Split (1)

train · 7.38k rows

text stringlengths 86 39.2k
Publish Kenya stud book. Publish monthly journal Kenya Farmer. Award bursaries for local and overseas studies tours for its members. 4-k clubs; kuungana, kufanya, kusaidia, Kenya. For primary school members. FunctionsCarry out practical projects show agriculture is a profitable profession. Expose youth to existing improved agricultural technologies. Develop and enhance leadership qualities among youth. Take part in competitive shows. Involvement in field trips. Young Farmers ClubSecondary school and tertiary education members. FunctionsParticipate in exhibitions and competitions at A.S.K shows. Involvement in agricultural projects at club levels. Participate in YFC annual rallies. Involvement in workshops and seminars. Participate in national tree planting activities. Participate in exchange programmes both locally and abroad. Participate in national ploughing contest. AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS IV FARM ACCOUNTS Importance of Keeping Farm AccountsThey help the farmer to:Secure loans. Make sound management decisions. Determine whether the farm is making profit or loss. Evaluate assets and liabilities. Prepare farm budgets. Assess the tax a farmer is to be charged. FINANCIAL DOCUMENTSThey include the following;Invoice. It is commonly used in business when goods are delivered on credit. It is issued to inform the buyer of the goods delivered and debits the buyer. It contains the following details. Date of the transaction. Type and quantities of goods delivered. Price per unit of the goods. Total amount of money involved. Serial number of invoice. Terms of payment. Statements. There are two types of statements, these are;Statements of account. This is a document sent to the buyer by the seller as a reminder to inform him what he owes the seller. Usually it is written at the end of the month. Bank statements. This is a financial document sent by the bank to the farmer on a monthly basis showing the position of the bank account by the end of the month. Receipt. This is issued when cash payment for goods delivered or services rendered is made. It is issued by the seller to the buyer. It contains the following details. People involved in the transaction. Date of payment. Goods or services for which payment is made. Amount of money involved. Signature of person receiving the money. Receipt serial number. Delivery note. This document accompanies goods on delivery. It is evidence that good have been physically delivered from the supplier to the buyer after a credit transaction.
Delivery note. This document accompanies goods on delivery. It is evidence that good have been physically delivered from the supplier to the buyer after a credit transaction. It contains the following details. Date of delivery. Quantity of goods delivered. Method of delivery. Person who receives the goods. Condition in which the goods are received. Delivery note serial number. Purchase order. This is a request to a trading business firm to supply specified goods. It may be accepted or rejected by the supplier of goods. Purchase order specifies the following;Type of goods required. Quantity of the goods. Date of order. Person who orders the goods. Person who authorizes the order. Date within which the order goods should be delivered. Serial number of purchase order. BOOKS OF ACCOUNTS. Ledger. This is the principal or main book used in keeping financial records. It contains the details of all the things in the business owned by the farmer. All accounts are kept in the ledger. An account is a page or a section in the ledger given to a person or a firm on which all the business transactions relating to that person firm are entered. In the ledger page, the account is divided into two parts drawn in the shape of letter T. The name of the heading for the account is written on the top line above the horizontal line . Left hand side of the account is the debit side DR where all the decreases purchases and expenses are recorded. The right hand side is the credit side CR where all the increases Sales and receipts are entered. A Ledger Account page. Use of columnsDate columns. The date affecting the account is recorded here. Particulars column. This is a short description of the entry being made. Folio column. This is a page where a particular account appears in the ledger. Every page in the ledger is numbered and each account should appear on its own page folio . Debit side. The following details are entered here. Date of the transaction in the date column. The item in the particulars side. The folio number of the item in the folio column. Amount of money involved in the amount of column. Credit side. The following details are entered here. The date of the transaction in the date column. Cash at hand in the particulars column. Folio number of cash at hand in folio columnAmount received in the amount column. InventoryThis is a book in which a record of all the assets owned by a business or an individual is kept.
Cash at hand in the particulars column. Folio number of cash at hand in folio columnAmount received in the amount column. InventoryThis is a book in which a record of all the assets owned by a business or an individual is kept. Inventory records are divided into two groups as followsConsumable goods inventory e.g. seeds, feeds, fertilizers, pesticides, fuel etc. Permanent goods inventory e.g. tools and equipment, machineries, buildings etc. Cash BookThis is a book in which all the transactions involving the receiving and paying out of cash are recorded. It consists of the sales and receipts side, and purchases and expenditure side. The following details are entered in a cash book. Date of payment. Receipt number. Person firm from whom money is received. Total amount received. The balancing of the cash book is done at the end of the month. Diagram of a Cash accountJournalThis is a book where all unclassified transactions are entered. Some of the information that may be recorded in journal include;Purchase on credit of a capital equipment i.e. things bought to keep and use and not for resale. Sale on credit of capital equipment. Rectifications of errors for example if errors are made in other books, new entries, correcting or cancelling the old entries are made in the journal. Transfers from one account to another in the ledger. Opening entries in new books, when new books have to be opened etc. The following details are recorded in the journal;Date. Name of the account to be debited. Name of the account to be credited. Amount of money involvedA brief description of the transaction. Subsidiary Books of the JournalPurchase BookAll the details of items bought on credit are entered once. It is known as the creditors account. A creditor is someone to whom the farm business owes money. Sales BookIt is known as the debtor s account. A debtor is a person who owes money to the farm business. All details of goods sold from the farm for which payment has not been received are entered here. FINANCIAL STATEMENTSAIM:Determine profit or income. Evaluate the properties or assets in the farm. Determine the business liability. INCLUDE:Balance sheet: Is a financial statement drawn to show the financial position of a farm business as at a particular period of the year. 2 types;Opening balance sheet: -Drawn at the beginning of an accounting period.
Determine the business liability. INCLUDE:Balance sheet: Is a financial statement drawn to show the financial position of a farm business as at a particular period of the year. 2 types;Opening balance sheet: -Drawn at the beginning of an accounting period. Closing balance sheet: - Drawn at the end of an accounting period. The closing B s of an A c period is the opening B s of the next A c period. A B s has 2 sides:LHS: Shows liabilities. RHS: Shows assets. Liabilities: Are debts e.g. Loans and mortgagesBank overdrafts. Debts payable for goods and services received. Services paid to the business in advance. 2 typesLong term liabilities: Debts repaid in more than one year e.g loans from AFC. Current liabilities: Debts to be cleared or repaid within a period of one year e.g. rent, wages, electricity, water and telephone bills, bank overdrafts and debts payable. Assets: owned property e.g. Cash at hand. Value of farm items e.g. land, store produce, inputs, livestock, growing crops, farm buildings, machinery, equipment etc. Debts receivable-for goods and services rendered. 2 types:Fixed Assets:- Durable properties held in the farm for a long time e.g. farm buildings, equipment, machinery, perennial crops and land. Current assets: - Held for a short period usually less than one year e.g. Cash at hand and in bank, debts receivable, farm produce to be sold, inputs in store etcOrders used when drawing a balance sheetUnder assets:-Order of permanency; -Most permanent assets are written first and the least last. Order of liquidity;- Most liquid assets are written first and most permanent last. Under liabilities: -Permanent order: - Capital appears first followed by long term liabilities and lastly current liabilities. Liquidity order:- Reverse is the case. A format of a balance sheetIf the value of assets exceeds that of liabilities, the business is solvent i.e it can meet all its liabilities and a balance left. The balance left is called the net worth net capital owner s equity . If the value of liabilities exceeds that of assets, the business is insolvent; it cannot meet all what it owes other firms. ExamplesProfit and loss account: Is a financial statement showing whether a business made a profit or a loss.
The balance left is called the net worth net capital owner s equity . If the value of liabilities exceeds that of assets, the business is insolvent; it cannot meet all what it owes other firms. ExamplesProfit and loss account: Is a financial statement showing whether a business made a profit or a loss. It has 2 sidesIncome side;Details entered;Sales and receipts-produce sold and debts receivableClosing valuation-Value of assets in the farm by the end of the financial year. The expenditure side-Details entered;Opening valuation-Are assets in the farm or business by the beginning of a financial year. Purchases and expenses: Items bought and debts payable. A format of a profit and loss account:Examples:If the value of expenditure is more than the value of income, the business has made a loss and if value of income is more than the value of expenditure, the business has made a profit. Thus Closing valuation sales and receipts - opening valuation Purchases and expenses Net profit. Cash Analysis: Is a financial statement drawn up to show the receipts and payment of cash in the business. FormatSales and receipts Purchases and expensesEach sale or purchase is entered twice-once in the total column and once in analysis column-a column for specific enterprises that benefit from the sale or purchase of a particular enterprise. The sum of entries in the total column is equal to the sum of all the entries in all the other columns analysis column Importance:Shows money earned and spent on an enterprise. Shows total sales and receipts and purchases and expenses. Shows the net profit or loss. AGROFORESTRYThis is the growing of trees and crops and keeping of animals on the same piece of land. Forms of AgroforestryAgrosilvicultureCombination of trees or shrubs and crops in agricultural production. It is common in high rainfall areas. SilvopastoralCombination of growing trees or shrubs and keeping of livestock. It is common in the arid and semi arid areas. AgrosilvopastoralCombination of growing trees shrubs with pastures for livestock and crops. Practiced in the high potential areas. Importance of agroforestry in KenyaEncourages afforestation reafforestationSource of wood fuelSource of incomeRaw material e.g.
AgrosilvopastoralCombination of growing trees shrubs with pastures for livestock and crops. Practiced in the high potential areas. Importance of agroforestry in KenyaEncourages afforestation reafforestationSource of wood fuelSource of incomeRaw material e.g. timber for constructionAct as wind breakersAesthetic value beautyControl soil erosionAct as livestock fodder. Improves water catchment areaMark farm boundaries. Characteristics of Good Agroforestry Trees and ShrubsFast growth such as eucalyptus, Grevillea robusta, Calliandra calothyrsus, pines etc. Deep rooted to ensure minimal competition for mineral nutrients and moisture with the crop plant. Examples include; Eucalyptus spp, Grevillea robusta etc. Nitrogen fixing such as; Calliandra calothyrsus, Leucaena spp, Cajanus cajan, Sesbania sesban etc. Good in by product production e.g. timber, fruits and poles. Examples include; Croton macrostachyus, Grevillea robusta, Markhamia lutea etc. NB:Trees such as the eucalyptus should not planted near water sources because they would absorb the water and the source of water may end up drying. Cypress and eucalyptus should not be planted in arable land as their leaves have allelopathic effects on crops i.e. they produce chemicals that inhibit the growth of some crop species. Types of Tree NurseriesDirect Nurseries Bareroot Swaziland bedsSeeds are planted directly on the ground without any containers. Seedlings here have low survival rate after transplanting due to root injury when uprooting. Containerized nurseriesSeeds are sown directly in containers such as pots, polythene bags, tins etc which are filled with soil mixtures. Seed Collection and PreparationAcquiring SeedsGood seeds should be whole, of good size, free from diseases and pests and should be fresh to ensure high viability. Seeds should be collected from mature trees, dried, and threshed before use. Seed TreatmentThis is done for two reasons. To break seed dormancy hence rapid germination. Methods of breaking dormancy includeHot water treatment e.g. in Leucaena, Calliandra and Acacia. Mechanical breaking e.g.
Methods of breaking dormancy includeHot water treatment e.g. in Leucaena, Calliandra and Acacia. Mechanical breaking e.g. in seeds of the croton tree. Light burning e.g. in wattle tree seeds. Seed inoculation to promote nitrogen fixation in leguminous varietiesNursery ManagementThe following practices are carried in the nursery while seedlings are growing. Mulching. Watering. Weed controlPricking out. Shading. Pest and disease control. Root pruning. This is the pruning of the tap root to encourage the development of a short, dense and strong rooting system. Hardening off. TransplantingHoles for planting trees are dug long before transplanting day. Topsoil is kept separate and is used for refilling the hole halfway. Transplanting should be done at the onset of rains. Seedlings should be well watered a day before transplanting. This makes the soil stick onto the roots. It also eases the removal of the polythene sleeves for seedlings raised in sleeves. Seedlings are placed at the center of the hole. A sharp knife is used to cut and remove the polythene sleeve. More soil is added and firmed gently around the plant until the hole is completely full. Seedlings should be planted at the same depth as they were in the nursery. Watering should be done and mulch provided. A temporary shade may be established to conserve moisture. Care and Management of TreesProtectionYoung seedlings should be protected from damage by animals for about one year. This can be done for individual trees or for an entire field. Pruning and TrainingPruning is the removal of extra or unwanted parts of a plant. Trees may be pruned for use as wood fuel or for fodder. Pruning can also be done to train trees to give the required shape or size. Grafting Old TreesWhen an agroforestry tree is old but has good characteristics, a scion can be taken from another tree that is compatible with it and grafted onto it. This is aimed at repairing such a tree. Agroforestry PracticesAlley Cropping. This is the growing of trees and crops together. It is also known as hedgerow or intercropping. Trees are cut regularly and the leaves are used to mulch the crop. The trees used are leguminous so as to fix nitrogen e.g. Leucaena and Calliandra.
Trees are cut regularly and the leaves are used to mulch the crop. The trees used are leguminous so as to fix nitrogen e.g. Leucaena and Calliandra. Fruit trees can also be used. Multi-storey Cropping. In this case the trees are spaced widely and left to grow unchecked. Crops which can tolerate shading are planted. The trees and crops form different levels which look like storeys. Tree species for this system include; Cardia, Casuarina equisetifolia Whistling pine , African black wood, Muhugu and Acacia pp. Woodlots in Farms. These are plots set aside for trees only. They are usually established on parts of the farm that are not productive. Such trees should be fast growing such as Acacia and Eucalyptus spp. Sites for Agroforestry TreesBoundaries. Such trees help to:Protect the farm as fence. Mark the boundary. Form wind breaks. Provide timber and wood fuel. Such trees include: Eucalyptus, Grevillea, and Jacaranda etc. River Banks. Such trees help to reduce the water velocity along the river banks, protecting exposed soil from erosive forces of the flowing water. Terraces. Roots of trees planted on terraces reduce the speed of water run-off and hold the soil particles together reducing soil erosion. Examples of trees here include, Grevillea, Sesbania, Calliandra, avocado, mango, pawpaw etc. Slopes. Trees planted on slopes control soil erosion. Eucalyptus, Grevillea, pines and croton trees are planted. Homestead. Such trees are planted for beauty, fruits and shade. They should not be planted too close to the house. Tree Harvesting MethodsPruningThis is the removal of the branches from the lower part of the tree crown. Pruning is done towards the end of the dry season to avoid damage to other crops. Branches obtained from pruning are used as fuel or wood fuel. LoppingThis is the removal of branches from trees in haphazard manner. It is the most common harvesting technique for fodder trees. PollardingThis is the cutting of all the branches and top part of the tree. It is usually done to provide fuel wood and fodder. It is commonly is trees such as; Croton, Casuarina, Grevillea, Jacaranda, Ficus etc.
PollardingThis is the cutting of all the branches and top part of the tree. It is usually done to provide fuel wood and fodder. It is commonly is trees such as; Croton, Casuarina, Grevillea, Jacaranda, Ficus etc. CoppicingThis is the cutting of the whole tree about 30cm above the ground. This is done to provide fodder, wood fuel and mulching material. The common coppiced tree species include; Calliandra, Eucalyptus, Leucaena and Markhamia. ThinningThis is the cutting down of some trees to avoid overcrowding. Thinning is done where trees have been established by direct seedling or planted very closely. FARM POWER AND MACHINERYFARM POWER---Is the amount of work done per unit timeUSES OF FARM POWEROperate tools and equipmentSlashing mowingCutting treesTilling of landWeedingHarvesting of cropsSOURCES OF POWER IN THE FARMHuman PowerAdvantagesi Work in areas impossible for animals and tractorii Cheapiii AvailableDisadvantagesi Power is limited to very light tasks. Ii Quality of work produced is low variableiii Slowiv Expensive in the long run. V Health of workers influences the work done. B Animal PowerDonkeys, Oxen, CamelUses-Cultivation, Transportation, Planting etc. Advantagesi No skilled workers required. Ii Cheaper to buy and maintain. Iii Work output is higher than in human beings. Iv Can work in areas impossible for tractors sloppy areas. V Work better on small holdings than tractors. Disadvantagesi Need a big portion of land for grazing. Ii Slower than tractors. Iii Cannot work on large land. Iv Animals damage crops when used for weeding. V Get sick reducing work output. Animals are harnessed singly or in pairs using a Yoke. Wind PowerUsesDry grains and fodder. Winnowing crop yields. Pumping water drive wind mills. Generate electricity. Disadvantagesi Unreliable e.g. direction. Ii Strength is unreliable. Iii Sometimes not available. Iv Not easy to control. V Expensive to purchase a wind mill and its accessories.
Iii Sometimes not available. Iv Not easy to control. V Expensive to purchase a wind mill and its accessories. D Water PowerSource Running water. UsesFerrying logs in navigation rivers. Produce hydro-electric power. Operate different types of machines e.g. Maize grinding mills. Driving hydraulic pumps for pumping water for irrigation. Disadvantagesi Some rivers are small and seasonal. Ii Expensive to harness the power. Iii Some farms are not accessible to moving water. Iv Difficult to use since not easy to control. E BiomassSources-Biogas, Wood or charcoal. F Wood or charcoalSources Trees in form of fire wood and charcoalUsesCookingHeatingDehydrating some cropsCuring of tobaccoDisadvantagesExhaustibleNot used directly in some farm operationsLarge quantities requiredIv Bulky hence difficult to transportPollute the environmentii BiogasSourcesIs a product produced when animal dung is fermented in a digester thereby producing a flammable gas methane. Stages of methane productionStage I: Animals digest insoluble organic substances by use of microbes to form waste dung . Stage II Microbes breakdown soluble substances in dung anaerobic ally in the digester. Methane gas is produced. Uses of BiogasCookingLightingProduce electricityHeatingBoiling waterInternal combustion enginesBiogas plantAdvantages of BiogasI Economical for farmers with zero grazing units. Ii The effluent slurry provides fertilizer richer in Nitrogen than manure. Iii Flies cannot breed. Iv Unpleasant oduors are removed. V Minimal environmental pollution. VI Reduced deforestation. Disadvantages of Biogasi Initial capital is high i.e. construction of Biogas digester is expensive. Ii Requires high management skills to produce the gas. Iii Requires a large number of animals to sustain gas production. Iv Only possible where animals are under zero grazing units. V Labour consuming. F Solar RadiationSource: The SunUsesPhotosynthesisDrying of crops prior to storage and processing. Provide electric power that is used for Lighting, pumping water, Cooking and heating. Distillation of clean drinking water.
F Solar RadiationSource: The SunUsesPhotosynthesisDrying of crops prior to storage and processing. Provide electric power that is used for Lighting, pumping water, Cooking and heating. Distillation of clean drinking water. G Electrical PowerSourceGeothermal PowerHydro Power stationNuclear Station Atomic energyStorage batteryUsesRun stationary machines e.g. milling, cooking, grinding and water pumpsSupplies heat and light for operation of broodersCookingOperate milking and welding machinesRun water pumpsDisadvantagesi Cannot be used directly in some farm operations e.g. milking, welding etc. Ii Lacks in rural areasiii Power failures lead to high lossesiv Costly to install and maintain h Fossil FuelNaturally occurring sourcesPetroleum oilsCoalNatural gasUsesPetrol and diesel used in burning internal combustion enginesKerosene used in lighting rural homesNatural gas for cooking and heating in stoves and lighting. Disadvantages e.g of coali Expensive to extractii Low energy valueiii Dirty a lot of smoke soot pollutionBulky hence high transport costTractor PowerSourceTractor engine converts chemical energy fuel into mechanical energy that drives farm machinery. The tractor engine is a four stroke cycle i.e. 4 movements of pistons. Types of Enginesi The Four stroke cycle engineThese cycles are completed in 4 strokes 4 movements of pistons. The crank shaft makes 2 total revolutions. The 4 cycles include:InductionCompressionPower andExhausta Induction stroke Intake strokeStepsi Piston moves down the cylinderii Inlet valve openiii Exhaust valve is closediv Fresh fuel and air gets into the cylinder. B Compression strokeStepsi Piston moves up the cylinderii Inlet and outlet exhaust valves are closediii Fresh fuel mixture is compressed into the combustion chamber.
Iv Delivery pipe: Connects the various devices. Maintenancei Replace the fuel filters. Ii Bleeding in case air is entrapped in the system. Iii Clean regularly the sediment bowl. B Electrical systemConsists of:i Ignition Generator dynamo circuit: Provides electrical current that produces a spark in the Engine. Ii Starter Mortar Circuit: Starts the engine Rotates the fly wheel which rotates the crank shaft. Iii Lighting Circuit: supplies electrical current for the lighting system i.e of the head lamp, brake lights etc. Iv Tractor Battery: stores the electrical energy supplied by the running engine. Also converts the chemical energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy from the running engine driven by the generator, charges the battery. Tractor battery contains 6 cells connected together to supply 12 volts. A battery has 2 sets of plates I.e ve and ve terminals. Care and Maintenance of Tractor Batteryi Top with distilled water the level of electrolyte. Ii Scrap clean and smear with grease corroded terminals. Iii Fix tightly the battery in a box to avoid spillage and damage. Iv Fit correctly the battery in a tractor right place . V Charge the battery regularly and periodically. Vi Empty and keep the battery upside down in case of long storage. Vii The generator fan belt should be functional to ensure the battery is always charged. C Ignition systemConsists of:i ignition coil: Converts or changes the battery voltage from 12v to 6000v required by the spark plugs. Provides a spark at the sparking plugs located in the engine cylinder. Ii The Distributer: Distributes the spark or the high voltage current at each spark plug. Iii Condenser:Absorbs the self induced current in the primary circuit. Stores the current for a short time. Passes the electric current to the distributor. Iv Contact Breaker: Interrupts the normal flow of the current in the primary circuit so as to generate high voltage from the coil. Common Faults of the ignition system1. Sudden stoppingCausesPoor terminal connectionsFaulty ignition system. CorrectionProper tightening of the terminalsProper cleaning and terminal readjustment. Continuous engine runningCausesBroken leadsPoor terminal connection. Faulty contact breakerCorrectionReplace the broken leads. Clean and tighten regularly the broken leads.
Continuous engine runningCausesBroken leadsPoor terminal connection. Faulty contact breakerCorrectionReplace the broken leads. Clean and tighten regularly the broken leads. Maintenance of the ignition systemi Remove carbon coatings on spark plug electrodes. Ii Replace spark plugs with worn out electrodes. Iii Clean contact breaker points. Iv Adjust breaker points to lie between 0.30mm to 0.50mm. V Replace the condenser regularly. Vi Keep the ignition system dry always. Vii Replace ignition wires with poor insulation. D The Cooling systemImportancePrevents the engine from overheating that causes expansion of engine components which would lead to: Leakage, valve burning, loss of engine power, cracking of the cylinder head and piston seizure in the cylinder. Types of cooling systemsa Airb WaterI Air cooled system-Used in light weight farm machines e.g mowers Motor bikes and Land masters. Characteristics of air cooled EnginesSimple in construction. Have fins and fan blade which assists in circulation. Light in weight since they no radiators or water jackets. Limitations of Air cooled EnginesGet hot quickly. Use heavy lubricating oils. Cooling is not adequate especially when carrying heavy loads. Ii Water cooled systemsWater absorbs heat from the engine block at a reasonable rate. Components:Radiator, Water jackets, Water hoses, Water pump, Thermostat, Funning mechanism etc. Cooled water is sucked from the bottom part of the radiator with help of water pump. It is pushed through water jackets and circulates within engine block and cylinder head. A thermostat: Regulates the temperature of water in the engine at 80 to 90 degrees Celsius. Hot water is forced back into the radiator for further cooling. Care and maintenance of water cooling systemi Lubricate water pump regularly. Ii Use clean water in the radiator. Iii Remove trash from the fins. Iv Fit all the pipes tightly to avoid leakage. V Fill the radiator with clean water before starting the days work. Vi Check regularly and adjust fan belt tension. E Lubrication systemSupplies oil to all parts of the engine where friction is likely to occur. Importance of lubrication system in tractorsi Increase efficiency of the machine. Ii Reduces tear and wear rate of the machine. Iii Reduces the heat created by the rubbing surfaces I.e acts as a seal between them.
Importance of lubrication system in tractorsi Increase efficiency of the machine. Ii Reduces tear and wear rate of the machine. Iii Reduces the heat created by the rubbing surfaces I.e acts as a seal between them. Iv Acts as a cleaning agent ie washes off dust, dirt soot and metal chippings from oil paths to the sump. V Oiling prevents rusting of stationary machines. Types of lubrication systemI Splash feed typeii Force feed typeiii Oil mist type. Types of lubricantsIdentified by their viscosity thickness index as indicated by S.A. E - Society of Automotive Engineers. The lower the SAE number the thinner the oil. I SAE 10 Thin oil . Gives little protection when heated. Ii SAE 50 Thicker oil . Protects bearings. Iii SAE 90 150. Transmission oils. Protects clutch, gear box, wheels, ball bearings. Care and maintenance of lubrication systemi Do not use old and contaminated oil as a lubricant. Ii Drain oil while still hot to avoid sticking on sump walls. Iii Replace oil filters. Iv Use the correct oil type as per manufacturer s instructions. F Power transmission system. Transfers power from tractor Engine to drive shaft, wheel axle P.T.O shaft and Hydraulic system. Consists of:1 The Clutch:Functionsi Connects or disconnects the drive shaft to or from the engine. Ii Enables the tractor to take off gradually and smoothly. Iii Provides power from the engine to P.T.O shaft. The clutch uses friction force to transmit power from the engine. It has three parts: Crank shaft, friction disc and pressure plate. 2 Gear boxFunctionsProvides different forward speeds. Enables the driver to choose any forward or reverse gear to suit the operation. Allow change in speed ratio by altering the gears. Allows the driver to stop the tractor without suddenly stopping the engine or the foot keeping pressed on clutch. 3 The differential. FunctionsChange the direction of drive to right angles so that power is transmitted to the rear wheels. Enables the rear wheels to travel faster or slower than others especially when negotiating corners. Differential lock avoids wheel slip or skidding. 4 Final Drive. -Enables the wheels to propel the tractor machine either forward or backward. Tires allow maximum grip traction i.e.
4 Final Drive. -Enables the wheels to propel the tractor machine either forward or backward. Tires allow maximum grip traction i.e. where the wheels provide large surface area of contact between the tires and the ground. Power transmission mechanismWays power is transmitted from the enginei Propeller Shaft-Connects the gear box to the differential that has axle s which drives the wheels. During forward movement, the tractor pulls or pushes attached implements. Ii The power Take off Shaft P.T.O Shaft-Located at the rear part of the tractor and rotates at the same speed as the crank shaft. It-is connected to the mowers, planters, rotavators, shellers, sprayers and fertilizer spreaders. Iii Hydraulic system-Operated by a lever near the driver s seat .Attached to the 3 point linkage which lowers or raises attached implements e.g. mowers, planters, ploughs, and sprayers. Iv Draw bar-Is at the rear part of the tractor. Does not get power directly from the engine. Attaches trailed implements used for harrowing, transportation and rolling. Tractor ServicingAre practices or operations carried out to keep the tractor in good and efficient working condition thereby increasing its lifespan. REVISION QUESTIONSa i What is agricultural economics? The art and science of organizing limited resources to achieve maximum returnsExplain the meaning of scarcity and choiceProductive resources are scarce in relation to demand i.e goods and services produced are not enough to satisfy human wantsTherefore, a choice has to be made on which goods and services should be produced using the limited resources. Explain how the house hold and firm are both producers and consumers. The household demands goods and services and supplies labour and raw materials to firmsFirms convert the raw materials and supplies finished goods to households. The relationship generates money to both sides therefore both are producers and consumers. What do the following terms mean? I Gross domestic product G.D.P The sum total of goods and services produced by a country within one year. Gross national income GNI Total output from resources owned by the nationals of a country both within and outside the country within a year. Per capita incomeGross national income divided by total populationi What does the term opportunity cost in farming mean? Cost of the foregone alternative when we make a choice. Example is choosing to grow maize instead of wheat.
Per capita incomeGross national income divided by total populationi What does the term opportunity cost in farming mean? Cost of the foregone alternative when we make a choice. Example is choosing to grow maize instead of wheat. Opportunity cost is the value of wheatOpportunity cost only exists where there are alternatives. State the main implications of opportunity cost in farming. Poor decision leads to lossesCorrect decision leads to good profitsWhen is opportunity cost nil or zero? When supply is unlimitedWhen goods are freeWhen there are no alternativesa i What is production? The process of transforming productive resources e.g land, labour and capital into consumption resources e.g potatoes, maize and milk over a period of time. State the factors of production. Land provides space for production Labour human effort Capital man made to assist other factors Management organises other factors i Name the sources of capital for farming. Credit facilitiesPersonal savings and earningsInherited property. Free grantsHow is labour classified? FamilyHired casual permanent State the functions of farm managerPlanning i.e. short and long termGathering informationComparing levels of production with those of neighbouring farmsDetecting weaknesses and constraints and finding ways and means of overcoming themKeeping up to date farm recordsImplementing farm management decisionsTaking responsibilitiesi State the law of diminishing returnsIn a production process, if variable additional units of an input are increased while all other factors are held constant, there will be an increase in additional output until a point is reached when the additional output per additional units of input declines. State agricultural examples of this law. Use of varying units of labour on a fixed unit of landFeeding dairy cattle with varying units of feed for milk productionUsing varying units of fertilizer in the production of a given cropi What is production function? The relationship between the units of input that a farmer employs in production and the corresponding units of outputThe output depends on inputs hence output is a function inputs. Name the types of production function? Increasing returnsConstant returnsDecreasing returnsWhat is a decreasing returns production function? A production function where each additional unit of input results into a smaller increase in output than the proceeding unit of input. Give 4 qualities desirable in a farm manager. State 4 ways of improving labour in the farm. State 4 management guideline questions which assist manager in decision making.
Give 4 qualities desirable in a farm manager. State 4 ways of improving labour in the farm. State 4 management guideline questions which assist manager in decision making. State 4 characteristics of variable inputs. Give two examples of each of the following;Variable inputs. Fixed inputs.
PHYSICS SCHEMES OF WORKFORM TWO 2019TERM IREFERENCES:Secondary Physics KLBComprehensive Secondary PhysicsPrinciples of PhysicsGolden TipsTeacher s BookPHYSICS SCHEMES OF WORKFORM TWOTERM IIREFERENCES:Secondary Physics KLBComprehensive Secondary PhysicsPrinciples of PhysicsGolden TipsTeacher s BookPHYSICS SCHEMES OF WORKFORM TWOTERM IIIREFERENCES:Secondary Physics KLBComprehensive Secondary PhysicsPrinciples of PhysicsGolden TipsTeacher s Book.
A DOLL S HOUSE-SAMPLE EXCERPT QUESTIONSRead the extract below and answer the questions that follow. 25 marks Nora: It s a shame to say that. I do really save all I can. Helmer: laughing That s very true, - all you can. But you can t save anything! Nora: smiling quietly and happily You haven t any idea how many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald. Helmer: You are an odd little soul. Very like your father. You always find some new way of wheedling money out of me, and as soon as you have got it, it seems to melt in your hands. You never know where it has gone. Still, one must take you as you are. It is in the blood: for indeed it is true that you can inherit these things, Nora. Nora: Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa s qualities. Helmer: And I would not wish you to be anything but just what you are, my little skylark. But do you know, it strikes me that you are looking-rather what shall I say- rather uneasy today? Nora: do I? HELMER: You do, really. Look straight at me. Nora : looks at him well? Helmer: wagging his finger at her Hasn t Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today? Nora: No; what makes you think that? Helmer: Hasn t she paid a visit to the confectioner s? Nora: No, I assure you, Torvald-Helmer: Not been nibbling sweets? Nora: No, certainly not. Helmer: Not even take a bite at a macaroon or two? Nora: going to the table on the right I shouldn t think of going against your wishes. Helmer: No, I am sure of that: besides, you gave me your word- Going up to her Keep your little Christmas secrets to yourself, my darling. They will be revealed tonight when the Christmas tree is lit, no doubt. Nora: Did you remember to invite Doctor Rank? Helmer: No. But there is no need; as a matter of course, he will come to dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes this morning. I have ordered some good wine.
But there is no need; as a matter of course, he will come to dinner with us. However, I will ask him when he comes this morning. I have ordered some good wine. Nora, you can t think how I am looking forward to this evening. Nora: So am I! And how the children will enjoy themselves, Torvald! Helmer: It is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly a safe appointment, and a big enough income. It is Delightful to think of, isn t it? Nora: It s wonderful! Place this extract in its immediate context. 4 marks Explain the dramatic irony in this extract 3marks Helmer says here it is splendid to feel that one has a perfectly safe appointment . What is he referring to? What issues on money and gender emerge in this extract? 4 marks Identify and illustrate any two ways the playwright has used language to achieve foregrounding in this extract. 4 marks What do we learn about the character of Nora in this extract. 4 marks Imagine you are directing this play. Which quality would you look for in an actor to play the role of Torvald 2 marks Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the extract? 3 marks Wheedling money out of meConfectioner syou gave me your wordRead the extract and answer the questions that followNora: I didn t find it dull. Helmer: smiling but there was a precious little, result, Nora. Nora: oh, you shouldn t tease me about that again. How could I help the cat s going in and tearing everything to pieces? Helmer: of course you couldn t, poor little girl. You had the best of intentions to please us all, and that s the main thing. But it is a good thing that our hard times are over. Nora: yes.it is wonderfulHelmer: this time I needn t sit here and be dull all alone and you needn t to ruin your dear eyes and your pretty little hands-Nora: clapping her hands no, Torvald, I needn t any longer, need i! It s a wonderfully lovely to her you say so! Taking his arm now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things. Torvalds.
It s a wonderfully lovely to her you say so! Taking his arm now I will tell you how I have been thinking we ought to arrange things. Torvalds. As soon as Christmas is over a bell rings in the hall. There s the bell. She tidies the room . There s someone at the door. What a nuisance! Helmer: if it is a caller, remember I am not at home. Maid: in the doorway a lady to see you ma am. A stranger. Nora: ask her to come in. Maid: to Helmer The Doctor came at the same time, sir. Helmer: did he go straight into my room? Maid: yes, sir. QuestionsWhat didn t Nora find dull? 2 marks What has happened that has made the couple happy? 2 marks Discuss two themes evident in this extract. 4 marks There s someone at the door. Add a question tag. 1 mark Who is the lady who has come to see Nora? Why does she want to see Nora? 4 marks How has Torvalds been portrayed in this extract? Write you answer in note form 4 marks Comment on the effectiveness of any style in this extract. 2 marks Briefly explain what happens after this extract. 2 marks Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in this extract. 4 marks Tease Dull Nuisance . A caller .. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow. Nora: oh, yes, that one; but this one is another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn t know about it. Rank: oho! Then that was the great secret. Nora: of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room. Keep him as long as-Rank: Make your mind easy: I won t let him escape goes into the Helmer s room Nora: to the maid and he is standing waiting in the kitchen? Maid: yes, he came up the back stairs. Nora: but didn t you tell him no one was in? Maid: yes, but it was no good.
Maid: yes, he came up the back stairs. Nora: but didn t you tell him no one was in? Maid: yes, but it was no good. Nora: he won t go away? Maid: No; he says he won t until he has seen you ma am. Nora: well, let him come in- but quietly. You mustn t say anything about it to anyone. It is a surprise to my husband. Maid: yes, ma am, I quite understand. Exit Nora: this dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in spite of me! No, no, no, it can t happen- it shan t happen. Place this extract in its immediate context. 4 marks What is referred to as the it by Nora in the first line? What does it reveal about the character of Nora? 3 marks Explain the use of soliloquy in this extract. 2 marks Who is waiting in the Kitchen and why has he come? 3 marks This dreadful thing is going to happen. Write in reported speech Explain one issue depicted in this extract. 2 marks Explain the dreadful thing that Nora fears might happen. How is the maid depicted in this extract? 2 marks Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the extract. 4 marks Make your mind easyI won t let him escapeIt was no goodDreadfulRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Krogstad: Are you sure of that? Mrs.Linde: Quite sure, but-Krogstad: with a searching look at her is that what it all means? -. That you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly. Is that it? Mrs. Linde: Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another s sake doesn t do it a second Time. Krogstad: I will ask for my letter back. Mrs.Linde: No.no. Krogstad: Yes, of course I will. I will wait here until Helmer comes; I will tell him he must give me my letter back. -. That it only concerns my dismissal- that he is not to read it-Mrs.Linde: No Nils, you must not recall your letter.
Krogstad: Yes, of course I will. I will wait here until Helmer comes; I will tell him he must give me my letter back. -. That it only concerns my dismissal- that he is not to read it-Mrs.Linde: No Nils, you must not recall your letter. Krogstad: But, tell me wasn t it for the very purpose that you asked me to meet you here? Mrs. Linde: In my first moment of fright, it was. But twenty-four hours have elapsed since then, In that time I have witnessed incredible things in this house. Helmer must know all about it. This unhappy secret must know all about it. This unhappy secret must be Disclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them which is impossible With all this concealment and falsehood going on. Krogstad: Very well, if you take this responsibility. But then there is one thing I can do in that Case and I shall do it once. Mrs.Linde: listening you must be quick and go. The dance is over; we are not safe a moment Longer. Krogstad: I will wait for you below. Mrs.Linde: yes, do. You must see me back to my door-Krogstad: I have never had such an amazing piece of god fortune in my life. Explain what has happened before this extract. 2 marks Explain why Krogstad says he would ask for his letter back? 3 marks Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another s sake doesn t do it second time . Explain what makes Mrs.Linde say this. 3 marks Make notes on we what we learn about the character of Mrs.Linde in this extract. 4 marks Explain the irony in this extract. 2 marks But there is one thing I can do in any case and I shall do it at once. What is that Krogstad does later and how does it affect the rest of the play. 4 marks I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life! Rewrite beginning Never What piece of good fortune is Krogstad referring to? 2 marks Explain the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in this extract? At any costRecallElapsedIncredible thingsRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
Nora: Good heavens, no! How could you think so? A man who has such strong opinion about these things! And besides, how painful and humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his manly independence, to know that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relations altogether; our beautiful happy home would no longer be what it is now. Mrs. Linde: Do you mean never to tell him about it? Nora: meditatively and with half-smile yes-someday perhaps after many years when I am no longer as nice-looking as I am now. Don t laugh at me! I mean, of course, when Torvald is No longer as devoted to me as he is now; when my dancing and dressing-up and reciting Have paled on him; then it may be a good thing to have something in the reserve- Breaking off what nonsense! That time will never come. Now what do you think I am of No use? I can tell you, too, that this affair has caused me a lot of worry. It has been by No means easy for me to meet my engagements punctually. I may tell you that there Is something that is called, in business, quarterly interest and another thing called? Payment in installments and it is always dreadfully difficult to manage them. I have had To save a little here and there, where I could, you understand. I have not been able to Put aside much from housekeeping money for Torvald must have a good table. I Couldn t let my children be shabbily dressed: I have felt obliged got use up all he Gave me for them, the sweet little darlings. Place this extract in its immediate context. 4 marks State and explain any two aspects of style used in this extract. 4 marks In about 35 words, summarize Nora s reasons for not revealing the secret to Torvald. 4 marks What is the attitude of Mrs.Linde towards Nora in this extract 3 marks Explain two themes evident in this extract. 4 marks Comment on the character of Nora in this extract. 2 marks Explain the meaning of the following words. 4 marks IndulgentTo let him into the secretPut asideCapricesRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Mrs. Linde: is Doctor Rank a man of means? Nora: yes, he is.
Mrs. Linde: is Doctor Rank a man of means? Nora: yes, he is. Mrs. Linde: and has no one to provide for? Nora: no, no one: but-Mrs.Linde: and comes her every dayNora: yes, I told you so. Mrs. Linde: but how can this well-bred man be so tactless? Nora: I don t understand you at all. Mrs. Linde: Don t prevaricate, Nora. Do you suppose I don t guess who lent you the two? Hundred and fifty pounds? Nora: are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing! A friend of ours who Comes here every day! Do you realize what a horribly painful position that would? Be? Mrs. Linde: No, certainly not. It would never have entered into my head for a moment. Besides, he had no money to lend then: he came into his money afterwards. Mrs. Linde: well, I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora. Nora: no, it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor Rank. Although I am quite sure That if I had asked him. Mrs. Linde: but of course, you won t. Nora: Of course not. I have no reason to think it could possibly be necessary. But I am quite Sure that if I told Doctor Rank-Mrs. Linde: behind your husband s back. Nora: I must make an end of it with the other one, and that will be behind his back too. I must make an end of it with him. Mrs.Linde: yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but-Nora: walking up and down a man can put a Thing like that straight much easier than a woman-Mrs.Linde: One s husband, yes. Nora: nonsense! Standing still when you pay off a debt you get your bond back, don t you? Mrs.Linde: Yes, as a matter of course. Nora: and can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces, and burn it up- the nasty dirty paper! Mrs. Linde: looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up slowly Nora, you are Concealing something from me. Nora: Do I look as if I were? Mrs.Linde: Something has happened to you since yesterday morning.
Linde: looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up slowly Nora, you are Concealing something from me. Nora: Do I look as if I were? Mrs.Linde: Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. Nora, what s it? What happens immediately after this extract? 2 marks Discuss any two issues brought out in this extract? 4 marks Explain the use of any two dramatic techniques in this extract. 4 marks Linde is said to be laying down her sewing in this extract. What was she sewing and how is relevant to the events in this play. 3 marks Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. Rewrite as an interrogative. 1mark What is Nora concealing from Mrs.Linde? Explain what happens when Mrs.Linde learns of it later in this extract. 3 marks Give the meaning of the following expressions as used in this extract. A man of meansPrevaricateI must make an end of it. ConcealingRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Nora: I don t believe that any longer. I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human Being, just as you are- or at all events, that I must try and became one. I know quite Well, Torvald that most people would think you right and that views of that kind are to be Found in books. I must think over things for myself and get to understand them. Helmer: can you not understand your place in your own home? Have you not any reliable guide in such matters as that? -. Have you known religion? Nora: I am afraid, Torvald, I do not exactly what religion is. Helmer: What are you saying? Nora: I know nothing but what the clergyman said when I went to be confirmed. He told us that religion was this and that, and the other. When I am away from all this, and I am alone, I will look Into the matter too. I will see if what the clergyman said is true, or at all events if it is True for me. Helmer: This is unheard of in a girl of your age! But if religion cannot lead you alright, let me try And awaken your conscience. I suppose you have some moral sense? Or-answer me- Am I to think you have none?
But if religion cannot lead you alright, let me try And awaken your conscience. I suppose you have some moral sense? Or-answer me- Am I to think you have none? Nora: I assure you, Torvald that is not an easy question to answer. I really don t know. The thing Perplexes me all together. I only know that you and I look at it in a quite different light. I Am learning, too, that the law is quite another thing from what I suppose; but I find it Quite impossible to convince myself that the law is right. According to it, a woman Has no right to spare her old dying father, or to save her husband s life. I can t believe That. Helmer: you talk like a child. You don t understand the conditions of the world in which you live. Nora: No, I don t. But now I am going to try. I am going to see if I can make out who is right, the World or I. Recount the circumstances leading to the events in this extract. 5 marks What is it that Nora doesn t believe any longer? 2 marks How is Torvald depicted in this extract. 4 marks From elsewhere in the play, how is Nora s character portrayed in a different way from the way she is portrayed in this extract. 2 marks Discuss any concern addressed in this extract. 2 marks Why does Helmer ask Nora if she has no religion? 2 marks Explain the imagery in this extract. 2 marks Describe the mood in this extract. 2 marks What is the meaning of the following expressions as used in this extract. 4 marks I am a reasonable beingClergymanConsciencePerplexesRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Nora: But you must believe me, Mr.Krogstad: it is not in my power to help you at all. Krogstad: Then it is because you haven t the will; but I have the means to compel you. Nora: You don t mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money? Krogstad: Hm-suppose I were to tell him? Nora: it would be perfectly infamous of you. Sobbing to think of his learning my secret which Has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly, clumsy way-that he should learn it from you!
Krogstad: Hm-suppose I were to tell him? Nora: it would be perfectly infamous of you. Sobbing to think of his learning my secret which Has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly, clumsy way-that he should learn it from you! And it would put me in a horribly disagreeable position-Krogstad: only disagreeable? Nora: impetuously well, do it then!-and it will be the worse for you. My husband will see for Himself what a blackguard you are, and you certainly won t keep your post then. Krogstad: I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home you were afraid of. Nora: If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at once pay you what is still owing You and we shall have nothing more to do with you. Krogstad: coming a step nearer listen to me, Mrs Helmer. Either you have a bad memory or You know very little of business. I shall be obliged to remind you of a few details. Nora: what do you mean? It is not in my power to help you at all how is this statement ironic considering earlier events in this play. 2 marks Explain why Krogstad wants Nora to help him 3 marks Why has Nora s secret been her joy and pride, in such an ugly, clumsy way? 4 marks I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that you were afraid of? Rewrite in direct speech. Explain any one theme evident in this extract 3 marks What is Nora s attitude towards Krogstad in this extract? 3 marks Discuss one character trait for each of the following. 4 marks KrogstadNoraKrogstad tells Nora the he shall be obliged to remind her of a few details. Briefly explain these details. 3 marks Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in this extract. 4 marks CompelInfamousDisagreeableBlackguardRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Mrs. Linde: Nora-it was Krogstad who lent you the money! Nora: Yes, and now Torvald will know about it. Mrs.Linde: Believe me, Nora, that s the best thing for both of you. Nora: you don t know all.
Nora: Yes, and now Torvald will know about it. Mrs.Linde: Believe me, Nora, that s the best thing for both of you. Nora: you don t know all. I forged a name. Mrs.Linde: Good heavens! Nora: I only want to say this to you, Christine- you must be my witnessMrs. Linde: Your witness? What do you mean? What am I to-? Nora: if I should go out of my mind and it might easily happen-Mrs. Linde: Nora! Nora: or anything else should happen to me anything, for instance, that prevent my being Here-Mrs.Linde: Nora! Nora! You are quite out of your mind. Nora: and if it should happen that there was someone who wanted to take all the responsibility, all the blame, you understand-Mrs. Linde: Yes, yes-but how can you suppose-? Nora: Then you must be my witness, that is not true Christine. I am in my right senses now, and Now I tell you no one else has known anything about it; I and I alone, did the whole thing. Remember that. Mrs. Linde: I will, indeed. But I don t understand all this. Nora: how should you understand it? A wonderful thing is going to happen. Briefly explain what has just happened before this extract. 3 marks Believe me Nora, that s the best thing for both of you. From elsewhere in the play, which reasons does mrs. Linde give to support what he says now? 3 marks Explain the dominant theme in this extract 3 marks Explain what tone would be appropriate in reading Nora s parts in this extract. 2 marks From this extract, how has Nora violated social ethics? 2 marks Nora says a wonderful thing is going to happen. From the rest of the play, explain what she means by that? 3 marks Discuss one aspect of style in this extract. 2 marks What do we learn about the character of Mrs.Linde in this context. 2 marks I and I alone did the whole thing Rewrite beginning The whole thing Explain the meaning of the following expression s as used in this extract.
A wonderful thing is going to happen. Briefly explain what has just happened before this extract. 3 marks Believe me Nora, that s the best thing for both of you. From elsewhere in the play, which reasons does mrs. Linde give to support what he says now? 3 marks Explain the dominant theme in this extract 3 marks Explain what tone would be appropriate in reading Nora s parts in this extract. 2 marks From this extract, how has Nora violated social ethics? 2 marks Nora says a wonderful thing is going to happen. From the rest of the play, explain what she means by that? 3 marks Discuss one aspect of style in this extract. 2 marks What do we learn about the character of Mrs.Linde in this context. 2 marks I and I alone did the whole thing Rewrite beginning The whole thing Explain the meaning of the following expression s as used in this extract. 4 marks ForgedGo out of my mindPrevent my being hereRight sensesRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Helmer: miserable creature- what have you done? Nora: let me go. You shall not suffer for my sake. You shall not take it upon yourself. Helmer: No tragic airs, please. Locks the hall door here you shall stay and give me explanation. Do you understand what you have done? Answer me! Do you understand what you? NHave done? Nora : looks steadily at him and says with a growing look of coldness in her face yes now I am Beginning to understand thoroughly. Helmer: walking about the room what a horrible awakening! All these years- she who was my Joy and pride- a hypocrite, a liar-worse, worse a criminal. The unutterable ugliness Of it all- For shame! Nora is silent and looks steadily at him. He stops in front of her I ought to have suspected something of that sort would happen. I ought to have seen it. All your father s want of principle has come out in you. No religion, no morality, no sense of Duty- how I am punished for having winked at what he did! I did it for your sake, and this is How you repay me. Nora: yes, that s just it. Helmer: Now you have destroyed all my happiness.
I did it for your sake, and this is How you repay me. Nora: yes, that s just it. Helmer: Now you have destroyed all my happiness. You have ruined all my future. It is horrible To think of! I am in the power of an unscrupulous man; he can do what he likes with me, Ask anything he likes of me, give me any orders he pleases- I dare not refuse. And I Must sink to such miserable depths because of a thoughtless woman. Nora: when I am out of the way, you will be free. What has happened before this extract 2 marks Explain what Nora means by saying you shall not suffer for my sake 3 marks Describe Helmer s change of attitude towards Nora. 3 marks Describe two character traits of Krogstad from this extract 4 marks Explain two recurring ideas in this extract 4 marks Explain the use of satire in this extract. 2 marks When I am out of the way, you will be free. Give two possible meanings of Nora s words considering what happens later in the play. 2 marks Here you shall stay and give me an explanation. Rewrite beginning You.... Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the excerpt. 4 marks Take it upon yourselfNo tragic airsYour father s want of principleUnscrupulous manRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Helmer: standing at the open door . Yes, do. Try and calm yourself, and make your mind easy again, my frightened little singing bird. Be at rest, and feel secure; I have broad wings to shelter you under. Walks up and down by the door how warm and cozy our home is, Nora. Here is The shelter for you; here I will protect you like a hunted dove that I have saved from A hawk s claws; I will bring peace to your poor beating heart. It will come, little by Little, Nora, believe me. Tomorrow morning you will look upon it differently; soon Everything will be just as it was before. Very soon you won t need me to assure You that I have forgiven you; you will yourself feel the certainty that I have done so. Can You suppose I should ever think of such thing as repudiating you, or even reproaching You?
Tomorrow morning you will look upon it differently; soon Everything will be just as it was before. Very soon you won t need me to assure You that I have forgiven you; you will yourself feel the certainty that I have done so. Can You suppose I should ever think of such thing as repudiating you, or even reproaching You? You have no idea what a true man s heart is like, Nora. There is something so Indescribably sweet and satisfying, to a man, in the knowledge that he has forgiven his Wife- forgiven her freely, and with all his heart. It seems as if that had made her, as it Doubly his own; and she has in a way become both wife and child to him. So you shall Be for me after this, my little scared helpless darling. Have no anxiety about anything, Nora; Only be frank and open with me, and I will serve as will and conscience both to you- what Is this? Not gone to bed? Have you changed your things? Nora: in everyday dress yes, Torvald, I have changed my things now. Helmer: But what for? -. So late as this. Nora: I shall not sleep tonight. Helmer: But, my dear Nora-Nora: looking at her watch it is not so very late. Sit down here, Torvald. You and I have so much to say to one another. She sits down at one side of the table Helmer: Nora-what s this? -. This cold, set face? Nora: sit down. It will take some time: I have a lot to talk over with you. Helmer: sits down at the opposite side of the table you alarm me, Nora! And I don t understand You. Nora: no, that is just it. You don t understand me, and I have never understood you either before tonight. No, you mustn t interrupt me. You must simply listen to what I say. Torvald, this is settling of accounts. Helmer: what do you mean by that?
You must simply listen to what I say. Torvald, this is settling of accounts. Helmer: what do you mean by that? Place this excerpt in its immediate context. 4 marks How is the character of Helmer brought out in this excerpt? 4 marks Comment on the use of imagery in this extract? 4 marks What are the two main issues of concern that are addressed in this extract 4 marks Describe the tone of Torvald in his first line? 2 marks I shall not sleep tonight. Rewrite in the affirmative. 1 mark Why is Nora in everyday dress? 2 marks Explain the meaning of the following words as used in excerpt 4 marks RepudiatingReproachingIndescribablyAccountsRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Nora: yes, tremendous! A barrister s profession is such an uncertain thing, especially if he won t Unsavory cases; and naturally Torvald has been willing to do that, and I quite agree with Him. You may imagine how pleased we are! He is to take up his work in the bank at the New Year. And then he will have a big salary and lots of commissions. For the future we Can live quite differently- we can do just as we like. I feel so relieved and happy, Christine! It will be splendid to have heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, Won t it? Mrs.Linde: Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one needs. Nora: No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money. Mrs.Linde: smiling Nora. Nora, haven t you learned sense yet? In our schooldays you were a Great spendthrift. Nora: laughing yes, that is what Torvalds says now. Wags her finger at her but Nora, Nora is Not so silly as you think. We have not been in a position for me to waste money. We have Both had to work. Mrs.Linde: You too? Nora: yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchetwork, embroidery and that kind of thing dropping Her voice and other things as well. You know Torvald left his office when we were Married?
Mrs.Linde: You too? Nora: yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchetwork, embroidery and that kind of thing dropping Her voice and other things as well. You know Torvald left his office when we were Married? There was no prospect of promotion there, and he had to try and earn more than Before. But during the first year he overworked himself dreadfully. You see he had to Make money every way he could, and he worked early and late; but he couldn t stand and Fell dreadfully ill, and the doctors said it was necessary for him to go south. Explain what happens after this extract. 2 marks Identify and illustrate two character traits of Nora and comment on them 4 marks Identify two aspects of style in this excerpt and comment on their effectiveness. 4 marks Explain two thematic concerns that are addressed in this extract. 4 marks In this extract, Torvalds is portrayed as overworking. Where else is portrayed in a similar way? 2 marks What was Torvald s reaction when Nora told him he needed to go south for treatment? 2 marks There was no prospect of promotion there rewrite adding a question tag. 1 mark Nora says Torvald has been calling her spendthrift. Give two instances where Torvald referred to her as a spendthrift? 2 marks Explain the meaning of the following words as used in this extract. 4 marks BarristerUnsavouryProspectDreadfullyRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Nora: yes, you could-couldn t you? Helmer: And I hear he is a good worker too. But I knew him when were boys. It was one of those Harsh friendships that so often prove an incubus in afterlife I may as well tell you plainly, We were once on very intimate terms with one another. But this tactless fellow lays no Restraint on himself when other people are present. On the contrary, he thinks it gives Him the right to adopt a familiar one with me and every minute it is I say, Helmer, Old Fellow and that sort of thing I assure you it is extremely painful for me. He would make My position at the bank intolerable. Nora: Torvald, I don t believe you mean that. Helmer: Don t you?
He would make My position at the bank intolerable. Nora: Torvald, I don t believe you mean that. Helmer: Don t you? Why not? Nora: because it is such a narrow minded way of looking at things. Helmer: What are you saying? Narrow-minded? Do you think I am narrowing minded? Nora: no, just the opposite dear-and it is exactly for that reason. Helmer: It is the same thing. You say my point of view is narrow-minded, so I must Be so too. Narrow0minded! Very well- I must put an end to this. Goes to the hall and calls Helen! Nora: what are you going to do? Helmer: looking among his papers settle it. Enter MAID look here; take this letter and go Downstairs with it at once. Find a messenger and tell him to deliver it, and be quick. The address is on it, here is the money. Maid: very well, sir. Exit with the letter Helmer: putting his papers together now then, little misses Obstinate. Nora: breathlessly Torvald- what was that letter? Helmer: Krogstad s dismissal. Nora: call her back, Torvald. There is still time. Oh Torvald, call her back! Do it for my sake- for Your own sake- for the children s sake! Do you hear me Torvald? Call her back. You don t Know what that letter will bring upon us. Helmer: It s too late. Nora: Yes, it s too late. Helmer: My dear Nora, I can forgive the anxiety you are in, although really it is an insult to me. It is indeed. Isn t it an insult to think that I should be afraid of starving a quill s driver vengeance? But I forgive you nevertheless, because it is such eloquent witness to your great love for me. Takes her in his arms . And that it should be, my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure that I shall have both courage and strength if they may be needed. You will see I am a man enough to take everything upon myself.
And that it should be, my own darling Nora. Come what will, you may be sure that I shall have both courage and strength if they may be needed. You will see I am a man enough to take everything upon myself. Explain what happens after this extract. 3 marks Comment on two issues addressed in the text. 4 marks State and explain the character trait for each of the two characters in this extract. 4 marks TorvaldKrogstadWhy does Nora want the maid to be called back? 3 marks Identify two literary strategies used in this extract 4 marks Referring to other parts of the text, why can t Torvald work with Krogstad? 2 marks Because it is such a narrow minded way of looking at things rewrite using narrow mindedly 1 mark Explain the meaning of the following words as used in this extract. 4 marks IntolerableNarrow-mindedObstinatevengeance.
PHYSICS SCHEMES OF WORKFORM THREE 2019TERM IREFERENCES:Secondary Physics KLBComprehensive Secondary PhysicsPrinciples of PhysicsGolden TipsTeacher s BookPHYSICS SCHEMES OF WORKFORM THREETERM IIREFERENCES:Secondary Physics KLBComprehensive Secondary PhysicsPrinciples of PhysicsGolden TipsTeacher s BookPHYSICS SCHEMES OF WORKFORM THREETERM IIIREFERENCES:Secondary Physics KLBComprehensive Secondary PhysicsPrinciples of PhysicsGolden TipsTeacher s Book.
THE RIVER AND THE SOURCE BY MARGARET OGOLLAINTRODUCTIONThe River and the Source follows four generations of Kenyan women in a rapidly changing society. It is a presentation of women seeking liberation from the oppressive male dominated society. Just like a river which originates from a spring a source of underground water the birth of Akoko daughter to chief Gogni of Yimbo signifies the beginning of the river. The river is threatened to drying up by hardships after hardship but the river flows on. THE TITLEThe title The River and the Source suggests the flow of a river from its source. The novel traces the symbolic journey of women from a male dominated world to a new world where women are respected.. The river starts as a spring which is Akoko. She is the source of this river. The river refers to the efforts that Akoko puts in trying to liberate women from a patriarchal society that looks down upon them. Akoko faces challenges as a woman in a male dominated society. She overcomes them and the river continues to flow through Nyabera. Akoko is the source of the liberating force that flows from this oppressive and demeaning social system. The river and the source therefore refers to the journey of women empowerment that begins with Akoko, followed by Nyabera, Awiti and Wandia. This is summarized by Chief Odero Gogni s statement, A home without daughters is like a spring without a source. SETTINGSetting refers to the historical moment in time or the geographical location in which the story takes place i.e. the location and time in which a narrative takes place. The story begins 30 years before the Kenya-Uganda railway reached Kisumu. The story ends in the 1990s at the advent of multiparty politics in Kenya. The plot covers a number of generations that shifts between Yimbo Akoko s birthplace and Sakwa Akoko s marital home in today s Nyanza Province in Kenya. It later spreads to Gem, Kisumu, Nakuru and Nairobi in succeeding generations of Akoko s family tree. PLOT SUMMARYPART 1: THE GIRL CHILDThis part of the novel introduces us to Akoko who is vibrant, beautiful and hardworking. It focuses on the Luo cultural practices. The writer uses this part to highlight the importance of the girl child as we note that Akoko manages to gain her father s love and attention, something that was not usual among the Luo.
PLOT SUMMARYPART 1: THE GIRL CHILDThis part of the novel introduces us to Akoko who is vibrant, beautiful and hardworking. It focuses on the Luo cultural practices. The writer uses this part to highlight the importance of the girl child as we note that Akoko manages to gain her father s love and attention, something that was not usual among the Luo. CHAPTER 1 AKOKO'S BIRTHThe chapter begins with the birth of Akoko Adoyo Akelo Obanda. Her father, Chief Odero Gogni expected a son because of the value placed by society in boys over girls. The naming of Akoko is done according to tradition and she ends up having four names. Adoyo born during the weeding season. Obanda- according to dreams by the father and grandmother. Akelo after a step grandmother who had died. Akoko is given to her as she is noisy. The traditional values of the community like polygamy and preference for the male children are also brought out in the fathers desire to have a son. There is insight in to the naming rituals of the community as Akoko is given several names. The belief in superstition is also reflected on in the way Akoko's illness is dealt with and results in Akoko s final name, Akello. Akoko proves to be uniquely determined as she is able to compete with her numerous brothers. This earns her the admiration of both her father and elder brother, Oloo. By the end of the chapter Akoko is grown and of marriageable age and known for her diligence and hard work. CHAPTER 2: BETROTHAL OF AKOKOThis chapter focuses on the betrothal and marriage of Akoko. We are introduced to the young chief Owuor Kembo, a man of Nyadhi or style, who arrives at Yimbo with his delegation from Sakwa. They are warmly received and all the ways of chik are observed. Chief odero is quite pleased as the daughter is going to be the first wife to chief owuor. According to chik one cannot be chief unless he is married hence necessitating the arrival of the delegation from Sakwa to ask for Akoko's hand in marriage. Negotiations for the bride price are carried out through their spokes people. Chief odero asks for a high bride price out of jealousy for the number of daughter to sons his daughter's suitors had compared to him.
According to chik one cannot be chief unless he is married hence necessitating the arrival of the delegation from Sakwa to ask for Akoko's hand in marriage. Negotiations for the bride price are carried out through their spokes people. Chief odero asks for a high bride price out of jealousy for the number of daughter to sons his daughter's suitors had compared to him. Chief owuor Kembo described as a man of style agrees to pay the bride price without bargaining, much to the protest of his brother and delegation. The negotiations are concluded by the presentation of Akoko to her future husband. CHAPTER 3; AKOKO S MOVE TO SAKWAA group of young warriors drive the cattle that had being agreed on as the bride price during the negotiations. They are warmly welcome and well fed according to chik. On the morning of the next day the warriors take off with Akoko after having engaged in mock battles with her brothers before they ran off with Akoko. Akoko herself is also meant to resist so that it may not be said that she went willingly. They rest for a short while before Akoko is delivered to Sakwa. The people of Sakwa admire her and agree that she was worth the thirty head of cattle. Akoko settles in to marriage life and is well accepted by the community. She soon becomes pregnant with her first child. The community is highly superstitious and do not say anything about it. Though the pregnancy is uneventful but the delivery is harrowing. The child is named Obura. However Akoko is under pressure to bear more children as the society expects her to bear as many children as her bride price. Her mother in law even urges Owuor to marry another wife. Later Akoko gets pregnant with Nyabera and then has difficulty during the birth. CHAPTER 4 AKOKO'S CONFLICT WITH NYAR ASEMBOAs a result of Owuor''s refusal to marry another with and Akoko s low birth rate, conflict arises between Akoko and her mother in law. Her mother in law is also offended by the monogamous state of her son and his refusal to take a second wife. They compare him to his younger brother who already had two wives and many more children. One day as she is in the fields, she hears that her mother in law Nyar Asembo accused her of bewitching owuor Kembo so that he would not marry another wife.
Her mother in law is also offended by the monogamous state of her son and his refusal to take a second wife. They compare him to his younger brother who already had two wives and many more children. One day as she is in the fields, she hears that her mother in law Nyar Asembo accused her of bewitching owuor Kembo so that he would not marry another wife. Akoko who is deeply offended by the accusations stays the night and on the morning of the next day calls for the people s attention to state her case. She defends herself by emphasizing that she has always been hard-working and a good wife. After this she leaves for Yimbo. Owuor returns and is angered by the events that took place when he was away. He throttles his brother and almost hits his mother. He then starts a reconciliatory mission. CHAPTER 5 RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICTThe delegation from Sakwa arrives in Yimbo and is coolly received. Being accused of witchcraft was no light matter and the people of Yimbo were not pleased. The elders are gathered and Akoko is asked to give her version of events. She presents the accusations made against her that include witchcraft, standing in the way of her husband s marriage to other women, and having given birth at a slow rate. After the presentation of her case, Owuor defends himself stating that he had not been around when the unfortunate event happened and had dealt with those responsible. The Jodongo agree to resolve the issue and warn Akoko against making rush decisions in future. An appeasement of a goat was to be given to the maro. CHAPTER 6 FAMILY LIFEAfter Akoko s return to Sakwa she is soon pregnant again with a son, the delivery of the child is difficult. The child is named Owang Sino. Owang Sino is drawn to his father and they are quite fond of each other. There is a contrast between owuor and Otieno. Owuor who is monogamous has a happy wife who he treats like a queen. Otieno on the other hand has four wives who he treated like sluts and they obliged him. There are rumours of white men jorochere and the establishment of a colonial government. Obura gets intrigued and suggests that his mother allow him to tour the world. She reprimands for the thought and advises him to seek a wife.
There are rumours of white men jorochere and the establishment of a colonial government. Obura gets intrigued and suggests that his mother allow him to tour the world. She reprimands for the thought and advises him to seek a wife. She also reminds him of his role as the first born son Both his father and mother are alarmed at this new development. Chief Owuor forbids Obura from seeing Nyaroche and Ambere and has the later sent away. CHAPTER 7 OBURA'S DISAPPEARANCEObura disappears from his hut, and Akoko is disturbed by the disappearance. Chief owuor sends out scouts to try and track them. They return and inform the chief that he had left in the company of Nyaroche and Ambere. Akoko prays earnestly that no harm should come to her son. The chief organises for search parties to follow them. Unfortunately they return two days later and report that the three were picked up by white men and could not be traced farther. Akoko who was devastated by her son s disappearance has a sense of foreboding and believes Obura might as well be dead. CHAPTER 8 DEATH OF OBURAIt has been a while since Obura disappeared. News of the white man and the colonial government continue. One day two strangely dressed men come to deliver news about Obura. They draw the attention of the entire community as they make their way to chief Owuor's compound. They inform the chief of the war between jo-ingreza and jojerman. They inform the chief of the death of Obura and Ambere as they inform him that Nyaroche is crippled. The chief is furious and throws away the bracelet that he was given. Nyabera picks it up as the community begins to mourn. A mock funeral is performed and a banana trunk is buried in place of Obura's body. CHAPTER 9 DEATHS OF OWUOR AND OWANGAkoko then goes about helping Nyabera overcome her grief and continue with her life. She takes to wearing the bracelet she had picked when the white men came. Akoko works hard and instils the same value in Nyabera. Thus her herd grows so large that she has to get her own watering hole. Nyabera is now a girl of marriageable age. Suitors come in large numbers and Akoko helps her husband pick an appropriate suitor for their daughter.
Thus her herd grows so large that she has to get her own watering hole. Nyabera is now a girl of marriageable age. Suitors come in large numbers and Akoko helps her husband pick an appropriate suitor for their daughter. Okumu Angolo is picked as he comes from a neighbouring village. Their first three children live for a short time and then die. Owang Sino also comes of age and jowangyo are dispatched to look for a suitable wife for him. A suitable girl was found from Uyoma. However, Chief owuor who had been ailing for a long time dies and the marriage negotiations are postpone for the burial. Akoko takes her husband s spear and shield and mourns him in great song and style. Owang Sino who had done his best to make his mother happy dies son after the birth of his son, owuor Sino. Alando does not stay to defend her son but chooses to get inherited soon after. The chief stool is passed to Otieno Kembo as the young owuor Sino is still a toddler and cannot rule until he is married. Akoko is devastated and Nyabera comes to her side to aid her. CHAPTER 10 OTIENO BECOMES CHIEFOtieno takes over the chief stool with greed and arrogance. He squanders the wealth left behind by owuor and even attempts to usurp Akoko's personal wealth. Akoko feels greatly disadvantaged as she has no male sons or relatives who are of age and would come to her aid. Otieno is unwilling to relinquish the seat. He dispenses with the council of Jodongo and snatches Akoko's wealth. Akoko perceives the challenge and decides to seek help from the jorochere. She takes her grandchild, owuor, to her brother, Oloo. She then visits her daughter, Nyabera who had lost a number of children before she goes on her journey to Kisumu. She reveals her plans to her daughter. CHAPTER 11 AKOKO'S JOURNEY TO KISUMAHer nephews Opiyo and Odongo accompany her. Akoko had earlier tried to send them away but to no avail. They start the journey early in the morning and Akoko takes the opportunity to educate them on the history of the community through stories. They finally arrive in the town of kisuma and are struck by the difference in structures and dressing of the people.
Akoko had earlier tried to send them away but to no avail. They start the journey early in the morning and Akoko takes the opportunity to educate them on the history of the community through stories. They finally arrive in the town of kisuma and are struck by the difference in structures and dressing of the people. There, they meet Otuoma, who helps them in by hosting them for the night as it was a Sunday and the court was closed. He also informs them that citizens were no longer allowed to carry weapons. They finally present their case to the .DO. And the tribunal. CHAPTER 12 AKOKO'S JUSTICE AND DEPATURE FROM SAKWAAkoko present her case to the D.O. and the tribunal. The D.O. Ask s that the case be postpone for three months so that the claims may be investigated. The twins embellish the story that they tell to the future generations. Akoko returns to Sakwa to find Otieno's greed having grown a great deal and her wealth significantly reduced. Investigators come to Sakwa, and the disgruntled people are only too willing to help. Akoko is summoned soon after and the case is reopened before the D.C. The D.C. Rules that Otieno Kembo be forcefully removed from the chief stool and he council of Jodongo rule. Otieno was also made to pay all that he had grabbed. Akoko then returned to Sakwa and took the reminder of her wealth. She returned to Yimbo to live as a migogo in her brother Oloo's house. PART TWO: THE ART OF GIVINGThe Art of Giving is Self sacrifice. It is putting away all you believed in and embracing the others needs. Akoko in this chapter gives more than she receives. The part I ends when she has lost all that she could have held to in her matrimonial home. She forsakes her happy life as a married woman and goes home to lead a desolate life as a migogo. A migogo meant that, she will be looked down upon by her brothers wife. She would be ridiculed and if we remember well; Akoko did not take lightly ridicule or sneer. There was a time she shouted down her mother-in-law maro for accusing her of being a witch juok . Akoko knew very well what she was getting into when she settled down in her brother Oloo s house.
She would be ridiculed and if we remember well; Akoko did not take lightly ridicule or sneer. There was a time she shouted down her mother-in-law maro for accusing her of being a witch juok . Akoko knew very well what she was getting into when she settled down in her brother Oloo s house. She was ready to live with them as long as her grandson Owuor Sino found comfort other than being molested in Otieno s household. She left the wealth she had built in years in Sakwa to live among her paternal household. Giving involves denial of one s comfort for the sake of others. Nyabera tries in earnest to get and raise children for her and her husband Okumu. When Okumu dies, she tries it with Ogoma Kwach but all fails. In despair and with only one child, she joins Christianity. She leaves her mother, daughter and nephew in Aluor to satisfy her quest but returns having failed. She learns the hard way that, it s better to be content than trying to find happiness where there is none. The biggest sacrifice ever in part II however is when Akoko blesses her grandson Petro Owuor Sino Peter Owuor Kembo to take on his vocation. In accepting to this outrageous decision, Akoko loses her right to reclaim her matrimonial home and the continuity of her and her husband s lineage- given that most African communities were patrilineal. In letting Peter become a vicar, she made him and those of her keen lose the chief stool to the younger family in Sakwa. Therefore Giving is an art since few people are ready to go to such extremes as Akoko, Nyabera and those around her, to let those they love enjoy their life to the fullestCHAPTER 1 OKUMU'S DEATHNyabera suffers the deaths of her children. She gets pregnant and gives birth to a baby girl. A ritual is performed to aid in the survival of the child. She is left by the entrance to the homestead and an old lady passing by picked her up and brought her to them. She is therefore named Awiti. Okumu falls ill and dies when Awiti is three years old. Nyabera is inherited by a close relative, Ogoma Kwach. He is drawn to Nyabera's wealth and hard work and foregoes his duty to his first wife.
Okumu falls ill and dies when Awiti is three years old. Nyabera is inherited by a close relative, Ogoma Kwach. He is drawn to Nyabera's wealth and hard work and foregoes his duty to his first wife. As a result he is reported to e council of Jodongo and reprimanded. Nyabera is hurt by their decision and seeks an alternate source of comfort. She has heard a lot about Christianity and seeks out Pillipo to give her more information. Nyabera gives out her wealth then travels to Yimbo to inform her mother of her decision. She leaves Awiti with Akoko then departs for Gem to start her new life. CHAPTER 2. NYABERA IS BAPTISEDNyabera travels from Yimbo to gem and arrives very late. She spends the night in the catechist s house. She explains herself to the catechist on the morning of the next day. He takes her to the chapel and she is inducted in to Christianity. She learns the ways of the new religion quickly and thirstily. She is then baptised Maria. CHAPTER 3 NYABERA'S RETURNNyabera returns from Gem and goes to her mother in Yimbo. Though Akoko can tell that she is pleased with the new religion and her new name, she is able to tell that her daughter is uneasy. Nyabera opens up and admits that she felt that something was lacking as she was alone in Aluor. She asks her mother to accompany her to gem. Akoko agrees and together with her grandchildren travel to Gem. CHAPTER 4 LIFE IN GEMOn arrival in Aluor the children are enrolled in catechism classes and reading classes where they show determination and zeal in their study. They are baptised into Christianity and they receive new names. Owuor is renamed Peter, Awiti is named Elizabeth and Akoko is named veronica. Soon after, news reaches Maria that Ogoma Kwach's wife had died. The desire to have children drives her to return to her matrimonial home without an explanation to her mother. Meanwhile peter develops an interest in priesthood and confides in Awiti. He is afraid to tell Akoko as he does not want to disappoint her. The two decide to wait for Nyabera to return so that they seek her assistance.
Meanwhile peter develops an interest in priesthood and confides in Awiti. He is afraid to tell Akoko as he does not want to disappoint her. The two decide to wait for Nyabera to return so that they seek her assistance. CHAPTER 5 THE VOCATIONAfter a few years, Nyabera returns to Aluor, dejected and beaten by life. She confesses to her mother Akoko, before proceeding to spend the night in church. Owuor proves to be quite helpful to her and she loves him like a son. Owuor takes to reading bible verses to Nyabera which she finds quite comforting. He then informs her about his desire to take up the vocation. They then proceed to talk to Akoko. Akoko agrees on the condition that he changes his name to peter owuor Kembo. Owuor is able to pursue priesthood. CHAPTER 6 AWITI'S EDUCATIONOwuor joins the seminary and his cousin is enrolled into primary school. There are very few girls as the society does not value the education of the girl child. Also a lot of girls get married at a young age. Elizabeth proves to be diligent and tops the class all through. By the time she sits for the final exam she is the only girl in the class. She excels and is invited to a teachers' training college. Nyabera fears that she might lose her and is unwilling to accept the news. Akoko reprimands Nyabera for her behaviour and urges her to allow her daughter to pursue her dreams. Akoko misses her husband and wishes he were present to helm with the decision. CHAPTER 7 LIFE IN COLLEGEAwiti work hard in college and unlike the other students, she does not engage in relationships like the other students. She turns down overtures from several men and is therefore feared. This is made worse when it is learnt that herb brother is in the seminary and both her mother and grandmother live at the mission. She finally meets Mark Antony Oloo Sigu during an exeat. Mark inquires about her and informs her about himself. He mentions that he was in the army and has been called to work in Nakuru. They part when she agrees to reply to his letters when he writes. CHAPTER 8 AWITI'S BETROTHALAwiti and mark interact through the letters they send each other. They talk about their lives, families and each other.
They part when she agrees to reply to his letters when he writes. CHAPTER 8 AWITI'S BETROTHALAwiti and mark interact through the letters they send each other. They talk about their lives, families and each other. After a few months of the engagements, mark states that he would like to meet her parents. Awiti goes to Aluor to deliver the exciting piece of news. Her mother, Maria is a bit opposed but Akoko wins her over and preparations are made. Male relatives are sent for from Yimbo and Sakwa. Peter owuor Kembo is also sent for from the seminary. They make preparations for the day and kong is brewed and several delicacies made. The day arrives and mark Antony arrives with his delegation. He is dressed in military fatigues a monkey head dress and bears a shield. They are warmly welcome and introductions done. To the surprise of mark and his delegation, the bride price is set at a token bull, two cows and six goats. There is much celebration after the negotiations are completed. Akoko is hard laughing with her grandson in law. She dies peacefully in her sleep later in the nightCHAPTER 9 AKOKO IS LAID TO RESTAkoko is buried in Aluor in where she had spent most of life. Peter owuor Kembo is among the deacons who conduct the mass. Her death is hard to accept as she seemed to be full of life. Awiti is so devastated that she almost calls of the wedding. Nyabera comforts her by telling the life story of Akoko. She finally calms down and apologises to Mark, who had been with peter owuor. CHAPTER 10 AWITI'S MARRIAGEAfter the mourning period, peter goes to Rome to complete his studies. He is later ordained a priest and his first duty was to preside over the wedding between Elizabeth and mark. The newly wedded couple moves from Aluor to live in Nakuru. Shortly afterwards, Elizabeth becomes pregnant. Unfortunately she and mark misdiagnose the symptoms for malaria thus leading to the loss of the twins. It takes a long time before she can conceive again. Her mother in law start to complain about the lack of grandchildren but mark stops her from prying. Elizabeth gets pregnant again and this time the couple are happy and cautious to ensure nothing goes wrong.
It takes a long time before she can conceive again. Her mother in law start to complain about the lack of grandchildren but mark stops her from prying. Elizabeth gets pregnant again and this time the couple are happy and cautious to ensure nothing goes wrong. PART 3 LOVE AND LIFELove and Life yanks us from the painful oppression of death into a new realm of love and understanding. Mark Sigu, we can now imagine what they talked about with Akoko, steers his family away from tradition into the new sphere of the evolving world. He is blessed with 7 children 4 boys and three girls. Each child has different personality. We see Mark and Elizabeth as capable parents who administer discipline and love to their children. The two parents provide education food and shelter to their new life and work best to establish family unity. Despite her love for her children, Elizabeth keeps a straight head and clear vision not to spoil her kids. She stands behind when Aoro is punished by his father, though she knew the punishment was punitive and way above discipline, she took a back step until it was time for her intervention. She also steps back when Mark pours his love over their last born Mary but does her best to reign him in so that Mary does not end up too spoilt. On the other hand, we silently follow the children as they grow into adulthood. From the brave and confident Vera to her timid and self possessed twin sister. The relationship of the two girls sours as they take on different personalities in life. Aoro and Antony also come out strongly shaping their destinies different ways though the show unrivalled level of competence. Aoro takes medicine while Anthoy joins the seminary. The twins Opiyo and Odongo also manifest differently. CHAPTER 1 THE YOUNG COUPLEElizabeth delivers twins, veronica and Rebecca. The two girls have varying personalities. Vera is independent, intelligent and protective of her sister. Rebecca on the other hand, is quite attractive and self -centred. When they are two years old, Elizabeth gave birth to another child, a boy Aoro. Due to the state of emergency, mark opts to move his family back to Aluor. His mother is quite unhappy about this but he does not change his stand. Mark gets lonely while Elizabeth is away and engages in extramarital affairs. A certain girl stays with him for some time and later claims that she is pregnant. This brings mark back to his sense and he sends her away.
Mark gets lonely while Elizabeth is away and engages in extramarital affairs. A certain girl stays with him for some time and later claims that she is pregnant. This brings mark back to his sense and he sends her away. He then goes to Aluor to get his family. Elizabeth hears rumours of the infidelity but says nothing about it. CHAPTER 2 VERA AND BECKY S EDUCATION. Kenya gains independence and the citizens celebrate. The country is faced with numerous challenges but equally numerous opportunities. Mark gets promoted and moves to a bigger house as his family has grown. He now has seven children that include Vera, Becky, Aoro, Antony, Opiyo Odongo and Mary. Vera is an excellent student in school. Becky on the other hand does not give her studies much effort. Vera excels in her primary level exam and is called to a national school which she declines as she wanted that to go to her sister s school. Her parents are concerned but later agree to let her go to a school of her choice. CHAPTER 3 AORO'S ADVENTURESAoro is compared to Obura who was swift bright confident and curious. The company of his younger brothers makes him more adventurous than usual. One day they go fishing at a nearby river. As he and tony are busy one of the twins, Odongo, almost drowns. Opiyo screams alerting the older brothers who come to his rescue. They go back home wet, and shaken. The younger boys blame the older ones for the event and Aoro and tony are punished. The older boys decide to never take their smaller brothers anywhere after the incident. Tony later develops acute appendicitis and is rushed to hospital in the night. Aoro is worried and informs his older sisters. The later receive news that their brother will be well after the operation. CHAPTER 4. AORO'S EPIPHANYAoro is fascinated by Tony s stitches and gains an interest in medicine. He operates on a frog successfully. Uncle peter comes to visit them and though every child warms u to hi, tony is particularly curious about priesthood and has a lot of questions. Mark is a bit apprehensive as he notices that tony is eyeing priesthood. Most parents are not comfortable with their children joining priesthood. Peter is getting a promotion to bishop. He stays a while then visits his aunt Maria in Aluor.
Most parents are not comfortable with their children joining priesthood. Peter is getting a promotion to bishop. He stays a while then visits his aunt Maria in Aluor. It is later on decided that Opiyo and Odongo should go to Aluor to keep their grandmother company and attend the school their mother went to. Aoro excels in his studies and is called to the best school in the country. This inspires tony to work hard so that he can join him. Aoro has difficulty in school and is suspended for indiscipline. Mark deals with him by telling to seek his own food and shelter. Aoro is remorseful and fears his father. He returns to school and does his best. CHAPTER 5 MARY'S BIRTHThe chapter takes us back to the birth the pregnancy was difficult for Elizabeth. She developed high blood pressure and threatened miscarriage on several occasion. The doctors feared for both mother and child and they have to be admitted. Mary's birth had to be induced and she is named after her grandmother. Mark loves Mary deeply and gives her all the best. He sends her to private school and makes an effort to personally pick and drop her. This draws envy Becky who was used to being the centre of attention. Becky tries to complain and gets a scathing response from her sister Vera. This results is an argument that leads the sisters to drift apart. CHAPTER 6 MARIA'S DEATHExamination results are announced and Vera has done exceptionally well. Becky attains a second division which she is well pleased with. Antony gets 36 points in his primary certificate examinations and is delighted as he had earned a spot in Aoro's school. Becky suggests that she would like to get a job but Mark insists that she must continue with her education. A telegram is sent from Aluor informing them that Maria is unwell. Elizabeth is picked from the school by Mark as she is beside herself. Mark does his best to leave everything in order before they leave for Aluor. Elizabeth is beside Maria when he dies in hospital later on that day. CHAPTER 7 BECKY RUNS AWAYOpiyo and Odongo return to Nakuru after the burial of Maria. Education is of importance to the Sigu family as examinations approach and everyone is tense as there are 5 candidates in the house.
Elizabeth is beside Maria when he dies in hospital later on that day. CHAPTER 7 BECKY RUNS AWAYOpiyo and Odongo return to Nakuru after the burial of Maria. Education is of importance to the Sigu family as examinations approach and everyone is tense as there are 5 candidates in the house. Aoro was sitting for his O- level, Vera and Becky are sitting for their A-level and Opiyo and Odongo for the certificate of primary education. Vera and Becky are now are in their prime and boys begin to pay a lot of attention to them. Vera meets Tommy Muhambe who is particularly persistent. She brings up the question on whether she can go to a movie with Tommy to her father during dinner. When the results are announced, Aoro excels with 6 distinctions, Vera got two A's and a B, Becky flunked. After the result Becky runs away from home and leaves a note stating that she had gone to try to be an air hostess. Vera tries to explain to her parents that they should let her be. CHAPTER 8 CAMPUS LIFEVera goes to campus and is struck by the new found freedom. Most campus girls are dating rich affluent men or other campus students. Vera maintains her relationship with Tommy but when he proposes to her she declines ending their 3 year relationship. Vera leaves with a heavy heart and decide to try and find her sister Becky. She accidentally bumps into her at the airport and leave for Becky apartments. CHAPTER 9 BECKY'S RELATIONSHIP WITH JOHNBecky takes Vera to an affluent block of apartments. She introduces Vera to her fianc , John Courtney, a Canadian national who was a pilot. She tells Vera about her plans to get married, but Vera insists that he must first meet their parents. Vera tries to convince Becky to go back home. On john's persistence she finally agrees to visit her parents. CHAPTER 10 VERA JOINS OPUS DEIVera goes back to her room on campus and tells the day s events to her roommate Mary-Anne Ngugi. Vera mentions the heartbreak with Tommy and about her twin sister. The conversation extends to the larger family. Mary Anne then invites her to attend a recollection at Parkview college, which she readily agrees. After mass on Sunday Vera begins to question her religious beliefs. She watches a lay, and goes on with her studies as exams are approaching.
Mary Anne then invites her to attend a recollection at Parkview college, which she readily agrees. After mass on Sunday Vera begins to question her religious beliefs. She watches a lay, and goes on with her studies as exams are approaching. When the day comes, Mary -Anne and Vera board a matatu and head for the recollection. Vera is introduced to the members of Opus Dei who had different views about the church, and work challenges. She got out of the church puzzled and Mary-Anne offered to give her books which will help her understand better. PART 4: VARIABLE WINDSVariable winds suggest the changing course of the lives that the family experiences. There are the ups and downs that characterize their lives. Their lives diverge on different paths that bring with them sweet victories like Aoro s marriage, Wandia s doctorate, happy families among other events. There are also the difficulties like Daniel s down syndrome, Becky s death among other challenges that they encounter. There I also the frosting in the relationship between Becky and the rest of her family. The change in the way her children relate to her and the marked improvement they make under the care of Aoro and Wandia. CHAPTER ONE: AORO TAKES MEDICINEAoro starts medicine at the university. The study of Anatomy Biochemistry and Psychology among other subjects. Anatomy happens to be the most of the competitive subjects. In the laboratory, the students are told to the group themselves into groups of six. Group six had Aoro, Wandia, Makau Kithinji, Jeremy Kizingo, Paul Omondi Rakula, and Simon Onyancha. The competition is narrowed to two members of group six. After exams, Wandia beat Aoro with a single point. Aoro takes it in good grace and invites her to have a drink. This signifies the start of a long relationship. CHAPTER 2. AORO'S INTERNSHIPThe internship is hard for Aoro. He has to work around the clock while at the mercy of the residents and doctors. His rounds include the theatre, round in the wards and filling patient information as well as taking laboratory sample. He rarely gets enough sleep. Wandia is also an intern at Machakos general hospital. They are unable to meet for long periods of time as the rarely have time to meet. Aoro is taking a break to rest when Wandia visits him. They talk about marriage and Wandia proposes to Aoro.
They are unable to meet for long periods of time as the rarely have time to meet. Aoro is taking a break to rest when Wandia visits him. They talk about marriage and Wandia proposes to Aoro. Wandia informs Aoro that she was on her way to visit her mother who was sick. CHAPTER 3 WANDIAS FAMILYWandia had been raised by a single mother after her father had died while she was young. Her mother had raised money to educate them by working on her coffee farm. Her siblings were all grown up and engaged in different professions. Her sister Esther is a teacher who is married to the headmaster, Michael. Her brother Michael was a business man in Nairobi, Wandia is a doctor and timothy is described as being a good time boy. Wandia's mother suffers from diabetes and has an ulcer on her leg. Wandia's mother is still worried about her farm even though Wandia tells her that she does not need to work so hard. She spends time with her mother and even talks about Aoro. She then goes to spend the night with her sister Esther. She enjoys the company of her nieces and nephews. Later that evening they get time to talk and the topic of Aoro is brought up again. The rest of her family is concern about the different tribes but Wandia is not bothered. CHAPTER 4 WANDIA'S INTRODUCTIONAoro takes Wandia to his parent s farm in Njoro. After the visit to Wandia's family, Aoro wrote his parent a letter informing them that he would be bringing his bride to be home. Elizabeth is eager to meet them and is the one who receives them when they arrive. After the introductions, Elizabeth asks Wandia to help herb in the kitchen, giving mark and Aoro sometime to talk. Mark is concern that Aoro might have made a wrong decision by choosing to marry a kikuyu. Elizabeth and Wandia get along well and become good friends. They return with tea after they feel that the men had enough time to sort out their differences. CHAPTER 5 AORO WEDS WANDIAAoro and Wandia's wedding pulls the family together as that try to make it a success. Becky provides a car and Vera helps them get one of the company houses in Malindi. For the honeymoon. Vera and Wandia grow very close to each other.
Becky provides a car and Vera helps them get one of the company houses in Malindi. For the honeymoon. Vera and Wandia grow very close to each other. Becky is separated from john Courtney after he discovered that she was cheating on him. She had custody of their two children, Johnny, and Alicia. Becky lived a promiscuous life and insults Vera when she was confronted about it. Wandia is pregnant with twins and had been asked to stay home due to a cough. Vera visits Wandia and voices her concerns about her sister. They discuss Becky s health which seemed to be on the decline and her children's welfare. Wandia goes into labour. CHAPTER 6 DANIEL'S DOWN S SYNDROMEWandia gets twins, Lisa and Daniel. Daniel has down syndrome and grows at a slow rate. Lisa grows rapidly and makes the contrast between her and her twin brother so much more glaring. Wandia is devastated by his condition while Aoro feel like he had failed. Daniel is a loving child despite his condition and draws love from all around him. Becky dies of AIDS and Wandia and Aoro take in Alicia and Johnny since Vera, who had been appointed their guardian, cannot as her calling does not allow her to have a home. Becky lives behind a sizeable estate to ensure that they are well provided for. Daniel develops leukaemia as children with Down s syndrome are prone to it. Wandia is shocked by the turn of events. Daniel is taken to hospital and the doctor set about treating him as it is not one of the aggressive forms. Wandia visits church and asks God to save her son and promises to visit church more frequently. CHAPTER 7 FAMILY REUNIONWandia pursues her passion in haematology after the recovery of her son Daniel. She receives a scholarship to study in John Hopkins hospital in Baltimore, USA. She is however worried of living Aoro with the task of looking after their now large family. Alicia and Johnny loved them like their biological parents. At the end of the term all the children wanted to show how well they were doing in school, even Daniel who had Down s Syndrome was doing pretty well. The Aoro's take measure to ensure that the family is well tended while Wandia is away. The plan was to call Mary, Aoro s sister, to stay with the children besides hiring another house help.
At the end of the term all the children wanted to show how well they were doing in school, even Daniel who had Down s Syndrome was doing pretty well. The Aoro's take measure to ensure that the family is well tended while Wandia is away. The plan was to call Mary, Aoro s sister, to stay with the children besides hiring another house help. The family goes to Njoro to visit mark and Elizabeth. Odongo is the farm manager while his twin brother Opiyo is a manager at marks former farm. Opiyo visits with his family too, Edna his wife and their two children. Father tony also drops in. Wandia tells Elizabeth about the scholarship and she readily agrees, meanwhile Aoro and tony reminisce about their childhood. CHAPTER 8 WANDIA'S GRADUATIONBoth Mugo's and Sigu's families gather to celebrate Wandia s achievement as the first Kenyan woman to get a doctorate degree in medicine. There is a large gathering at the Aoro's home as relatives and friends join them in the celebration. Alicia, a student of design and music at Kenyatta university shadows her aunt Vera. Johnny and Daniel hover around Aoro and Wandia. Johnny faces an identity crisis and wishes to change his name to Aoro's name. He keeps African friends, speaks, Swahili and eats African dishes. Wandia tries to talk to him and afterwards ask Vera to write to John Courtney. Elizabeth wakes up to check on the children who are still up; she looks in on her grandchildren. She gets an attack of dizziness as she tries to adjust them. The following day Aoro receives a call from Opiyo informing him that their mother had died. She is buried next to her daughter as a large crowd comes to bid her farewell. THE RIVER AND THE SOURCETHEMESThemes refer to the general ideas, messages or lessons the writer has portrayed in his her literary piece of work. Therefore, under the study of themes, we particularly narrow our perspective to the main ideas in which the story if founded and on whose axis it revolves, and offers an avenue of continuity. It is important to note that while discussing themes, it is imperative for identification and illustration of the theme to be done, to promote understanding. A theme can simply be said to be the concern of the writer. It is simply what the writer says.
It is important to note that while discussing themes, it is imperative for identification and illustration of the theme to be done, to promote understanding. A theme can simply be said to be the concern of the writer. It is simply what the writer says. FAMILY RELATIONSThe novel addresses various issues revolving around family members, their closeness and their interactions. This is seen through various instances as follows;Chief Odero Gogni loves his daughter Akoko so much as seen through his over protectiveness. He wants the best for his daughter hence turns down 13 suitors he even mentions that a home without daughters is like a spring without a source. Akoko s brother Oloo too is seen to be so close to Akoko and loves her so much. When travelling to Kisuma he sends his sons Opiyo and Oloo to accompany her for protection. Oloo further does the unthinkable when he welcomes Akoko back when she is a widow and suffering. Owuor kembo and Akoko s marriage is a closely knit union. On marrying Akoko Owuor never marries any other wife despite pressure from his mother. On Owuor s death Akoko mourns him with so much dignity and with songs of praise recounting their life together and his greatness. Nyabera on settling at the new mission picks her mum her daughter and nephew Owuor to stay with them since they were so close to each other. They stay together so happily. Mark Sigu is a hardworking man who loves and fully provides for his family. They are all well educated and trained on responsibility. Mark is concerned when Vera asks for permission to go out with a man and fears for her. When Becky runs away to the city he is so concerned and almost follows her to the city. Aoro s and wandia s family are seen to co-exist and thrive in love and friendship. They even adopt Becky s children Alicia and Johny and even consider them their own. The Courtney children had become so much part of the family that Wandia never dreamed of excluding them from her calculations pg 291 GENDER RELATIONSThe society in The River and the Source is seen to be patriarchal. We are told that: If it was hard for a boy to get an education it was well nigh impossible for a girl.
They even adopt Becky s children Alicia and Johny and even consider them their own. The Courtney children had become so much part of the family that Wandia never dreamed of excluding them from her calculations pg 291 GENDER RELATIONSThe society in The River and the Source is seen to be patriarchal. We are told that: If it was hard for a boy to get an education it was well nigh impossible for a girl. The purpose of female existence was marriage and child bearing. P 129 this shows a disregard for women in society and points out to their expectation in society which is pointer to their lowly stature in society. Akoko is born in a family that is dominated by men and encounters many challenges. In fact the expression the girl child points to her oppressed and exploited and threatened Akoko who is growing up as a girl child. Her struggles are seen even in her assertive and aggressive stance in her first words dwaro mara want mine! Pg 15 Women are expected to be submissive in this society and it is unheard of for a woman to challenge a man. This is however seen in Akoko s resistance against Otieno her brother in-law who even gets to fear her. When Otieno threatens to assault her she looks him in the eyes and says, just you die! Pg 37 Further when Otieno takes over the chieftaincy and rules with an iron fist, Akoko seeks the intervention of the new administration to protect her wealth. She wins in this and in fact opens new vistas and opportunities for the oppressed especially the women. Gender inequality is seen further in the sense that out of a class of thirty four, there were only two girls one of whom was Awiti and even so she later got married off at the age of sixteen. It s only through Akoko s determination that Awiti is saved from such fate. Awiti is further seen to be exceptional as she maintains first position hence bringing out the success of women despite all odds. She thus wins the envy, admiration and even disapproval by some. As a teacher Awiti manages the children back at Aluor during the emergency without Mark bringing her out as a strong woman.
Awiti is further seen to be exceptional as she maintains first position hence bringing out the success of women despite all odds. She thus wins the envy, admiration and even disapproval by some. As a teacher Awiti manages the children back at Aluor during the emergency without Mark bringing her out as a strong woman. Furthermore from Awiti s experience we learn of the important role of women in upbringing in that Awiti is saved from the traditional practices of marriage at seventeen through the pioneering and daring spirit of her grandmother and mother. Pg 129 they regarded her as their future and hoped to enhance the continuity of the family through her and this comes to fruition. Akoko and Nyabera thus overcome the obstacles that tend to degrade and suppress women. Wandia s mother is further brought out as a strong woman. Though single she does not become destitute and vulnerable. This is further seen through Wandia who is an epitome of great upbringing through her courage and determination and profession as a doctor. She even undertakes further studies to even acquire the role of professor. The continuity of the river of women empowerment is thus seen through the generations through Akoko, Nyabera, Awiti and Wandia. This is despite the challenges they faced and disregard by society where even for Awiti s case it is said A girl! To be so clever no man would marry her pg 130 despite all these she keeps excelling. CONFLICT IN MARRIAGEThere are several instances of conflict in marriage pointed out in the novel. They are brought either from misunderstanding between the couple or sometimes from external influence. There is a conflict in the marriage between Owuor Kembo and Akoko. This is brought out by the allegations by Nyar Asembo that Akoko has bewitched her son and cast a spell on him so that he doesn t take another wife. Further she complains of her inability to conceive regularly despite the huge bride price. Akoko decides to severe their relationship and goes back to Yimbo but not before summoning a crowd and clearing her name against the allegations. It takes the intervention of the Jodongo to bring her back. Conflict is also seen in the marriage between Elizabeth Awiti and Mark Sigu. This is over her inability to conceive after the miscarriage. She even accuses mark of having given her chloroquin to deliberately make her sterile. The issue is compounded by Mark s mother who demands an explanation for Elizabeth s lack of children.
This is over her inability to conceive after the miscarriage. She even accuses mark of having given her chloroquin to deliberately make her sterile. The issue is compounded by Mark s mother who demands an explanation for Elizabeth s lack of children. This creates so much tension and mark has to take Elizabeth s side to salvage the situation. Becky s promiscuity leads to the break-up of their marriage with John Courtney. It is said that she exchanged men at will prompting John to divorce her. It is even the reason she gets infected with HIV. There was also conflict in the marriage between Aoro and Wandia over their son Daniel s disease Leukemia. Wandia accuses Aoro of spending too much time outside working when they have children to bring up and take care of. Hi explanations are not heard and she even retorts angrily, Don t honey me. Go to hell. Pg288 RELIGIONThere are aspects of both traditional religion and Christianity in the novel. In the traditional religion, we are told that the people believed in Were the god of the eye of the rising sun and ancestral spirits. They made sacrifices and poured libations. Akoko even mentions that it is Were who forms children in ones womb. They even believed that the spirits of the departed influenced the living so much. They could cause dreams to pregnant mothers or relatives to guide in the naming of the young ones. With the coming of missionaries, Christianity is introduced Nyabera is attracted to this new religion and is further fascinated by various characters in the bible, the suffering of Jesus and baptism through which she is named Maria. Akoko later joins Maria in the new religion with the children too where Awiti becomes Sacristan assisting nuns and Owuor becoming an altar boy. Owuor later becomes a priest and ascends to bishop. This even influences Tony Sigu who becomes a priest. Awiti raises her family in religious grounds. This even sees her daughter Vera becoming a non-marrying member of the Opus Dei. Religion impacts on the traditional aspects of life for the people and we see so much changing. Traditionally Akoko was supposed to be buried in her husband s ancestral home at the left of the entrance but due to her change to Christianity she is buried as a Christian in a church cemetery. Furthermore, marriage rites change and with the advent of Christianity has introduced church weddings as seen in the Christian church wedding between Mark and Elizabeth presided by father Peter.
Religion impacts on the traditional aspects of life for the people and we see so much changing. Traditionally Akoko was supposed to be buried in her husband s ancestral home at the left of the entrance but due to her change to Christianity she is buried as a Christian in a church cemetery. Furthermore, marriage rites change and with the advent of Christianity has introduced church weddings as seen in the Christian church wedding between Mark and Elizabeth presided by father Peter. Vera further becomes an unmarried member of Opus Dei which would not have been accepted traditionally. DEATHThroughout the plot of the book, the writer has eliminated many characters through death-some of who never even get a chance to live one ay. Akoko s son Obura Kembo, died at war in Tanganyika. He as well as Ambere K ongoro died in the First World War between the Jo-Ingereza and Jo-jerman. The village went into mourning for the chief s son. The mourning was worsened by the fact that there was no body to morn over and to bury. Pg 55 The names of the three are Oura KEmbo, Ambere K ongoso, and Nyaroche Silwal. They went to fight the Jo-Jerman in a place called Tanganyika.....of the three, only Nyaroche Silwal survived and he is...... Tragedy befalls Akoko again. First, she had to contend with the death of her son Obura. Later her husband, Chief Owuor Kembo passes on after ailing for a long time since his son s death. Pg 62 ......but before the bride price could be paid the ailing chief Owour Kembo died..... Akoko s other son Owang Sino, dies after chocking on a fish bone after having a meal of fish and Ugali. Akoko s daughter, Nyabera faces several misfortunes as well. Her entire life seems one big disaster. Her other tow sons die during an outbreak of measles. She gets pregnant again when Awiti is three years old but she miscarriges. The ral disaster is when her husband, Okumu dies after complaining of severe headache, pain and stiffness in the neck and he cannot also retain any food. After being inherited by a second cousin to her husband, Ogoma Kwachm Nyabera gets toe children who again, die of sickle cell disease.
During Akoko s marriage negotiations, the spokesman for the Jodongo of Sakwa, Aloo K Olima refers to their hosts elders of Yimbo as brothers . This is a pointer to the good dak neighbourliness that existed between the two groups as well as the great wat brotherhood they shared. Akoko was committed to the well being of her family. When the survival of the two year old Owuor through whom her family could find continuity id threatened by Otieno, Akoko made an epic journey to Kisumu to petition the colonial government sirikal to intercede on her behalf. Akoko also loved her husband Owuor Kembo. When he dies, she mourned carrying it well into the village. Pg 62-63. She donned his monkey skin head dress that he had and his shield in the other. She sang dirges in his honour with her powerful voice. She sang his famous courtship of her, the great honour he had accorded her throughout their life together, the friendship that existed between them. Akoko instilled in her children and grandchildren a strong sense of loyalty to the family. This value of love and loyalty in the family is seen in Sigu s family. They Mark and Elizabeth work in unison to bring up their seven children. There also exists a relationship of love and care between Mark and Elizabeth. This is evident from the courtship the two has at the beginning og a period of six months. Pg 132.....Their courtship went on in this gentle offhand manner, but at the end of six months, they knew each other pretty well, at least she knew she liked him and he who impetuous knew that he was he was in love and wanted to get married. It is also indicated in the book that Sigu family was a family full of love. Pg 162 All in all, the Sigu family was a happy one. There was money, but not too much and plenty of love-simple and unpretentious. There is also love between Wandia and her brother s and sisters. She and her brother and sisters had always been very close, a closeness born of not just blood ties, but of many hardships faced together. Wandia also enjoys a warm relationship with her two nephews and niece. The other children arrived form school and Wandia was lost in hug and demands for sweets and chocolates.
There was money, but not too much and plenty of love-simple and unpretentious. There is also love between Wandia and her brother s and sisters. She and her brother and sisters had always been very close, a closeness born of not just blood ties, but of many hardships faced together. Wandia also enjoys a warm relationship with her two nephews and niece. The other children arrived form school and Wandia was lost in hug and demands for sweets and chocolates. Pg 263 In a show of family unity, Wandia and Aoro adopt two children who were Becky s. These are Alicia and Jonny following Becky s death. CHANGEIn the novel, The River and the Source nothing remains the same. The continous cyclic pattern of human life and nature bedecked by numerous changes of both conscious and unconscious orientation. Through these changes, life continous or events continue at different levels affected by changes. Consider these illustrations:-Akoko is way ahead of her time and is appreciative of the need to embrace change early enough. The author says that the clarity of vision and strength of character of Akoko could have been a discomfiture to all men of all ages and she was therefore never really have fitted in that, this or any other century pg 142 The coming of the Jorochere whitemen marked the first real threat to the formely tranquil and cohesive traditional African society. A footloose wanderer called Ambere K Ongoso brought stories of the white skinned people pg 48 . Similarly Nyaroche came back with stories about pesa money pg 49. The effect of the coming of the white man in relation to administration of justice, enforcement of law and order, mode of dressing and language is now evident especially in Kisumu. The clerk at the D.O. s office could speak the language of the White man as well as his own. He wore a dazzling white shirt, a thin black tie and white shoes. Opiyo and Odongo while accompanying their aunt Akoko to kisuma were dressed in skins covering only their loins and Akoko was dressed in the tradition skin called chieno. This mode of dressing is contrasted with that of a passer-by they met on their arrival in Kisumu who wore a pair of long shorts and a singlet. The said passer-by had also attended mission school for one year.
He wore a dazzling white shirt, a thin black tie and white shoes. Opiyo and Odongo while accompanying their aunt Akoko to kisuma were dressed in skins covering only their loins and Akoko was dressed in the tradition skin called chieno. This mode of dressing is contrasted with that of a passer-by they met on their arrival in Kisumu who wore a pair of long shorts and a singlet. The said passer-by had also attended mission school for one year. While in Kisuma, Akoko, Opiyo and Odongo are informed that Kisuma had been renamed Kisumu by the whiteman. The house belonging to Akoko s host is an indicator of changes taking place in the society. His house was a variation of the traditional hut since it had square windows made of wood and a neat wooden door, all painted bright green. Also the buildings in Kisumu looked large and most had white walls and red roofs. Others had tin wall. Akoko s host in Kisumu asvises Opiyo and Odongo to leave their weapons at home since people were now prohibited from carrying weapons since the Sirikal had askaris who offered protection to everyone and kept the peace. The white DC in Kisuma listens to Akoko s position and rules in her favour. A contingent of Askaris is dispatched to the village to forcibly remove Otieno from his position as chief. He is also made to return all property he had grabbed form his sister-in-law and his grand nephew. This episode shows that the influence of the Jodongo in the administration of justice is gradually waning and in its place is the white man s administrative structures. In fact the author acknowledges this reality when she says In spite of the DC s decision, it was only a matter of time before the hereditary chiefdoms were done away with totally. It was a changing world. Pg 93 Christianity is gradually taking root. After being baptized, Nyabera acquires a new name, Maria. Pg 110 By agreeing to accompany Nyabera to Gem mission of Aluor, AKoko has made the decision to move from one life to another. Her pioneering and daring spirit enabled her daughter Awiti to acquire education. By acquiring formal education, Awiti is able to disentangle herself from the yoke of traditions and customs of her people pertaining to the role of women.
Pg 110 By agreeing to accompany Nyabera to Gem mission of Aluor, AKoko has made the decision to move from one life to another. Her pioneering and daring spirit enabled her daughter Awiti to acquire education. By acquiring formal education, Awiti is able to disentangle herself from the yoke of traditions and customs of her people pertaining to the role of women. This conservative mind set of Awiti s people is evident in the statement, The purpose of female existence was marriage and child bearing. According to the community, it was superfluous to educate girls. Awiti s desire to acquire education was made possible through the pioneering and daring spirit her grandmother and mother had pg 129 The impact of formal education is evident in Mark Sigu s ability to speak fluently in perfect English. During his encounter with Elizabeth he tells her that he went to school in St. Mary s Yala and was conscripted into the army while job hunting in Nairobi. The advent of formal employment is a result of formal education. Pg 137 While conversing with Elizabeth, Mark Sigu switches to a combination of English and vernacular-a common manner of speech is an emerging bilingual and tri-lingual Africa. Money was replacing barter trade as a tool of exchange of goods and services. Awiti successfully sat her examination at the teacher training college and received her teacher s certificate. She is then posted back to her old school. She earns a salary of fifty shillings a month. Maria initially opposes the idea of her daughter accepting the invitation to join the teacher training college but Akoko prevails upon her. When Awiti informs her mother that she does not know the names of Mark s parents, an appaled Maria laments, What do you mean you don t know! How can you even consider having friendship with a man whose roots and antecedents you don t know? Contrary to dictates of Chik , Elizabeth s re;atives did not send a Jawangyo spy to check out Mark Sigu s background. Akoko reasons with Maria by telling her, Accept it Maria, the world is changing. Pg 143 Akoko has changed the concept of bride price. Contray to the expectations of Elizabeth s suitors from Seme that a heavy bride price was going to ne demanded for Elizabeth, no price is asked except for a token bull, two cows and six goats.
How can you even consider having friendship with a man whose roots and antecedents you don t know? Contrary to dictates of Chik , Elizabeth s re;atives did not send a Jawangyo spy to check out Mark Sigu s background. Akoko reasons with Maria by telling her, Accept it Maria, the world is changing. Pg 143 Akoko has changed the concept of bride price. Contray to the expectations of Elizabeth s suitors from Seme that a heavy bride price was going to ne demanded for Elizabeth, no price is asked except for a token bull, two cows and six goats. Pg 148 In a break from traditions, Akoko was not buried in her husband s ancestral home to the left of the entrance to her house but on the burial ground which the church had prepared. Mixed inter-tribal marriages have started to take root. Elizabeth s flexibility and accommodating nature is evident when she convinces her husband to allow their daughter Vera to accompany Tommy Muhambe, a twenty one year old young Luhya man studying veterinary medicine to the movies. Becky s husband John Courtney is a white man. Wandia s sister Esther points out some of the challenges of inter tribal marriages that Wandia and Aoro may experience. For example few in-laws are endearing, but I can t imagine anything more annoying than their talking to their son, and your children in a language you cannot understand. Aoro a Luo marries Wandia a Kikuyu . Prior to their marriage each introduces his her would be spouse to his her parents. Change is also experienced in the arena of politics. Mention is made of the recently concluded multi-party elections 1992 which marked the end of the single party rule. People hope that the new political dispensation would usher in a new era. Instead it is characterized by confusion and cries of foul by the opposition and declarations of total transparency by the winners. Pg 304 Vera also changes form unbelieving Christian to a member of Opus Dei during her encounter with Maryanne. The two epic journeys Akoko makes are quite significant as far as change is concerned. The first one is her journey to Kisuma accompanied by Opiyo and Odongo. This story elevated Akoko too heroine and legendary status. It was to be passed down from generation to generation.
The first one is her journey to Kisuma accompanied by Opiyo and Odongo. This story elevated Akoko too heroine and legendary status. It was to be passed down from generation to generation. The second one is Akoko and Nyabera s journey to ALuor. The children were the future and the future had to be protected. The writer seems to suggest the merging of the past and the present, Akoko told them stories of the heroes of old and the history of baby Jesus. Father Tony, AKoko s grandson says of Akoko, To her life was like a river, flowing from eternity to eternity. TRADITION AND CUSTOMS Chik traditions governed every aspect of the life of the people. It was the glue which held the people together thus preventing disintegration of the fabric of the society and chaos. The naming system in the community is quite elaborate. The children are given more than one name. For instance, Chief Odero Gogni s newly born child is first called Adoyo since she was born during the weeding and hoeing season. The ancestral spirits usually send vivid dreams to the new born baby s parents and in Adoyo s case the child s great uncle, recently dead, a medicine man of great renown sent dreams to both the father and grandmother of the child, resulting in the baby being named Obanda. Since the baby had an extremely powerful set of lungs she was given the third name, Akoko. Pg 14 Akoko s son is first named Obura the wise one . On the second night after birth the child s father dreamt that Kembo K Agina the late chief was handing him a baby boy from his right hand side; therefore the child was named Obura Kembo. When Adoyo was two weeks old, she suffered a prolonged bout of colic and screaming that went on all night. A reason and solution is sought to the baby s crying. Grandmother- Nyar Alego implores were to spare the child s life. She pleads with her departed mother Achieng to intercede. She also seems to imply that the child s condition may be attributed to Akelo, her departed sister who died childless. Pg 12 and 13 It was a common practice for potential suitors to send spies jowang yo to check out the background of a would be bride.
She pleads with her departed mother Achieng to intercede. She also seems to imply that the child s condition may be attributed to Akelo, her departed sister who died childless. Pg 12 and 13 It was a common practice for potential suitors to send spies jowang yo to check out the background of a would be bride. In the case of AKoko, they reported that she had impeccable antecedents. Chik tradition dictates that a chief must be married. This is what prompted Owuor Kembo having inherited the chieftainship to get married at a relatively young age of twenty years. Pg 19 Marriage negotiations are conducted by elders, Chief Gogni chooses Aloo K Olima an accomplished negotiator as their spokesman. They set a high bride price at thirty head which to everyone s surprise Owuor Kembo promptly accepts without bargaining. Pg 20 The first wife s house Mikai s house holds the centre stage directly facing the gate. Chief Odero Gogni welcomes the visitors prospective suitors and offers them brew Kong o to be sipped through a long reed like straw after libations are first offered to Were. Pg 19 Kong o is once again drank after libations are poured to Were to signify the culmination of successful marriage negotiations. Feasting then goes on into the late afternoon. Pg 25 Traditions dictate that a woman should present a picture of demure shyness when she encountered her future husband for the first time, but Akoko defied this practice by walking in measured steps, heald held high, hands at her side. Pg 24 Chik traditions did not allow suitors to spend the night at their in-laws homestead as witnessed in Akoko s case. The suitors had to leave when evening came. Pg 25 A mock wrestling duel ensures between the young men from Sakwa and those who resit the efforts to spirit her away. Eventually the men form Sakwa succed in grabbing Akoko and taking her to her matrimonial home. Pg 27 Chik also dictated that men sent on a mission to deliver bride price must be granted hospitality without question. As a result when the young men from Sakwa stopped for rest and food at the nearest homestead they were warmly received.
Eventually the men form Sakwa succed in grabbing Akoko and taking her to her matrimonial home. Pg 27 Chik also dictated that men sent on a mission to deliver bride price must be granted hospitality without question. As a result when the young men from Sakwa stopped for rest and food at the nearest homestead they were warmly received. Pg 27 According to Chik , if a man dies, his body lies in his mikai s hut first wife s hut before he is buried on the right hand side of the hut. Pg38 In order to pave way for elders to go to Yimbo following Akoko s decision to go back to her parent s home, four young men are dispatched with a cow and an ox, a he-goat and two nanny goats. Chik , also dictates that whatever the circumstances, a messenger should nit be victimized hence the young men are only received coldly. Pg 40 The traditions of the community dictated that during deliberations centering around marriage disputes, both sides of the story had to be heard before a decision a decision was arrived at. When the Jodongo elders of Seme went to Yimbo to negotiate the return of Akoko their wife , being a grave matter, kong o was not allowed unless until an agreement was reached. Chiefdom is hereditary, Owuor tells his son, do not take your duty practically my son, for the chiefdom has been in my family for generations. The role of the chief is well outlined. His main job was to lead the council of Jodongo elders in their arbitration and his final word was law. He was also a sort od priest who led the whole community in sacrifice and libation on public worshipping days. He also led his people to battle, and if he is too old, his eldest son. Pg 57 The community abhorred bloodshed. To them, bloodshed even in battle was a great taboo and required much cleansing. Pg 58 In compliance with the dicates of Chik upon dleievering of the message that Obura had died at war in Tanganyika, his mother Akoko came out of her son s hut with his spear in her right and his colourful ox-hide skilled in her left- the traditional salute of the fallen warrior. For four days the villagers wailed, sang dirges and the young men staged mock battles.
To them, bloodshed even in battle was a great taboo and required much cleansing. Pg 58 In compliance with the dicates of Chik upon dleievering of the message that Obura had died at war in Tanganyika, his mother Akoko came out of her son s hut with his spear in her right and his colourful ox-hide skilled in her left- the traditional salute of the fallen warrior. For four days the villagers wailed, sang dirges and the young men staged mock battles. A banana trunk was symbolically buried in the absence of Obura s body. Pg 62 Suicide was considered a great taboo and would bring a great curse among the people. Pg 62 Upon the death of chief Odero Gogni, the clan went into sixty days mourning mandatory for a chief. AKoko also mourned her husband, She sang dirges while donning his monkey skin headdress and brandishing his spear in one hand and his shield in the other. Chik did not allow a mother to spend the night in her married daughter s house. When Akoko visits her daughter Nyabera before she leaves for Kisuma, Nyabera conducts her to her mother-in-law s house. Pg 78 Akoko presents a petition to the white D.O. in Kisumu about her oppression in the hands of Otieno. Thereafter the D.O sends his messengers to discreetly carry out investigations to ascertain the allegations. AKoko is summoned back to Kisumu to appear before the D.C. The messenger informs the D.C that the chiefdom is hereditary and passes from father to his eldest son. In the absence of a son, the closest male relative takes over. In case the son is not yet of the age of marriage, the chiefdom is held in custody by the closest male relative with the council of elders. When the rightful heir comes of age, he ransoms his seat with twelve head of cattle, the price of a bride, payable to the custodian. In the event that he cannot raise the ransom his seat within two years of getting married, then the council of elders may decide that the seat remains with the custodian. Pg 92 Having already lost three children, a little ceremony id preformed to confuse evil spirits and enhance Nyabera s son s chances of survival. Pg 92 Chik dictated that a husband had to be found from close relatives of the dead man for the widow.
In the event that he cannot raise the ransom his seat within two years of getting married, then the council of elders may decide that the seat remains with the custodian. Pg 92 Having already lost three children, a little ceremony id preformed to confuse evil spirits and enhance Nyabera s son s chances of survival. Pg 92 Chik dictated that a husband had to be found from close relatives of the dead man for the widow. His job being that of siring children to maintain the dead man s name and to keep his widow from wandering from man to man. Pg 99 this is called tero . Therefore, Otieno, chief Owuor Kembo s brother should have married his brother s widow, AKoko and become a guardian of the grandson and custodian not owner of the chief s stool. Pg 87 DETERMINATION AND HARDWORKThroughout the novel, instances have been vividly brought to life of determined personalities trying to acheve on thing or the other. For example:-Obura is determined to leave home and explore a whole new life outside that no amount of persuasion not to do so deters him. He finally flees home to unknown destinations. Akoko is determined to find intervention of the white man s government in a bid to alleviate the atrocities committed by her brother-in-law. To an unknown place, she sets off with hope that one day her people will be liberated. Akoko is depicted as a hardworking and determined woman. AS a young woman she is known to rise early and till her lands and uses the left over to barter in exchange for cattle, sheep and goats. Pg 35 Her hers is impressive and her granaries were always full. Pg 66 Akoko also tells her daughter that laziness opens the door for evil to rule one s mind and body. She also tells her to work tirelessly and that it is shame for an able bodied person to feed on sweat of others. Pg 86 Nyabera is also determined to join the new faith. To the catechist at the mission, she says, ......teacher, I have come a long way for this, I doubt there will be a going back.
She also tells her to work tirelessly and that it is shame for an able bodied person to feed on sweat of others. Pg 86 Nyabera is also determined to join the new faith. To the catechist at the mission, she says, ......teacher, I have come a long way for this, I doubt there will be a going back. I have nothing to go back to. Pg 97 She leaves behind her daughter and mother to the unknown....Nyabera left the two dearest people to her with a heavy heart but determined feet....... pg 103 When they Akoko and Nyabera together with the children arrived at the mission, we are told that Akoko started working hard to form some kind of base for the children. ........ She had never begged for food and she was not about to begin......she was untiring and unsparing of herself. Pg 117 Awiti also worked hard in school. She is given an admission to college. ...... This letter comes from a head teacher of a school called a college, where they teach teachers how to teach children. He says he is happy to offer me a place in his college so that I an also learn how to be a teacher. Pg 123 Peter Owuor also worked very hard. Things in the seminary were not that east. It is said, ......And so he entered the vigour and splendour life in the seminary. Sometimes when things were particularly tough, he would wonder whether mere flesh and blood would survive it, but it never entered in his mind to leave.....he was no quitter. He would survive. He would see it through. Pg 127 Peter had learnt from his grandmother that once a job begun it had to be completed. CHARACTER AND CHARACTERIZATIONCHARACTER-Are people, animals or objects taking a specific role in artistic work like a story, play, novel narrative. CHARACTERIZATION- Is the author s presentation and development of the characters. Explaining character traits of characters is what characterization entails. How to determine a characterWhat the character says or doesWhat the author says about himWhat other characters say about him herWe describe a character using an adjectiveThere also MUST be an illustration to the character identified e.g. Akoko is determined and courageous, she challenges Otieno and dares him to strike her.
Explaining character traits of characters is what characterization entails. How to determine a characterWhat the character says or doesWhat the author says about himWhat other characters say about him herWe describe a character using an adjectiveThere also MUST be an illustration to the character identified e.g. Akoko is determined and courageous, she challenges Otieno and dares him to strike her. Determined and courageous are adjectives, and Akoko s character traits. AKOKOS FAMILY TREEAKOKOShe is the wife of Chief Owuor Kembo. She is the most prominent character. She is portrayed as the source of the river and the source of great successful future generation. Akoko s character can be illustrated as follows;-DeterminedShe amazes everybody when she utters her first words dwara mara want mine . The author comments, Akoko grew fairly slow but she made up for her lack of height .a determination that would be the hallmark of her entire life .everybody ..she would be a very determined person someday. Pg 14-15 Despite the many challenges that Akoko faces she is not weighed down by the she over obstacles but she overcomes them and moves forward. Hardworking industrious enterprisingAkoko believes in hardwork and learns that the way to make a husband happy is by the work of her hands. She tells Nyabera, My daughter, should it ever be said that you are as lazy as your mother, I will tun in my grave. Pg 66 Her herds at Sakwa is said to have been so vast that a special dam separate from the rest is built, It was said of the herds that should you get to the water to drink before you drew your water then you had to wait for almost two hours before they drunk their fill. Pg 66 Akoko s granaries are full to bursting so that during the lean season, ..people coming to barter their cattle in exchange for food were rested and fed. Pg 66 When Akoko returns to Yimbo with all her property she has salvaged . It was a mighty herd which moved in three cohorts. Pg 93-94 She advices Nyabera that laziness opens the door for evil to rule ones mind and body.
The author comments, Akoko grew fairly slow but she made up for her lack of height .a determination that would be the hallmark of her entire life .everybody ..she would be a very determined person someday. Pg 14-15 Despite the many challenges that Akoko faces she is not weighed down by the she over obstacles but she overcomes them and moves forward. Hardworking industrious enterprisingAkoko believes in hardwork and learns that the way to make a husband happy is by the work of her hands. She tells Nyabera, My daughter, should it ever be said that you are as lazy as your mother, I will tun in my grave. Pg 66 Her herds at Sakwa is said to have been so vast that a special dam separate from the rest is built, It was said of the herds that should you get to the water to drink before you drew your water then you had to wait for almost two hours before they drunk their fill. Pg 66 Akoko s granaries are full to bursting so that during the lean season, ..people coming to barter their cattle in exchange for food were rested and fed. Pg 66 When Akoko returns to Yimbo with all her property she has salvaged . It was a mighty herd which moved in three cohorts. Pg 93-94 She advices Nyabera that laziness opens the door for evil to rule ones mind and body. She says, It is a shame for able bodied person to feed off the sweat of others. Pg 93 When Akoko moves to Aluor mission with daughter and grand children, she continues to work hard. The writer says, She had never begged for food and she was not about to begin pg 117 God has no time for the lazy, but the devil has , was a favorite saying of hers. Pg 145 Daring bold courageousShe faces her brother head on when he takes something she is playing with at a very tender age.
She says, It is a shame for able bodied person to feed off the sweat of others. Pg 93 When Akoko moves to Aluor mission with daughter and grand children, she continues to work hard. The writer says, She had never begged for food and she was not about to begin pg 117 God has no time for the lazy, but the devil has , was a favorite saying of hers. Pg 145 Daring bold courageousShe faces her brother head on when he takes something she is playing with at a very tender age. During the marriage negotiations she stares straight into the eyes of the husband to be and Otieno wonders at her courage. Pg 24 In another incident when Otieno Kembo gets wind of some people nosing around with his affairs and confronts Akoko, she responds courageously , Go away you fool ..Are you the village chief or the village fool? Pg 90 It is out of courage that she dares trek to Kisuma. She is not scared of the hazards of the journey that has wild animals and worse still the killing and maiming Lang o tribesmen. Understanding supportive concernedAkoko is responsible and supportive as a mother; she understands Nyabera s suffering after the loss of her brother Obura. She snaps out of her personal grief and pays attention to her. She understands that people are different and accomodates Alando Nyar Uyoma s weakness. She leaned over backwards to accommodate her weakness some of which she found irritating like her tendency to idleness. Pg 70 She lets Owuor Sino join priesthood even though she has hopes that one day he would sit on the chief s stool, she consents him to take the new path. She tells him, I will not stand in your way ..Do whatever the spirit bids you. She stands by Nyabera during her trying moments and ensures that her grandchild Awiti is well taken care of. Decisive Independent mindedWhen her mother-in-law accuses her of witchcraft, Akoko takes her and Otieno head-on in front of the village. She makes a hasty decision to go back to her people in Yimbo.
She tells him, I will not stand in your way ..Do whatever the spirit bids you. She stands by Nyabera during her trying moments and ensures that her grandchild Awiti is well taken care of. Decisive Independent mindedWhen her mother-in-law accuses her of witchcraft, Akoko takes her and Otieno head-on in front of the village. She makes a hasty decision to go back to her people in Yimbo. Soon after Otieno Kembo takes over the chief s stool with glee and arrogance, Akoko decides that, .the time had come for battle lines to be clearly drawn. Pg 73 She treks to kisuma to seek justice from the sirikal. Intelligent wiseShe grows up as an intelligent woman and is full of wisdom. She believed that a young woman had to be intelligent .. pg 65 She offers wise counsel to her daughter who is mourning the loss of her sons through an outbreak of measles. She tells her, cry my child, for one does not bury a child without burying a part of ones s soul with it, Yesterday is not today and today is not tomorrow for each day rises fresh from the hands of Were . Pg 75 Her wisdom is further illustrated during her visit to Kisuma to appeal against her brother-in-law. Wherelse the twins are dissatisfied with the verdict of the D.O, Akoko tells them, Do not decide the wisdom of a man by the brevity of his quiet or the multitude of his words ..A fool knows everything. Pg 88 . She discovers that s she cannot physically confront Otieno Kembo who has reduced her head of cattle and decides to wait for the D.O s intervention. She says, There was no advantage in knocking one s head against a tree trunk if you want to cut a tree, take time to sharpen an axe. Pg 89 She encourages Nyabera to seek a new life at the mission in Aluor with these words, Bitterness is poison to the spirit ..if you are walking along and you find your path leading nowhere, then it is wise to try other path. Pg 103 She plays the voice of reason when a conflict arises between Nyabera and Awiti over her fianc whose background she has not investigated.
Wherelse the twins are dissatisfied with the verdict of the D.O, Akoko tells them, Do not decide the wisdom of a man by the brevity of his quiet or the multitude of his words ..A fool knows everything. Pg 88 . She discovers that s she cannot physically confront Otieno Kembo who has reduced her head of cattle and decides to wait for the D.O s intervention. She says, There was no advantage in knocking one s head against a tree trunk if you want to cut a tree, take time to sharpen an axe. Pg 89 She encourages Nyabera to seek a new life at the mission in Aluor with these words, Bitterness is poison to the spirit ..if you are walking along and you find your path leading nowhere, then it is wise to try other path. Pg 103 She plays the voice of reason when a conflict arises between Nyabera and Awiti over her fianc whose background she has not investigated. Akoko tells Nyabera, Accept it Maria, the world is changing. Pg 143 She supports Peter Owuor s decision to become a priest despite the fact that he is the chief in waiting. She says, Things have changed and people are turning to different things. Pg 126 Kind and generousThe people who come to barter their animals are rested and fully fed before they being dispatched to their homes. Nyabera, in lamenting her mother s misfortunes, describes her as one who had never looked at any one with an evil eye, never denied anyone food, had been quite generous in sacrifice and libationRash impatient short-temperedDespite her positive personality, Akoko at times behaves in a rash manner. She reacts with temper when her mother-in-law accuses her of withcraft and does not wait for her husband to return. She goes home to her people in Yimbo. Chief Kembo comments, I know all your virtues, but your weakest point is your temper and impatience ..you must exercise self-control. Pg 44-55 AKOKO S ROLESShe is the main character in the story. Without her there would be no storyShe is symbolically referred to as the source of the river. She is also a symbol of change, wisdom, determination, hardwork and focused people.
Chief Kembo comments, I know all your virtues, but your weakest point is your temper and impatience ..you must exercise self-control. Pg 44-55 AKOKO S ROLESShe is the main character in the story. Without her there would be no storyShe is symbolically referred to as the source of the river. She is also a symbol of change, wisdom, determination, hardwork and focused people. Through Akoko several themes are highlighted; Tradition, change, education, religion and death. She helps develop other characters e.g. through her Owuor Kembo is brought out as loving, committed, wise. Through her Otieno kembo is potrayed as abusive, cowardly, selfish, greedy and chauvinist. Through her several aspects of style such as proverbs, similes, vivid description, songs, myths and legends are brought out. MARIA NYABERAShe is the second born of Akoko, born three and a half years after Obura. She is the only daughter of Akoko and Owuor Kembo; the only surviving among the three born. She is always merry and always meets people with a sunny smile. This is how she earns her name Nyabera-meaning the good one. She can be described as;HardworkingHer husband confesses that, she never neglects her duty to go traipsing off to her home for she is industrious. In Aluor, she would always accompany her mother to till the land and together they have granaries of food and a big herd of cattle. The two women became some sort of a fixture on the green sloping countryside, and the locals, not as motivated as they were made endless jokes about their iron backs and caked feet. Pg 117 Even when she is told how hard it is to master Christian concepts, she does not hesitate to go to Aluor. She memorizes all the stories which she later recounts to her daughter, nephew and mother, After she mastered the basics of religion she started attending mass every morning before class. Pg 107 Likeable Loveable adorableDue to her jovial nature, she is easily likeable. She has, .a personally to charm the birds off the trees. Pg 33 Right from a tender age, her mother does not have to worry about baby sitters for young girls line up to hold the baby.
The two women became some sort of a fixture on the green sloping countryside, and the locals, not as motivated as they were made endless jokes about their iron backs and caked feet. Pg 117 Even when she is told how hard it is to master Christian concepts, she does not hesitate to go to Aluor. She memorizes all the stories which she later recounts to her daughter, nephew and mother, After she mastered the basics of religion she started attending mass every morning before class. Pg 107 Likeable Loveable adorableDue to her jovial nature, she is easily likeable. She has, .a personally to charm the birds off the trees. Pg 33 Right from a tender age, her mother does not have to worry about baby sitters for young girls line up to hold the baby. Obura was very jealous for he would have liked to have more of his sister to himself. Pg 33 Preserving enduringShe undergoes a lot of suffering. Her first child dies at the age of two. The child suffers from fever, jaundice and swelling of the tummy. She loses her two sons to a ferocious outbreak of measles. She loses her father, and miscarries when Awiti is three years and soon after her husband dies. She is inherited by Ogoma Kwach and they have two children, but they both die. When in Aluor, she hears that Ogoma s wife has dies so she goes back to him. They have another child who dies soon after. The man also start to court a younger girl and feeling rejected, she goes back to Aluor. Loving caringAs a sister, she loves her loves her brother, Obura, that his death devastates her. She becomes a loner wandering away by herself, mute and quite for days. After she settles in Aluor she remembers to go for her daughter, nephew and mother whom she loves in a special way. She loves Owuor like her own son .formed such a solid wall of love around the children. 9pg 116 She supports Owuor in his decision to join priesthood. She leaves some of her cattle with her mother-in-law since she has been her friend.
The villagers wonder at her intelligence. A girl! To be so clever .. to receive commendation after commendation! In class where she is the only girl, she holds her position quite well even in mathematics which she dislikes. She emerges top of her class and is invited to join the first teacher s college near Aluor. Industrious hardworking determinedShe inherits her grandmother s industry and determination. While so many girls drop out of school, she reaches the top class at eighteen. She receives a certificate on passing a tough examination at the end of the year. She works hard on mathematics which she dislikes and passes well. Amongst ten boys, she is the only girl who holds top position in class. She does so well at school and gets admitted to a teachers training college. Upon graduation she becomes a teacher. Loving passionate caringShe her mother at least once every two months, but still she feels that she has not done enough. She also sends her two sons, Opiyo and Odongo to keep her company. She loves her grandmother Akoko and writes about her to Mark. She had loved her grandmother desperately .Had admired her unreservedly. Pg 151 When Aoro and Tony are punished by being denied food at night, after risking the life of the twins, Elizabeth hears them in the kitchen trying to steal food. However, she goes and gives them chapatis and dengu smiling at them. Firm Decisive ResoluteWhen she gives birth to Mary, she decisively asks the nurse for water and baptizes the child in hospital, I baptize you Mary .. pg 194 She decides she is going to get admitted in hospital. She asks Mark to go back to the children and only come to visit her at the weekend or whenever she can. Elizabeth ensures Mary does not get spoilt mother kept her head prevented the young lady from being completely spoilt. Pg 195 Principled dignified self-controlledAlthough many of the male students at the Teachers Training College are attracted to her and go to great lengths including throwing love notes wrapped around stones to her room to win her over, she does not yield. She remains the odd one out when all the other girls have paired up, either from within college outside. She is variously referred to as the nun, Virgin Mary and church mouse. She is shunned by both men and women for being a non-conformist.
She remains the odd one out when all the other girls have paired up, either from within college outside. She is variously referred to as the nun, Virgin Mary and church mouse. She is shunned by both men and women for being a non-conformist. She is so cold towards men that when Mark talks to her asking her why she is always alone she retorts, What is that to you. Pg 137 Motherly responsible compassionateWhen Mark feels so guilty for having been so ignorant as to give her anti-malaria drugs that makes her abort, Elizabeth comforts him. Don t worry, God will give us another. She didn t bother telling him they had been twins. The poor man had suffered enough. Pg 160 As a mother, she sleeps without sleeping. Aoro s scream when Tony falls sick at night gets her out of bed even before Aoro reaches her bedroom to report his brother s ailment. Tony is taken to hospital .. Held on his mother s lap .. pg 180 When Aoro faints for not having eaten for long, which is a punishment for his being undisciplined, Elizabeth, was watching secretly rushed out to her son. Pg 190 ELIZABETH S ROLESShe helps in development of plot- She moves with her mother and grandmother to Aluor mission, gets educated, marries Sigu and together they have seven children. Through her we see change- She acquires the white man s education and gets employed. She helps highlight several aspects of style; dialogue and humuor. Through her, Akoko s river continues to flowHelps develop other characters e.g. through her we see Maria Nyabera as loving, Mark Sigu is portrayed as loving, caring and naiveVERAShe is Becky s twin sister . The two are Elizabeth and Sigu s first children. She is the first born of the two twins. She is a lady with many positive points, a replica of her mother and great grandmother, Akoko. She can be described as;Brilliant IntelligentShe carries off trophy after trophy. She is into everything like debate and sports. After primary national exam, she gets an almost perfect score and wins a place at a top national school. In her secondary national school. In her secondary national exams, she gets distinction in Math, Biology, Physics and Geography.
After primary national exam, she gets an almost perfect score and wins a place at a top national school. In her secondary national school. In her secondary national exams, she gets distinction in Math, Biology, Physics and Geography. In her A-level, she gets As in Mathematics and Physics and a B in chemistry. She opts to go for engineering. Loving friendlyShe has a great capacity for love. She has a passionate nature and is completely loyal and her sister is the object of her love and protection. She was willing and ready to do battle with anyone who crossed Becky s path and was a fearless fighter. Pg 166 At five, she almost tears a playmate apart before anyone realizes what is happening, because she is screaming while pummeling him. She loves her sister and shows her off to all. She opts to go to her sister s school rather than a top national school. She still goes to look for Becky at the airport even when she thinks that Becky might not want to see her. She confesses to Becky that she actually loved Tommy only that she cannot marry him. She and Wandia become automatic friends. ResponsibleShe is made a captain in class seven, a position only held before by boys. Her mother allows her to join Becky s secondary school so that she can look after her twin sister. She talks to Becky until she agrees to go and inform her parents about her impending marriage. Although she is not married and does not have children, Becky entrusts the care and future of her children to her. Hardworking industriousAfter form six, when Becky decides just to stay at home, Vera gets a job as a teacher in a nearby harambee school. Her excellent grades are always due to brilliance and hardwork. With her tremendous energy, she participates in many school activities and carries trophy after trophy. She chooses engineering because she thinks it is more challenging than architecture. EmotionalHer tears are ready to fall at the slightest provocation. She is about to cry when her mother tries to persuade her to consider refusing to go to a national school. When she has an argument with her sister, tears well in her eyes and she dashes them away angrily with her fist. She almost engages in a physical fight with her sister. ReligiousAlthough she treats church going as a formality, and is a good Christian thought her childhood, she becomes very religious while in college after Mary-Anne introduces her to a recollection .
When she has an argument with her sister, tears well in her eyes and she dashes them away angrily with her fist. She almost engages in a physical fight with her sister. ReligiousAlthough she treats church going as a formality, and is a good Christian thought her childhood, she becomes very religious while in college after Mary-Anne introduces her to a recollection . She starts a hungry search for religious enlightenment and dedicates her life to God as an unmarried member of the Opus Dei. Vera s RolesShe is used to develop themes such as; change, education, women empowerment, conflict and religion. Through her Becky is portrayed as jealous and hateful, while Wandia is portrayed as loving and concerned. BECKYShe is one of the twin daughters of Mark Sigu and Elizabeth Awiti. They are the eldest. Becky is brought out as follows;Loveable AdorableShe draws love from one and all from a vey early stage, just plain irresistible. She has very many admires from her childhood up to almost the time she dies. She even marries a white man. Selfish EgocentricShe is utterly selfish. Even after being informed of Tony s illness, she continues lie in bed. Few things bored her much as sickness, suffering and death. She just stretched luxurious in bed enjoying the feel of her young lithe body. Pg 181 After her a-levels, she disappears to Nairobi without informing her parents. She just leaves a note and leaves Vera to do the explanation. Jealous EnviousShe is jealous of the attention Mary is given and wonders whether the latter has to murder to be punished. When Vera turns from a gawky faced teenager into a striking young woman and boys start noticing her, Becky notices this and becomes jealous. When Vera goes to visit her at the airport and she takes her to her home, she confesses that she has been jealous of Vera all her lifeUnfaithful Promiscuous immoralBecky has an illicit love affair while her husband, John, is out of the country. This leads to their divorce when John finds out. Vera complains about her changing of men frequently as she changed clothes! She throws herself at every man as if she hates herself. This distances her from her children and she ends up dying of AIDS. MaterialisticBecky loves the things of this world. She loves money and what it can buy.
This distances her from her children and she ends up dying of AIDS. MaterialisticBecky loves the things of this world. She loves money and what it can buy. Responsible organizedEven if she lives an irresponsible life, she financially caters for her death; the family is surprised to find that she has left her own children very well financially off. She has left a hefty insurance, a string of maisonettes, two bungalows in Spring Valley and a block of offices and shops in west lands. She has also left clear documents and things legally tied up. She had appointed a firm of trustees to run her affairs on behalf of the children and of their benefit. Her sister Vera has been appointed guardian of the children and is allowed to choose which family member they would live with. Becky s RolesShe is used to develop themes such as; Education, relationships, change, immorality, conflict and materialism. Through her interaction with other characters, their character traits are brought out. For instance Vera is portrayed as loving, concerned and hardworking. Her father is depicted as strict and concerned while Wandia is portrayed as concerned and selfless. WANDIAWandia is Aoro s wife, she is a doctor. She comes from a different community from her husband. The writer uses her to demystify inter-tribal marriages. She is developed as a character that is;IntelligentThe battle for the top position in the anatomy class is between her and Aoro, and she finally beats him. The writer says, But Wandia had beaten him ..she had 78 points. Pg 127 Hardworking ambitious pioneeringShe portrays several incidences of determination and ambition in life, at her early age that she wants to be a doctor. She later achieves this through her determination when after her second degree; she gets a scholarship to study haematology at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland. Bold courageousAt the school of medicine, when told to stand in groups before the cavader, she is the first person to gather courage to move towards it. She courageously asks the group members to make introduction which helps them to ease the tension. Her boldness is also shown when she takes the first step towards cementing their relationship. She goes ahead and proposes to him.
She courageously asks the group members to make introduction which helps them to ease the tension. Her boldness is also shown when she takes the first step towards cementing their relationship. She goes ahead and proposes to him. She, When are you going to propose if at all .. pg 256 Loving caring understandingHer mother, to whom she has always been close, means a lot to her. She has fond memories of her childhood with her mother. When she learns that her mother is admitted in hospital, she asks her friends to cover for her at Machakos Hospital where she is an intern so that she can visit her. Her love, care and understanding are exhibited when she adopts Becky s children: Alicia and Johnny. She handles them better than their real mother. Though she is a doctor with a tight schedule her love and care for her children and husband are not affected. She finds that she has time for them and understands them well and their academic potentials. She loves her mother-in-law, Elizabeth, and always consults her. The relationship between her and her mother was a constant source of amusement other s guts? Pg 294-295 WiseThough Wandia is younger than Vera, Vera seeks advice from her due to their mutual understanding. This is seen when Vera seeks advice on Becky s behavior towards her children after divorcing John. She cautions Aoro, her husband, that though they have busy schedules as doctors, they have children and should not forget they need them. Observant KeenShe has observed that Becky has lost significant weight and advises Vera that they have more cause to worry due to Becky s promiscuity. She is the first to realize that their son Daniel, though a happy child, has a problem because at the age of four he still drools a little. He has down syndrome. Later through close observation and keenness as a mother she realizes that Daniel has Leukemia. The writer says, But today her keen eyes watched him frantically .. pg 286 Wandia s RoleShe is used by the writer to portray the theme of change, Education and relationshipsThrough her Aoro is portrayed as determined and supportive. She is also used to bring out humour and dialogue as a feature of style. Mark SiguMark Sigu is Elizabeth s husband and an Ex-soldier. He studied at St. Mary s Yala.
Mark SiguMark Sigu is Elizabeth s husband and an Ex-soldier. He studied at St. Mary s Yala. He works as a manager in a firm in Nakuru. He is portrayed as a determined father who is ready to work hard and provide, bringing up his family in the best way possible. Loving CaringHis life revolves around his wife and seven children. Every time he attains promotion he gathers his family protectively under his wing and resettles them to a bigger house. He also takes a helping hand in the house since, though they have a house help, his wife is overworked with seven children at home and others in school. He loves his wife and when he realizes he has been unfaithful to her, he weeps. Firm strictWhen Becky leaves home, she writes a note because she is scared of facing him. She also follows his father s instructions of going back to school for her A levels without much questioning. She is also afraid to introduce her white fianc to his father for she feared him. When Aoro is sent away from school, Oloo does not only deny him food, but also gives him a month s notice to get himself a place of his own. Aoro grows up knowing that his father is a man to be respected and feared. Respectful Liberal JustHis family loves him because he is just and fair, firm but understanding. This is evidenced when he accepts Vera s vocation to the Opus Dei and Tony s vocation to priesthood. He also accepts with respect Aoro s and Becky s wish to marry out of their tribe. Promiscuous UnfaithfulAt the peak of the State of Emergency that brings insecurity in Nakuru, Elizabeth and the children leave Oloo in Nakuru and go back to Aluor for safety. Left alone in Nakuru, Mark develops an illicit love affair with another woman and ignores his family for some time. He gets so involved in the affair that he does not reply to his wife s letters including those that inform him of the children s illness. Na veTogether with his wife Elizabeth, they wrongly diagnosis her attacks of nausea and dizziness as malaria and he proceeds to buy her anti-malaria tablets which end up causing an abortion to their twins. Sigu s RolesMarries Elizabeth and together they have seven children thus he develops the plot.
He gets so involved in the affair that he does not reply to his wife s letters including those that inform him of the children s illness. Na veTogether with his wife Elizabeth, they wrongly diagnosis her attacks of nausea and dizziness as malaria and he proceeds to buy her anti-malaria tablets which end up causing an abortion to their twins. Sigu s RolesMarries Elizabeth and together they have seven children thus he develops the plot. Helps develop themes such as family relationships, change, education, sexual immorality and conflict. Helps develop other characters like through him Elizabeth is brought out as emotional, wise, caring and lovingOWOUR KEMBOAdmirable lovable impressiveLoving caring faithful devotedResponsible protectiveWise authoritativeOTIENO KEMBOGreedy jealous selfishContemptuous hatefulLazy dependent opportunisticArrogant harshCowardly timid fearfulOBURA KEMBOAdmirable lovablePleasant cheerfulLovingProtectiveIndustrious hardworkingDecisive resoluteAdventurous outgoingAORO SIGUResponsibleIntelligent brightRemorseful repentantAdmirableCaring lovingDetermined resilientLANGUAGE AND STYLEThese are techniques through which a writer communicates his her themes. Style involves the use of artistic language or feature in a literary work for effective communication of feelings, opinions and ideas. The novel is divived into four parts y that describe the life of Akoko and the genenrations that follow her. The language used at each historical time is unique to that period. Part I and II make reference to Luo expression, proverbs and words while in part III and IVthere id use of modern expressions, Kiswahili words, modrn way of naming , academic terms, Christian religious allusions as change is already felt in the land in different areas of life. DREAM MOTIFVarious dreams are presented and which carry with them various messages and implications. It is through dreams that the livings are connected to the dead. This is seen for instance through Akoko s great uncle, Obanda who sends a dream through her father and grandmother and the child is given a name. Dreams also bring hope from the spirit world.
It is through dreams that the livings are connected to the dead. This is seen for instance through Akoko s great uncle, Obanda who sends a dream through her father and grandmother and the child is given a name. Dreams also bring hope from the spirit world. This is seen through Maria s dream where she dreams that Obura comes to her with a beetle which turns into a beautiful bird, the colour of the sky. This is interpreted that the dead brother wants the unborn baby named after him. Dreams have also seen to influence characters action and hence build the plot. This is seen in Vera s dream after breaking up with Tommy where she feels herself moving so fast towards the horizon and hangs at the edge which falls into a bottomless abyss. Perhaps an indication that she needs to take a grip over her life. She feels empty and hence accepts to join Anne to the recollection to fill the emptiness in her life. CONTRASTContrasting characters and incidents are used severally in the novel. There is a contrast between Owuor and Otieno. Owuor was hardworking whereas Otieno was very lazy. Otieno married many wives i.e. six whereas his brother Owuor only had one. We are further told that Otieno treated his wives like sluts and they did not fail him whereas Owuor treated his wife like a queen. There is also a contrast in Akoko s sons. Obura was an active and inquisitive son while his brother Owang Sino was very quiet and reserved. There is also a contrast between Vera and Becky. Vera is generous, loving and caring whereas Becky is egocentric and jealous. For instance Vera is concerned that she is not woken up when Aoro is taken ill but for Becky these are boring stories. The marriage between Akoko and Owuor is contrasted to that between Mark and Elizabeth. In Akoko s so much bride price was paid but in Elizabeth s she is given out almost for free. LOCAL DIALECTThe author uses this style to give authenticity to the story. Examples of local dialect are;Jorochere- The white peopleWere- The god of RamogiChik- The way of the people.
In Akoko s so much bride price was paid but in Elizabeth s she is given out almost for free. LOCAL DIALECTThe author uses this style to give authenticity to the story. Examples of local dialect are;Jorochere- The white peopleWere- The god of RamogiChik- The way of the people. The laws which govern behaviorDwaro mara- want mineDak- neighbourlinessWat- brotherhoodNak- inititation, removal of six lower teethJuok- witchcraftNyadhi- styleSirikal- governmentTurudi mashambaniUhuruRuguru- man from the west refers to a non-kikuyu, or a person outside the central province DaktariMwalimuMuthoni- to mean in-lawMikai- first wifeFORESHADOWThis is a feeling or sign of an event set to happen in future. .he did an unheard of thing by taking her, a widow, beaten and bruised by life back into his house. Pg 15 This heightens suspense as one would want to read on and find out what made Akoko go back to her brother s home after being widowed. Obura s disappearance and death marks the beginning of a series of misfortunes that will haunt Akoko and her children.
The laws which govern behaviorDwaro mara- want mineDak- neighbourlinessWat- brotherhoodNak- inititation, removal of six lower teethJuok- witchcraftNyadhi- styleSirikal- governmentTurudi mashambaniUhuruRuguru- man from the west refers to a non-kikuyu, or a person outside the central province DaktariMwalimuMuthoni- to mean in-lawMikai- first wifeFORESHADOWThis is a feeling or sign of an event set to happen in future. .he did an unheard of thing by taking her, a widow, beaten and bruised by life back into his house. Pg 15 This heightens suspense as one would want to read on and find out what made Akoko go back to her brother s home after being widowed. Obura s disappearance and death marks the beginning of a series of misfortunes that will haunt Akoko and her children. The family had been touched by tragedy and tragedy can sometimes be a habitual drunk who keeps coming back for more. After Oburas s death, others in Akoko family who follow mot so long later are;Nyabera s first born child at only two yearsChief Owuor KemboAkoko s other son, Owang SinoNyabera s two sonsNyabera s husband, Okumu AngoloNyabera s two other children she had with Ogoma KwachNyabera s Other childWhile Elizabeth and Mark Sigu are being weeded by Peter Owuor, it is said, ..she was a radiant a bride as only that had ever walked up the aisle to begin a marriage that would last forty six years. Pg 157 When Obura disappears to go and know about the white man, it is said of the mother, A low moan from the direction of the main hut was heard, the first sound in three days The fearful premonition of doom that only a mother, closely connected as she is to the child, can sense , was in the air. Pg 57 . The premonition eventually fluids to fulfillment in the death of Obura. The family later receives the news that Obura died in the white man s war.
The family had been touched by tragedy and tragedy can sometimes be a habitual drunk who keeps coming back for more. After Oburas s death, others in Akoko family who follow mot so long later are;Nyabera s first born child at only two yearsChief Owuor KemboAkoko s other son, Owang SinoNyabera s two sonsNyabera s husband, Okumu AngoloNyabera s two other children she had with Ogoma KwachNyabera s Other childWhile Elizabeth and Mark Sigu are being weeded by Peter Owuor, it is said, ..she was a radiant a bride as only that had ever walked up the aisle to begin a marriage that would last forty six years. Pg 157 When Obura disappears to go and know about the white man, it is said of the mother, A low moan from the direction of the main hut was heard, the first sound in three days The fearful premonition of doom that only a mother, closely connected as she is to the child, can sense , was in the air. Pg 57 . The premonition eventually fluids to fulfillment in the death of Obura. The family later receives the news that Obura died in the white man s war. When Nyabera tells Akoko of her dream about Obura, Akoko tells her I think your brother is trying to tell you something, to bring a message of hope from the spirit world .May Were find it in his heart to fill our hearts with laughter again. Pg 76 . This later becomes true or is fulfilled when Akoko and Nyabera head to the mission in Aluor together with Elizabeth and Peter. Their lives are improved and they become happy again. When Odongo and Opiyo Oloo s Sons took Akoko to make an appeal before the D.O, a foreshadow into the future is given. When my brother and I took my aunt to make an apil appeal to the big white chief whose name was Diyo, would begin Odongo to some round eyed grandson many years later. Pg 89 . This is later fulfilled when they visited Akoko at the mission as married men.
Mark was more attached to this particular child than the others because it was as if she was grabbed from the jaws of death. This last one had come unexpectedly and has threatened miscarriage after miscarriage needing frequent hospitalization of the mother .. pg 192 Wandia during a visit to Aoro when he was an Intern, remembers her childhood. She was lost in thoughts of her childhood, running bare foot in the red fertile volcanic soil, after her mother- going home after a hard days work. She and her mother had always been very close and having been named after her maternal grandmother, her mother had never referred to her as anything but mami . Pg 255 There she was a very little girl, clothed in nothing but the love of Were-the god of the rising sun; then she was sitting in the shadow of grandfather. Oloo s largest bull missing her mother who had gone away to seek the new way . Pg 305-306 d ALLUSIONThis is making reference to a statement, person, place, event or thing that is well known from literature, history, religion, myth, sports or politics. The bible has been alluded to on several occasions. For example, when Nyabera goes to the mission at Aluor to seek the new religion, she wants to go back and get her mother to as well join it. It offered such consolation for one could identify oneself easily with the desolation of Mary a sword shall pierce your heart , with the joy of Elizabeth whose barrenness was removed by God , the warm love of weak Peter Lord you know everything, you know that I love you! Pg 108 Maria gets baptized and during baptism it is said, I baptize you Maria in the name of the father, and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. There is mention of Misri Egypt and the bad King Herodes, plus birth of Yesu Kristo.
The bible has been alluded to on several occasions. For example, when Nyabera goes to the mission at Aluor to seek the new religion, she wants to go back and get her mother to as well join it. It offered such consolation for one could identify oneself easily with the desolation of Mary a sword shall pierce your heart , with the joy of Elizabeth whose barrenness was removed by God , the warm love of weak Peter Lord you know everything, you know that I love you! Pg 108 Maria gets baptized and during baptism it is said, I baptize you Maria in the name of the father, and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. There is mention of Misri Egypt and the bad King Herodes, plus birth of Yesu Kristo. Pg 109-110 Akoko and Nyabera s leaving their homes to go to the mission center at Aluor is compared to the Biblical epic journey of Israelites from Egypt to Canaan, Like the children of Israel, they left the fresh pot of Egypt for uncertainties of Canaan, pg 113 Maria alludes to the story of Daniel and the lions, Elias, the man who went to heaven on a bicycle of fire and great friendship of Daudi and Jonathan pg 113 Other quotations from the bible and the catholic belief are; This is my body which will be given up for you. The story of the prodigal son is also alluded by Aoro when his father punished him he says, Father I have sinned before you and God. Pg 190 ,When MaryAnne and Vera attend a mass at the recollection the priest says, The mass has ended go in peace to love Lord and serve one another. Pg 132 The students studying medicine together with Aoro are said, appeared to have been turned into Pillars of salt of the Mrs. Lot variety. Pg 244 Another example of allusion is a statement used during graduation. By the powers conferred to me by the University of Nairobi I give you the powers to do all that appertains to this degree. Pg 300 . This statement is made by the chancellor of the university when conferring a doctor in medicine degree on Wandia. In the novel, historical allusion comes out. For example, the First World War has been alluded to.
This statement is made by the chancellor of the university when conferring a doctor in medicine degree on Wandia. In the novel, historical allusion comes out. For example, the First World War has been alluded to. The year is 1918 and the Jo-ingresa the English are at War with the Jo-Jerman the German for the last four seasons. The three young men from sakwa go to fight the Jo-Jerman The Germans in a place called Tanganyika Tanzania of a country of black people ruled by Jo-Jerman. Pg 60-61 e SYMBOLISMSymbolism is the use of a person, an object, an event to represent or stand for an idea . The title, The River and The Source is symbolic. Akoko represents the source of this river, as Chief Odero comments, ..that a home without daughters is like a spring without a source. Pg 11 She is symbolic of the beginning of a new generation of women in society. She is a pioneer of women s position and change in the society. Among the many positive qualities found in her and in the women she inspires are; intelligence, hardwork, courage and determination. In the course of her life the river is threatened by obstacles among them deaths causing it to meander. However, the stream continues to flow and gains momentum. The writer comments, She it was who had been the source of this river which at on time tricked to a mere rivulet in danger of petering out ..momentum. Pg 204 She is indeed a source of inspiration in the family for through her guidance and wisdom she counters all most all the obstacles that come her way and that of her children and grandchildren. Akoko s name which means noisy one implies that the female gender should not keep quiet whenThey are denied what is rightfully theirs. Her first words dwara mara means want mine signifies thatwomen should stand out to what is theirs. Otieno Kembo is symbolic of male chauvinism. He is also symbol of greed, opportunism and arrogance of men who cling to tradition in the name of defending male interests. Pg 73 The journey by Akoko, Nyabera, Awiti and Owuor to Aluor mission, is symbolic of a new way of life and severance from the old way of life. They now live far away from their matrimonial homes.
It is interesting to note that Were did not delegate to create Akoko s legs. Akoko s conflict with Otieno Kembo is humorous especially where he calls her she-wolf. Akoko hisses at him and he retreats. It is humorous to see a man who had dared Akoko backing off in fear. When Akoko and her two grandsons go to Kisumu to lodge a complaint to the white chief The D.O , the word D.O, sounded like diyo which to them meant to squeeze. They wondered whether he might squeeze their brains. The people of Sakwa are amused by the god of the white man who has a son and died to save them. It is exciting that the ignoramus interprets this as sheer madness. It is also interesting that one can sleep on both ears. I keep my ears open, my friend; I am not like you who sleeps on both your ears. I keep one open and sleep on the other one! Pg 59 Awiti s beauty is humorously described, Her nose sat on her face as if the creator had really thought hard before placing it carefully in place. Pg 135 It is laughable that Awiti receives notes in college using the most unorthodox means, a love note would come flying into the room wrapped around a stone. Pg 136 The responses that Nyabera gets from Pilipo who seems to have some knowledge in the Christian religion introduced by the white man are humorous. She had expected to get some information about this religion so that she could pursue it. ......... They said something about God being three but only one but didn t understand that very well. ................... There were laws which said do not kill.......and to take on one wife. The laws were too hard for me so I came home. Pg 102 . This humour eases the tension that is created by Nyabera s situation. She has lost hope and is interested in the Christian religion which might give her hope. This humour also points to the dilemma faces by the new converts who still wished to cling to aspects so their traditional culture and could not cope with stringent requirements of the new religion. When Wandia enquires about the well being of her relations Kamau and Timothy, Ester tells her; Timothy is still waiting for the beautiful ones to be born.
She has lost hope and is interested in the Christian religion which might give her hope. This humour also points to the dilemma faces by the new converts who still wished to cling to aspects so their traditional culture and could not cope with stringent requirements of the new religion. When Wandia enquires about the well being of her relations Kamau and Timothy, Ester tells her; Timothy is still waiting for the beautiful ones to be born. Meanwhile he chases whatever else is available. Pg 262 Before Elizabeth s death, she recalls her life as a child and when many suitors were pursuing her. The description of the suitors is humorous: A love letter comes flying in through the open window; it was from a fellow student whose name was Cosmas somebody or other and like so many others it declared willingness to climb mountains, fold rivers and swim oceans in order to reach her and win her love. The guy must have drowned by now, thought Elizabeth her lips twitching. Pg 306 g IRONYIrony is the opposite of the expected. The writer has brought to the forth several instances of irony in the text. It is ironical for chief Odero s spokesman. Aloo K lima to assure the chief s in-laws that since they in-laws are their brothers they would not make things difficult for them during Akoko s bride price negotiations, they in fact make things difficult for the in-laws from Sakwa by setting the bride price at thirty heads of cattle which was two and half times the usual bride price. Pg 21-22 Peter Owuor Kembo is Akoko s only living grandson. He is expected to assume the chieftainship when he grows up but he develops an interest in priesthood. The writer says of him, he who has never really known his father or the joys of father-son relationship, now dreamt of being a spiritual father of many. Pg 127 It is also ironical that Owuor Peter Sino expected Akoko to reprimand him and reject his proposal of wanting to become a priest and yet she accepts without any argument.
Pg 21-22 Peter Owuor Kembo is Akoko s only living grandson. He is expected to assume the chieftainship when he grows up but he develops an interest in priesthood. The writer says of him, he who has never really known his father or the joys of father-son relationship, now dreamt of being a spiritual father of many. Pg 127 It is also ironical that Owuor Peter Sino expected Akoko to reprimand him and reject his proposal of wanting to become a priest and yet she accepts without any argument. She tells him to do what the spirit bids him because the world is changing pg 126 Irony is similarly evident when Mark Sigu tells Elizabeth, it is easier to fight Germans and their allies than to get the courage to talk to a girl. Pg 138 He has waited to meet her for the last six weeks and this time round he had to gather enough courage to do so. Akoko had lost her first born son, Obura to the white man s war. Before she dies, she regards her grandson-in-law as a replacement for her son; She had lost one son to the whiteman s war; and by grace of God she has gained another from the white man s army. Pg 149 In defiance to a sticker stuck on the windscreen just next to the driver of a matatu Vera and Maryanne are travelling in to Kangemi, the driver over speeds. One would have expected the driver to be reminded of the effects of dangerous driving by the sticker aptly entitiled, a speed song. Pg 235 Betty confesses to Vera that she loves money and all that it can buy. Despite living a lavish lifestyle, the carpet on the floor, the pictures on the wall spelled one word-money. She ends up having affairs during the husband trips abroad and they finally divorce. She lives alone with her children, well off but unhappy. When Obura and Owang Sino die, Otieno, their uncle is supposed to assume the chiefdom but in the custody for the young Owuor Sino. He does not keep it in custody but instead usurps his nephews chieftainship. He even grabs his brother s as well as Akoko s wealth. When Obura and two other men are killed in a war against the Germans on Tanganyika, the white man s messenger ....
He does not keep it in custody but instead usurps his nephews chieftainship. He even grabs his brother s as well as Akoko s wealth. When Obura and two other men are killed in a war against the Germans on Tanganyika, the white man s messenger .... presented the chief with a bracelet which they said was sent by the white people as a thank you and in memory of the fallen men It is ironical that after a selfless struggle by Obura on behalf of the whites, through which he loses his life, they can exchange life with a bracelet. When we study the character of Vera, we discover yet another irony. She had been brought up embracing all the basic Christian values and beliefs and we expect that she can find it quite simple to comprehend and understand the existence of God. But when she becomes opposed to this belief and fails to understand the being of God given such a background, it becomes ironical. H VIVID DESCRIPTIONOwour Kembo is vividly described; Even without his black and white Columbus monkey headdress, he stood head and shoulders above most men. He was obviously a man of nyadhi.....he has a spear in one hand, a shield in the other and splashes of white war paint across his body. His face was virtually tattooed, his head set proudly on his shoulders and he wore only a tiny piece of leopard skin..... pg 18 Akoko s beauty is brought out through vivid description; her eyes were set apart and neither too small nor too big, her teeth were white and even with a bewitching gap at the centre of the upper set. Her ears with earrings dangling from tiny holes were perfectly shaped standing just at the right angle from her head. And that neck! It was fit to inspire praise songs from nyatiti players! And were those two whole rings on her navel? ...... As for her legs, Were must have curved them out personally rather than one of his apprentices. Pg 28 i ORAL LITERATURE DEVICESThe writer had used some oral literature in The River and the Source. These include:ProverbsSongsMythLegendsPROVERBS WISE SAYINGAkoko s father said of her birth, A home without daughters is like a spring without a source pg 11 . This indicates the chief s flexibility.
And were those two whole rings on her navel? ...... As for her legs, Were must have curved them out personally rather than one of his apprentices. Pg 28 i ORAL LITERATURE DEVICESThe writer had used some oral literature in The River and the Source. These include:ProverbsSongsMythLegendsPROVERBS WISE SAYINGAkoko s father said of her birth, A home without daughters is like a spring without a source pg 11 . This indicates the chief s flexibility. He hears the baby cry and thinks it is a boy, another rock for my sling. The fact that the baby is a girl does not dampen his spirit whatsoever. Akoko s family spokesman, Oloo, convinces the audience about a woman s worth to her husband during the dispute between Akoko and her mother-in-law and brother-in-law ........who knows the goodness of a tree but he who sits under its shade and eats its fruits? Pg 44 Other examples of proverbs found in the story are-; Good manners is the fabric that holds the community together used in respect to the search parties to mean that even if they did not find Obura, it was a sign of respect to the search parties to mean that even if they dis not find Obura, it was a sign of respect to go and report to the chief. Yesterday is not today and today is not tomorrow. Pg 75 This proverb is used by Akoko to encourage her daughter Nyabera who had suffered greatly by losing her children. It was disquieting to have all one s eggs in this one tiny frail basket. Pg 74 . This is in reference to Akoko s family s hopes of that long over the chiefdom which has now been placed in the hands of the little boy, her grandson. Bitterness is poison to the spirit for it breeds nothing but vipers some of which might consume your very self. Pg 103 Akoko uses this proverb to encourage Nyabera to try new religion so that all bitterness in her can end. ...... Beggars cannot be choosers. Pg 107 Nyabera had to make do with the place shown to her to put a house at Aluor mission. ......... You don t have to be good, all you have to be is lucky. Pg 281 .
Bitterness is poison to the spirit for it breeds nothing but vipers some of which might consume your very self. Pg 103 Akoko uses this proverb to encourage Nyabera to try new religion so that all bitterness in her can end. ...... Beggars cannot be choosers. Pg 107 Nyabera had to make do with the place shown to her to put a house at Aluor mission. ......... You don t have to be good, all you have to be is lucky. Pg 281 . Vera uses this saying in reference to his brother who is lucky to have a good girl like Wandia. Laziness opens the door for evil to rule one s mind and body. Pg 93 . Akoko uses this proverb to chide her brother-in-law Otieno, who because of his laziness, ends up grabbing her wealth and inheritance. B SONGSThe young men who come to escort Akoko from Yimbo to her husband s home in Sakwa compose chants to praise certain qualities in themselves. The song also creates humour. It also breaks monotony of narration. Pg 26 quote the song in page 26 Akoko sings a dirge full of praise for her husband as she morns him pg 69 . Quote the dirge in page 69 The song breaks monotony of narration, makes the story interesting and also indicates how the two; Akoko and Owuor Kembo loved each other. C MYTHA myth is story that talks about the origin of a group of people or a phenomenon. AKoko narrates the story of the origin of the Luo to her grandson twins, Opiyo and Odongo as they embark in their epic journey. In the beginning, Were was alone in the world which was beautiful. Were is a spirit and a spirit is like a flame.....so he created Ramogi and his brothers who were men......... pg 81-82 This myth highlights the role of elders in this community, which is to impact knowledge on the history of the tribe to all young ones. ....... How can you know where you are coming from? Pg 81 d LEGENDSA legend is a story that talks about a heroic historical character. Of the children of Ramogi many great brave men have arisen. They are called, thuondi the brave ones.

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.