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"I am going to see," she tells Torvald in Act 3, "who is right, the world or I."But this is not simple. The nineteenth century saw a huge shift from the old social order of self-improvement within a stable rural society to a new social order founded on money. But women at the time could not control money without the authority of the man who 'owned' them, be it husband, brother or father. Single and lone women like Mrs Linde had more control over their lives and money than married women, who were discouraged from taking jobs and had to surrender money matters to their husbands. But as Mrs Linde's story shows, having no male 'provider' brought its own problems. In sum, women had little power. Power lay with people like Torvald, who is a banker and lawyer. Torvald is able to dictate the fate not only of his family but of Mrs Linde by giving her a job and Krogstad by giving away his job . He is gratified by the prospect of sacking Krogstad because he disapproves of his morality. In effect, the Torvalds of this world defined morality. As we have seen with regard to Nora's crime, they also defined the law, and therefore, who was a criminal. It is worth noting that Ibsen based the episode of Nora's forgery on a similar 'crime' committed by a female friend of his, which ended tragically for her, so he was drawing attention to what he saw as a genuine social problem. He supported economic reform that would protect women's property and befriended European feminists. Other social issues addressed in the play include how women should be educated, both for the responsibilities of family and for self-fulfillment; the right of women to define their role in the family and society; the degrading effects of poverty on self-fulfillment as with Mrs Linde and the Nurse ; and the scourge of venereal disease as suffered by Dr Rank . How do different characters use the words "free" and "freedom"? How does the use of these words change throughout the play? It is Torvald who introduces the concept of freedom in the play, claiming that "There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt.". He defines freedom in economic terms, as befits an age where power depended upon money. |
How do different characters use the words "free" and "freedom"? How does the use of these words change throughout the play? It is Torvald who introduces the concept of freedom in the play, claiming that "There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt.". He defines freedom in economic terms, as befits an age where power depended upon money. He is also adopting society's values, as debt was disapproved of and considered a sign of moral degeneracy. The dramatic irony behind his words lies in the fact that Torvald would not have any life at all if his wife had not gone into debt, though he does not realize this. Like Torvald, Krogstad sees freedom as moral respectability in the eyes of society. His job at the bank is the means by which he will "cut himself free" from the stigma of his "indiscretion" of forgery. The problem with this approach is that his "freedom" depends upon the whim of his employer, who also sits in moral judgment on him and can withdraw his job if he finds that he falls short in that respect. Mrs Linde feels proud that by working hard, she was able to support her brothers and mother, and "I was privileged to make the end of my mother's life almost free from care.". Like Torvald, she is defining freedom in economic terms. But she is operating at a lower economic level than he is. She is talking of being able to provide the necessities of life, whereas he is talking of the relative luxury of being free from debt. In Act 1, Nora is delighted that soon she will have paid off her debt to Krogstad and will be "free from care, quite free from care; to be able to play and romp with the children; to be able to keep the house beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes it!". At this point, she defines her freedom in terms of the very things that as she later realizes restrict her: her role as a submissive wife and mother. By the end of Act 2, Krogstad's letter revealing Nora's debt and forgery of her father's signature is sitting in Torvald's letterbox. Nora, who fears yet hopes that Torvald will shield her by taking the entire blame upon himself, means to disappear or commit suicide, thereby saving him from disgrace. |
In Act 1, Nora is delighted that soon she will have paid off her debt to Krogstad and will be "free from care, quite free from care; to be able to play and romp with the children; to be able to keep the house beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes it!". At this point, she defines her freedom in terms of the very things that as she later realizes restrict her: her role as a submissive wife and mother. By the end of Act 2, Krogstad's letter revealing Nora's debt and forgery of her father's signature is sitting in Torvald's letterbox. Nora, who fears yet hopes that Torvald will shield her by taking the entire blame upon himself, means to disappear or commit suicide, thereby saving him from disgrace. She tells him: "Then you will be free.". Thus Torvald will maintain his respectability by means of Nora's obliterating herself from his world. At the end of the play, Nora has been awakened to Torvald's narrow-mindedness and no longer sees freedom in terms of bondage to him or obliteration of herself. On the contrary, she defines freedom for herself and Torvald as complete independence from each other, as she leaves the marriage to forge a new life for herself: "I set you free from all your obligations. You are not to feel yourself bound in the slightest way, any more than I shall. There must be perfect freedom on both sides. "Compare Torvald s and Nora s attitudes toward money. Torvald and Nora s first conversation establishes Torvald as the member of the household who makes and controls the money and Nora as the one who spends it. Torvald repeatedly teases Nora about her spending, and at one point Mrs. Linde points out that Nora was a big spender in her younger days. These initial comments paint Nora as a shallow woman who is overly concerned with -material delights. Yet Nora s generous tip to the porter in the play s opening scene shows that she is not a selfish woman. More important, once the secret of Nora s loan is made known to the audience, we see that Nora s interest in money stems more from her concern for her family s welfare than from petty desires. We realize that the excitement she has expressed over Torvald s new, well-paying job results from the fact that more spending money means she can finally pay off her debt to Krogstad. |
Yet Nora s generous tip to the porter in the play s opening scene shows that she is not a selfish woman. More important, once the secret of Nora s loan is made known to the audience, we see that Nora s interest in money stems more from her concern for her family s welfare than from petty desires. We realize that the excitement she has expressed over Torvald s new, well-paying job results from the fact that more spending money means she can finally pay off her debt to Krogstad. While Torvald seems less enthralled by money because he doesn t talk about it except to chastise Nora for her spending, he is obsessed with having a beautiful home, including a beautiful wife. He considers these things important to his reputation, and keeping up this reputation requires money. Although Torvald accuses Nora of wasting money, Nora spends her money mostly on worthy causes, whereas Torvald uses his for selfish, shallow purposes. Why does Torvald constantly reprimand Nora for her wastefulness and foolishness while simultaneously supporting her behavior? What insight does this contradiction give us into Torvald and Nora s relationship? Torvald perceives Nora as a foolish woman who is ignorant of the way society works, but he likes Nora s foolishness and ignorance because they render her helpless and therefore dependent on him. It soon becomes clear to us that Nora s dependence, not Torvald s love for Nora as a person, forms the foundation of Torvald s affection for her. In Act One, Torvald teases Nora about wasting money but then tries to please her by graciously giving her more. Similarly, he points out her faults but then says he doesn t want her to change a bit. He clearly enjoys keeping Nora in a position where she cannot function in the world without him, even if it means that she remains foolish. In general, Torvald disapproves of any kind of change in Nora s constant, obedient demeanor because he needs to control her behavior. When Nora begins to dance the tarantella wildly in Act Two, he is unsettled. In Act One, Nora says that it would humiliate Torvald if he knew he was secretly in debt to her for his life, indicating that Torvald wants the power in his marriage to be one-sided rather than mutual. Compare and contrast Mrs. Linde and Nora at the end of the play. By the end of Act Three, both Nora and Mrs. Linde have entered new phases in their lives. |
Linde and Nora at the end of the play. By the end of Act Three, both Nora and Mrs. Linde have entered new phases in their lives. Nora has chosen to abandon her children and her husband because she wants independence from her roles as mother and wife. In contrast, Mrs. Linde has chosen to abandon her independence to marry Krogstad and take care of his family. She likes having people depend on her, and independence does not seem to fulfill her. Despite their apparent opposition, both Nora s and Mrs. Linde s decisions allow them to fulfill their respective personal desires. They have both chosen their own fates, freely and without male influence. Ibsen seems to feel that the nature of their choices is not as important as the fact that both women make the choices themselves. Using specific examples, discuss how Ibsen's "progress from one work to the other" is due to a "perpetual scrutiny of the same general questions regarded from different points of view. "Do you feel that Ibsen's drama is "dated"? To defend your view, cite dramatic themes in these plays which you consider to be universal, or limited in scope. Show how the first act forewarns the audience of almost all the forthcoming events in the rest of the drama. Point out some instances where Ibsen is able to "externalize" inner problems by using effective symbols. At least one character in each play prefers an imaginary view of life to a realistic viewpoint. With this in mind, discuss the life-view of Torvald Helmer. In what ways does the vocation of Torvald Helmer provide additional insight into his character? Devise an alternative ending for A Doll's House, trying not to violate Ibsen's dramatic thesis. Defend either your new conclusion or the inviolability of Ibsen's original ending. Explain the symbolic significance of hereditary disease in A Doll's House. Do today's women face the same sort of barriers that women did in Nora's time? In what ways is Torvald caged by societal expectations? What about the other men in the play? Krogstad? Dr. Rank? What is important about the title? Who is the "doll" Ibsen refers to? Who is the more significant female character in terms of plot development, Nora or Kristine? Explain your answer. Do you think Kristine's decision not to prevent Krogstad from revealing the truth to Torvald is a betrayal of Nora? |
Who is the more significant female character in terms of plot development, Nora or Kristine?Explain your answer. Do you think Kristine's decision not to prevent Krogstad from revealing the truth to Torvald is a betrayal of Nora?Does this act ultimately hurt or benefit Nora?How does Henrik Ibsen reveal character in A Doll's House?Is Nora a sympathetic character?Did your opinion of Nora change from the beginning of the play to its conclusionDoes the play end the way you expected?Do you think this was a happy ending?A Doll's House is generally considered a feminist work. Do you agree with this characterization?Why or why not?How essential is the setting, both in terms of time period and location?Could the play have taken place anywhere else?Would the final outcome have had the same impact if A Doll's House had been set in the present day?Why or why not?Knowing that the plot is based on a series of events that happened to a female friend of Ibsen's, did it bother you that he used Laura Kieler's story without it benefiting her?Which actress would you cast as Nora if you were to stage a production of A Doll's House?Who would play Torvald?Why is the choice of actor important to the role?Explain your choices. |
The Pearl GuideThe Pearl by John SteinbeckBelow are the Essential Questions, Theme Topics Motifs , Thematic Questions, and Key Literary Terms that we will use for our analysis of The Pearl. These questions, theme topics, and terms will guide our discussion and analysis during this unit, so it is important for you to be familiar with them as you read. Use this overview to help guide your annotations and read through the background information before you read the novel. Essential Questions How does parable transcend time and place to employ a universal theme? What makes a theme universal? Why are symbols useful to writers and their audience? How can writing be used to effect change in society? Theme Topics Motifs from The PearlDuring your reading and annotating of The Pearl look for and mark passages that make a point or statement about these possible theme topics: Money, Possessions, Greed: Look for passages quotes dealing with the quest formoney and the desire for things of the material world, as well as references to the stepswhich people will take to attain those things. Also, look for passages quotes that implythat money can buy happiness. Social Oppression: Look for passages quotes dealing with the oppression of theMexican Indians in the portrayal of the doctor, the priest, the pearl buyers, and thetrackers. Watch for details which show how Kino and his people are treateddisrespectfully, taken advantage of, and discriminated against. Man as a part of nature: Look for passages quotes which illustrate similaritiesbetween humans and other species through comparisons. NOTICE the frequent imagesSteinbeck uses and think of how these passages reflect or foreshadow give hints aboutfuture events HUMAN events. Kino s songs: Look for passages quotes with references to the music Kino hears the three types of songs he hears and their significance. Pay particular attention toWHEN and UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES he hears a particular song. Good vs. Evil: Look for passages quotes that reflect images and ideas of darknesslight,good- evil, brightness- dimness, day- night, black- white, etc. Appearance vs. Reality: Look for passages quotes that refer to things not beingwhat they seem. |
Evil: Look for passages quotes that reflect images and ideas of darknesslight,good- evil, brightness- dimness, day- night, black- white, etc. Appearance vs. Reality: Look for passages quotes that refer to things not beingwhat they seem. Consider looking for passages quotes about visions, haze, mirages,dreams, vagueness, ghostly gleams, illusions, etc. Thematic Questions How does oppression manifest in both the community and individual? How can society s wrongs be righted? How much control does an individual have over his her success in life? How can we determine if something or someone is what or who they appear to be? Can money or desire change an individual? Is money necessary to be successful in life? What is the difference between good and evil? Are there any shades of gray? Honors English IThe Pearl Remember that a Literary Theme is the controlling idea of a story an arguable comment or statement an author makes about the nature of humankind orsociety a truth that can be taken from the specifics of the story and applied to society in general some human truth that the author wants the reader to understand about life, the human experience, or human natureKey Literary Terms: theme, motif, characterization, conflict, symbolism, parable, allegory, setting, metaphor, simile, personification, figurative language, imagery, Freytag s Plot PyramidThe Pearl Background InformationAuthor: John Steinbeck 1902-1968 was born in Salinas,California the son of poor parents. Although he was educated at Stanford University and became a celebrated writer, he never forgot his origins. Growing up in working class towns, he became an excellent observer of human nature and later wrote about the people he lived around workers including Mexican-American and migrant workers. He discovered the harsh reality that these people were often treated poorly and without respect and had little means of defending themselves. As a result, many of the characters he wrote about were down and out, isolated and oppressed. |
Growing up in working class towns, he became an excellent observer of human nature and later wrote about the people he lived around workers including Mexican-American and migrant workers. He discovered the harsh reality that these people were often treated poorly and without respect and had little means of defending themselves. As a result, many of the characters he wrote about were down and out, isolated and oppressed. They represent the struggle theme of his novels principally the struggle between the poor andthe wealthy, the weak and the strong, good and evil, and between cultures or civilizations. These themes are all evident in The Pearl. Origins: In 1940, Steinbeck set out on a sailing expedition to study marine life in the Gulf of California, hoping to find universal patterns in marine species that would help him understand life in general. During this trip, Steinbeck heard about the legend of a Mexican fisher boy who had found an enormous pearl that had brought him much misery. Steinbeck developed this legend into the novel The Pearl. As you read The Pearl, watch for details about the plant and animal life in the Gulf and the many metaphors comparisons , images and themes Steinbeck uses which are connected to these details. Setting: The events of The Pearl take place sometime around the 1900 on an estuary mouth of the river somewhere on the coast of Mexico in the town of La Paz. On a map the long peninsula which descends from California is called BAJA CALIFORNIA. It is part of Mexico and is separated from the rest of Mexico by the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez. Honors English I The PearlHistorical Background and Social Culture: At the time the story takes place, the Indians of Mexico had already been under the domination of people of Spanish descent for 300 years. The governing class was primarily made up of those of Spanish descent and the Roman Catholic Church who, together, kept the Mexican Indians at the bottom of the social hierarchy or social ladder. In most cases, the Indians were not allowed to attend school or own land. Keeping people uneducated and dependent keeps them oppressed . Although Spanish culture and Catholic rituals were forced upon the Indians, they fiercely held onto many of their spiritual beliefs, cultures, and customs of their various tribes. WATCH FOR EVIDENCE OF THIS IN THE NOVEL! |
Keeping people uneducated and dependent keeps them oppressed . Although Spanish culture and Catholic rituals were forced upon the Indians, they fiercely held onto many of their spiritual beliefs, cultures, and customs of their various tribes. WATCH FOR EVIDENCE OF THIS IN THE NOVEL! Style: The Pearl is a short novel or novella which is told in the form of an allegory or PARABLE a short, simple work with little dialogue illustrating a lesson or a larger truth often on the subject of good and evil. In a PARABLE, good and evil are clearly defined everything is black and white, there are no shades of gray. For instance, the good characters have names, and the bad characters have no names. The characters andaction symbolize certain universal ideas or concepts and the readers attach their ownmeaning to these symbols. Point of View: The Pearl is told by an all knowing OMNISCIENT third-person narratorwho is observing the characters and their actions from outside the story. Comment: The reader is told in the preface, In the town they tell the story of the great pearl how it was found and how it was lost again If this story is a parable, perhaps everyone takes his own meaning from it and reads his own life into it. Thus begins Steinbeck s novel of good and evil, The Pearl. It is the timeless tale of the Mexican-Indian fisherman Kino, his wife Juana, and their infant son, Coyotito. It tells of how Kino finds the Pearl of the World and dreams of breaking out of the trap of poverty and ignorance that oppresses him and his family. The violence that follows his dreams, but brings him a greater understanding of himself and the realities of the world in which he lives. As you read, consider what meaning you take from Kino s story. Other Well-Known Novels By Steinbeck:Tortilla Flat 1935 The Red Pony 1937 Of Mice and Men 1937 The Grapes of Wrath 1939 Cannery Row 1945 East of Eden 1952 The Winter of Our Discontent 1961 Travels With Charley 1962 Honors English IThe PearlThe Pearl Literature GuideAs you read The Pearl, complete the following questions. These questions will help you remember and reflect onimportant plot and literary elements techniques from the reading, so that your analysis is more in-depth. |
As you read, consider what meaning you take from Kino s story. Other Well-Known Novels By Steinbeck:Tortilla Flat 1935 The Red Pony 1937 Of Mice and Men 1937 The Grapes of Wrath 1939 Cannery Row 1945 East of Eden 1952 The Winter of Our Discontent 1961 Travels With Charley 1962 Honors English IThe PearlThe Pearl Literature GuideAs you read The Pearl, complete the following questions. These questions will help you remember and reflect onimportant plot and literary elements techniques from the reading, so that your analysis is more in-depth. Thestory is simple, but because it is an allegory, there is deeper meaning at every turn. Read between the lines andanalyze characters, setting, imagery, symbols, etc. The Pearl is a short novella and reading it several times beforethe start of the school year will offer you a more in-depth understanding. Chapter 1 pg. 3-13 1. Where does the story open? The story opens in Kino s hut, located on the beach. The beach is on the Gulf of Mexico, but this information is not revealed until Chapter 2. 2. Who are the main characters introduced at the beginning of this chapter? Kino, his wife, Juana, and his infant son, Coyotito3. Where does Coyotito sleep? In a hanging box4. What did Kino s people do? They were makers of great songs. Everything they saw, thought, did, heard or experienced became a song. 5. What is the Song of the Family? The sounds of the family waking Juana talking to Coyotito, Juana fanning the fire into flames, and the rhythm of the grinding stone that Juana used to work the corn for morning cakes. 6. What kind of morning did Kino think it was? It was a morning like other mornings and yet perfect among mornings. 7. What is the Whole? It is the safety and warmth provided by the familiar routines of Kino s family. 8. How is Kino described? Kino was young and strong and his black hair hung over his brown forehead. His eyes were warm and fierce and bright and his mustache was thin and coarse. 9. What draws Kino s attention to Coyotito s hanging box? |
Kino was young and strong and his black hair hung over his brown forehead. His eyes were warm and fierce and bright and his mustache was thin and coarse. 9. What draws Kino s attention to Coyotito s hanging box? A tiny movement a scorpion was climbing down the rope that suspended the box. 10. What is the Song of Evil? What brings the Song of Evil? The Song of Evil is the music of the enemy, of any foe of the family, a savage, secret dangerous melody . The scorpion brings the Song of Evil. 11. What contradiction does Juana display when the scorpion appears? She repeats an ancient magic to guard against evil, while muttering a Hail Mary between clenched teeth. It is the contradiction between pagan and Christian religious rituals. 12. What harm comes to Coyotito? Why is Kino unable to stop it? Kino reaches for the scorpion and when it poses to sting, Coyotito shakes the rope to the box, and the scorpion falls on the baby and stings him. 13. What does Kino do to the scorpion? He beats and stamps it until it is only a moist place in the dirt. 14. How does Juana react to Coyotito s injury? She immediately begins to suck the poison from the puncture wound. 15. What is the danger of the scorpion s sting? The poison from the sting may make an adult gravely ill, but it could cause death in a baby. 16. What surprising thing did Juana request after Coyotito was stung? Why was it surprising? She asked Kino to go get the doctor. It was surprising because To get him would be a remarkable thing. The doctor never came to the cluster of brush houses. 17. What does Kino do about Juana s request? How does Juana respond? Kino tells Juana, The doctor would not come. Juana tells Kino they will go to the doctor. 18. What skill did the beggars have? They were experts in financial analysis. That is, they were able to determine people s status of wealth or poverty by observing them. 19. What did the beggars decide about Kino and Juana? They decided that they were too poor, and the doctor would not see them. 20. What did the beggars know about the doctor? |
They decided that they were too poor, and the doctor would not see them. 20. What did the beggars know about the doctor? They knew his ignorance, his cruelty, his avarice, his appetites, his sins. 21. Why does Kino hesitate when they reach the doctor s residence? Because the doctor was of a race which for nearly four hundred years had beaten and starved and robbed and despised Kino s race; all of the doctor s race spoke to all of Kino s race as though they were simple animals. 22. What are some indications that the doctor leads a wealthy lifestyle? He wears a dressing gown of silk from Paris. The gown is tight, which means he s eating well and gaining weight. He has a silver tray with delicate china on it. The d cor of the room indicates a wealthy lifestyle as well. 23. When the doctor learns of Coyotito s injury, what is his reaction? What does this indicate about his attitude toward Kino s race? He reacts with anger, then he reacts with greed. He says, Have I nothing better to do than cure insect bites for little Indians ? I am a doctor, not a veterinary. Then he demands, Has he any money? See if he has any money! The doctor believes Kino s people are animals, and they are worthless unless they can pay for his services. 24. When Kino offers pearls as payments for the doctor s service, what happens? The doctor s servant is gone for a short moment, and then he returns to tell Kino, The doctor has gone out. He was called to a serious case. 25. What is ironic about the servant s comments to Kino? The doctor has not really gone out, and the servant s choice of words is ironic. What could be a more serious case than a poisoned child? 26. How does Kino react to the doctor s behavior toward his family? He strikes the gate with his fist. Chapter 21. What do people of the Gulf trust? Things of the spirit and things of the imagination, but they do not trust their eyes to show them distance or clear outline or any optical exactness. 2. What is the one thing of value Kino owns? Why is it so valuable? His canoe; it is the bulwark against starvation. It is his means of income and keeping his family fed and sheltered. 3. |
Why is it so valuable? His canoe; it is the bulwark against starvation. It is his means of income and keeping his family fed and sheltered. 3. How does Juana treat Coyotito s scorpion sting? She makes a poultice out of brown seaweed and presses it to the baby s swollen shoulder. 4. Does her remedy work? The remedy is as good a remedy as any and probably better than the doctor could have done. But the remedy lacked his authority because it was simple and didn t cost anything. The remedy might work, but Juana is skeptical because a doctor didn t apply it. As yet, Coyotito hadn t experienced the stomach cramps typical for scorpion poisoning, so her remedy might be working. 5. For what does Juana pray? She didn t pray directly for Coyotito s recovery. She prays for Kino to find a pearl large enough to pay the doctor for his services to cure the baby. 6. What is the accident that happens to oysters? A small grain of sand gets in the folds of muscle and irritates the flesh until in self-protection the flesh coats the grain of sand. The coated grain of sand becomes a pearl. 7. About what had Kino s people made songs? Everything that happened or existed; they made songs to the fishes, to the sea in anger or in calm, to the light and dark, to the sun and moon. 8. What song was in Kino as he held his breath underwater? The Song of the Pearl That Might Be, part of the Song of the Undersea9. How long can Kino hold his breath underwater? Over two minutes10. What attracts Kino s attention to the ancient oyster that lying by itself? A ghostly gleam11. Why is Kino reluctant to open the oyster until he s opened all the other oysters? He doesn t dare to hope that the oyster contains a pearl. The ghostly gleam he saw could have been an illusion, or a reflection of the shell. His people, the people of the Gulf are used to disappointment, and this pearl offers hope. 12. What does Juana tell Kino to do with the oyster? She tells him to open it. 13. What has Kino found in the oyster? He has found the greatest pearl in the world. 14. |
13. What has Kino found in the oyster? He has found the greatest pearl in the world. 14. What do Kino and Juana discover right after they discover the pearl? They find that the seaweed poultice has taken the swelling out of Coyotito s shoulder, and the poison was receding from his body. Chapter 31. Throughout the novel, there are various types of animal imagery. What is characterized as an animal at the beginning of this chapter? When is this imagery first used in the novel? The town is a thing like a colonial animal. The image the author gives demonstrates how the townspeople digest the news of Kino s discovery. The animal imagery is first used when Kino s people are characterized as animals by the doctor in Chapter 1. 2. As the news of Kino s prize travels through the village, who learns of the Pearl of the World ? The priest, the shopkeepers, the doctor, and the beggars in front of the church3. What is the doctor s reaction to the news of Kino s pearl? He says that Kino is a client of his, and he is treating Coyotito for a scorpion sting. 4. What does the doctor s reaction to Kino s good fortune reveal about his character? It emphasizes his greediness. He wouldn t have anything to do with Kino or his family when they came to him for help when Coyotito was injured, because he knew they couldn t pay for his services. Now that he knows about Kino s pearl, he s willing to treat Coyotito. 5. How do people react to the news of Kino s pearl? What does the news of the pearl stir up in the town? Every man suddenly became related to Kino s pearl, and Kino s pearl went into the dreams, the speculations, the schemes, the plans, the futures, the wishes, the needs, the lusts, the hungers, of everyone, and only one person stood in the way and that was Kino, so that he became curiously every man s enemy. The pearl stirs up something black and evil in the town the poison sacs of the town began to fill with venom. People became immediately envious of Kino s good fortune, and tried to figure out a way to get the pearl for themselves. 6. What comment on human nature does the author make with the villagers response? |
People became immediately envious of Kino s good fortune, and tried to figure out a way to get the pearl for themselves. 6. What comment on human nature does the author make with the villagers response? People are basically greedy. Even people who are used to having nothing and are happy can be changed by the possibility of wealth. 7. What do Kino and Juana assume about the villager s response to Kino s prize? They assume that everyone would be happy for their good fortune. 8. What music does Kino experience after finding the pearl? The music of the pearl had merged with the music of the family so that one beautified the other. The pearl is something good for the family. 9. What does Juan Tomas ask Kino about his discovery? What is Kino s response? Juan Tomas asks, What will you do now that you have become a rich man? Kino tells Juan Tomas that he and Juana will be married in the church, they will have new clothes, he might buy a rifle, and Coyotito will go to school. 10. Why does the idea of Kino s son attending school cause such a stir among the villagers? Kino says, these things will make us free because he will know and through him we will know. Kino s people had been oppressed for hundreds of years, and one reason that this oppression continued is because they are illiterate and uneducated. The possibility of Coyotito becoming educated creates hope. 11. What happens to time as a result of the pearl? Time will be measured based on the pearl. Everything will be in terms of happening before or since the discovery of the pearl. 12. Who comes to visit Kino? Why? The priest comes to visit Kino. He reminds him to be generous to the church with his newfound fortune. 13. How is the priest like the rest of the village in his request? He wants to benefit from Kino s discovery of the pearl. 14. What faint song does Kino hear when the priest visits? What does this mean? Kino begins to hear the song of evil, of the enemy. Kino knows, perhaps only on a subconscious level, that people want to get the pearl away from him. 15. What animal imagery is used for the Song of the Family in this chapter? Why do you think the author uses this image? The Song of the Family is characterized as like the purring of a kitten. |
What animal imagery is used for the Song of the Family in this chapter? Why do you think the author uses this image? The Song of the Family is characterized as like the purring of a kitten. This image conveys the warmth and security Kino feels within his family. A kitten only purrs when it feels safe and is content or happy. 16. Shortly after the priest and the neighbors leave, Kino senses danger. Who appears at this time? The doctor appears with two assistants. 17. What lie does the doctor tell Kino and Juana? I was not in when you came this morning. But now, at the first chance, I have come to see the baby. Of course, he was home when they visited that morning, and he has only come after hearing about Kino s pearl. 18. Even though Coyotito appears to be recovering from the scorpion s sting, how does the doctor make Kino and Juana believe his services are still necessary? He tells them that a scorpion s poison can lay dormant, and then cause serious damage such as a blind eye or withered leg. He tells Kino, I know the sting of a scorpion, my friend, and I can cure it. He tells Kino that the poison has gone inward and it will strike Coyotito soon. One sign of this is Coyotito blue eyelid. 19. What remedy does the doctor give the baby? What suspicion does Kino have about this remedy? The doctor gives Coyotito a gelatin capsule of white powder, and says that if the poison is going to strike, it will do so within the hour. During that hour, Coyotito begins to convulse and vomit. The doctor returns and treats him with a few drops of ammonia diluted in water. The baby s spasms subside and it appears the doctor has cured him from the poison. Kino believes that the capsules contained something that caused Coyotito s convulsions, and the doctor was only trying to get some of Kino s money from the pearl. 20. What question does the doctor ask when he is done treating Coyotito? What offer does he make to Kino? He asks when payment will be made for his services. Kino tells him about the pearl about which the doctor already knew, of course , and promises to pay the doctor after he has sold it. The doctor offers to keep Kino s pearl in his safe. |
He asks when payment will be made for his services. Kino tells him about the pearl about which the doctor already knew, of course , and promises to pay the doctor after he has sold it. The doctor offers to keep Kino s pearl in his safe. Kino refuses the offer and says the pearl is safe. 21. What did the doctor hope to reveal with his offer? Is this information revealed? He knew the pearl would be buried in the house, and he thought Kino might look toward the place where it was buried. Yes, the information is revealed when Kino s eyes flick involuntarily to the floor near the side post of the brush hut. 22. After everyone has left the hut, Juana asks Kino, Who do you fear? What is his response? Kino says he fears everyone. 23. While they are sleeping that night, what happens in Kino and Juana s hut? Kino awakens and hears the whisper of a foot on dry earth and the scratch of fingers in the soil. An intruder comes, and quietly tries to dig up the pearl. 24. Is the intruder successful? No, Kino attacks him in the dark and tries to stab him. Kino s head is smashed in the scuffle and the intruder escapes. 25. Who is the most likely person to have sent the intruder? How do you know? The doctor sent the intruder. It must have been the doctor, because the intruder tries to dig in the place where Kino glanced when the doctor asked him if the pearl was safe. 26. How is Kino characterized during the fight? He is like an angry cat, leaped striking and spitting for the dark thing . Again, the author uses animal imagery for description. 27. What is Juana s response to the stranger s intrusion and attack on her husband? She cries, This thing is evil. This pearl is like a sin! It will destroy us. She asks her husband to throw the pearl back into the sea and says, It has brought evil. Kino, my husband, it will destroy us. 28. What statement does Juana make that serves as foreshadowing? It will destroy us all. Even our son. 29. What promise does Kino make to Juana about the pearl? How is the pearl described at the end of the chapter? |
Even our son. 29. What promise does Kino make to Juana about the pearl? How is the pearl described at the end of the chapter? Kino promises that they will sell the pearl and the evil will go with it, and only the good will stay. The pearl is a guarantee of the future, of comfort, of security. Its warm lucence promised a poultice against illness and a wall against insult. It closed a door on hunger. Chapter 41. What is the name of the town that keeps track of itself and of all its units ? What does this mean? La Paz. It means that everyone in this small town knows everyone else s business. 2. What did the pearl buyers know? They already knew that Kino was coming to sell his pearl that day. 3. What supposition is made about the pearl buyers? What is actually the case? When are the pearl buyers happy? It is supposed that the pearl buyers act alone and compete against one another for business. In actuality, one major buyer employs them all. The best and happiest pearl buyer was he who bought for the lowest price. 4. What do the neighbors hope for Kino? They hope that the pearl does not destroy him and his family. They don t want wealth to change Kino, they hoped that wealth would not graft onto him the evil limbs of greed and hatred and coldness. 5. What was expected of the neighbors when Kino goes to town to sell his pearl? It was expected that they would join him it was an historic moment, they would be crazy if they didn t go. It would be almost a sign of unfriendship. 6. What does Juan Tomas warn Kino against as he leaves to sell the pearl? Why is his warning ironic? Juan Tomas tells Kino, You must be careful to see they do not cheat you. This is ironic because, in the next line Juan Tomas admits, We do not know what prices are paid in other places. Since they do not know what the pearl s market value is, they cannot know if they are being cheated. 7. Why did Kino s ancestors give up trying to get better prices for their pearls in the capital? Because when they sent their pearls men to sell them on their behalf, the men would disappear with their pearls and they would end up with nothing. 8. Why does Kino believe that selling the pearl at the capital is against religion? |
Because when they sent their pearls men to sell them on their behalf, the men would disappear with their pearls and they would end up with nothing. 8. Why does Kino believe that selling the pearl at the capital is against religion? What is really true about this belief? Because the priest has said so the priest gives a yearly sermon about how each man or woman is a soldier sent by God to guard his own part of the universe. Each person is supposed to remain faithful and not go running about. The men who tried to sell their pearls at the capital were running about and not guarding their post, and that is why they lost their pearls. The belief is based in blind faith. Kino believes the priest because he was raised to do so, but in reality, the priest is contributing to the oppression of Kino s people by perpetuating this belief. 9. What sign does the pearl buyer give of his astonishment at Kino s pearl? He gives no visual sign or facial expression that Kino can distinguish, but under the desk, the pearl buyer drops a coin he has been turning between his knuckles. 10. What is the pearl buyer s initial appraisal of the pearl? What offer does he make? The pearl buyer tells Kino that the pearl is too large to sell, because there is no market for such things. He tells Kino it is like fool s gold, and it is only a curiosity. The pearl buyer offers Kino 1,000 pesos for the pearl. 11. Does Kino accept the offer? What does Kino believe the pearl is worth? No. Kino accuses the buyer of trying to cheat him. Kino thinks the pearl is worth 50,000 pesos. 12. How does the author characterize the feelings Kino has while dealing with the pearl buyer? The animal imagery is used again. Kino felt the creeping of fate, the circling of wolves, the hover of vultures. He felt the evil coagulating about him, and he was helpless to protect himself. 13. How does the pearl buyer prove his original offer was fair? How do you know he was really trying to cheat Kino? The other pearl buyers support the idea that the pearl is valueless, but they probably arranged this ahead of Kino s arrival, so that they could get the great pearl for the least amount of money. |
How does the pearl buyer prove his original offer was fair? How do you know he was really trying to cheat Kino? The other pearl buyers support the idea that the pearl is valueless, but they probably arranged this ahead of Kino s arrival, so that they could get the great pearl for the least amount of money. The pearl buyer reveals himself when he is reluctant to let Kino leave with his worthless pearl, and he makes another offer of 1,500 pesos. 14. What do the neighbors say about the pearl buyers business dealings with Kino? Why is this ironic? The neighbors believe the pearl buyers must have been truthful with Kino because they each determined the pearl to be valueless. When Kino offers the theory that they could have arranged the collusion before his arrival, they say, If that is so, then all of us have been cheated all of our lives. That comment is ironic because, in fact, these people have been cheated all of their lives. 15. With what problem regarding the pearl is Kino now confronted? Since he has defied the pearl buyers, he has no way to sell the pearl locally. 16. What do the less fearful neighbors say about Kino s actions with the pearl buyers? They said, Kino is a brave man, and a fierce man; he is right. From his courage we may all profit. They realize that Kino s confrontation with the pearl buyers may lead to fairer dealings in the future. 17. Who said, We do know that we are cheated from birth to the overcharge on our coffins ? What does he mean? Juan Tomas said it because the pearl buyers cheated Kino, and their people have been cheated for generations. 18. Why does Juan Tomas fear for Kino? He says that Kino has not only defied the pearl buyers, but the whole structure of how Kino s people make their living. He says, You have defied not the pearl buyers, but the whole structure, the whole way of life, and I am afraid for you. 19. Kino is under the impression that his friends will protect him if necessary, but what does Juan Tomas tell him? His friends will protect Kino only so long as they are not in danger or discomfort from it. 20. What happens during the night at Kino and Juana s hut? More intruders attack Kino. 21. What does Juana ask Kino after the attackers are gone? |
More intruders attack Kino. 21. What does Juana ask Kino after the attackers are gone? She asks him, again, to destroy the pearl or throw it back in the sea before it destroys them. Chapter 51. What is Juana doing at the beginning of the chapter? What is she planning to do? At the beginning the chapter, Juana is moving around the hut and she moves the fireplace stone where the pearl is hidden . She is planning to throw the pearl back into the sea. 2. Who stops Juana from throwing the pearl? How? Kino stops her by wrenching her arm, and striking her in the face. After she falls, he kicks her in the side. 3. What do Kino s actions demonstrate about what the pearl has done to him? The pearl has become everything to Kino he would murder his wife rather than lose the pearl. 4. What animal imagery is used when Kino attacks Juana? Kino bares his teeth and, hissed at her like a snake. Juana stares back at him, like a sheep before the butcher. 5. What happens to Kino after he attacks Juana? Why? When he is walking up the beach, he is tackled and searched by attackers. They are trying to find the pearl. 6. When Kino told Juana, I am a man, what did that mean to her? It meant that he was half insane and half god. 7. When Juana walks back in the darkness after Kino attacks her, what things does she find? First, she finds the pearl that was knocked from Kino s hand when he was attacked. Then she sees two dark figures lying in the path. One figure is Kino; the other is an attacker whom Kino has killed. 8. What does Juana know after she sees that Kino has killed a man? She knows that their old life is gone forever. 9. When Kino starts to regain his senses after the attack, what is his first concern? What idea does this emphasize see 3 ? His first concern is that he has lost the pearl. Again, the pearl has become everything Kino is not so concerned that he has committed murder, as he is that he s lost the pearl. 10. Why does Kino still think he can return to the village and retain his old life? Can he? He thinks people will believe that he struck to save his life. |
Why does Kino still think he can return to the village and retain his old life? Can he? He thinks people will believe that he struck to save his life. He cannot return to his old life it s gone. Juana reminds him about how the pearl buyers treated him and how some of the neighbors treated him after his defiance of the buyers. Too many people are against them now because of the pearl. 11. After Kino decides that he will take his family and leave, what does he discover? He discovers that his canoe has been vandalized, and a large hole is knocked into the bottom. 12. When Kino discovers his broken canoe, he thinks, This was an evil beyond thinking. The killing of a man was not so evil as the killing of a boat. Why does he believe this? Because a boat cannot protect itself, and a wounded boat does not heal. Also, the boat is a man s way of making a living, and when his boat is damaged, a man has not protection against starvation. The broken canoe also demonstrates the evil in man. The men in the village were so envious of Kino, they could no longer allow him to have a normal life among them. 13. What thought never occurs to Kino after he discovers his broken canoe? What does this say about him? It never occurs to Kino to take another man s canoe. He cannot conceive of treating another man they way he has been treated. This may mean that he still has as his basic humanity. He hasn t lost everything to the pearl yet . 14. What happens to Kino and Juana s hut as they re preparing to leave? Their hut is ransacked and then set on fire. 15. According to Juana, who is responsible for destroying their hut? The dark ones. Kino and Juana don t know who is against them the intruders and attackers could be anyone, but the one thing Kino and Juana know about them is that they are evil or dark. 16. To what does Juan Tomas attribute Kino and Juana s misfortune? He blames the pearl. He says, there is a devil in this pearl. You should have sold it and passed on the devil. Perhaps you can still sell it and buy peace for yourself. 17. What request does Kino make of his brother? Does Juan Tomas agree? Kino asks Juan Tomas to hide his family, and Juan Tomas agrees to do so. 18. |
Does Juan Tomas agree? Kino asks Juan Tomas to hide his family, and Juan Tomas agrees to do so. 18. What promise does Kino make to his brother? Kino says, I will go tonight and then you will be safe. Kino doesn t want to be a danger to his brother or his brother s family. 19. How does Juan Tomas account for the disappearance of Kino and his family? He tells people different things. To some he says Kino and Juana have gone south along the shore to escape evil. To others he says Kino must have gone by sea. To the neighbors he says that if Kino went to the sea, he must have drowned. He tells people his wife is ill with grief over the loss of Kino and his family. 20. What does Kino tell Juan Tomas about the pearl? Kino tells him he still has it, and he will keep it. He says, I might have given it as a gift, but now it is my misfortune and my life and I will keep it. 21. Why can t Kino give up the pearl? Kino s original plan when he found the pearl was to provide more for his wife and son. He was unselfish in this plan, and possibly he s still not willing to give that up. At this point, however, he s lost so much because of the pearl, he isn t willing to give it up. He feels that it must be worth all that he s lost. He says, This pearl has become my soul. If I give it up I shall lose my soul. Chapter 61. What change occurs in Kino as he and Juana are escaping? Something ancient stirs in him, and some animal quality about him makes him cautious and wary and dangerous. 2. What music or song does Kino hear as they walk? The music of the pearl intertwined with the quiet melody of the family. 3. Why does Kino believe they are being followed? He still believes they will be tracked for the pearl, as well as for the murder he committed. 4. How does Kino convince Juana that the pearl buyers were wrong in their statement that the pearl was worthless? He tells her that they would not have tried to steal it if it was worthless. 5. What contradictions does Kino see on the surface of the pearl? He thought the pearl would allow him to buy a rifle, but he only sees the man he killed. |
5. What contradictions does Kino see on the surface of the pearl? He thought the pearl would allow him to buy a rifle, but he only sees the man he killed. He thought the pearl would allow he and Juana to have a church wedding, but he sees himself beating his wife for the pearl. He thought the pearl would allow him to educate his son, but he sees his son sick with fever from the doctor s medicine. 6. What happens to the music of the pearl for Kino? The music of the pearl becomes sinister, and intertwines with the music of evil. 7. Who do Kino and Juana encounter as they are trying to escape? They are being followed by three trackers, two on foot and one on horseback carrying a rifle. 8. What animal imagery is used to describe the trackers? They were as sensitive as hounds. Later, when it appears the trackers have found a sign of Kino s trail, they whined a little, like excited dogs on a warming trail. 9. Where do Kino and Juana decide to go in an effort to escape the trackers? They try to lose the trackers in the mountains. The author uses the animal imagery yet again when he writes, And Kino ran for the high place, as nearly all animals do when they are pursued. 10. What do Kino and Juana argue about during their escape? Kino tries to get Juana to take the baby and go in a different direction than Kino. Juana is determined and refuses to leave her husband. 11. Where do Kino and Juana go in the mountain range? They travel toward a dark and shadowy cleft. The cleft would provide a source of water, and if there were any passage through the mountains, it would be through the cleft. 12. Do the trackers lose Kino and Juana s trail in the mountains? No, they are far behind, but they are still on their trail. 13. Since the trackers will follow them into the mountain range, Kino decides his family will climb to the lowlands again. What concern does he have about doing this? He is afraid that the baby may cry. 14. As the trackers camp for the night, what does Kino decide? When must he carry out his plan? Kino decides to attack the trackers during the night. If he can get to the one with the rifle first, he will kill him and use his rifle to kill the other two trackers. |
When must he carry out his plan? Kino decides to attack the trackers during the night. If he can get to the one with the rifle first, he will kill him and use his rifle to kill the other two trackers. He must carry out his plan before the moon rises, or the trackers will spot him. 15. What form of protection does Kino use to ambush the trackers during the night? He removes his white clothing because it will show up in the moonlight. His own brown skin is better protection for him in the darkness. 16. What drives Kino down toward his enemy? The Song of the Family becomes as fierce and sharp and feline as the snarl of a female puma. Again, the author uses the animal imagery to describe Kino s feelings. 17. Why can t Kino carry out his plan? The moon rises. 18. What do the trackers hear? What do they think they hear? The trackers hear Coyotito crying. They think it is a coyote and her litter. 19. What does the tracker do about the sound? How does Kino react? The tracker decides to shoot in the direction of the sound. Kino leaps at the tracker and stabs him in the neck, killing him. He uses the butt of the rifle to smash the head of a seated tracker, and shoots the third tracker while he s trying to escape. 20. What does Kino hear after he kills the trackers? The keening, moaning, rising hysterical cry from the little cave the cry of death. 21. What event happened to everyone in La Paz? The return of Kino s family to the village22. What is Juana carrying when she and Kino walk into the village? She carries her shawl like a sack over her shoulder. In it was a small, limp heavy bundle, and the shawl is crusted with dried blood. The specific contents of the shawl are not revealed for another page and a half, but the bundle is the dead body of Coyotito. 23. To where do Kino and Juana walk? They walk to the shore, to the edge of the Gulf. 24. What does Kino see in the surface of the pearl when he removes it from his clothing? He sees evil faces, the frantic eyes of the man he killed, and he sees his infant son lying in a cave wit the top of his head shot away. 25. What happens to the pearl? |
He sees evil faces, the frantic eyes of the man he killed, and he sees his infant son lying in a cave wit the top of his head shot away. 25. What happens to the pearl? Kino throws it into the ocean with all his might and it disappears. 26. Why do you suppose the author uses so much animal imagery throughout this novel? Perhaps it is to show how men act like animals when they become greedy. 27. What events foreshadowed the novel s conclusion? Juana repeatedly told Kino that the pearl was evil and the pearl would destroy us. Even our son. Juan Tomas told Kino that the pearl had the devil in it and he should get rid of it. Kino never really had a chance to hang on to the pearl. There were other comments made throughout the novel about the poverty that Kino s people lived in and would always live in losing the pearl was inevitable because those in power would never give up their power to one of Kino s race. 28. What does the pearl represent in this novel? The pearl could represent many things. First, it represents hope, because it allows Kino the opportunity to provide things for his family he could never have provided before finding the pearl. Second, it represents greed. The pearl changes the personalities of everyone who comes in contact with it, and they can only think about how to benefit from the pearl. Characters like the doctor and the priest behave differently toward Kino s family because of their avarice for the pearl. Of course, Kino is the greediest of all, when he ultimately forsakes his family in order to protect his precious pearl. Third, the pearl represents evil. When it causes Kino to murder four men, it causes the loss of morality in Kino. Character ListKino - The protagonist of the novella. Kino is a dignified, hardworking, impoverished native who works as a pearl diver. He is a simple man who lives in a brush house with his wife, Juana, and their infant son, Coyotito, both of whom he loves very much. After Kino finds a great pearl, he becomes increasingly ambitious and desperate in his mission to break free of the oppression of his colonial society. Ultimately, Kino s material ambition drives him to a state of animalistic violence, and his life is reduced to a basic fight for survival. . Juana - Kino s young wife. |
The priest - The local village priest ostensibly represents moral virtue and goodness, but he is just as interested in exploiting Kino s wealth as everyone else, hoping that he can find a way to persuade Kino to give him some of the money he will make from the pearl. The dealers - The extremely well-organized and corrupt pearl dealers in La Paz systematically cheat and exploit the Indian pearl divers who sell them their goods. They desperately long to cheat Kino out of his pearl. The trackers - The group of violent and corrupt men that follows Kino and Juana when they leave the village, hoping to waylay Kino and steal his pearl. |
THE WHALE RIDER Kungu Gachui. The Novel: The whale Rider Witi Ihimaera Although the Maori are patriarchal society it is the women who dominate the menfolk with close reference to Witi Ihimaera s The whale Rider write an essay to show the validity of the above statementIntroductionIt is ironical that a society that is patriarchal in nature has its women taking charge of situations. In the Novel, The WhaleRider the women characters come out stronger that the menMuriwai, Nani flower s ancestor, takes charge of a cause that is in danger of capsizing and saves herself and the men crew in it. Nani flowers comes out stronger in her arguments with her husband, Koro and always comes out victorious in the many arguments they haveNani takes charge of Kahu s birth cord and ensures it is buried at the right place a task normally performed by men. Nani at one time pushes Koro out of bed and Koro sleeps on the floor something demeaning for a man who is chief of the MaoriRehua, Porourangi s wife is potrayed as wise and decisive, names her daught Kahu and requests that her birth cord and after birth be buried at Whagara,. This foresight ensures Kahu s survival and inheritance of the Maori chieftainAna and not her husband Porourangi is the one who decides that Kahu should come and live with the family instead of being raised by her maternal grand mother. Kahu excels academically beating boys at schoolShe is best in Maori language and cultureShe retires the cared stone from the deepest ocean while boys that Koro had been training fails to. Kahu is able to communicate with the whales and dolphins something that Koro tries and fail and therefore she manage to rescue the whale as the whale rider and saves the tribe she therefore becomes the next leader of the Maori people. Witi Ihimaera, The Whale Rider Ihimaera uses the novel to show that certain stereotypes about women are quite unnecessary Write an essay to show how certain negative beliefs about women are discredited in The Whale Ride. IntroductionSince time immemorial the woman has been regarded as a weaker sex gender . Society has been having certain stereotypes about women. For instance there are certain jobs or even foods that women are not allowed to have. |
IntroductionSince time immemorial the woman has been regarded as a weaker sex gender . Society has been having certain stereotypes about women. For instance there are certain jobs or even foods that women are not allowed to have. This is an unfortunate state of affairs which has been overtaken by events and is unnecessary as outlined below. Accept any other relevant introduction Content points to considerWomen in Witi s society were being kept away from the training of cultural ways which were considered sacred and for men. Kahu however proves then wrong when she becomes interested in the Maori culture and is destined to lead her people. She becomes the first woman to go against this stereotype which for years had placed woman in a place of disadvantage. Women were not allowed to assume leadership positions in Witi Ihamaera s society. The chieftaincy was passed on from the eldest son to the eldest son of the next generation. This went on until kahu breaks the monotony. Kahu shatters this belief for she is determined to become the leader of her community after Koro Apirana. Nani Flower s ancestor, Muriwai was one of the greatest women chiefs in her time whose blood, Nani believes, throbs in Kahu s veins. Unlike other traditionalists, Nani Flowers believe Kahu can be a leader. It was expected that it was only men who could undertake certain tasks like making the ancient bull whale return to sea. But to the surprise of everyone, when all men fail, it is Kahu who comes to the aid of the community and saves it from perishing. This was against the stereotypes. Koro Apirana had a low opinion of Kahu. He is not happy when his grandson s first born turns out to be a girl Kahu . He so desperately wishes for a male child as a first born so as to be the heir to inherit take the seat of Porourangi. Unfortunately, it does not work despite all the efforts and Kahu, a girl, emerges the chosen heiress and takes up the leadership of Porourangi. Accept any relevant point The NovelWiti Ihimaera s The Whale Rider The world would be a better place if women were given equal opportunities. Basing your illustrations on Witi Ihimaera s The Whale Rider, argue in favour of this assertion. IntroductionDiscrimation against women is baseless and unwarranted. |
Unfortunately, it does not work despite all the efforts and Kahu, a girl, emerges the chosen heiress and takes up the leadership of Porourangi. Accept any relevant point The NovelWiti Ihimaera s The Whale Rider The world would be a better place if women were given equal opportunities. Basing your illustrations on Witi Ihimaera s The Whale Rider, argue in favour of this assertion. IntroductionDiscrimation against women is baseless and unwarranted. A society that discriminates against them wastes a lot of potential and subjects the women to unnecessary suffering. In Witi Ihimaera s The Whale Rider this is clearly seen through Kahu and Nani Flowers. ContentNani Flowers comes to the aid of Kahu when she is born. Koro Apirana is so desperate for a baby boy that when a girl is born he simply brushes her aside saying I have nothing to do with her. For the burial of the afterbirth, it takes Nani Flowers firmness to have it buried in her paternal home. This is despite opposition from Koro Apirana. Thereafter, she protects her from Koro who keeps growling at her. She therefore presents herself as a voice of reason. Secondly, Kahu emerges the best in the school break-up ceremony despite all odds. She writes a winning speech in the Maori language. This is similar to the cultural preservation that Koro has been working for. Kahu also comes to the rescue of the community when its livelihood is threatened. This is the case when the whales come to the shore to protest the invasion of their kingdom. After the effort of all the men bore no fruit, a mere girl, who happens to be the subject of Korosis the one who makes the whole difference. To the utter surprise of Rawiri and the boys, there is a white lady wading off whale hunters who are cashing in on the stranded whales. Her wails and call for help draw the boys to her and together they manage to save the stranded whales. Lastly, symbolically, the Whale Mother comes out as a voice of reason when she convinces the Bull Whale,that the rider is not Kahutia Te Rangi. This is despite the Bull Whale's conviction. So, when it turned out that the rider was really a girl, the Whale Mother takes the day as a female. |
Lastly, symbolically, the Whale Mother comes out as a voice of reason when she convinces the Bull Whale,that the rider is not Kahutia Te Rangi. This is despite the Bull Whale's conviction. So, when it turned out that the rider was really a girl, the Whale Mother takes the day as a female. NB: ACCEPT ANY OTHER RELEVANT POINTS THAT PORTRAY THE WOMAN POSITIVELY. ConclusionFrom the discussion above, it is sufficient to conclude that the woman occupies a special position which has been undermined for a long time. Mark 3:3:3:3 12Introduction 2Grammar 4Conclusion 2Total 20 The society looks down upon women. Write an essay in support of this statement drawing your illustrations from The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. The society looks down upon women. Support the statement. Women cannot be trusted with leadership. Pai 12 year old girl born as a twin but her brother died. Her brother was expected to be chief to continue to lead the next generation on from their grandfather Koro. Koro does not believe that Pai should bear the name of the great legend Paikea the Whale Rider. Koro also thinks of Paikea as being worthless and he does not want Pai because she is female. Pai considers herself as being destined to be the next chief because she is a direct descendant of Paikea. Traditional expectations and inclinations make Koro to choose to pick a male from the tribe to be chief, Koro in the beginning is unable to accept Pai because of his own traditions and his tribe s 1000 year old tradition that every first male born is the new chief in their generation. The society s bias towards the male child Koro would rather have Pai die and her twin brother live. Koro states that he is only there for the boy because his first anote is where is the boy? Koro wouldn t even acknowledge his granddaughter Pai is lying next to the deceased boy Koro commands that she be taken away but the girl squeals and cries demanding for her grandfather s acknowledgement. Accept any other relevant point. Expect 4 well illustrated points. Mark 3:3:3:3 12 marksCONCLUSIONA summary of the given points. An opinion that sums up the points. Accept any other relevant conclusion. |
Mark 3:3:3:3 12 marksCONCLUSIONA summary of the given points. An opinion that sums up the points. Accept any other relevant conclusion. Language 4mks The Whale Rider 20 marks Both boys and girls have equal rights to leadership in the society. Write an essay supporting this statement basing your answer on Witi Ihimaera s novel,Intro: Any but appropriateThe traditional expectations of the society that leadership is handed down from the father to the eldest son excludes girls from assuming leadership. Yet Muriwai proved this belief wrong for she was one of the greatest chiefs of her people. The disappointment Koro Apirana has at the birth and his opposition to be given a male s name of Kahu is unnecessary because it turns out that Kahu is the chosen one that he has been searching for all along, to take the mantle of leadership. When the community requires strong leadership, it is the women who upstage the men in leading the way. Nani Flowers ensures that Kahu s afterbirth and birth cord are buried in front of the tribe s meeting house, which bears the statue of Kahutia Te Rangi. This enhances the community s connection to the ancestors. The boys fail to retrieve Koro Apirana s carved stone but Kahu, effortlessly goes into the ocean and brings it back. She even communes with nature. The entire population of the male in habitants of Whangara fails in their attempt to coax the ancient bull whale back to the ocean, but Kahu manages to do so. As a result, she is accepted by Koro who calls her the best grandchild in the entire world. Any other relevant and justified pointThe NovelWiti ihimaera, The whale Rider Societies use traditions to justify their suppression of women. Using illustrations from Witi Ihimaera s the Whale Rider, write and essay supporting this statement. THE NOVEL: THE WHALE RIDERIntroduction 2mks -it is indeed true that society uses cultural practices to deny women opportunities. This is clearly brought out in the novel the whale rider. Or-contextual or general introduction highlighting implications of gender disparity to women. |
Any other relevant and justified pointThe NovelWiti ihimaera, The whale Rider Societies use traditions to justify their suppression of women. Using illustrations from Witi Ihimaera s the Whale Rider, write and essay supporting this statement. THE NOVEL: THE WHALE RIDERIntroduction 2mks -it is indeed true that society uses cultural practices to deny women opportunities. This is clearly brought out in the novel the whale rider. Or-contextual or general introduction highlighting implications of gender disparity to women. Accept any other relevant introduction Content 12mks Cithe naming of the girl after her male ancestor Kahutia i.eRangi is vehemently opposed by her great grand father Koro Apirana, aha thanks that it would be a contemptuous act since kahu is a girl , who was believed to be of no use in this male dominated society. He felt naming the girl-child afther the founder of the tribe was belittling kahutiai.erangi s prestige. Pg 14-16 Ciiin this text the tradition do not allow a girl to take over a leadership mantle. The news of kahu annoyed koro so much that he started to desperately search for someone in fact a boy a man that will succeed him. Ciiikahu s straggle to assert her leadership potential was brutally rejected by the traditions through koro. The girl naively bites koro toe , searches and obtained his cover stone and addition crayfish that the boy had failed to retrieve did not appeal to him because she is a girl. Civin this society the traditions restricts woman from the attending men s lessons. Koro is upset when kahu intrudes into the room where lessons on language were going on. Cvtraditionally it is a taboo for a man to get in contact with kahu. The fact that porourangi fails to protect the girl because of the traditional order. Cvithe culture practice had a bad effect to woman in school. Despite kahu doing well by topping in every item in school, koro fails to attend the ceremony. Accept any other relevant point Expect any 4 well developed points, mark 3:3:3:3 12mksConclusion 2mks In conclusion , woman are never allowed to express themselves in this society. |
Cvithe culture practice had a bad effect to woman in school. Despite kahu doing well by topping in every item in school, koro fails to attend the ceremony. Accept any other relevant point Expect any 4 well developed points, mark 3:3:3:3 12mksConclusion 2mks In conclusion , woman are never allowed to express themselves in this society. They have to fight like the girl kahu.orA recap of the discussed points orAn opinion that sums up the essayLanguage 4mks The Novel 20mks The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Point out four aspects of Maori culture portrayed in The Whale Rider and relate them to cultures of East Africa communities. The NovelIntroductionAspects of the Maori culture portrayed are belief in ancestors, relationship between humans and wildlife, gender, discrimination and attachment of places of birth origin. The people of Whangara have a strong belief in their ancestor, Paikea who came riding on a whale. E.A. believe in legends who founded their communities e.g. Gikuyu and Mumbi. The Maori people believe that their lives and those of creatures are closely connected. If the whale lives, they live and vice versa. E.A. have animals they relate to as their relatives, totems or clan symbols. Gender discriminations is blatant in the Whale Rider. Koro Apirana rejects her granddaughter, Kahu. In E.A., sons are regarded as the rightful heirs and inheritors of family line and property. Attachment of places of birth or origin is seen in the Whale Rider where Kahu s umbilical cord in front of the meeting house. In E.A. there is also a desire by people to be buried on one s ancestral grounds. ConclusionAspects of Maori culture are closely similar to those of E.A. communities 2mks Expect any three well illustrated pointsMark 4:4:4 12 marksLanguage 4 marksThe Novel: Witi Ihamaera: The Whale Rider Using illustrations from Witi Ihimaera s The Whale Rider , write an essay to show how Leadership is passed from generation to generation 20Marks . How leadership is passed from generation to generation in Maori community. It is customary for leadership of Maori people to pass from male descendant to the next. |
Communities 2mks Expect any three well illustrated pointsMark 4:4:4 12 marksLanguage 4 marksThe Novel: Witi Ihamaera: The Whale Rider Using illustrations from Witi Ihimaera s The Whale Rider , write an essay to show how Leadership is passed from generation to generation 20Marks . How leadership is passed from generation to generation in Maori community. It is customary for leadership of Maori people to pass from male descendant to the next. The first born child of the heir apparent ought to be a boy for this lineage to progress. Porourangi s siring of daughters in succession is viewed as ill-luck and that is the reason for koro Apirana s anger, he says he does not want anything to do with the girl Kahu. This is dearly a patriarchal society that believes in the supremacy of boys over girls or men over women. When Kahu is born, it is evident that her great grandfather expected a boy to inherit leadership of the community. He becomes disappointed when a girl is born and rejects herHe is looking for a male heir to the chief truancy and will not settle for a girl. The birth of another girl-child to Porourangi with his new wife Ana, does not make things any better. Instead, koro Apirana becomes obsessed with looking for a boy to inherit the chieftaincy. He even begins to look into other royal families to get the chosen one. Leadership in Maori community is purely hereditary and the mantle is passed from the eldest son to the eldest son is disintegrating slowly when Kahu becomes the chosen one. Though there is resistance by koro Apirana that a girl female should not take over leadership and insists on getting a boy to inherit the chieftaincy, Kahu finally inherits the leadership of Maori community. Introduction- 2mksBody content- 12 mks 3: 3: 3: 3 Conclusion - 2 mksLanguage- 4 mksThe Whale RiderThe natural and the supernatural are in mutual co-existence in The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Write an essay in support of this statement. .c INTRODUCTIONMost communities believe in the harmonious co-existence between the living and the departed between the humans and other creatures whom they are closely linked. |
Introduction- 2mksBody content- 12 mks 3: 3: 3: 3 Conclusion - 2 mksLanguage- 4 mksThe Whale RiderThe natural and the supernatural are in mutual co-existence in The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Write an essay in support of this statement. .c INTRODUCTIONMost communities believe in the harmonious co-existence between the living and the departed between the humans and other creatures whom they are closely linked. In Witi Ihimaera s novel, The Whale Rider this is quite evident. Any other relevant introduction 2mksBODYThe spirit of the ancestor Kahutia Te Rangi the Whale Rider lives in eh little girl Kahu. The ancestors are able to communicate with whales and other animals. When the whales are stranded, they have to be sung to and talked to in order to move back to the sea. Every activity including fishing is preceded by a sacrifice to the gods. As some whales are dying, the other whales make mourning sounds like humans and he death of the ancient bull whale will mean the death of the whole community. While other people are butchering whales, some members of the community come up strongly to defend the whales because of their sacred origin. Accept any four well illustrated points mark 3: 3: 3: 3Conclusion 2mks From the above illustrations, we see that both the natural and supernatural co-exist are in harmony. Accept any other relevant conclusion. The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera What a man can do, a woman can do even better . Write a composition to support this statement basing your discussion on the novel, OPTIONAL TEXT: WITI IHIMAERA: The Whale RiderIntroductionThe society in the Whale rider is clearly a patriarchal one. It believes in the supremacy of boys over girls men over women. When Kahu is born, her great grandfather is not excited that the child born is a girl. He keeps telling her that she is of no use to him. But she grows to prove herself true to her calling. -From her childhood Kahu is marked and shows the potentials of a leader. This is not so with boys of her age. But there are few who cannot recognize this. Like her great grandfather Koro who believed that the next chief must be male as has been the tradition. |
This is not so with boys of her age. But there are few who cannot recognize this. Like her great grandfather Koro who believed that the next chief must be male as has been the tradition. -Kahu is a bright and capable child. She proves herself up to any task. She is willing to learn about her culture and steals herself to hear Maori lessons traditionally meant for men boys. Here she learns better than the boys do. -Kahu excels at school in both academics and cultural events. -She has talent and skill. She is capable of doing what no one else in this community can do; she speaks to the Whales this makes her special even above male counterparts through Koro, her great grandfather can t see this. -The author believes that children, regardless of gender, should be mentored into leadership as leadership comes from both men and women and this fact ought to be accepted by all. ConclusionGovernance systems which are under the control of men exist across the world. Cases of women rising to leadership are still few as women are still denied the opportunities to realize their full potential as human beings. Witi Ihimaera explores the idea that women can hold positions of responsibility and do it well. -Society should accept women as equal in ordinary life and support them. Witi Ihimaera: The Whale RiderCompare and contrast the character of Koro Apirana with that of Nani flowersIntroduction:To compare is to pinpoint the similarities and to contrast is to identify the differences which exist between Koro Apirana and Nani flowers. 2marks BodySimilaritiesi They are both loyal to their family and tribe. Koro Apirana goes to great lengths to protect and identify members of the tribe by starting school sessions to teach boys and men the Maori customs and language. He fiercely protects the age old tradition of only boysinheritng the mantle of leadership. He rejects Kahu, his great grandchild, because she is a girl. Nani flowers love for Kahu is evident in the things she does to ensure that she remains among her people. She buries her birth cord in Whangara near the meeting house in the sight of the stature of Kahutia Te Rangi the founder of the tribe. Ii They are both stubbornKoro Apirana adamantly refuses to love Kahu because he prefers a boy child to inherit the chieftaincy from Porourangi. |
Nani flowers love for Kahu is evident in the things she does to ensure that she remains among her people. She buries her birth cord in Whangara near the meeting house in the sight of the stature of Kahutia Te Rangi the founder of the tribe. Ii They are both stubbornKoro Apirana adamantly refuses to love Kahu because he prefers a boy child to inherit the chieftaincy from Porourangi. He does not allow her to participate in the lessons he gives the boys on the wisdom of the tribe. He even fails to recognize that Kahu is the chosen one because he is blinded by chauvinism. Nani flowers also stubbornly refuses to let Koro Apirana have his way where Kahu is concerned. She does all she can to ensure that Kahu remains among her people. She cites her Muriwai lineage when Koro Apirana thinks she is stubborn and uncooperative. Iii They are both lovingNani Flowers loves Kahu right from the beginning without caring whether she is a girl. Koro Apirana however, loved her at the end of the story when it is no longer in doubt that she is the chosen one. Differences i Nani flowers is humorous and full of life while Koro Apirana is said to be grumpy. Nani s threat to divorce Koro Apirana is comical because she does not carry out her threat. She chases after her husband when he goes out to sea to sulk and calls him endearing names as she does so. Koro Apirana, on the other hand goes not to sea to sulk whenever he feels angry. He also growls at Kahu whenever she shows up at the door of the meeting house. Ii Nani Flowers supports the girl child as a leader. She does everything in her power to support Kahu. For example, she buries her birth cord in Whangara to ensure she is close to her people. Koro Apirana is steeped in traditions and does not support the idea of girls taking up of leadership positions. He refuses to see Kahu as a possible leader of the tribe even when the signs are there. |
4 well illustrated pts. 3mks - 12mks Conclusion 2mks Summary of the points illustrated in the body. Should be relevant and tied to the content grammar. 4mks MarksIntroduction 2mks Body 3:3:3:3 2mks Expect 4 well illustrated points Conclusion 2mks Grammar Marks should be tied to the points 4mks Total 20mks The Novel: The Whale Rider 20 marks It requires a strong character to survive in a male dominated world. Assess the truth of this statement with reference to Nani Flowers in The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Introduction- Nani Flowers is portrayed as a character who can not be put down under any circumstances. In a community that is patriarchal in nature, she opts to defend herself and other females in her household and society. -. She goes out of her way to defend her great grandchild against Koro Apirana sprejudice. She defends Porourangi s decision to name her Kahu despite it being a man s name. She hits the narrator for overworking the girl and taking her to the moves. She also refuses to allow Koro Apirana to alienate the girl and encourages Kahu to pester him for attention. Despite her obvious disapproval of Koro Apirana s mannerisms, she truly loves him and fondly calls him Old Paka . -. She is assertive, and independent minded as a wife and grandmother. She tells Koro Apirana occasionally that she will divorce him to marry Waari if he continues to annoy her. She pulls his boat back to the beach after he sulks after quarreling with her she insists on bringing back to the community. Kahu s afterbirth and birth cord despite Koro Apirana s opposition. She demands that women should be allowed to participate in meetings and saving the ancient bull whale. -. She is strong-willed and courageous. She says she belongs to the Muriwai people whose fierceness is legendary. Indeed Koro Apirana agrees with her and says her Muriwai s blood is too strong thus it has led to the birth of a girl as an heir in the family. |
- She is strong-willed and courageous. She says she belongs to the Muriwai people whose fierceness is legendary. Indeed Koro Apirana agrees with her and says her Muriwai s blood is too strong thus it has led to the birth of a girl as an heir in the family. She defends the decision to name Porourangi s child, Kahu and quarrels and challenges Koro Apirana on almost everything. It is said she is always stepping out of line. -. She is foresighted. She is able to notice the extraordinary abilities and qualities in Kahu. That s why she buries her afterbirth and birth cord in front of the tribe s meeting house. She encourages the girl to attend the men s meetings by threatening Koro Apirana whenever he sends Kahu away. She notices that Kahu is no ordinary girl while she is retrieving the curved stone from the floor of the ocean. She also notices that the girl is communicating with the Dolphins and she bids her time waiting for the right signs of what is to come. Should have a conclusion, the candidate should tie up his her argument using a short paragraph. Use the format of making question 2 to mark this one . The Novel 20 marks Witi Ihimaera, The Whale RiderKahu faces a lot of rejection but eventually saves her people. Write an essay expounding on this rejection experienced by Kahu. A IntroductionMost people who volunteer to save the society encounter obstacles and hardships on the way. One of these challenges is one of rejection not only by the society but also by those close to them. This makes their work quite difficult. In The Whale Rider, Kahu is rejected right from birth even though she is the one who finally saves her people. Accept any other relevant introduction, 2mks. Should only be in the first paragraph. Do not accept a mere definition or restatement of the question. Content i She is rejected from birth for being a girl. The grandfather rejects her when the phone call reveals that she is a girl. A girl , Koro Apirana, our grandfather said disgusted. I will have noting to do with her. She has broken the male line of descent in our tribe. He even blames his wife for Kahu s birth. It s your fault. Your female side was too strong. P10. Ii Her name is rejected. She is given a boy s name. |
Your female side was too strong. P10. Ii Her name is rejected. She is given a boy s name. Kahutia Te Rangi is not only a man s name but it is the name of the ancestor of their village. Koro Apirana feels that naming a girl child after the founder of their tribe is belittling Kahutia Te Rangi s prestige. P14 iii Her birth causes cultural conflict. Koro Apirana cannot reconcile his traditional beliefs about Maori leadership and rights with Kahu s birth. By Maori custom, leadership was hereditary and normally the mantle of prestige fell from the eldest son to the eldest son. Iv She is rejected as an orphan particularly by Koro Apirana. Porourangi brings Kahu s mother back to the village where the funeral was held. When Rehua s mother asked if she and her people can raise Kahu, Nani Flowers objects strongly. V She is rejected when she comes for holiday. She is put in Koro Apirana s hands but he says no though it is surprising how Kahu and Koro Apirana resemble each other with the only difference being that she loves him but he does not love her. When he gives her back to Nani Flowers, she starts to cry, reaching for him but he turns away and leaves the house. P25. Expect any 4 well developed areas. Mark 3:3:3:3. Total 12 marks. Kahu s rejection must clearly be seen; if not mark out of 2 for each point. Grammar and presentation score pegged to content score as shown. B ConclusionIt is indeed true that prophets are rarely recognized in their homes. This is true even from religious writings but the same people become saviours of the very same communities who rejected them. Accept any other relevant conclusion 2 mksShould only be in the last paragraph. Score should be tied to the content score as shown in question 2. |
B ConclusionIt is indeed true that prophets are rarely recognized in their homes. This is true even from religious writings but the same people become saviours of the very same communities who rejected them. Accept any other relevant conclusion 2 mksShould only be in the last paragraph. Score should be tied to the content score as shown in question 2. THE NOVELWiti Ihimaera - The Whale Rider:Drawing your illustrations from the Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera, write a composition entitled"Gender discrimination is sometimes proved wrong". 20 marks The Novel The Whale Rider Witi IhimaeraDrawing examples from the novel, show how women are discriminated against in the Maori societyQ4 WHALE RIDERIntroduction 2 marksIt must introduce the question appropriately it can be either be generalized or contextualized. When Koro Apirano learns that he has a first born great grand daughter, he comments that he has nothing to do with her. He is disgusted because the girl had broken the male line descent in their tribe. He expected a boy who would be next chief because women were not traditionally expected to hold positions of chieftain. He says that Kahu won t be any good to him No good. I won t have anything to do with her that Porourangi had better have a son next time. When Nani Flowers brings out the subject of Kahu, Koro Apirana compresses his lips crosses his arms, turns his back on Nani and looks elsewhere. We are also told that the love which Kahu received from koro Apirana was the sort that dropped off the edge of the table like bread-crumbs after everybody else had a big meal. This shows that women are considered inferior men in the society. Koro Apirana excludes women from instruction in his school. This is clearly noted when Kahu has to sneak or just stare in at the boys as they receive instruction. When he finds her eavesdropping, he grows at her and sends her packing. When Kahu openly embraces Koro Apirana, he cannot reciprocate the love. He feels embarrassed and ashamed. We are told that he stood there thunderstruck looking for somewhere to hide. He is also not comfortable with Kahu calling him Paka and he tries to persuade her to call him Koro but she won t stop. |
He feels embarrassed and ashamed. We are told that he stood there thunderstruck looking for somewhere to hide. He is also not comfortable with Kahu calling him Paka and he tries to persuade her to call him Koro but she won t stop. When Koro Apirana is told by Nani flowers that he should not discriminate against women any more, he answers that he doesn t give a hang about women and they haven t got the power. We also learn from Kahu that it is considered a waste of time for a girl to go to university. We learn also that women are discriminated against in the Maori community this in the case of MihiKutukutuku a big chief who descended from Aparui, she was once ordered by a chief to sit down because women were not allowed to stand up and speak on sacred ground. Another instance of discrimination against women from the traditional activities of the Maori tribe is where we are told that fishing is only done by men because it is considered a sacred activity and men are considered to be sacred. Koro Apirana has started a school for boys and discovered three sons from royal bloodlines to whom he intends to pass the mantle of knowledge. He keeps on chasing Kahu away from the boys school meetings and at one incident he hurls her away and cautions Nani to keep her away from the meeting house. In the chieftain test that involves people diving into deep water to retrieve a curved stone dropped there by a priest, only men are involved. Conclusion 2 marksThis must be a summary of the main argument s Marks distribution allocationIntroduction 2 marksContent any four well ill. 3 marks 12 marks 3:3:3:3Linguistic competent 4 marks TOTAL 20 MARKSTHE NOVEL: Witi Ihimaela s - The Whale RiderUsing the novel,The Whale Riderby Witi Ihimaela, show how traditions prevent women from contributing towards society s development. The novel: The Whale Rider. Write a story that portrays Kahu as a child of destiny from birth in the novelThe Whale Rider by Witi IhimaeraThe Novel The whale Rider Witi IhimaeraBoth boys and girls have equal rights to leadership in the society. Write an essay supporting this statement basing your arguments on the novel. The Whale Rider . |
Write a story that portrays Kahu as a child of destiny from birth in the novelThe Whale Rider by Witi IhimaeraThe Novel The whale Rider Witi IhimaeraBoth boys and girls have equal rights to leadership in the society. Write an essay supporting this statement basing your arguments on the novel. The Whale Rider . Witi Thimaera The Whale RiderBasing your illustrations from the text. The Whale Rider by Witi Thimaera, show how gender discrimination has been brought outRACIAL DISCRIMINATIONThis refers to discrimination that is based on skin complexion. This mainly happened at Papua New Guinea where Rawiri had relocated to with Jeff having come from Australia. When they arrived at Jeff s home, his parents are informed that Rawiri was a Maori. But they find too dark. Rawiri says that he could almost hear Clara, Jeff s mother, wondering how she would explain him to other women at the Bridge Club. After staying for some time at Papua New Guinea, Jeff s parents start pushing him out gently. They felt that Rawiri was supposed to consult with his own kind in the clubs and all parties of the expatriates. This throws Rawiri more to the company of the natives. According to the whites In Papua New Guinea, he had broken a cardinal rule and the punishment was ostracism. At one time, the family gets invited to a reception hosted at Port Moresby for a young expatriate couple who had wed. Claranaturally assumed that Rawiri would be left to watch the plantation. Jeff insisted that he should go as he was one of the family. Clara made it obvious that she was embarrassed by Rawiri s presence. Rawiri is saddened to her say to another guest, he s a friend of Jeff s. You know our Jeff, always bringing home dogs and strays. But at least he s not a native. Pg 58 . When Jeff runs over Bernard, their own worker, the family has no qualms leaving him on the road, injured. When Rawiri tries to move out to help him, he is told by Clara to leave him alone because he was only a native! Tom himself told Rawiri to try to understand . Jeff whimpers and starts the car. When Rawiri forcefully yanks the door open, Clara yells to Jeff to leave him there and that is what they do. |
Tom himself told Rawiri to try to understand . Jeff whimpers and starts the car. When Rawiri forcefully yanks the door open, Clara yells to Jeff to leave him there and that is what they do. When the inquest is done, the verdict was that: it was an accident, of course. A native walking carelessly on the side of the road. And it could have happened to anybody. Rawiri wondered whether he would be the next. Within a month he leaves the country and went back to New Zealand. FAMILY RELATIONSThe author gives prominence to family and family relationships in the story. The Maori tribe is said to have originated from a mystical man from the sea. This man was Kahutia Te Rangi and his spears that ensured family stability. Koro Apirana and Nani Flowers run their homestead with a firmness that holds the family together. Porourangi, the oldest grandson of Koro, stays outside the city but maintains a close touch with the family back home. He keeps on informing them about his new family development. He calls to tell them of the birth of his first born, a girl Kahu. Everybody celebrates except Koro Apirana who wanted a boy for a great grand child to be the custodian of Maori culture. Family relations are heightened when Kahu s afterbirth and birth cord are brought to be buried in her ancestral home. This is to reconcile her with Whangara people, her father s family. The cord is picked by Nani Flowers and the boys from the airport and buried in front of the meeting house. The naming of children also strengthens family relations. Rehua named the child after their ancestor, Kahutia Te Rangi, so that if she Rehua died the child would be linked to her father s people and land. Her birth cord is buried on the earth Marae, their village since Kahu has Porourangi and Old Paikea s blood. Family relationship is further developed through the characters in the story. Rawiri purposely narrates to us the mutual relationship between the extended family members. He reveals the deep bond of love and culture holding the family together.no wonder Porourangi who is staying in South Island updates his family of his developments. Rawiri also communicates with his family while in diaspora. |
Rawiri purposely narrates to us the mutual relationship between the extended family members. He reveals the deep bond of love and culture holding the family together.no wonder Porourangi who is staying in South Island updates his family of his developments. Rawiri also communicates with his family while in diaspora. At the end of the story even Koro Apirana who had not appreciated Kahu because of being a girl, embraces her as the best grandchild in the whole wide world, boy or girl, it doesn t matter pg 121 .BETRAYALThis is the act of betraying someone who trusts you. The ancient whale together with the golden master had established a very close relationship ever since the golden master rescued the whale when it was small. One day Kahutia Te Rangi requested the ancient whale to accompany him to take gifts of Hawaiki to the people of Whangara. While there the golden master gets married and starts a family. He tells the whale to return to the kingdom of Tangaroa and live with his own kind. The whale felt betrayed by the golden master for bringing to an end the close relationship they had the heartache of the separation has never left the whale pg 77 .Koro Apirana betrayed Kahu by failing to acknowledge her just because she was a girl. The moment she was born, he got disgusted and said that he will have nothing to do with her. Although Kahu craves for his love, Koro pushes her away at every opportunity he gets. As a girl, Kahu is of use to Koro Apirana. Pg 10, 91 .When Jeff hit a man Bernard on the road and leaves him for dead, Rawiri who had treated him a best friend feels betrayed. It pained Rawiri that a friend he had could react to the assumptions of his culture. He wondered whether he would be the next victim. This is one of the events that made him start thinking of going back home. |
FORM I1.0.0 Introduction to Agriculture 8 Lessons 2.0.0 Factors Influencing Agriculture 24 Lessons 3.0.0. Farm Tools And Equipment 7 Lessons 4.0.0 Crop Production I Land Preparation 7 Lessons 5.0.0 Water Supply, Irrigation And Drainage 10 Lessons 6.0.0 Soil Fertility I Organic Manures 6 Lessons 7.0.0 Livestock Production I Common Breeds 7 Lessons 8.0.0 Agricultural Economics I Basic Concepts and Farm Records 7 Lessons Introduction to AgricultureDefinition of AgricultureAgriculture is the science and art of cultivation of crops and rearing of livestock. As a science, it involves experimentation and application of scientific knowledge in such areas as;Soil analysis,Control of pests and diseases,Farm machinery and structures,Crop and livestock breeding. As an art, it involves the use of learned skills in;Tilling the land,Construction,Measurement,Harvesting of crops,Feeding and handling of livestockMarketing. Branches of AgricultureCrop Farming Arable Farming The practice of growing crops on cultivated land. It is subdivided into:Field crops Cultivation:maize, beans, potatoes, coffee, tea, cotton to name but a few. Horticulture:It involves the growing of perishable crops which have high value. It is further subdivided into:Floriculture - the growing of flowers. Olericulture - the growing of vegetables. Pomoculture - the growing of fruits. Livestock FarmingThis branch deals with the rearing of livestock for various products. It is further subdivided into:Pastoralism: This is the rearing of mammalian livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs and camels. Fish Farming Aquaculture : This is the practice of rearing fish and other aquatic organisms , in ponds. Bee Keeping Apiculture : This involves the rearing of bees in structures known as beehives. Poultry Keeping: This is the keeping of domesticated birds. Agricultural EconomicsIt deals with the allocation of scarce resources land, labour, capital and management for agricultural production. Agricultural EngineeringThis branch of agriculture deals with the use and maintenance of farm tools, machinery and structures. |
Poultry Keeping: This is the keeping of domesticated birds. Agricultural EconomicsIt deals with the allocation of scarce resources land, labour, capital and management for agricultural production. Agricultural EngineeringThis branch of agriculture deals with the use and maintenance of farm tools, machinery and structures. Farming SystemsA farming system is the organization of the various enterprises in a farm. It is determined by the following factors:Resources available land, labour, capital and management . Skills of the farmer. Environmental factors such as climate, soil type and topography. Government policy. Farmer's choice and preference. Enterprise requirement. Social-cultural factors. The following are systems of farming:Extensive System:It is a system where a large piece of land with low investment of resources per unit area is carried out. AdvantagesIt is cheap. Does not require high level of management. Requires less labour. DisadvantagesLow profit per unit area. Cannot be practiced where land is limited. Low output per unit area. The land is under-utilized,Intensive Farming:This system utilizes the factors of production to the maximum and involves high level of management. AdvantagesMaximum utilization of the resources. Can be practiced even where land is a limiting factor. Results in high yields. DisadvantagesLabour intensive. High capital investment is required. Requires high level of management. Can lead to high loses in case of poor management. Large Scale FarmingRefers to the farming practice under large areas of land over 20 hectares. It is used mainly for commercial purposes. The system is highly mechanized. AdvantagesResults in high yields. Due to economics of scale high profit is realized. DisadvantagesLack of diversification may lead to total failure in case of unfavorable conditions. High level of management is required. Heavy capital investment. Requires skilled and qualified manpower. Small Scale FarmingRefers to farming carried out on a small area of land less than 5 hectares. Family or casual labour can be engaged during the peak periods. Most of the Kenyan farmers are small scale due to unavailability of farmland. AdvantagesRequires low capital investment. Possible where land is a limiting factor. Does not require high management level unless under intensive system. DisadvantagesUneconomical 10 mechanize due to small size. Low production. Provides limited employment. Labour intensive. Difficult to specialize. |
Provides limited employment. Labour intensive. Difficult to specialize. Methods of FarmingA method of farming is an established way of carrying out farming activities. The following are the common methods of farming:Mixed FarmingIt is the practice of growing crops and keeping of livestock on the same land. Its common in high potential areas. AdvantagesMutual benefit between crops and livestock. Crops supply feed for animals while animals supply manure for crops. Acts as an insurance against total loss by the farmer. The farmer is assured of an income throughout the year. There is maximum utilization of the resources. Animals can be used in the farm activities particularly draught animals. Ensures proper utilization of labour and land throughout the year. DisadvantagesHigh initial capital. Lack of specialization. Land can be a limiting factor if both enterprises are to be raised. Requires high level of management for both enterprises. Nomadic-PastoralismThis is the practice of livestock rearing whereby animals are moved from one place to another in search of water and pastures. It is practiced in the arid and semi-arid areas where in most cases beef animals are kept. Nomadic pastoralism is gradually changing to ranching with the introduction of:Improved pasture species, improved livestock breeds and supplementary feeding. Efficient disease and parasite control measures. Improved infra-structure such as roads, water supply, cattle dipping facilities. Extension services. AdvantagesServes as the backbone of beef industry in Kenya. Proper way of utilizing the arid and semi arid areas. Source of income to the pastoral communities. DisadvantagesIt encourages the spread of livestock pests and diseases due to communal watering points, grazing and dipping facilities. There is a tendency to increased soil erosion and land degradation. Source of conflicts and ethnic tension among the nomadic communities for the control of good pastures and water. Difficult to control breeding and breeding diseases. High rate of inbreeding leading to poor quality livestock. Low production of milk, meat, hides and skins due to wastage of energy in traveling from one place to another in search of pastures and water. High death rates as a result of walking for long distances. Shifting CultivationIt is a traditional method of cultivating a piece of land until the soil is exhausted and crop yields decline. The land is abandoned and the farmer shifts to a new field as the previous land is left fallow to regain its fertility. AdvantagesLand is allowed to rest and regain its fertility. |
Shifting CultivationIt is a traditional method of cultivating a piece of land until the soil is exhausted and crop yields decline. The land is abandoned and the farmer shifts to a new field as the previous land is left fallow to regain its fertility. AdvantagesLand is allowed to rest and regain its fertility. No build up of pests and diseases. Soil structure is restored. The cost of production is low since inorganic fertilizers and pesticides are not used. Crop produce are chemical free. DisadvantagesNot practical where land is a limiting factor. Farm planning and acquisition of credits for land development is 'not possible. It is a cumbersome method due to constant movement. Lack of soil conservation measuresNot possible to grow perennial crops. Low output per unit area due to poor farming methods. Where fire is used to clear the land organic matter is destroyed. Organic FarmingIt is a fanning method where crops are grown and livestock reared without the use of agrochemicals. It is a method of farming which has been adopted to reduce the long term effect of the agro-chemicals on crops which may eventually end up in man and livestock. Agro-chemicals are also expensive thus organic farming reduces the cost of production. Organically produced goods fetch high market prices. AdvantagesCheap and cost effective. Make use of the locally available materialsUseful in improving the soil structures. No side effects from the crops and livestock products. No environmental pollution. Agro-ForestryThis is the practice of integrating trees and crops on the same piece of land. With land resources becoming more scarce, agroforestry is becoming more important. Examples of common agroforestry trees and shrubs include:Cajanus cajanGrevillea robustaSesbania sesbanCalliandra calothyrsusCasuarina equisetifoliaLeucaena leucocephalaTrees selected for agroforestry should have the following characteristics:Able to grow fast. Deep roots to minimize competition for nutrients. Should be preferably leguminous. AdvantagesTrees reduce soil erosion in a given area. Leguminous trees add nitrates into the soil thus improving the soil fertility. Some trees can be used as livestock fodder to provide a high level of proteins. They are important sources of wood fuel and timber. There is maximum utilization of land. |
Some trees can be used as livestock fodder to provide a high level of proteins. They are important sources of wood fuel and timber. There is maximum utilization of land. Importance of Agriculture to the Economy of KenyaProvides food to the population to meet nutritional requirements and to enable man to engage in other activities of farming. Provides employment. This for example can be direct as a labourer in the farm, tea plucker or indirect for example, working in agricultural based industries. Source of raw materials for industries for example cotton lint for textile industry. Provides foreign exchange - through exporting agricultural produce. Provides market for industrial goods agriculture is a consumer of the finished goods from agro-based industries. Source of income - farmers as well as the government get revenue from the sale of agricultural produce and tax payment. Factors Influencing AgricultureIntroductionAgricultural production is influenced by external factors:Human factorsBiotic factorsClimatic factorsEdaphic factors. Human FactorsThese are human characteristics which affect the way decisions are made and operations carried out. Level of education and technology:SkillsTechnological ad van cements . Human health HIV-AIDS:These affect the strength, the vigour, vision and the determinationto work. HIV AIDS is the biggest threat to human health today and has longlasting effects on agriculture, such as;Shortage of farm labour. Loss of family support. Low living standards leading to despondency and hopelessness. Increased criminal activities. More time spent by the Government and NGO's in Carring for the sick. Economy;Stability in the countries' economy affect agricultural production. Government Policy:These are governmental laws which have been enacted to protect farmers, land and livestock. They include:Food policyPolicies on control of livestock parasites and diseases. Policies on marketing of both local and export products and others. Transport and communication:For agricultural goods to move from the farm to the consumers. Cultural practices and religious beliefs:These activities hinder important changes in a society that may bring agricultural development. Market forces:Demand and supply forces which affect prices of commodities in a free market. Biotic FactorsThese are living organisms which affect agricultural production. Pests - Destructive organisms which destroy crops. Parasites - These are invertebrates which live in or on other living organisms. Decomposers - Organisms which act on plants and animal tissues to form manure. Pathogens - Micro-organisms which cause diseases. |
Parasites - These are invertebrates which live in or on other living organisms. Decomposers - Organisms which act on plants and animal tissues to form manure. Pathogens - Micro-organisms which cause diseases. Predators - Animals that kill and feed on other animals. Pollinators - They transfer pollen grains from the stamens to the pistil of a flower. Nitrogen fixing bacteria -They are micro-organisms which convert atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates ready for use by the plants. Climatic Factors weather elements . Rainfall,Temperature,Wind,Relative humidityLight. Weather - Atmospheric conditions of a place at a given time period. Climate - weather conditions of a place observed and recorded for a period of 30-40 years. RainfallSupplies Water:Which is necessary for the life process in plants and animals. Which makes the plant turgid hence provides support. Acts as a solvent for plant nutrients. Cools the plant during transpiration. Which is used as a raw material in photosynthesis. When plants lack enough water they respond in different ways as follows:By closing the stomata to restrict water loss. Hastens maturity. Some will roll their leaves. Other plants have developed permanent adaptation to water stress such as:Growing needle like leaves. Develop fleshy leaves for water storage. Develop long roots. Wilting and death in extreme conditions. Important Aspects of Rainfall:Rainfall reliability;This is the dependency on the timing of the onset of the rains. Amount of rainfall;Quantity of rain that falls in a given area within a given year. Rainfall distribution ;The number of wet months in a year. Rainfall intensity;Amount of rainfall that falls in an area within a period of 1 hour. TemperatureThis is the degree of hotness or coldness of a place measured in degrees Celsius. Cardinal range of temperature is the temperature required by plant to grow and thrive well. Optimum range of temperatures - the best temperature for the best performance of plants. Effects of Temperatures on Crop Production:Low temperatures:Slow the growth rate of crops due to slowed photosynthesis and respiration. High incidences of disease infection. Improves quality of crops such as tea and pyrethrum. High TemperaturesIncrease evaporation rate leading toWilting. Hastens the maturity of crops. Increase disease and pest infection. Improves quality of crops such as pineapples, oranges and pawpaws. |
Hastens the maturity of crops. Increase disease and pest infection. Improves quality of crops such as pineapples, oranges and pawpaws. WindWind is moving air. Good effects of wind include:Seed dispersalCooling of landPollination in cropsBrings rain bearing cloudsNegative effects of wind:Increases the rate of evaporation of water. Causes lodging of cereals and distorts perennial crops. Increases evapo-transpiration. Spreads diseases and pests. Destroys farm structures. Relative humidityThe amount of water vapour in the airAffects the rate of evapo-transpiration. Forms dew which supplies soil with moisture under dry conditions. High humidity induce rooting in cuttings. Increases disease multiplication and spread. LightProvide radiant energy harnessed by green plant for photosynthesis. Important aspects of light:Light intensity ;The strength with which light is harnessed by chlorophyll for photosynthesis. Light duration;The period during which light is available to plants per day. Plant response to light duration is known as photoperiodism. Short-day plants - require less than 12 hours of daylight to flower and seed. Long-day plants - require more than 12 hours of daylight to flower and seed. Day-neutral plants require 12 hours of daylight to flower and seed. Light wavelength;This is the distance between two - successive crests of a wavelength. It dictates the difference between natural and artificial light. Chlorophyll absorbs certain wavelengths of light. Edaphic Factors Influencing AgricultureThese are soil factors. Soil is the natural material that covers the surface of the earth,Made of weathered rock particles and decomposed animal and plant tissues, and on which plants grow. Importance of SoilProvides anchorage to the plants by holding their roots firmly. Provides plants with mineral salts nutrients which are necessary for their growth. Provide the plants with water. Contains oxygen necessary for respiration of the plants and soil micro-organisms. Soil Formation:Soil is formed through weathering process. Weathering is the breakdown and alteration of the parent rock near the surface of the earth to a stable substance. Weathering process is a combination of disintegration breakdown and synthesis build up process. Weathering process is continuous. Types of WeatheringPhysical weatheringChemical weatheringBiological weatheringAgents of WeatheringPhysical Agents of WeatheringInclude wind, water, moving ice and temperature. |
Weathering process is a combination of disintegration breakdown and synthesis build up process. Weathering process is continuous. Types of WeatheringPhysical weatheringChemical weatheringBiological weatheringAgents of WeatheringPhysical Agents of WeatheringInclude wind, water, moving ice and temperature. Wind - carry materials which hit against each other to break into fragments. Water - intensity of rainfall causes breakdown of rock. Moving ice - has grinding effects which tear off rock particles. Extreme temperature cause rocks to expand and contract suddenly peeling off their surface. Chemical WeatheringAffects the chemical composition and structure of the rock. Involves processes such as ;Hydrolysis,Hydration,CarbonationOxidation. Hydration;The process by which soluble minerals in the rocks absorb water and expand weakening the rock thus leading to disintegration. Hydrolysis;The process whereby water dissolves soluble minerals in the rock weakening it. Oxidation;The reaction of rock minerals with oxygen to form oxides which break easily. Carbonation;The process whereby carbonic acids formed when rain water dissolves carbon dioxide,It reacts with calcium carbonates in limestone causing it to disintegrate. Biological WeatheringThis involves the action of living organisms, plants and animals on the rocks. Burrowing animals, for example, termites and moles bring soil particles to the surface exposing them to other agents of weathering. Big animals like, elephants, buffaloes, camels and cattle exert a lot of pressure on the rocks as they step on them due to their heavy weights causing the rocks to disintegrate. Earthworms take part in the decomposition of plant matter with the soil particles. Man's activities like, mining and quarrying expose rocks to the surface during excavation. These activities breakdown large rocks into smaller rock particles. Plant roots force their way through the cracks in the rocks thus widening and splitting them. Humic acids formed when plant tissues decompose react with the rocks weakening them further. Plant remains-decompose adding humus into the soil. Factors influencing soil formationClimate- rainfall, temperature and wind Biotic factors - living organisms. Parent material- Nature and properties of the original rock from which the soil is formed. Time - length of time during which the soil forming processes have taken place. Topography - influences the movement of disintegrated materials. |
Parent material- Nature and properties of the original rock from which the soil is formed. Time - length of time during which the soil forming processes have taken place. Topography - influences the movement of disintegrated materials. It is the vertical arrangement of different layers of soil from the ground surface to the bedrock. These layers are also referred to as horizons. The layers show differences in their contents and physical properties such as colour, texture and structure. The layers include: organic matter region, top soil, sub-soil, weathered rocks and parent material. Organic Matter RegionFirst layer of the soil found on the surface. Made up of leaves and other plant remains at various stages of decomposition. Some soil organisms may also be found here. Top SoilHas a dark colour due to the presence of humus. Is rich in plant nutrients and well aerated. It is a zone of maximum leaching zone of eluviations Sub-SoilIt is compact and less aerated. It is a zone of accumulation of leached material zone of aluviation from the top layers. Deep rooted crops have their roots growing up to this region. Hard pans normally form in this layerWeathered RocksIt is also called substratum. Rocks at various stages of disintegration are found in this zone. Most of the materials found in this zone originate from the parent rock. Parent RockIt exists as a solid mass which is un-weathered. It is the source of the inorganic composition of the soil. The water table is on the surface of this rock. Soils Formed in Situ and Soils DepositedSoil formed in the same place and remains there is said to be in situ. However, soil can be formed due to deposition of soil particles carried from its original site of formation to another area which is usually in the lower areas of slopes. Such soils are said to have been formed through deposition. Soil DepthThis is the distance between top soil layer and the bottom soil layer in a profile. It dictates root penetration and growthDeep soils are more suitable for crop growth since they contain more nutrients. Have a larger surface are for root expansion. Deep soils facilitate good drainage and aeration. Soil ConstituentsOrganic Matter - Dead and decaying plants and animal remainsLiving Organisms - Soil organisms and plant roots. |
Have a larger surface are for root expansion. Deep soils facilitate good drainage and aeration. Soil ConstituentsOrganic Matter - Dead and decaying plants and animal remainsLiving Organisms - Soil organisms and plant roots. Micro-organisms bacteria, protozoa and fungi Invertebrates -termites,Earthworms and molluscs. Higher animals - rodents and others. Inorganic or Mineral MatterFormed from the parent materials. Supply plant nutrientsForm the skeleton and framework of the soil. AirFound in the pore spaces of the soil. Used for root and organism respirationUsed for germination of seeds. Helps in decomposition of organic matter. Regulates soil temperature. Regulates the movement of water through capillary action. WaterDissolves mineral saltsMaintain turgidity in plants. Used for germination of seedsUsed by soil organisms. Regulate soil temperatureDictates the amount of air in the soil. Water in the soil exists in three forms namely:Superfluous Gravitational WaterFound in the large spaces macro-pores in the soil particles. Held by gravitation forces. When the pores are saturated, the soil is said to be waterlogged. It moves and may cause leaching. Hygroscopic WaterWater found in thin films on the soil particles. Held by strong adhesive forces between water and soil particles. Does not move and hence not available for plant use. Capillary WaterOccupy micro-pores in the soil particles. Held by cohesive forces between water molecules. Moves through capillary actionAvailable to plants for use. Soil StructureThis is the arrangement of soil particles in a soil horizon. Types of Soil Structure Single-grainedCrumbyGranularPrismaticColumnarPlatyBlockyImportance of Soil Structure on Crop ProductionSoil Structure InfluencesSoil aerationSoil drainage and water holding capacity. Plants root penetrability and anchorage. Microbial activities in the soil. Circulation of gases in the soil. Farming practices which improve the soil structure are:Application of inorganic manure into the soil. Tilling the land at the right moisture content. Crop rotation. Minimum tillage. Cover cropping. Mulching. Soil TextureIt refers to the relative proportion of the various sizes of the mineral particles of soil. |
Cover cropping. Mulching. Soil TextureIt refers to the relative proportion of the various sizes of the mineral particles of soil. Importance of Soil Texture on Crop Production;Influences soil fertilityAffects the organic matter contentInfluences the drainage of the soil. Influences soil aeration. Influences water holding capacity. Influences the capillarity or movement of water in the soil. Soil Textural ClassesSandy SoilsMade up largely of sand particles. Have large pore spaces hence poor in water retention. Easy to till light soils . Freely draining. Low fertility due to leaching of minerals. Easily erodible. Clayey SoilsMade up largely of clayey particles. Have small pore spaces hence good in moisture retention. Difficult to till heavy soils . Poorly 'drained. Expand when wet, crack when dry. High capillary. Rich in plant nutrients. Loam SoilsAbout equal amounts of sand and clay. Moderately good in both moisture and air retention. Fertile soils. Soil ColourThis depends on the, mineral composition of the parent rock and the organic matter content. Soils containing a lot of iron are brownish, yellowing and reddish in colour. Soils with a lot of silica are white. Soils with a lot of humus are dark or grey. Soil pHThis refers to the acidity or alkalinity of the soil solution the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil solution. Soil pH is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions H or the hydroxyl ions OH in the soil solution. A pH of less than 7 means that the soil is acidic. A pH of more than 7 means that the soil is alkaline. As the hydroxyl ions OH in the soil increase the soil becomes more alkaline. Influence of Soil pH Crop GrowthIt determines the type of crop to be grown in a particular area. Most crops are affected by either very acidic or very basic soil pH. Soil pH affects the choice of fertilizers and the availability of nutrients to crops. At low pH the concentration of available iron and aluminium in the soil solution may increase to toxic levels, which is harmful to plants. Very acidic or low pH inhibit the activity of soil micro-organisms. Farm Tools and EquipmentIntroductionFarm tools and equipment perform specific jobs in the farm. They make work easier and more efficient. |
Very acidic or low pH inhibit the activity of soil micro-organisms. Farm Tools and EquipmentIntroductionFarm tools and equipment perform specific jobs in the farm. They make work easier and more efficient. They can be classified according to their uses as follows:Garden Tools and EquipmentLivestock Production Tools and EquipmentWorkshop Tools and EquipmentPlumbing and Masonry ToolsCare and Maintenance of Tools and EquipmentReasons for MaintenanceTo increase durability. To increase efficiency. Reduce costs of replacement. For safety of the user avoid accidents. Avoid damage to the tool. MethodsUse tools for the right work. Proper handling when using tools or equipment. Clean and oil tools after work. Keep tools in there right place. Replace and repair worn-out partsSharpen cutting or digging edgesGrease moving parts to reduce frictionUse safety devices in the workshop to reduce accidents and breakagesCROP PRODUCTION 1 Land Preparation IntroductionA piece of land which is prepared is known as seedbed. A seedbed is a piece of land that is prepared ready to receive planting materials. Seedbed PreparationReasons for Seedbed Preparation;To enable water to infiltrate. To kill weedsTo improve soil aeration. To destroy pests and diseases. To incorporate organic matter in the soil. For easy planting. To facilitate root penetration. Operations in Land PreparationLand ClearingClearing of land is necessary when:Opening up a virgin land. A stalk growing crop was previously planted. There is long interval between primary and secondary cultivation. Land was left fallow for a long time. ProcedureTree felling and removal of stumps and roots. BurningSlashingUse of chemicals. Note: Burning should be avoided where possible since it;Leads to loss of organic matter,Kills soil organismsDestroys soil structure and plant nutrients. Primary CultivationThis is the initial breaking of land. It is done early before the onset of the rains to:Give time for soil organisms to act on organic matter. Allow gaseous exchange to take place, thus carbon dioxide diffuses out of the soil while oxygen enters into the soil. Allow other operations to take place in time. Reasons for primary cultivation:Remove weeds. Burry organic matter. Open up soil for infiltration of water and air. Expose pests and disease causing organisms. Soften the soil for easy planting. |
Open up soil for infiltration of water and air. Expose pests and disease causing organisms. Soften the soil for easy planting. Operations in primary cultivationHand digging ;Use of hand tools ;Jembes,Mattocks,Fork-jembes. Mechanical cultivation ;Use of mouldboard ploughs;Disc ploughs,Chisel ploughs,SubsoilersRippers. Use of Ox-Ploughs ;Which can be drawn by;Oxen,Donkeys,CamelsDepth of CultivationDepends on:The type of crop to be planted size of seed. The implements available. The type of soil. Choice of ImplementDetermined by:The condition of land. The type of tilth required type of crop. Depth of cultivation. Secondary TillageThese are refinement practices on the seedbed that follow primary cultivation. It is also known as harrowing. Reasons for secondary Tillage:To remove the germinating weeds. To break soil clods to produce required tilth. To level the seedbed for uniform planting. To incorporate organic matter manure into the soil. Factors determining number of secondary cultivation:Soil moisture content. Size of the planting materials. Condition of the soil after primary cultivation. Slope of the land. Tertiary Operations:Ridging ;The process of digging soil on a continuous line and heaping on one side to produce a furrow and a bund ridge . It is important for root crops, to allow root expansion and for soil and water conservation. Rolling:It is the compaction of the soil to produce a firm surface which increases seed-soil contact and prevents wind erosion. Levelling;Production of an even, uniform surface which promotes uniform planting. Subsoiling:This is deep cultivation into the subsoil layer to break up any hardpan which might have developed. It is done for the following reasons:-To facilitate drainage. Bring up leached nutrients to the surface. Increase aeration of the soil. To improve root penetration. The implements used include chisel plough and subsoilers. Minimum Tillage:This is the application of a combination of farming practices with the aim of reducing the disturbance of the soil. Examples of which include:Use of herbicides. Mulching and cover-cropping. Timely operations to prevent weed infestation. Strip cultivation. Uprooting and slashing of weeds. Reasons for Minimum TillageTo reduce cost of cultivation. To control soil erosion. |
Uprooting and slashing of weeds. Reasons for Minimum TillageTo reduce cost of cultivation. To control soil erosion. To preserve soil moisture. To prevent root exposure and damage. To reconstruct destroyed soil structure. Water Supply, Irrigation and DrainageIntroductionWater is a very important natural resource. It is necessary for both crops and livestock. Uses of water in the farm;Cleaning equipment. Irrigation in dry areas. Processing farm produce, for example, coffee. Drinking by livestock and man. Mixing agro-chemicals such as acaricide, fungicides and herbicides. Providing power in water mills to grind grain crops. Cooling engines. Construction work. Sources of Water in the FarmThree major sources of water in the farm:Surface water:Includes water from;Rivers,StreamsDams. Ground water:Includes water from;Springs,WellsBoreholes. Rain water:This is water tapped in various ways such as;RooftopsRock surface, when it is raining and stored in various ways. Collection and Storage of WaterDams:These are structures constructed across rivers and channels. They collect and store water for use during the dry season. Weirs:These are structures constructed across rivers to raise the water level for easy pumping. Unlike in the dams water flows over the barrier created across the river. Water Tanks:These are structures made of concrete, stone, metal sheets and plastics. They store water from rain or that which has been pumped from other sources. Tanks should be covered to prevent contamination from dust. Pumps and Pumping of WaterPumping is the lifting of water from one point to another by use of mechanical force. Water is pumped from the various sources and then conveyed to where it is required for use or storage. Types of Water PumpsUsed to lift water from its source. Centrifugal pumpsPiston or reciprocating pumpsSemi-rotary pumps andHydramConveyance of WaterThis is the process of moving water from one point, usually the source or point of storage to where it will be used or stored. Piping;This is where water is moved through pipes. The common types of pipes include:Metal pipesPlastic pipesHose pipesUse of Containers:In this case water is drawn and put in containers . Drums, jerry cans, pots, gourds, tanks and buckets . |
Piping;This is where water is moved through pipes. The common types of pipes include:Metal pipesPlastic pipesHose pipesUse of Containers:In this case water is drawn and put in containers . Drums, jerry cans, pots, gourds, tanks and buckets . Which are carried by animals, bicycles, human beings and vehicles. Use of Canals:In this case water is conveyed from a high point to a lower one along a gradual slope to avoid soil erosion. Water conveyed through this way is mostly used for irrigation and livestock. Water TreatmentRaw water contains impurities which may be dissolved, floating or suspended in water. These impurities are grouped into three categories, namely:Physical impurities: these are dissolved impurities detected by colour, taste and smell. Chemical impurities: these are dissolved impurities detected by use of chemical analysis. Biological impurities: these are microorganisms in water such as bacteria, viruses and algae. Importance of Treating WaterTo kill disease causing microorganisms such as cholera and typhoid bacteria that thrive in dirty water. To remove chemical impurities such as excess fluoride which may be harmful to human beings. To remove smells and bad taste. To remove sediments of solid particles such as soil, sand and sticks. Methods of Treating WaterAeration: this is the removal of smell and odour from water by fine spraying or bubbling of air. Sedimentation: this is where water is put in large containers so that solid particles such as sand, metal and others can settle at the bottom. Filtration: this is passing water through fine granular materials to remove solid particles and biological substances. Coagulation: addition of chemicals which precipitate impurities and help in softening of hard water. Chlorination: Sterilization to destroy disease causing organisms. IrrigationIt is the artificial application of water to crops in dry areas or where water is not enough. It is one of the methods of land reclamation in case of arid and semi arid areas. Factors to Consider in Identifying and Assessing the Potential of Land for Irrigation DevelopmentTopography of the landSoil typeType of crop to be grownWater availabilityHuman factors such as skill, capital availability and economic activities. Types of IrrigationSurface irrigation:This includes flood irrigation and basin irrigation. It is used in flat areas. The problem with this method is loss of water through seepage. |
Types of IrrigationSurface irrigation:This includes flood irrigation and basin irrigation. It is used in flat areas. The problem with this method is loss of water through seepage. It also increases soil salinity. Sub-surface Irrigation:This involves the use of porous pipes or perforated pipes. It is used in slopy areas and where water is inadequate. Overhead or Sprinkler Irrigation:It is used in any area which is not steep. Drip or Trickle Irrigation:It is used where water is little and in relatively sloppy and flat areas. DrainageThis is a method of removing excess water or lowering the water table from a marshy water-logged land. It is also a method of land reclamation. Importance of Drainage as a Method of Land ReclamationTo increase soil aeration. To raise soil temperature. To increase microbial activities in the soil. To reduce toxic substances from the soil. To increase soil volume for exploitation by plant roots. Methods of DrainageUse of open ditches. Use of underground drain pipes. French drains. Cambered beds. Pumping out water from the soil. Planting tree species which absorb a lot of water for example eucalyptus. Water PollutionThis is the process by which harmful substances get into the water. The harmful substance is referred to as a pollutant. Agricultural practices which pollute water include:Use of inorganic fertilizers. Use of pesticides. Poor cultivation practices such as over cultivation, cultivating along the river banks. Overgrazing which leads to erosion of soil thus causing siltation in water sources. Methods of Preventing Water PollutionSoil conservation measures which minimize soil losses through erosion. Fencing off the water sources. Adopting organic farming practices for example controlling pests and weed using non-chemical techniques. Planting grass along river banks to minimize siltation in rivers. Proper disposal of empty chemical containers. Soil Fertility I Organic Manures IntroductionSoil fertility is the ability of the soil to provide crops with the required nutrients in their proper proportions. Characteristics of a Fertile SoilGood depth - Good soils give roots greater volume to obtain plant nutrients and provide strong anchorage. Good aeration - for the respiration of plant roots and use by soil organisms. Good water holding capacity - ensures provision of adequate water for plant growth. Proper drainage - ensures provision of adequate air for plant growth. |
Good aeration - for the respiration of plant roots and use by soil organisms. Good water holding capacity - ensures provision of adequate water for plant growth. Proper drainage - ensures provision of adequate air for plant growth. Correct soil pH - different crops have different soil pH requirements. Adequate nutrients supply - it should supply the required nutrients in the correct amounts and in a form available to plants. Free from excessive infestation of soil borne pests and diseases. How soil loses fertilityLeaching: vertical movement of dissolved minerals from the top to the lower horizons of the soil profile. Soil erosion - The removal and carrying away of the top fertile soil from one place to another. Monocropping - This is the practice of growing one type of crop on a piece' of a land over a long time. Continuous cropping - crops take away a lot of nutrients from the soil which are never returned. Growing crops continuously without giving the soil time to rest makes the soil infertile. Change in soil pH - changes in soil pH affect the activity of soil microorganisms as well as the availability of soil nutrients. Burning of vegetation - burning of vegetation cover destroys organic matter. It also exposes the soil to the agents of soil erosion. Accumulation of salts - soils with a lot of salts are said to be saline. State of having too much salt in the soil is referred to as soil salinity. Salts accumulation cause water deficiency in plants. It may also lead to change in soil pH. Maintenance of Soil FertilitySoil fertility is maintained through the following methods:Control of Soil Erosion ;Terracing,Contour cultivation,Strip cropping,Cut off drainsPlanting cover crops. Crop Rotation ;Practice of growing different crops on the same field in different seasons in an orderly sequence. Control of Soil pH :Application of liming materials such as limestone, quicklime, magnesium carbonate and slaked lime if the soil is acidic. Application of acidic fertilizers if the soil is alkaline. Application of manures. Proper drainage;Done through:Breaking hard pan. Construction of water channels. Growing crops on cambered bedPumping out water from the soil. Weed control:Use of herbicides. SlashingUprooting. MulchingUse of proper farming practices such as early planting, correct spacing and cover crops. Intercropping Farming practice where different crops species are grown together in the field. Minimum Tillage;Use of herbicides. Uprooting of weeds. |
Intercropping Farming practice where different crops species are grown together in the field. Minimum Tillage;Use of herbicides. Uprooting of weeds. Slashing weedsMulchingStrip cultivation. Use of Inorganic Fertilizer ;Chemical compounds manufactured to apply specific plant nutrients for example calcium ammonium nitrate CAN . Use of Manure;Well decomposed manures release nutrients into the soil and increase its water holding capacity. Organic ManuresManures are derived from plants and animal remains. They supply organic matter to the soil which after decomposition releases plant nutrients. The end product of this decomposition is known as humus. It influences soil chemical properties and soil temperature. Manures supply a wide range of essential plant nutrients. Importance of Organic Matter in the SoilIncreases the soil water holding capacity of the soil. Improves soil fertility by releasing a wide range of nutrients into the soil. Provides food and shelter for soil micro-organisms. Improves the soil structure. Buffers soil pH moderates soil pH. Reduces the toxicity of plant poisons in the soil. Moderates soil temperature by its dark colour. Limitations in the Use of ManureThey are bulky - low nutritive value per unit volume. Laborious in application and transport. They spread diseases, pests and weeds. Loss of nutrients if poorly stored. If not fully decomposed crops may not benefit from them. Types of Organic ManuresGreen manure. Farm yard manure. Compost manureGreen ManureMade from green plants which are grown for the purpose of incorporating into the soil. Characteristics of plants used for preparation for green manure:Have fast growth rates. Have high nitrogen content. Capable of rotting quickly. Capable of growing in poor conditions. Preparation of Green ManurePlant the green manure crop in the field. Allow the crop to grow up to flowering stage. Incorporate it into the soil through ploughing. Allow the crop to decompose for two weeks. Prepare the field for planting the major crop. Reasons why green manure is not commonly used limitations:Most of the plants used as green manure are food crops. Green manure crops may use most of the soil moisture. Most of the nutrients are used up by soil micro-organisms in the process of decomposing the green manure. Planting of the major crop is delayed. |
Green manure crops may use most of the soil moisture. Most of the nutrients are used up by soil micro-organisms in the process of decomposing the green manure. Planting of the major crop is delayed. Farm Yard Manure FYM Is a mixture of animal waste and crop residues used as beddings in animal houses. Factors that Determine the Quality of FYMThe types of the animals used. Types of food eatenTypes of litter used. Method of storage. Age of farmyard manure. Age of the animals used. Preparation of FYMProvide beddings in the houses of farm animals. Animals deposit their droppings and urine on the beddings. Animals mix them through trampling. The beddings together with dung are removed and heaped under shed to decompose. After sometime, the materials decompose and FYM is formed. It can then be used in the farmCompost ManureIs manure prepared from heaped composted organic materials. Factors to consider in selecting site for making compost manure:A well drained place. Direction of the prevailing wind. Size of the farm. Accessibility. Preparation of Compost ManureTwo methods:Four heaps methodIndore Method Pit Method Indore Method Pit Method Procedure ;Select a sheltered place with a shade and near the field. Dig a pit with the dimension 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.2m. Place the materials in the following order:Hedge cuttings or maize stalks to a depth of 30cm as a foundationA layer of grass, green weeds or leaves and kitchen wastes to 30cm. A well rotten manure poultry droppings. Wood ash and phosphatic fertilizers. A layer of topsoil to introduce microorganism for the decomposition of organic remains. Note: Some water should be sprinkled to the materials to initiate the decomposition process and regulate temperatures. Four heaps method:ProcedureClear the site. Level the siteFour posts 2m high are fixed 1.2m apart from four corners of the heap. Fix wood planks on the sides. Materials are placed in two heaps as in the pit method,The two heaps make up heap 1. After 3-4 weeks, the decomposed material from heap 1 is transferred to heap II. After another 3 - 4 weeks the material is transferred to heap III. |
Materials are placed in two heaps as in the pit method,The two heaps make up heap 1. After 3-4 weeks, the decomposed material from heap 1 is transferred to heap II. After another 3 - 4 weeks the material is transferred to heap III. After 3-4 weeks it is ready for use in the farm. Indicators of well decomposed manureAbsence of bad odour. Materials are lighter. Manure is brown in colour. Advantages of Compost ManureOne does not have to own livestock in order to prepare it. A lot of manure can be produced within a short time. A variety of materials can be used in its preparation. Uses locally available materials thus cheaper than the artificial fertilizers. Improves the soil structure. Limitations of Compost ManureIt releases nutrients slowly into the soil. Large quantities of compost manure are required to supply enough plant nutrients. Its preparation is labour intensive. It may induce soil-borne pests and diseases. Livestock Production: Common Breeds IntroductionThe term livestock is used to refer to all domesticated animals. These animals include cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, pigs, rabbits, camels, bees, fish and donkeys. The importance of keeping livestock:Source of food. Source of income. Cultural values. Source of animal power. Provision of raw materials for industries. Farmyard manure from the animals is used in maintaining soil fertility. Cattle dung is used in the production of biogas. Cattle BreedsCattle can be classified into two groups based on their origin. These are;Indigenous cattle. Exotic cattle. Indigenous CattleZebus They are small in size and with a distinct hump and include:Nandi,BukediMaasai cattle. The BoranaThese are the cattle kept in the Northern parts of Kenya. They are larger than the Zebus. Indigenous cattle are hardy hence able to tolerate the harsh environmental conditions in the tropics. They are the major suppliers of beef in Kenya. Exotic CattleForeign cattle from the temperate regions. They have distinct breed characteristics and are classified into various breeds. General characteristics:They have no humps. They have low tolerance to high temperatures hence popular in cool climates of the Kenya highlands .. They are highly susceptible to tropical diseases. They have fast growth rates leading to early maturity. |
They have low tolerance to high temperatures hence popular in cool climates of the Kenya highlands .. They are highly susceptible to tropical diseases. They have fast growth rates leading to early maturity. They are good producers of both meat and milk. They cannot walk for long distances. They have short calving intervals of one calf per year if well managed. Exotic cattle breeds fall under the following groups:Dairy cattle breeds. Beef cattle breeds. Dual purpose breeds. Dairy Cattle BreedsThey include;Friesian,Ayrshire,GuernseyJersey. Characteristics of Dairy CattleWedge or triangular in shape. Large stomach. Docile with mild temperament. Large, well suspended udders and teats. Lean bodies. Lean and smooth neck. Large and long mammary milk wells and veins. Cylindrical; uniform and well spaced teats. Wide and well set hindquarters to accommodate the udder. Friesian-Holstein largest of all dairy breeds Origin: HollandColour: Black and whiteSize: Cow weighs 550-680kgs Bull weighs 950 kg. Highest milk producers of all dairy breeds about 9150 kg per lactation but with least butterfat content; 3.5 AyrshireOrigin: ScotlandColour: White with brown markings. Size: Cow weighs 360-590kgs Bulls weighs 500-720kg. Conformation:Straight top lines, horns are long and face upwards. Milk production is second to Friesian about 61OOkg per lactation with butter content of about 4 . GuernseyOrigin: Guernsey Island off the coast of France. Colour: Yellowish brown to red with white legs, switch and girth .. Size: Bulls 540-770kg. Cow weighs 450- 500kgsConformation:Udders are less symmetrical. Average milk production is about 5185kg per lactation with a butterfat content of 4.5 hence the yellow colour of milk. Jersey smallest of all the dairy breeds Origin: EnglandColour: Yellow brown with black muzzle and switch. Size: Bulls weigh 540-700kg. Cow weighs 350-450kgsConformation:Dished forehead, have straight top-line and level rumps with sharp withers. Have protruding black eyes. Average milk production 1270kg per lactation of butterfat content 5 . |
Cow weighs 350-450kgsConformation:Dished forehead, have straight top-line and level rumps with sharp withers. Have protruding black eyes. Average milk production 1270kg per lactation of butterfat content 5 . They tolerate high temperatures. Beef CattleExamples:Aberdeen Angus,Hereford,Shorthorns,Galloway,American Brahman,charolaisSanta Getrudis. Characteristics of Beef CattleBlocky or square conformation. Have thick muscles or are well fleshed. Early maturing. Deep chest and girth and short legs. Straight top and lower lines. AberdeenAngusOrigin: North East Scotland. Colour: BlackShape: Cylindrical, compact and deep; It is polled. Size:Mature bulls weigh 900kg. Mature cows weigh 840kgs. It is found in Timau area of KenyaHerefordOrigin: England. Colour: Deep red and white-faced. Size: Average weight of bulls is 1000kg. Cows weigh 840kgs. It is found in areas such as Naivasha. ShorthornOrigin: England. Has easy fleshing abilityColour: Red, Roan or whiteShape: Cylindrical, compact and deep. It is polled. Size:Bulls weigh 700-900kg,cows weigh 545-630kgs. GallowayOrigin: Scotland. Colour: BlackKept in the highland areas like Molo in Kenya. CharolaisOrigin: France. Colour: Creamy white. Size: Bulls weigh 1200kg, cows weigh 1000kgs. It is found in ranches in Laikipia District. Dual Purpose BreedsExamples: Sahiwal, Red Poll and Simmental. SahiwalOrigin: India and Pakistan .. Colour: reddish brown. Size: Bulls weigh 650kg, and cows 400kg. Milk production averages 2700-3000 per lactation with a butter fat content of 3.7 . It has a pendulous udders which does not let down milk easily. It is therefore said to be a difficult milker. It is kept in semi-arid areas such as Naivasha. Red PollOrigin: England. Colour: Deep red with a white nose. Conformation: Polled-deep girth and short legs. |
Red PollOrigin: England. Colour: Deep red with a white nose. Conformation: Polled-deep girth and short legs. Kept in semi-arid areas such as Nakuru, Mogotio. SimmentalOrigin: Switzerland. Colour: Light red and white patches on the head. Conformation:It has broad and straight back, with well-sprung ribs and deep girth. It is well fleshed at rear quarters, well suspended udders and large teats. Sheep Breeds:Purpose of Keeping Sheep;Meat mutton . Wool production. Exotic SheepWool breeds -for example merino. Dual purpose- for example Corriedale, Romney marsh. Mutton breeds -for example Hampshire Down, Dorpers. MerinoOrigin: SpainCharacteristics:It has white face and its lips and nostrils are pink in colour. Rams have horns which are spiral in shape. It is susceptible to foot rot, worm and respiratory diseases. CorriedaleOrigin: New Zealand. Size: Rams 85 - 90kg. Ewes 60-- 85 kgThis is a dual-purpose breed with white open face and white spots on the legs. It is hornless and hardy. Romney MarshOrigin: England. Size: Rams 100 - 115kg. Ewes 84- 100 kgIt is a dual-purpose breed which s hornless with wide poll and black nostrils and lips. It is average in prolificacy. It is resistant to foot rot diseases and worm infestation. Hampshire DownOrigin: England. Size: Rams 125kg. Ewes 80-100 kgIt is a mutton breed which is early maturing, hardy and prolific. Fleece is of poor quality because of the black fibres. Lambing percentage is 125-140. DorperIs a crossbreed of Dorset horn and black head Persian sheep. It is mutton breed. Dorset HornDual purpose breed of sheep. Indigenous Breeds of SheepTheir bodies are covered with hair. Their classification is based on their tails and their names vary according to different tribes. Characteristics;Thin tailed sheep found in West Africa. Fat tailed such as Maasai sheep. Fat rumped sheep. Maasai SheepFound in South Western Kenya and Northern Tanzania. |
Fat tailed such as Maasai sheep. Fat rumped sheep. Maasai SheepFound in South Western Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Size: Ram 38kg,Ewe 20-30kg. Colour: Red and brown. These are early maturing with long legs and small pointed horns. Black Head Persian SheepOrigin: South AfricaColour: White with black head and neck. It is polled with a big dewlap, fat rump and a curved tail.. GoatsGoats well adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions because of the following characteristics:They feed on a wide range of vegetation. They require very little amount of water. They are tolerant to high temperatures. They are fairly resistant to diseases. They can walk long distances without losing weight. Indigenous Goat BreedsGalla white in colour . Adult female can weigh 25kg. Somali Boran : Found in Northern Kenya white in colour . Turkana Samburu: Long hair and bearded. Mubende: Black 40-45kg . These are small and hardy and are kept for meat and milked by the pastoralists. Exotic BreedsBoer goatOrigin: South AfricaColour: WhiteHas long ears and long hair on their bodies. Anglo-NubianOrigin: North East AfricaColour: Roan and WhiteThese have long legs, lopped ears and are polled. They produce 1-2 litres of milk per , day. JumnapariOrigin: IndiaColour: White, black and fawn. They are horned, have large lopped earsProduce 1-1.5 litres of milk per day. ToggenburgOrigin: SwitzerlandColour: White patches on the body, white stripes on the face and neck. Erect forward pointing ears and polled. Can produce 2-3 of milk per day. SaanenOrigin: Switzerland. Colour: WhiteThey have erect, forward pointing ears and polled. Can produce 2-3 Iitres of milk per day. AngoraOrigin: Angora in Asia. Colour: WhiteIt is kept for wool production. French alpine. PigsCharacteristics:They are sparsely haired and therefore cannot withstand cold. Pigs wallow when it is hot due to absence of sweat glands. They breathe fast when it is hot. They have bristles instead of hair. |
Pigs wallow when it is hot due to absence of sweat glands. They breathe fast when it is hot. They have bristles instead of hair. BreedsLarge WhiteOrigin: Britain Kept for bacon and pork production. Long, large and white in colour. Ears straight and erect. Has dished face and snout. Most prolific and with good mothering ability. Fairly hardy. LandraceOrigin: DenmarkWhite and longer than large white. Ears drooping. Good for bacon production. Very prolific with good mothering ability. Requires high level of management. Wessex SaddleBack Origin: EnglandColour: Black with white forelegs and shoulders. Straight snout and drooping ears. Good for bacon and pork. Good for keeping outdoors. Excellent mothering instincts. Other pig breeds include:Berkshire,Middle-whiteDuroc Jersey pig. Pigs can be crossed to obtain hybrids or crosses. Advantages of CrossesIncreased litter size. Early maturing. Increase in body length. High proportion of lean meat to fat. Poultry BreedsThere are three types of chicken breeds:The light breeds kept for egg production. The heavy breeds kept for meat production. Dual purpose breeds - kept for both eggs and meat production. Characteristics of Light BreedsNever go broody hence poor sitters. Excellent layers over 220 eggs per year . Poor meat producers hens can attain 2kg; cocks 3kgs Very nervous and exhibit high degree of cannibalism. Hen's comb is large and bent over one eye and cock's comb is large with 5 - 6 serrations. Examples:Leghorns,Anconas,Silkies,Minorcas. Characteristics of Heavy BreedsCan lay few eggs and provide good meat as broilers. Can go broody. Heavier and bigger in size. Grow fast. Examples:Light Sussex,Cornish DarkWhite. Characteristics of Dual-Purpose BreedsGo broody. Have good meat. Disease resistant do not require high standard of management . Rarely exhibit cannibalism. Examples: Rhode Island Red. HybridsThese are developed by crossing two different breeds. They are superior in performance. Can attain 2kg in 56 days for broilers and layover 200 eggs per year for layers. Examples:Shavers,ThombersIsabrown. |
It attempts to explain how man can best use the limited resources to produce goods and services which satisfies his needs with minimum wastage or loss of these resourcesExample;food,clothingshelterAgricultural economics is therefore defined as a science that aims at maximizing output while minimizing costs by combining the limited supplies of goods and services for use by the society over a certain period of time. These are;land,capital,labourmanagementBasic economic PrinciplesScarcityEconomic scarcity means resources are limited in supply relative to demand. This principle implies that there is no time that man can have enough resources to satisfy all his need or desiresChoice PreferenceHuman wants are many and varied and means of satisfying them are limited. Therefore, man has to make a choice among the alternatives in order to use the resources available. Man does this by satisfying the most pressing needs first. This is called scale of preference. Opportunity CostOpportunity cost is the revenue forgone from the best alternative. It exists only where there are alternatives. Where there are no alternatives the opportunity cost is equal to zero. Opportunity cost helps in decision making. Farm RecordsFarm records are documents kept in the farmThey show farm activities carried out over a long period of timeOr information kept in the farm in written form, about the farm and all activities in it. Uses of Farm RecordsShow the history of the farmShow whether the farm is making a profit or loss. Show all the assets and liabilities of the farm which can be used to value the farm. Help in supporting insurance claims on death, theft, fire or loss of farm assets. Help in tax assessment to avoid over taxation. Used as a guide in planning and budgeting. Helps to detect losses or theft in the farm. Make it easy to share profits or losses in partnerships. Help in settling disputes among heirs to estate if the farmer dies without a will. Provide labour information on terminal benefits for a worker. Type of Farm RecordsProduction Records - Show the total yield and yield per unit of each enterprise. Inventory Records - A record of all permanent and consumable goods in the farm. Consumable Goods InventoryField Operation Records - Show in details all field practices carried out together with the input used for all the crop enterprises. Breeding Records Show all the breeding activities in the farm. From these records it is possible to select the prolific animals and cull the infertile ones. |
Consumable Goods InventoryField Operation Records - Show in details all field practices carried out together with the input used for all the crop enterprises. Breeding Records Show all the breeding activities in the farm. From these records it is possible to select the prolific animals and cull the infertile ones. Feeding Records A record of the types of feeds used in the farm and their quantities. Health Records Indicates the health conditions of the animals in the farm. From these records it is possible to:Select and cull animals on health grounds. EncyclopediaThe Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. |
GUIDE TO THE MEMORIES WE LOSTANDOTHER STORIES. TABLE OF CONTENTIntroduction pageAuthorsCopyrightTable of contentMemories we lost. ............................................ 1How much land does mannee.........................8Light.................................................................13My Fathers Head. The Umbrella Man............................................24The President...................................................31Window SeatAlmost Home...................................................... 45The Folded Leaf...................................................55Hitting BudapestMissing Out.........................................................68No need to LieThe Handsomest Drowned Man In the world. Stones Bounce On WaterSAMPLE ANSWERED QUESTIONS.................................961. MEMORIES WE LOSTBy Lidudumalingani MqombofhiAbout the AuthorThe author Lidudumalingani was born in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in a village called Zikhovane. Lidudumalingani is a writer, filmmaker and a photographer. He grew up herding cattle and moulding goats from clay and later grew fond of words and images. He writes about music, art, culture and films for the Mail, Guardian and Africa is my country. He has published in literature journals Chimurenga chronic and pufrock and the second short, sharp story collection Adults only. He currently lives in Cape TownThe TitleMemories we lost is a biography. The life of a sister seen by a younger sister. The story is about mental illnessghigpphrenig and its effect. It is first described as this thing that takes the narrator's younger sister. Over time it robs the sister of the ability to speak and remember hence the title Memories we lost. The title is a reflection of loss and regret. The settingThe story is set in South Africa, indeed the author Lidudumalingani is a South African. A number of South African indigenous words are used in the story. The plotThe story Memories we lost is about challenges brought by mental illness to the victim and those around them. The mental illness is schizophrenia. It is a mental disorderCharacterized by many symptoms. It causes a breakdown in the relationship between thoughts, feelings and actions. There are many causes Of the disease and hereditary is one of them. It's No wonder the disease runs in the narrator's family. The narrator's father was a scherophrene. Events and actions in the story rotate around a sick sister. |
It's No wonder the disease runs in the narrator's family. The narrator's father was a scherophrene. Events and actions in the story rotate around a sick sister. The sickness is terrifying and attacks without warning. The narrator tells us that after the attack is over she would mumble c prayer and would embrace the sister for a long time. This suggests . The reader that the illness is horrific and painful. In one of these attacks the sick sister screams and disappears intr, the night. All men and boys go out in search of her The men Or boys disoriented and peered shuffled in the dark and split into smc groups as instructed by a man " Pg 1 0. Hours later they return bu without the sister. It is the mother who returns the following dot carrying the daughter. In a different episode as the narrator is telling her sister a story, she is seized by an attack and knocks her head on the wall so much one so hard that she bleed profusely. An effort to shield her from doing this fails because of the abnormal strength that the sister has during an attack. The episode is so memorable to the mind of the narrator and says, "The smell of blood lingered after many sunsets had come; even after the rain had come " Pg 1 2. The disease makes the sister violent and destructive. This is evident ir a case where she flung a desk across a room smashing the glass window. In yet another moment of attack the ill sister pours hot porridge on the sister's chest causing her a lot of pain and harm. It is due to the disease that the narrator's sister drops out of school and cannot continue with her schooling 'This thing, this thing that took over her followed her to school and had to drop out ' This makes the narrator who loves the sister so much to absent himself from school. Eventually suffering the same fate The narrator spends much time with the sister playing e g drawing sketches. It is while narrator is in school that she learns about schizophrenia. She comes to understand that it is what the sister was suffering from. She further learns that there is not medication for the disease and has no cure. The medicine she was taking was of no help. The sisters secretly decide not to take the medicine anymore "The first thing my sister and I got rid of was her arsenal of medicaitrion " Pg 1 3,Henceforth they buried all the herbs and the narrator demonstrated to the sister how to fake taking medication drinks. |
She further learns that there is not medication for the disease and has no cure. The medicine she was taking was of no help. The sisters secretly decide not to take the medicine anymore "The first thing my sister and I got rid of was her arsenal of medicaitrion " Pg 1 3,Henceforth they buried all the herbs and the narrator demonstrated to the sister how to fake taking medication drinks. Like any good mother, the mother has made many attempts to have the girl cured. She has used herbs, modern medication, prayers and even consulted. The younger sister tries as much as possible to bring the sister to be her old self. In one such episode the sisters are playing in the rain. They are happy and the disease appears to have 'left' the sister " We jumped in the rain in that moment, my sister returned; she smiled and laughed. That day we began to form new childhood memories, filling the void left by one that had been wiped out " Pg 1 4The mother sees them in this state and she imagines that the disease was going to come again. She organizes for another ritual to cure the daughter. This time round she organizes for a Nkunzi witchdoctor from another village famous for baking people on a fire from cow dung and wood. The narrator is aware that effects of ritual is unknown as dangerous ritual and says "l had not heard anyone who had survived either "She could not allow this to happen to the sister. The both ran away to the unknown place. Just like the father before them the two sisters are escaping from their village and the people. The want to put enough distance between themselves and the home memories and secrets that stamp them as belonging to a family known for mental illness. But at the end hope is on sight, for after walking the whole night they reached a town and a hospital in sight. They knowingly fifteen each other grip. CHARACTERIZATIONTHE NARRATORShe is a sister to the mentally ill sister. The narrator and the sister have no names because they symbolize or represent others like them who love and live with mentally ill relatives. The narrator is loving or affectionate. She loves the mentally ill sister despite her state. This is unlike many families where the mentally ill have no one to take care of them. |
The narrator is loving or affectionate. She loves the mentally ill sister despite her state. This is unlike many families where the mentally ill have no one to take care of them. When the sister 'comes out' of an attack she is always there for her "The embraces I remember, were always tight and long as if she hoped the moment would last forever " There seem to be a very strong bond of love between the two sisters. The sibling's relation is loving and cordial. They even discuss their physical growth including the emergence of the sister's growth. The narrator is curious inquisitive when she hears the mother and the uncle discussing the sister's illness in the morning she crouches near them to hear what they are saying. She is quite protective and protects the sister from the wrath ofNkunzi a sangoma who 'bakes' patients with mental illness. They run away to another village. The narrator emphasizes with the sister. When called by an old aunt from the house, the narrator says, "we hugged tightly, my sister and I wiped each other's tears " She is inseparable from her sister, "the only way to have me turn away from her would be to cut us apart "The narrator is courageous because she walks throughout the night with the sister alone in the villages as they are fleeing even with the dogs barking. She is religious and prayful. When the sister came out of an attack from mental attack she says "I stretched my arms out in all directions, mumbled two short prayers "THE SICK SISTERMost of the things we know about her are told by the sister. She is mentally ill and because of this she is violent. She hauls a desk breaking the window in a class. She also violently harms herself by hitting her head against tree trump until she bleed. She pours hot porridge on her sister. But she also loves and her relation to the sister is cordial and loving. She is also secretive and emotional because she cries the whole night of the ritual but does not want the brother to know "...and she sunk her teeth in the pillow so that she would not cry. THE MOTHER She is determined. Her determination to have the daughter healedj of the mental illness is admirable. She tries all forms of reme including prayers, herbs, witchdoctors etc. We also see this determination when the daughter has a seize illness and runs away at night. All the men and boys return wi the girl hopeless. |
He is all knowing and reveals to the readers the thoughts, motives and intentions of different characters. He gets into the mind of characters and reveals to us their intentions. ImageryThe author has used a number of metaphors and similes to develop aesthetic and fantastical descriptions that can be quite memorable. Among them, include:"would shrivel like a parched plant""he massages the cream into her scalp like lotion""feathery clumps that swirl into the drain like fuzzy fish""an elephant of mistrust and awkwardness""she strings his virtues out like Christmas lights"1. HumourThe quality of being amusing or comic, especially as expressed in, literature or speech. The author uses humour to ease the rather sad mood prevailing in theStory. She uses humorous expression as though saying, this is so funny but take it with a lot of seriousness. For instance:"Buki, I love you. I will give you many sons" p 29 "It happens two or more times before the girl learns to paw notes better"We expect the girl to Stop writing love letters after -be reprimands her but she only learns how to pgss them segre4'CHARACTERISATIONEnebeliHe appears to be comical. However, he is concerned, remorseful and Loving. He loves his daughter to an extent that he still cooks for her even when she is fourteen. He takes her to the salon for her hair to be relaxed P.29 He is also depicted as being a true Domineering man. When his wife wants to go with the daughter, he refuses the idea and stands firm on the decision. Enebeli's wifeShe is depicted as being a caring and a loving mother, She is indeed helpful, supportive and a concerned lady, who cares for her daughter and although she is away tries to bring her up in the right way p 32 ACTIVITY1. Discuss the character traits of the following charactersEnebeli 1 Enebeli's wife 1 Enebeli's daughter. 2. Discuss the theme of Emancipation as brought out in this short story. 3. What are the effects of distance relationship to good parenting4. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad. 5. Our parents get a lot of challenges when it comes to balancing career and parental responsibility. It is like serving two masters at a go. |
5. Our parents get a lot of challenges when it comes to balancing career and parental responsibility. It is like serving two masters at a go. Discuss some of these challenges. 4. My Father's Head ,By: Okwiri OduorBACKGROUNDOkwiri Oduor, the author of My Father's Head, was born in NairobiKenya. She has won a number of prizes among them the 2014prize. She has also written a novella, The Dream Chasers, which highly commended in the 201 2 Commonwealth Book Prize. Speaking about herself Okwiri Oduor says, "l am an African writer and so what next? I am interested in fullness of the human experience like creating characters that are dynamic, that are real people, which have strengths. My Father's Head was published during post-colonial Kenya. During this period, Kenya, like any other African continent, is struggling with post-colonial evils ranging from poor governance to corruption to poverty. Themes of violence, religion, death, memory and heritage have prevailed in this prizewinning short story. The mention of the1998 bomb blast on the Kenyan embassy is a proof of violence against human race in post-colonial Africa. This short story presents a recollection of painful and repressed memory. The members of the said society are relinquishing in abject poverty and the old have no willing family members to take care of. They live in a home for the old people. SYNOPSISThis story starts interestingly as a simple story but later proceeds in complexity as the narrator tries to recall her father. Seemingly, the narrator cannot remember the head of her father. The narrat0 'Simbi, works in old peoples' home. She starts to think about her father when the one Father Ignatius visits the home. His coming reminds her so much of her father, but never the head. The figure of the priest acts as a trigger that prompts the narrator's journey to search for herDue to loneliness, Simbi, the narrator, has distorted images of the people she has encountered. She has been away from home for a long time and silently mourns the death of her father. It is for this reason therefore that the people she relates with are presented a faceless and to an extent nameless. As readers, it is only by description that we get to know them. Thus vivid description, as a literary technique comes in handy. |
Her -naivety and easy going disposition increases the entertainment and aesthetic value of this masterpiece. TRAITSGenerouslwelcoming: she welcomes her father to her house and you have offered me makes her some tea. Her father says, tea "Nostalgic: she misses all the moments she shared with her father during her childhood and tries to bring them back. However, she hos lost all the memories and even when she tries to draw her father on paper she can only remember his clothes and not his head. She says, "His head refuses to appear on the paper "Nciive: She thinks her father has shapes- circles, triangles anc squares on his eyes. She does not realise that those are reflections. She actually says, "l had wondered how those shape had got inside my father's eye 'Mournful: Throughout the short story, Simbi mourns the death of father ond spends time trying to ecall what hisb BwiboFriendly: Of all the workers around the old peoples' home, the narrator formed an easy camaraderie with her. Convincing: She convinces Simbi that she cannot remember her father's head because he was a good man and according to her, "good men never show you their heads; they show you their faces "Sympathetic: She feels for the narrator because she cannot remember her father. She tries to console her for the lost memories of her father by telling her that it was all because her father was a good man. Pessimistic: she does not believe that the narrator will receive a warm welcome when he goes back to her home. She tells her to anticipate a negative welcome from her people when she visits. A The narrator's fatherHe is a loving and a caring man. He loved her daughter and both shared beautiful moments. He could make visits to her house once she requested so. Chauvinistic: He shows dominance of the male gender over the female gender when he tells his daughter to untie his shoelaces. Selfless: He would live his duties unattended to help a fixed neighbour. Sometimes could hear a neighbour saying, "Johnson, there is no time to put on clothes; iust come the way you are "RoleThe narrative gains its momentum through him. He is the vehicle of communication and the mirror that reflects the world of reality as depicted by Okwiri Oduor. |
Selfless: He would live his duties unattended to help a fixed neighbour. Sometimes could hear a neighbour saying, "Johnson, there is no time to put on clothes; iust come the way you are "RoleThe narrative gains its momentum through him. He is the vehicle of communication and the mirror that reflects the world of reality as depicted by Okwiri Oduor. The narrations aesthetic beauty is seen through his bildungsroman and his daughters too. IFURTHER ACTIVITY1. What kind of a person do you think the narrator's father. Discuss. 2. The narrator says love is not for the old. Do you agree with he, point of view about love? Explain3. Discuss the following themes as brought out in this short story;Moral decadencePovertyMemory and Heritage4. In note form, highlight the challenges people face when the, return home. 5. Write notes on the character traits of:Simbi, The NarratorFather Ignatius! Bwibo. 6. Identify the cases of hyperbole and explain them and thei effect to the masterpiece. 5. THE UMBRELLA MANBY SIPPHAR THAGIGOOSiddhartha Gigoo is an Indian author and film-maker. He studieEnglish Literature at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, in New DelhiIndia. His short story 'The Umbrella Man' is the Asia'winner of thCommonwealth Short Story prize of 201 5. He has books of fictions under his name: These are, The Garden oi solitude 201 1 andA fistful of Earth and Other Stories 2015 .Furthermore he has book of poems entitled "falland other poems" and "Reflections "SETTINGThe story happens in an asylum for mentally challenged persons. Thi is a hospital for the confinement of people who have a menta breakdown and thus they have to be kept in isolation, in solitary sod that they are treated and to improve on their health condition 0k;is a member of this asylum facility. ". The Umbrella Man" is about an inmate, Number 7, living in a mental asylum. All he possesses is an umbrella with yellow-and-Red stripes. Number 7 suffers from unknown psychosis. He yearns for rain. During evenings, he strolls in the asylum compound, carrying along theYellow-and Red striped umbrella hoping to experiencing rainfall. |
Furthermore, many families are taken in atToronto Canada by Kadi and Abou Nabe to escape the violence inSierra Leone. The violence caused by the rebels leads to a lot of suffering to the people. Some are left handicapped and cannot fend for themselves; others are forced to relocate from their homes, while it also leads to poor living conditions like in the amputees' camp and also begging on the streets. EDUCATIONMariatu Kamara, together with young Asian women, grandmothers from the Middle East and men from Southern Africa are enrolled in an English as a second Language course where they learn the language. She graduates with a diploma. Later she is enrolled to a high school. She finds it difficult but with her endurance she manages to attain Cs. She gets a laptop to use to aid in her studies. Kamara hopes to better her life through education such that she able to support her family back at home. Kamara is raped by Salieu who leaves her pregnant and threatensRebels have no regard for human life as they kill people and maim others mercilessly. There is a camp for amputees in Freetown. Children are made soldiers and be involved in such barbaric activities as killing and torture which is not appropriate to their development. SUFFERINGMost people in Manarma are attacked by rebels and are while others are amputated. Kamara is amputated, Adam z taken away. In addition Ibrahim and Mohamed are capture d, tied. The displaced and amputated people are forced to pathetic conditions such as what is witnessed in amputees'which is full of filthy litter and full of dirty bodies. They are force t s:beg on the streets to get what to eat. War has taken toll on innocent, children and women. IMPACT OF WAR ON CIVILIANSThe hatred and animosity among citizens leads to unrests violence. This leads to suffering of people. Violence facilita, ? Deaths of people, Injuries and torture such as cutting of people:hands Kamara displacement of people from their homes suchMarie and Alie, Kamara and more families that end up in CanadtMore there is it facilitates poor living conditions like the filth, amputees camp in Freetown. CHILDREN IN WARMost children suffer during war. |
Violence facilita, ? Deaths of people, Injuries and torture such as cutting of people:hands Kamara displacement of people from their homes suchMarie and Alie, Kamara and more families that end up in CanadtMore there is it facilitates poor living conditions like the filth, amputees camp in Freetown. CHILDREN IN WARMost children suffer during war. Some are made children soldier:like those who capture Kamara are her age mates while other:endure atrocities; Kamara as a child has her hands cut off. AdamsabIbrahim and Mohamed are captured by rebels which in itself i:torturous. THE POWER OF HUMAN SPIRIT RESILIENCEThe human spirit is undying, enduring and resilient. Despite atrocitie that Kamara undergoes, she doesn't lose the zeal to live on. She ho:an indomitable spirit to overcome adversity. When Kamara regain:consciousness after her hands are chopped off, she picks herself upThe amputees in the camp do not have hands but still they are able to feed and wash themselves. Kamara learns to cook, tie shoe laces, up zips and even goes to school to learn to better her life despite theWell wishers cannot sit and watch human rather help to take in victims of such violereag acquire educations. Humans have the inner strength to push onCHARACTERS AND CHARACTERIZATIONMariatu Kamara Narrator Ndjve: She does not understand what Salieu has done to her after he forcefully has intercourse with her. She blatantly that she only knows that only women get babies but not girls. More she doesn't know that pregnancy is as a result of sexualResilient enduring: Rebels cut off her hands, but this does not deter her from going on with life. She doesn't lose the zeal to live on. She has an indomitable spirit to overcome adversity; she picks herself up and ensures she moves to safety. Kamara learns to cook, tie shoe laces, do up zips and even goes to school to learn to better her life despite the lack of limps. She learnsEnglish Language as a second language and graduates with a diploma. Thoughtful: She minds about the welfare of her family back at home and wants to study and be in a position to assist them. |
I remember asking myself, "What is c I president"...'Inhumane: They kill people during their attack on Manarma village I they torture their victims by cutting off their hands anc 1taunting them. One child soldier tell Kamara... We are net I going to kill you go to the, president as the president to give you new hands. LANGUAGE USE STYLENarrative TechniqueThis story is told from a first person point of view by Mariatu Kamarc who narrates to us her ordeal in the hands of her captors in the war torn village of Manarma and her escape to Freetown ana eventually her life in Toronto Canada. FlashbackKamara recounts her ordeal in the hands of Salieu who fchimself on her leaving her pregnant. She also recalls her stayMarie, her father's sister and Marie's husband Alie in Magb village. Vivid DescriptionThe amputees camp is described as '... was a size of a foot field, was filthy wit litter, the smell of rubbish, dirty bodies, bring out the pathetic conditions that the people in the camps wr living In. The laptop she Is bought for is described by the narrator as '... computer was special with a mouse shaped like a big ball so that I car easily manoeuvre it the key board was Loam Dialogue ra converses with the rebels who want her to ch Karr 10 h ent before leaving punis m 'You must choose a punishment before you leave, " he said ke what?". I mumbled: Li Which hand do you want to lose first?". He asked. This dialogue brings out the cruel nature of the rebels. There is dialogue with the female doctor, "...you are pregnant "You 0 e going to have a baby " k " , :But there must be a mista e, I said "Only women hove babies, not girls " This points out how nave Kamara is. Sarcasm Mariatu is informed by the child soldiers that her hands are to be chopped off so that she would not vote for the president, then they sarcastically refer her to go to the president who should provide her with new hands. We are not going to kill you. We want you to go to the president and show him what we did to you. Ask the president to give you new hands " REVISION QUESTIONS 1. Political instability and violence breeds misery. Discuss 2. |
Ask the president to give you new hands " REVISION QUESTIONS 1. Political instability and violence breeds misery. Discuss 2. A friend in need is a friend in deed. Discuss this statement in light of the story "The president" by Mariatu Kamara 3. Tribal conflicts and hatred have far reaching consequences the society way effects that conflicts have on the s share in the 4. The less privileged in Discuss al 5. Describe the devastating misfortunes of the mighty in society innocent, children and women irit 6. No power is stronger than human sp 7 Window Seat By Benjamin Branoff Bseniamin Bronoff is a Tanzanian writer. His short story, Wind?vi Sent, is featured in the third volume of Tell me, My Friends, which univects stories and plays written by students and staff a h ers'tY of Dar es Salaam. SETTINGThe narrator, a foreigner, is in a public transport daladala in Dar es Salaam, moving from Miimani via goes to Posta down town. This story tells a humorous story of a young man, a boards a daladala from Mlimani via Mwenge to the town. The foreigner meets many people who squeeze the small van, including a beautiful Tanzanian girl who behinds of the foreigner. The mzungu is seated next to a window, in a daladala travei'ng to down town. The minivan is meant to carry about ten people but 24 people are squeezed in it. The road they are on is in a deplorable condition, full of poth m dust which fills the van. The narrator expresses how he desires to be with Monique, French girl he has met in college and she also stays across courtyard in downtown. He changes vehicles from the minivan to a bus to head to PostoTown. The bus is also overloaded and overcrowded like was. Among the passengers there is a young lady, probably some age as the narrator. She is quiet beautiful and because of narrator's lustful nature, he forgets about desires the Kanga lady. The bus is stopped by a police officer who allows go after taking a bribe he wastes a lot of time foe attendants to whom time is moriey. The vehicle picks up another passenger, a who ho. To sit. Mzungu offers his seat to the woman ho on the insistence of M,zungu she takes the seat. |
The vehicle picks up another passenger, a who ho. To sit. Mzungu offers his seat to the woman ho on the insistence of M,zungu she takes the seat. Stands throughout the req of the iourrzy,There is a lot of squeezing and holding on one another the passengers. The vehicle stops at points to drop and pick more passengers. In an instance, when the vehicle stops, Kanga, a passenger holds on the waist of Mzungu, Mzungu is. Carried away by the feeling he gets from Kanga holding him on the waist. He feels Kanga's other hand slowly slipping off hisAfterwards when the vehicle stops, Kanga alights in dismay ofMzungu who thinks of having her give him the world's biggest secret. She waves to him and leaves mzungu in a blissful existence. Mzungu drifts to his world of love, a world of fantasy. He dozes off only to be awakened when all passengers have alighted. Mzungu is to pay his fare only to realize his wallet is missing, it has been stolen. THEMES:J. UWLESSNESSON THE ROADS. Vehicles should always follow traffic laws on the roads for safety. In his story however, law and order is not followed as it should be. To start with, the public transport vehicles are so much overloaded. Passengers are literally packed. Conductors carry excess passengers as the narrator says a mini-van meant to carry ten passengers now carries twenty five of them. It even becomes worse when it comes to rush hour where they carry twenty eight with others drivers also bribe the traffic policemen in order to get away with crime. Even when things seem to be okay with the vehicle thePOIicemen solicit for bribes to an extent of removing the car keys fie ignition. The bribe here is a very powerful voice that the ponce use to silence the adamant drivers. Passengers suffer on roods, The no to commit to o Iono rood becouso of they don't veem to core or they ore used to it. Tip loudly when the policemen toke bribes but, "ep tt even because of overloading thol mokos it to rob rhe narrator. 2. POVERTY. Poverty is Olso portrayed in this Story. The people ot the bus said to be in sandals and others barefoot. This means afford better shoes. |
Poverty is Olso portrayed in this Story. The people ot the bus said to be in sandals and others barefoot. This means afford better shoes. The passengers could be suffering he overloaded dalodalos because of poverty. This is bee-cuz pay less money for fare. The narrator describes Kanga that she hos a trim figure cowed by a lifetime of hard work and deprivation of luxurie. That she cannot afford luxuries. We also think that "hot her to steal from the narrator is poverty. The aggressiveness of touts in town is also a sign of poverty. This P. society where one must struggle to make ends meet. That'l why t'"scream and shout and also convince people to take their daladalc: -2. Coem"nomCorruptii is also evident in this Story especially on the roads pocmerc were wpposed to guarantee zafety on the ond collude driver, in order to escape facing 10... seem to have token bribes as their bea"se even if the vehicle has everything right force by toking keys from ignitim. 4. RELATIONSHIPS. The narrator enters into a relationship with Monique the French girl in campus. He says that he gave her an unordinary smile and she returned it. At the bus station he sees her but never gets to talk to her. He regrets never getting to fix a date with her that day. The narrator treats this relationship so casually and he is not serious about it. He says that he conjured up the smile for her and when she is through ith it he can conjure it up for someone else "A man only has so many smiles " When he meets Kanga in the van he seems to also fall in love with her. He flirts with her and even imagines one part ofKongo's body. He loses his mind when Kanga grabs his trousers. He goes wild with imagination about himself and Kanga and does not realize that he was being robbed. When he meets Kanga, the narrator says that he had forgotten about Monique. He says, '...I drift in the world of my new love. Le felle is over and done with. Kanga is in. This shows how casuals he treated his relationships with women considering that he only metKanga in thedaladala. 5.AACALSA1The word Mzungu means a white man. |
Kanga is in. This shows how casuals he treated his relationships with women considering that he only metKanga in thedaladala. 5.AACALSA1The word Mzungu means a white man. The Africans call them this to mean he is from the white race. The Africans see this man, the narrator as more superior than them and use even a spectacle that he is using public transport. When the guard greets him at the cityChuo everybody turns to see him. Africans perceive the white men as rich and wealthy that's why Kanga robs him in the vehicle. The narrator chooses to date Monique a French girl because she is from their race. He says, I should be with the French girl Le fille becauseFrench women absolutely like American men. CHARACTER AND CHARACTERIZATIONMiunguLustfulWhen he meets Kongo, the narrator says that he had forgo about Monique. He says, drift in the w or Id of my new love. L is over and done with. Kongo is in". This shows how casuals he treat his relationships with women considering that he only met Kang'the dalodala. This leads to his wallet being stolen yet he things of Kongo's touch as a sign of desire for him. RespectfulHe respectfully greets the old woman who moves to the back ro from the front one. Observant: Has a clear picture of how the vehicles are overcrowded and squeezed passengers, he gives a clear description of the dust on the road and also describes how bumpy the ride is. Policeman:Stubborn: couldn't let the vehicle go on unless a bribe is paid despite finding no fault with it. He picks the bribe and smiles and waves for the vehicle to proceed with the journey. KongoTactful: she skilfully holds on to Mzungu as if supporting herself fro'plunging forward only to rob him. Opportunist: waits at the squeezed moment and movement by the vehicle to rob Mzungu's walletANGUAGE USE STYLISTIC DEVICES1. VIVID DESCRIPTION. The author makes use of vivid description which makes his own interesting and leaves an impact the readers' minds. He describes sitting position in the daladala very clearly lamina wet of sitting, fatal position. My knees are wedged between my abdur n and the sit in front of me. |
He is caught by Tarrant, as he tries to hobble around a furniture van. Hi is tied with the plastic cuffs. They take a ferry that is to take them to Tangier, Morocco. Just when they are almost arriving to their destination, Ali jumps off the ferry into the water and drowns. THEMATIC CONCERNSILLEGAL TIONAli Mahfouz is an illegal immigrant in Ireland. Ali migrates illegally from Morocco when he is seventeen years old. He lives in Georges street where he says its people were very kind to him. Ali lies to the people that he is a medical student; his face book picture even shows him standing outside the college of surgeons holding two voluminous books which we learn that they were telephone directories. Ali makes many friends everywhere and instantly. These people give him gifts and allowed him to sleep on their sofas. Ali struggled so much to make it in Ireland. He did odd jobs there among them sellingChristmas trees door to door. He does not want to go back home. When a professor of Trinity College gives him two hundred Euros to buy a ticket to Tangier he buys an iPod instead. Many attempts also by the soldiers to deport him have been futile. Tarrant and Slattery are trying to deport him this one more time. RESISTANCE TO DEPORTATIONDeportation is the eviction of foreign persons back to their countries. Tarrant and Slattery are soldiers who are here to deAli but Ali shows resistance because he doesn't want to go back. Determined to make it Ireland. We learn that a university professor earlier gives him twoEuros but he buys himself an iPod instead. Tarrant explains to woman at the service station that they have tried to deport Ali twit by air but he has been disruptive and he alarmed the 0th passengers by shouting that he was a terrorist and that he blow the plane by a bomb that he had. Ali tries to escape Tarrant and Slattery at the service station. Rushes to the French woman and pleads with her to save him from t abductors but when Slattery explains things to her she understan and Ali is taken back to the car. In on other attempt to resist deportation Ali dangerously ducks do' a moving trailer barely dodging the moving wheels but finds himse on Tarrant's fists on the other side. |
Ali tries to escape Tarrant and Slattery at the service station. Rushes to the French woman and pleads with her to save him from t abductors but when Slattery explains things to her she understan and Ali is taken back to the car. In on other attempt to resist deportation Ali dangerously ducks do' a moving trailer barely dodging the moving wheels but finds himse on Tarrant's fists on the other side. When they see Tangier harb finally Slattery pats Ali on the shoulder and tells him " Almost hornAli knows that he would reach home without doubt despite all effort to escape. He thinks about three years in prison and suffering that his mother and sisters WOUld go through in order save him from being eaten alive in iail. Ali therefore makes dangerous decision; to jump into the sea just to resist deportation. POVERTY AND LACK OF JOB OPPORTUNITIESAli's mother and sisters live in cramped apartments in Beni MakacThis indicates that they are poor. Ali also says that they had rais the two thousand Euros to spirit him out of the country with difficul but he had not paid them even a cent. This was in an attempt toAli get opportunities in the Ireland but he was deported with anything and to top it all he WOUId have to go to jail. This shame a fear causes him to jump into the sea. CHARACTERS AND CHARACTERIZATIONAli MahfouzDeceitful: he tells people that he is a medical student and even puts a picture on face book that shows him at the surgeons' college with college books yet the books are only telephone directories. He only does menial jobs in Ireland. In addition he walks with little white buds in his ears as if he is listening to music from the iPod yet he doesn't even know how to load the gadget with music. Hardworking: Ali does all kinds of jobs in Ireland to cater for his upkeep. For instance he slices kebab meat; while working for two Egyptian brothers, also he power-washes cars, scrubs pots and wipes tables. Sociable: He makes many friends when he just arrives in Ireland. He is quite charming and makes Slattery to laugh all the time despite being in a serious situation. Stubborn: He has been warned by Tarrant not to cause any problem while they travel yet he attempts to escape twice. |
Sociable: He makes many friends when he just arrives in Ireland. He is quite charming and makes Slattery to laugh all the time despite being in a serious situation. Stubborn: He has been warned by Tarrant not to cause any problem while they travel yet he attempts to escape twice. Furthermore, the government has tried to deport him twice, where every time he is disruptive on the plane threatening of blowing up the plane with a bomb in his possession. Despite all these he still lives in Ireland. Sarcastic: Tells Slattery and Tarrant that they are travelling in style and that they are on a mighty journey yet he is being deported. Determined: He attempts all means to prevent his deportation. He threatens to blow up the plane twice; he attempts to escape from Slattery and Tarrant in France and Spain. As last resort he decides to drown himself in water provided it is away to escape from being deported. Observant: He is keen enough to note that Slattery has good FreAli also notes that Slattery has no wedding band despite him being in mid-thirties and handsome. DNvsioned: Ali loses hope with life in his country because of pove scxh that his family is cramped together in the apartment, then imagines of life in prison, lack of food, clothing and having to pay bribes. This shame and fear causes him to jump into the sea. SlatteryJovial: He is charming and laughing all the time when Ali cracks jokes. Tactful: He manipulatively talks the French woman out of her thinking of helping Ali. He manages to convince her that any interference will mean they Slattery and Tarrant will leave Ali to be the responsibility of the French government. TarrantAggressive: He blocks Ali into a corner before barking orders to him, and threatens to smack him if he tries any nonsense. When Ali attempts to escape in Spain, he hits him to theSerious: He does not get involved in laughter when Ali cracks jokes that leave Slattery in stitches. He remains stony faced as strict: orders Ali to go back where they were when Ali runsLANGUAGE USESTYLESPERSONIFICATIONThe author uses personification a great deal in this story. This is very effective because we get a clear description of events. In the first paragraph, it is said that the Oscar Wilde ferry rested in theWelford harbor. Resting being a human attribute has been given to the ferry. |
This is very effective because we get a clear description of events. In the first paragraph, it is said that the Oscar Wilde ferry rested in theWelford harbor. Resting being a human attribute has been given to the ferry. Other examples include; The room hummed as the turbine span. The sound of the ship as it moves becomes very clear here, humming. The tiny fish seemed inquisitive. Inquisitive is also a human attribute given to fish to make the description clear. DIALOGUEDialogue has also been exploited by the author to make the story more real and to break the monotony. There is a dialogue also between Tarrant, Ali and Slattery also with the woman at the service station. In some of the dialogue made we learn about the character traits of the soldiers being tough and Ali being defiant and sarcastic. METAPHORSMoroccan rain is metaphorically to have the light touch of a tiny baby's fingers but Irish rain was a smack from an open hand, watery assault. Tarrant's fists are said to be wall made of bone and skin. All compares Ireland to a man. Ireland is like a man who in" people to his house for a fist and then discovers he doesn't hj enough food. The ferry is said to cut the Mediterranean Sea like scissors. Tk shadow cast by the boat looked a dark cloud on a grey sky. All the have been used effectively. They show us the actions more vividly. USE OF SUB STANDARD ENGLISH AND OTHER LANGUAGESAli knows how to speak standard English but he uses broken Englishfi annoy the soldiers and also in his attempt to resist deportation h says; "I want say thank you Ireland"I have so happy in Ireland. Mm times happy, people good, weather good, guiness good. There is also the use of French. Ali also uses so Irish expressions whid are not Standard English; "Soft day, did your Mummy make any rnort like you SYMBOLISMThe title 'Almost Home' is symbolic. It symbolizes death. It is believed that Ali did not go back home as he should have, but he dies in the sea when he drowns himself. Ali talks of a man who invites people to his house for a feast and when he discovers that he doesn't havi enough food he tries to hide his anger and humiliation by shouting, cursing and forcing them out into the night. |
It symbolizes death. It is believed that Ali did not go back home as he should have, but he dies in the sea when he drowns himself. Ali talks of a man who invites people to his house for a feast and when he discovers that he doesn't havi enough food he tries to hide his anger and humiliation by shouting, cursing and forcing them out into the night. This man symbolizesIreland because they allow illegal immigrants to come and stay in the country then hunts them down in order to deport them. The different two types of rains in the two countries symbolize their different challenges to survival as Ali says it is easy in Morocco than in Ireland. REVISION QUESTIONSPoverty and lack of employment largely contribute to illegal migration. Discuss Immigration is nobody's best choice. Whys Compare and contrast the character traits of Slattery and Tarrant. Discuss the traits of All as brought out in this story. What factors contribute to people migrating illegally to other countries? Dialogue has played a key role in character and plot development in the story. Discuss. Disillusionment is detrimental to human living. Discuss 9.The Folded Leaf by Segun Afolabi Summary of the incidents Segun Afolabi's 'The Folded Leaf, is a short story that was shortlisted for Caine Prize 2015.it boasts of its urgency to address burning contemporary issues in Nigeria. Bunmi's voice introduces most of the characters through whom the narrative will move forward. While characters like Bunmi, Samuel, Tunde and Mrs Kekere are introduced with peculiar health challenges, others like Bola, Papa and the Ejiofohs accompany them; and together, they form the narrative backbone with Bunmi as the main narrator. The story is about a Christian community comprising of various family members who in spite of health challenges have had to contend with the reality of their being, and to live a normal communal Christian life. But when after a strong resolve of collective contributions, they set out on a journey to Lagos in search of healing, from a man of God who doesn't seem to have answers to their questions, a new reality which will alter or question the basis of their Christian faith and practice is unfolded. THEMESa ReligionThe author explores the role of religion in our daily lives portrayed in the contemporary Nigeria and the larger AfriReligion is used to brainwash the followers of some deities that f more superior to the others. |
The story is about a Christian community comprising of various family members who in spite of health challenges have had to contend with the reality of their being, and to live a normal communal Christian life. But when after a strong resolve of collective contributions, they set out on a journey to Lagos in search of healing, from a man of God who doesn't seem to have answers to their questions, a new reality which will alter or question the basis of their Christian faith and practice is unfolded. THEMESa ReligionThe author explores the role of religion in our daily lives portrayed in the contemporary Nigeria and the larger AfriReligion is used to brainwash the followers of some deities that f more superior to the others. Churches in the urban area a portrayed to be superior to churches in the rural areas. It is throu this portrayal that we see villagers, worse still the village preache like Reverend Abbe and Reverend Okulaia leading th congregation to a point of donating towards Mrs. Eiiofoh, MrKekere, Bola and Bunmi among other travellers, for their journeyLagos, going to seek for healing from pastor Fayemi "P.92"The issue of religion is becoming a melting pot in Nigeria, and Afric at large. Religion seems to rob the individual of choice. Religi extremist leads to hypocrisy, obsession, aiienation and fear. It through this religion that people lack self acceptance. Not until the get robbed of their money, do they come in terms with their physica challenges. Bumni the narrator, who cannot see, begins t understand her own life and accept it after having made a Ion journey to lagos city to be attended by pastor Fayemi's church, vainThe narrator, Bunmi begins to come to good terms with her life, an self-actualization is seen whereby she accepts that her physic impairment is God given, therefore appreciates reverend Abb who prays for people, even when they have paid no mone p 94 Prayers are not left aside in all the doings. The faithful'travelling to Lagos; gather for a prayer led by Reverent Ab before setting off for their journey to Lagos. '. Bless Samuel, tamer Jehovah, "today, today, please- send him new prayers are perceived as a tool of spiritual healing, nourishment a Poverty and class barriersAnother theme that comes out clearly is the class stratification in the contemporary Nigeria. |
Bumni the narrator, who cannot see, begins t understand her own life and accept it after having made a Ion journey to lagos city to be attended by pastor Fayemi's church, vainThe narrator, Bunmi begins to come to good terms with her life, an self-actualization is seen whereby she accepts that her physic impairment is God given, therefore appreciates reverend Abb who prays for people, even when they have paid no mone p 94 Prayers are not left aside in all the doings. The faithful'travelling to Lagos; gather for a prayer led by Reverent Ab before setting off for their journey to Lagos. '. Bless Samuel, tamer Jehovah, "today, today, please- send him new prayers are perceived as a tool of spiritual healing, nourishment a Poverty and class barriersAnother theme that comes out clearly is the class stratification in the contemporary Nigeria. The story adroitly brings to light, the ever existing gap between the rich haves and the poor have no's right from the village to the suburbs of the capital, Lagos, people are seen to be poor, compared to those who lives in the urban centers. Mrs. Kerekere pleads with the policemen on their way to Lagos, that they are not rich P.84 . In fact, the money they are spending on their way to Lagos is a donation from their local church that alone, they couldn't manage to afford it. Comparison is made with the urban people who are very rich. Daddy cool is better known in the account of his helicopter andGulfstream jet, and his homes in Florida and Switzerland and somewhere in the Caribbean p 81 a perceptionAfolabi is trying to imply that there are multiple ways of viewing life, in different apheres, by using the narrative voice of the blind narrator Bunmi to elaborate on the theme of perception:Appearance to me may not be your own appearance. And my own understanding of own self, may not compare with other people's perceptions. But do any of us identify the same thing in exactly the same way? Is the colour blue the same? And does the leaf smell? Bola thinks sometimes. So don't worry, he says. |
And does the leaf smell? Bola thinks sometimes. So don't worry, he says. And Bola's right about most thingsIn trying to avoid authorial interference, Afolabi tells his through this blind twelve-year-old whose narrative power inheres her strong stimulus, curiosity, perception and scepticism; a narr who relies on interviewing skills like probing, prompting, scoop and interrogation to account for the plot's progression. TECHNIQUE AND LANGUAGE USE a first person narrative voiceThis narration has been told from the perceptive of a first person narrator. The 'l' narrator is therefore the protagonist in the story and he narrates the events as he experienced them. This kind of narration makes the events to be quite immediate to the reader and hence, it becomes engaging to read. Segun Afolabi also uses present tense instead of the usual past tense we would expect in a story about events that happened in the past it is as if he is giving commentary on the event. A rapport therefore between the narrator and the reader is created. B SuspenseThe feeling of worry or excitement that a person develops when the develop a feeling that something is going to happen is what is callec suspense. The folded leaf creates some desire to know whad happens to Bumni, Sam and Mrs. Kekere who are on their way tc meet pastor Fayemi for healing. Throughout the narration, the reader is kept gluedto the text, to see how things will end. Even the village preacher, reverent Abbe is wishful that God may bless, heal and lead them to the capital, Lagos. ". Bless Samuel, father today, today, please- send him new c ContrastThis is a literary technique in which the author sets two people, events or objects in opposition to each other in order to showAfolabi uses contrast as a technique to drive in his thematic concerns with ease. Reverent Abbe is a servant of God in a village church, who prays to people to gain hope and restoration without pay. She leads a very humble life and she is depicted as a true believer, who loves her congregation. Her church donates whole heartedly to finance the long anticipated journey to Lagos The author contrasts her with pastor Adejola Fayemi, or Daddy Cool as he is better known on account of his helicopter, jets and lavish lifestyle. His followers deny Bumnis' access to seeing him, even after paying all the money they had carried to the church. |
She leads a very humble life and she is depicted as a true believer, who loves her congregation. Her church donates whole heartedly to finance the long anticipated journey to Lagos The author contrasts her with pastor Adejola Fayemi, or Daddy Cool as he is better known on account of his helicopter, jets and lavish lifestyle. His followers deny Bumnis' access to seeing him, even after paying all the money they had carried to the church. A Use of dialogueAfolabi uses dialogue richly to develop his characters and themes. He reproduces the exact words that characters are supposed to have spoken. Cases in point are as follows;'What do you have inside?". A voice demands from outside the bus. Police, " Bola whispers"Just people, " the driver says "we go Lagos. '. How many of you?". P 83 This conversation reveals the experience the narrator and the other travellers face as they travel to Lagos. This and many other dialogues are used to foreground the thematic concerns and enliven the plot development. B Local idiomThe author uses local language. Since this story is set in the bothNigerian suburbs and Nigerian city, Lagos, the use of local dialect makes it easy not only to identify the setting, but also to give it a local flavor. The following are examples of local dialects used; agbada, which means a four-piece attire worn by men; eshayu, which means thank you, na so meaning yes, it's true; among others. Characterization a NarratorThe narrator is a blind twelve-year-old whose narrative power is inheres in her strong will and introspecting personality. She is an examining girl who is young, honest and hopeful that she will receive healing after attending the church service in town. She is indeed determined to meeting pastor Daddy Cool and therefore becomes too obnoxious, on learning that it will not be possible. The story end when she is more strong and ambitious in spite of all the happenings that she has started to understand that at least she has life, a good one for that effect. B Reverend AbbeReverend Abbe is a pastor who is depicted as a servant of God, leading a true deity church. So loving and caring she is that she organizes her church members in the village for donations to the narrator's journey to seek healing. |
The story end when she is more strong and ambitious in spite of all the happenings that she has started to understand that at least she has life, a good one for that effect. B Reverend AbbeReverend Abbe is a pastor who is depicted as a servant of God, leading a true deity church. So loving and caring she is that she organizes her church members in the village for donations to the narrator's journey to seek healing. HShe is a committed and dedicated Christian that though a deacon she is, members of the church prefer her to reverend Okulaia, who the reverend-in-charge is. She is trustable that the narrator says that she is complacent having her as a clergy, who prays for people without asking for money from them 294 c Pastor Adeiola Fayemi. He is portrayed as a fat cat tycoon, leading a wealth life. He runs a church in the Lagos capital. Religion seems to rob the individual of choice. Religious extremist people really suffer a lot through him, making him an exploitative person. Not until they get robbed of their money, do they come in terms with their physical challenges. Papa has given out all the money that had been contributed, and denied access to the pastoral place pulpit p 90 ln this case therefore, Afolabi's story represents the new face of pseudo-Christian practice in Nigeria, through him, which is hinged on the gospel of healing miracles and prosperity. Activity1. Discuss the following oral techniques in the story:a Use of songs b Humour and comic relief c Exaggeration d Dialogue2. Put the following excerpt in its immediate context. I have always been blind. How they appear to me and my understanding of myself, might not compare with other3. Describe the character traits of Pastor Feyemi as exhibited in perception. The story10. HITTING BUDAPESTBy NoViolet Bulawayo. BACKGROUNDThe short story "Hitting Budapest" by NoViolet Bulawayo follows sixAfrican children on their trip to steal guavas from a rich neighborhood. The author has structured the short story in three scenes marked by suspension points. The first scene presents the trip to Budapest; the second focuses on the way back, while the third marks a strange incident when the children discover a hanged woman in the bushes of Paradise. |
BACKGROUNDThe short story "Hitting Budapest" by NoViolet Bulawayo follows sixAfrican children on their trip to steal guavas from a rich neighborhood. The author has structured the short story in three scenes marked by suspension points. The first scene presents the trip to Budapest; the second focuses on the way back, while the third marks a strange incident when the children discover a hanged woman in the bushes of Paradise. The story also follows the plot elements, having an exposition, a rising action, a climax and a falling actionNoViolet examines convoluted issues of social inequality and inadequate access to resources in such an amazing way through her creative determination and imagination to improve the material conditions of her characters. Africa is the richest in the world in terms of natural resource endowments, despite this poverty wracks havoc in most, if not all, parts of the continent where apparently children and women are the most affected. Summary of incidentsThe story is about five young girls, mostly pre-teen, moving from their shanty town of Paradise to the estates of Budapest in search Of guavas and anything that matter. As they make their tourney towardsBudapest they converse as all children do. It is through this that we get to know that Chipo, a girl of ten years, has been impregnated her grandfather. At Budapest they met a white woman of 33 years who had just come from London, eating ice-cream. They looked longingly at this icecream only for her to throw what is left of it into the dustbin and take a picture of them. On their way back they shared their dreams with each other: to travel to America, get big houses and cars. WhereasIMF is a street at Budapest, AU is a street at Paradise, the shanty town. The kids steal, eat and go back to the shanty to meet a dead woman dangling from a tree. Their hunger allows them to conquer their fear of death and they steal her shoes so they can sell them in order to buy bread. But the real story is in the class divide, in the loss of innocence, immigration, violence, defilement, poverty, extreme hunger, and dejection. Initially, this story reads as a metaphor where some Africans in search of better lives travel abroad. Again, Paradise and Budapest represent the economic duality that we have in most countries where extreme poverty exists side by side with all the skyscrapers and glass-houses. |
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