully at the side p.280 .The exaggeration is aimed at emphasizing on the significance of the happy event. DialogueIt is a novelistic style in which the writer presents the actual conversation between characters. It brings a break from prose and therefore breaks monotony on the part of the reader. Taiyo and Resian converse about their new residence p.3 . The dialogue shows their mixed attitudes towards Nasila. Resian is afraid of the new home. She fears that the new shop may not pick something which may make the family needy in the future. However, Taiyo encourages her to have faith. While taking a walk around Simiren s compound, Taiyo and Resian converse on the apprehension and rivalry among the four houses. This exposes the enmity in a polygamous marriage. The dialogue between Joseph and Ole Kaelo serves to warn Taiyo and Joseph against having any love relationship p.70 . The heated conversation between yeiyo-Botorr, mama Milanoi, Taiyo and Resian on p.77 reveals Resian s assertiveness and daring character. It also shows yeiyo-botorr as conservative. The dialogue between Taiyo, Resian and yeiyo-Kitigives the girls more information about Minik Nkoitoi and adds curiosity on the part of the girls to see her in the future p.151 . On the other hand, the heated dialogue between Kaelo and Resian p.


It also shows yeiyo-botorr as conservative. The dialogue between Taiyo, Resian and yeiyo-Kitigives the girls more information about Minik Nkoitoi and adds curiosity on the part of the girls to see her in the future p.151 . On the other hand, the heated dialogue between Kaelo and Resian p. 210, 211 brings out Kaelo s character as mean and abusive while it portrays Resian as sentimental. Lastly, the conversation between Resian, Taiyo and Minik on p. 280 in Minik s office brings out the manager s character as courteous. FlashbackIt is a style in which a novelist takes us back to a time in the past with an intention of informing the reader on past occurrences. It reveals critical information to the audience as well as helping in plot development. We are informed of how the Kaelo s got married twenty two years ago and how Kaelo got employed by Agribix Limited. In order for mama Milanoi to view the future in the right perspective, she first recalls on the past p.7 . Kaelo flashes back how he had first spotted Jane, his wife in a church service p.9 . The flashback helps in identifying Mama Milanoi as religious. Through a flashback we are told of the humorous story of how Ole Supeyo would take Kaelo to the forest and instruct him to count a lot of money. From this flashback, we discover their deep rooted friendship p. 21 . The flashback in this case is also a source of humour. Mama Milanoi flashes back to a time when Kaelo married her twenty two years ago and how her parents were happy to get a wealthy son in law p. 28 . The flashback informs the audience of the concern Jane s parents had for their daughter. Taiyo has a flashback on how she excelled in music festivals and was awarded and garlanded. An FM radio station sponsored her to attend an extravaganza p.44 . This flashback is essential in revealing Taiyo as a talented girl. It explains why she is interested with the Maasai dance as well. Mama Milanoi flashes back when an old man like Oloisudori would not have been allowed by culture to marry young girls. P.114 .in such a case Mama Milanoi would have appealed to an elder s court which would rule him out of elders. It would also fine him.


Mama Milanoi flashes back when an old man like Oloisudori would not have been allowed by culture to marry young girls. P.114 .in such a case Mama Milanoi would have appealed to an elder s court which would rule him out of elders. It would also fine him. IronyThis stylistic device entails a writer depicting what is contrary to what is expected by the reader. For instance, Mama Milanoi optimistically thinks that it would be easy for the couple to marry off their two girls at Nasila than Nakuru town p.8 . However, this proves to be difficult later in the novel. The two girls put up a spirited fight against their marriage to Oloisudori. Resian escapes from her prophesied marriage to Olarinkoi while Taiyo escape shortly after undergoing FGM. It is ironical that Kaelo detests his daughter Resian simply because she is born a girl instead of a son as he wishes. Since the baby is innocent and did not contribute in her sex, we expect the father to appreciate her. Furthermore, according to biological sciences it is the man who carries male genes p.10 . It is ironical when Kaelo dismisses elders as practitioners of archaic traditions when they mount pressure for him to be polygamous yet later he supports F.G.M on his daughters which is an equally archaic humiliating practice. This clearly portrays greed that overwhelms him as well as his weak character p.113 . It is ironical that Kaelo had been warned against the criminal record of Oloisudori from Supeyo but still falls for his snare p.108 . It is ironical that after Joseph wins the hearts of Resian, his heart is filled with frightening premonition p.136 . Although the first day at Simiren s place begins happily, it ends while the girls are disappointed after they are accosted by a callous young man. It is ironical that mama Milanoi feels she has failed in giving Kaelo a son and even praises and praise God for a baby boy p.29 .It is ironical that the idea of Enkamurataniand Olmurunyawas hatched by women themselves p.87 . Many years later this practice becomes a source of humiliation and pain to the female population. It is ironical that FGM that adversely affects women in the Maa community is practically done by women p.227 .


It is ironical that mama Milanoi feels she has failed in giving Kaelo a son and even praises and praise God for a baby boy p.29 .It is ironical that the idea of Enkamurataniand Olmurunyawas hatched by women themselves p.87 . Many years later this practice becomes a source of humiliation and pain to the female population. It is ironical that FGM that adversely affects women in the Maa community is practically done by women p.227 . It is also ironical that Olarinkoi, the mysterious young man Resian detested later saves their lives. P.142 . Still, it is ironical that when Kaelo calls Resian to inform her of marriage to Oloisudori, Resian thinks she is being called for admission in the university p.182 .Lastly, it is ironical that Emuata a heavy copper ring is primarily made to make brides beautiful yet it is heavy and uncomfortable to the females p.263 . SymbolismThe physical appearance of the two sisters and their mother is symbolically expressed, Taiyo and Resian both head and shoulder taller than their mother, stood on p.11 .The height of the two girls is physically compared to that of their mother. The height could be interpreted in terms of their contribution to female emancipation. The deeper meaning is that Resian and Taiyo s role in fighting gender inequality is greater than that of their mother. At the time of the planned circumcision of Resian, the sun is described, it s sad yellow light discordant howls of hyenas... p.243 . These symbols reinforces the mood. Also, as Nabaru and Resian leave the desolate village, there is a heavy downpour. The rain symbolizes hope in future. P.248 . At the ranch, Resian is led to a house with a soothingly cool carpet which cools her tired and thorn pricked feet p.260 . This symbol assures the comfortable life the future holds for Resian. The conspicuous departure for Egerton University by Resian, Taiyo and Minik is symbolic. P.246 . They leave behind Oloisudori s burnt vehicles. It symbolizes their victory over Oloisudori s army, patriarchy, FGM and stereotype. Local DialectIt involves the use of Maasai and Swahili words in the novel by the author.


They leave behind Oloisudori s burnt vehicles. It symbolizes their victory over Oloisudori s army, patriarchy, FGM and stereotype. Local DialectIt involves the use of Maasai and Swahili words in the novel by the author. The usage enriches the setting of the fiction; the Maasai geographical area of settlement and the rural set up aspect of the novel. It makes the story credible, authentic and alive as well as anchoring the elaborate theme of culture. In depicting the serene atmosphere, the author says, Interspersed were the olive- green ilorienito brown wild olive trees whose fragrant cluster of bushes of olobaani Ilkilenyaclimbers grew p.15 . Yeiyoobotorr p.16 , means eldest wife. Her presence portrays the different level of power in a polygamous marriage. Still to emphasize the beauty and serenity the writer says about Kaelo s home, clusters of oleleshua,osinoniand olkirrpanyanybushes dotted the compound. P.31 . People visit Kaelo s new home so as to observe the girls with an aim of commending them as inkainito p.36 . Enkaitoyoniand enkamuratanicame to make acquaintance with potential clients. P.36 . After feeding and dancing, people take esuguroidrink to gladden their hearts p.46 . Esuguroiis a fermented honey beer spiced with aloe. It is believed that Resian has Kisirani,an evil ominous harbinger to a terrible thing p.78 . There are many other instances of use of local dialects such as intoiyenemengalana, olmurunya,papaai,enkoiboni,inkainito,shuka,olbitirr,mzee,mheshimiwa,patureishi, elangatare,oloiboniand many others. The meaning of these Maasai and Kiswahiliwords has been provided in the text or in the glossary of terms at the end of the novel. ForeshadowIt is a stylistic device in which something ominous is signaled to happen in the future. Mama Milanoi experiences a pang of strange premonition that twists her nerves unpleasantly p.17 .


The meaning of these Maasai and Kiswahiliwords has been provided in the text or in the glossary of terms at the end of the novel. ForeshadowIt is a stylistic device in which something ominous is signaled to happen in the future. Mama Milanoi experiences a pang of strange premonition that twists her nerves unpleasantly p.17 . This suggests the lurking danger especially because her daughters are in the status of intoiyenemengalana. Once they arrive in their new house, Resian says, I feel an oppressive silence. P.32 .This points at the rough episodes she encounters later p.32 . Taiyo and Resian experience a long night characterized by mournful calls of night birds p.55 . This signals the bad experience ahead. On page 138, Olmultut a bird of bad omen coos sorrowfully at Resian s gate. This bird is a harbinger of bad news. Its cry is ominous p.138 . Rhetorical QuestionsIt is a stylistic device which employs questions which do not necessarily require answers but are aimed at stimulating critical thinking. To show that Kaelo is going through a hard reflective moment, he asks, Was not everybody doing business with him? Was he really that bad? Was it the usual business rivalry and envy? Oloisudori p.27 . These questions show the dilemma in which Kaelo is in. Mama Milanoi wonders what they stand for as a family. Are they traditionalists or modernists? P.62 . This shows her dilemma towards F.G.M and her daughters. Resian asks, Was there a curse for being born a woman? P.205 . She rhetorically asks, Was it jealousy consuming her? P.49 . This is about the growing love between Taiyo and Joseph. Nabaru argues on page 277, if the Enkamuratanithrew away the olmurunyaand refused to wield it again, what would happen? It is a call for women s awakening to rise to the occasion and fight F.G.M.


P.49 . This is about the growing love between Taiyo and Joseph. Nabaru argues on page 277, if the Enkamuratanithrew away the olmurunyaand refused to wield it again, what would happen? It is a call for women s awakening to rise to the occasion and fight F.G.M. Oral Literature DevicesNarrativesKaelo had learnt that Odomongiand Orok-kiteng, the legendary twin homesteads of the founder that begot of the five clans of Nasila: Ilmolelian, Ilmakesen, Ilukumae, Ilaiser and Iltarrosero were the cradle of Nasila people p.37 . Mama Milanoi s dilemma is aptly described in a summarized narrative. Her situation was like that of ole Nkipida who was chased into a deserted hut by a lion just to be confronted by a hungry python at the door p.60 . This describes the conflict brought about by F.G.M. There is a common myth that by spilling blood through F.G.M bad spirit is purged away p.78 . Joseph narrates a moving story of the legendry Olarinkoi p.81 . In the story, women entertain Ilarinkon warriors who demeaned and sexually exploited women p.86 . The story also tells the origin of F.G.M P.87 . Song and DanceOn page41, during the homecoming ceremony, a bevy of beautiful young women dance exciting traditional dance. Men also do a springy dance p.41 . It is from this dance that Taiyo falls in love with Joseph Parmuat. He leads primary school children into a song about welcoming the returning hero, Kaelo p.42 . Taiyo composes a song which she sings in her heart. The song is dedicated to three women who collaborated with men to oppress women folks p.153 . Girls from Intapuka e Maa sing a song p.281 . This song makes the two girls shed tears for it praises intoiye nemengalana. P.281 . It also reveals women assertiveness and readiness to fight oppressive cultural practices as well as song of hope, victory and equality. ProverbsThey are short statements laden with a deep meaning. They are mostly used by the elderly people as a measure of wisdom and experience.


It also reveals women assertiveness and readiness to fight oppressive cultural practices as well as song of hope, victory and equality. ProverbsThey are short statements laden with a deep meaning. They are mostly used by the elderly people as a measure of wisdom and experience. Ole Kaelo on p.25 says, The man with the meat was the same man with the knife. This signifies that for him to get contracts, he must work with the corrupt Oloisudori. On p.25 Ole Musanka quips, When an old rat begins to smell, it returns to its mother s home p.52 . Meaning that Kaelo is old and had to return to Maa culture as well as home for a sense of belonging. What the superstitious YeiyooBotorrsays to mama Milanoi about Resian is in form of a proverb, To hide a boil that is under the armpit is unwise p.78 . Meaning the girl s condition of intoiyenemengalanais vicious and will soon burst. While encouraging Resian to escapeto the ranch Olarinkoi says, Home is never far for one who is still alive p.211 . SuspenseIt is a device in which the writer creates a pleasurable emotion of anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome of events or phenomenon. In the novel, an air of suspense surrounds Olarinkoi. Kaelo does not introduce him to us at any point in the novel nor does he mention him. P.79 . The audience is let to think about him evoking curiosity which keep them reading. The breaking down of the lorry near the ranch attracts suspense p.252 . Readers wonder what is to happen next. They worry of the character s safety. When Minik calls Taiyo and Resian in her office and stays for long without breaking the silence, suspense is created. Especially because she is holding two letters with unknown contents p. 279 . The readers remain in suspense for long as to whether Resian will agree to be married by Oloisudori or not. They also keep reading and to see whether she will be circumcised by force by Olarinkoi s mother and be married by Olarinkoi as his mother had prophesied. DreamKaelo has a dream in which Resian consents to marriage by Oloisudori p.195 .


The readers remain in suspense for long as to whether Resian will agree to be married by Oloisudori or not. They also keep reading and to see whether she will be circumcised by force by Olarinkoi s mother and be married by Olarinkoi as his mother had prophesied. DreamKaelo has a dream in which Resian consents to marriage by Oloisudori p.195 . The dream shows the level of greed in Kaelo. While in a strange room belonging to Olarinkoi s people, Resian has a dream in which she meets Minik. The dream fires her ambition. P.220 . Resian dreams a triumphant dream where she battles enkamuratani s crew who want to circumcise her by force p.244, 245 . AllusionIt is a style in which there is a reference to something which is supposed to be known but not explicitly mentioned. A writer can refer to history, politics, the bible, literature and so on. In this novel, there are literary and biblical allusions. Resian quotes from a famous speaker, What pained one most was not the injustices carried out against one by the adversaries but the silence of those who called themselves his or her friends at the time the injustice was done p.231 . This literary allusion is in reference to her mother who kept quiet all the time they were being exposed to barbaric Nasilian cultural practices. There are several cases of biblical allusion. Resian remembers the tribulations of the Biblical Job. P.230 . She suddenly fell on her knees and hugged the legs of the old woman washing them with tears p.234 .The allusion in this context is that of Mary in the St Luke in the Bible where she chooses to anoint Jesus using her hair. In this context, the respect Resian has for the enkabaaniis emphasized. Still, Resian reminds herself of what the Bible says, p.257 . Some scriptures on optimism are quoted. The Joseph in the bible alludes to the Biblical Joseph who sacrificed for Christ by offering his tomb to be used by Christ p.277 . Joseph in the novel finally sacrifices by dying for the sake of Taiyo. CHAPTER FIVESAMPLE AND PRACTICE EXCERPTSSAMPLE EXCERPTS1. Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.


Joseph in the novel finally sacrifices by dying for the sake of Taiyo. CHAPTER FIVESAMPLE AND PRACTICE EXCERPTSSAMPLE EXCERPTS1. Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. No Joseph, she said in an infantile whimper. I can t bear that we can t express 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. What happens before this excerpt? 3mks For both Joseph and Taiyo, give and illustrate two character traits. 4mks How is dialogue significant in this excerpt? 4mks Explain any two thematic concerns addressed in the excerpt. 4mks From elsewhere in the novel, how does Joseph sacrifice for his love for Taiyo? 4mks Explain the meaning of the following vocabulary as used in the excerpt. 4mks destinyinfantilepetulantlyprimitiveWhat 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.


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. He winced as if he had been struck. Then already harsh line of his mouth tightened and he stood tense for a moment. Then he relaxed and watched her mockingly. You can never escape Resian, he repeated quietly, smiling. The very normality of his voice as he spoke those monstrous words was most shocking and disturbing to her. Whether you scream your heart out, or jump into the deep sea, Resian, you are mine. You are my wife from now henceforth I want to go now. Resian announced angrily shuddering with disgust and terror. You want to go? He asked, the contemptuous quiet of his voice a menace by itself. Go! You want to be persuaded, coaxed and pampered to marry Oloisudori Lonkiyaa? Sorry I will not do that! If you want to go, please yourself. You may opt to go, but when you are mine, you will do as I please. No one plays games with Oloisudori. Ask your father, he will tell you. Stop it! Stop it! Resian screamed excruciatingly pained by the disdainful remarks of Oloisudori. Putting her hands over her ears, she made a dash for the door. He made no effort to stop her but she flung it open and turned to glare at him with tearful eyesYou are mad! She screamed again sobbingly. You are stark mad! You hear me? You are nothing but ol-ushuushi. She walked away and as she did so, she heard his soft laughter behind her. Say what happens before this excerpt. 3mks How is Oloisudori portrayed in this excerpt? 4mks Describe the feeling of Resian in this excerpt 3mks From other areas of the novel, state other crimes that are practiced by Oloisudori. 3mks . How does the writer utilize irony in this excerpt? 3mks You are my wife from now henceforth Rewrite in the reported speech. 1mk Explain the meaning of the following words 4mks a PamperedDisgustMadPalatial7.


3mks . How does the writer utilize irony in this excerpt? 3mks You are my wife from now henceforth Rewrite in the reported speech. 1mk Explain the meaning of the following words 4mks a PamperedDisgustMadPalatial7. What happens immediately after this extract? 3mks 3. Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow. They were silent as they climbed the hill on their way back from Nasila river to draw water. The water containers that they carried on their backs were now heavy. The straps that supported the containers pressed down their heads with a painful exhaustion. As they walked, each one of them allowed her mind to fleetingly roam the fanciful land of wishful thinking. Resian thought how wonderful it would be, had she had a chance to enroll at the Egerton University and after graduation had a chance to work with her role model, Minik ene Nkoitoi, the Emakererei at the sheep ranch that she managed. She imagined herself already there driving a large flock of sheep. And when she thought of sheep, her mind flew back to fifteen years or so earlier and reminisced the first time she saw a sheep. It was a childhood memory, a memorable picture from the swirling scene around her which had been captured and preserved by her mind when she and Taiyo accompanied their father to the Nakuru Agricultural Show. She could still see in her mind a group of big, docile, tawny woolly animals that stood panting drowsily in a green pasture, with the sun beaming down brightly from a clear blue sky. She had then admired the white long overcoats that the handlers wore. Taiyo also thought of Emakererei. 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.


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 intoiyenemengalanaand 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-nemengalanahad her status altered there and then; and the dreaded Enkamuratani, 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 ReminiscedCollaboratedDreadedMenacingly4. 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 her father 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 hold herself 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 1Taiyo visits Joseph s bachelor house. She expresses her infatuation. Joseph feels infatuated too. She sobs uncontrollablyJoseph 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. 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. 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 immatureGrudginglyFate7. 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 2Oloisudori 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. 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. 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.


No one plays games with Oloisudori. Asked your father, he will tell you. 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. Extortion, assassinations shadowy businesses, sexual immorality, robber, smuggler, poacherIt 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. He told her that she was her wife from then henceforth. A InsaneGrand like a palaceStrong loatheTreat 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 3Before 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. 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. 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. 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. With a painful exhaustion, the straps that supported the containers pressed down their heads. 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. Recall Recalled Worked togetherFearedThreateninglySample Excerpt 4Ole 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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.