🌊Literary work Review

 

O-STUDY LIBRARY

LITERARY WORKS-ANALYSIS

01:POETRY-ANALYSIS OF THE POEMS

• DIFFERENT BETWEEN POETRY AND OTHER LITERARY WORKS

By using specific relevant examples, from your experience describe the unique features/characteristics that distinguish poetry from other genres.

There is pleasure and enjoyment in reading poetry which makes it different from prose genre of literature. How do you differentiate poetry from prose?

Poetry is a work of art that uses creative and imaginative language which arouses emotions to portray social realities to the intended audience. Poetry as a literally genre differs from other genres in many ways. This essay disuses some of the features that differentiate poetry from other literary genres like; plays, novels or short stories.

Poetry is arranged in form of verses and stanzas. Unlike prose which is arranged in long sentences, paragraphs, and chapters, in form of a book, poetry is represented in the form of verses which are grouped together to form stanzas. Example the following is a stanza with three verses.

Your pain

Yet more my pain

Shall suffocate oppression.

Poetry employs language economy. Unlike prose which uses long sentences that form paragraphs, chapters and a whole book, poetry on the other hand employs language economy. This is to say words are carefully chosen so that very few words present much information. For example in a short poem like “Building the nation” we can establish themes like; classes, hypocrisy, marginalization, misuse of public resources, poverty etc

Poetry is rich in figures of speech and sound devices. Unlike prose poetry makes frequent use of figures of speech such as hyperbole, personification, simile, metaphors and other but additionally poetry has sound devices like, alliteration, assonance, consonance, rhymes, refrain, anadiplosis etc. for example Alliteration “Highly delicate diplomatic duties…” in Building the Nation” or a Refrain “Atieno yo” in A Freedom Song”.

Poetry employs poetic license. Unlike, prose which mostly follows standard rules like punctuation, sentence structure etc. Poetry has the freedom/permission to break/violate certain grammatical rules to achieve a poetic effect. Look at the following verses, “Forward they go” instead of “They go forward” in “Sunrise”, “I too am America” instead of “I am an American too” in “I too sing America”, “away they go…” instead of “they go away” in “When I Say I Love You”

Poetry is rhythmical. Unlike prose poetry is arranged in form of regular beats that make it possible to be sung. There are regular beats that fall on stressed and unstressed syllables that make the poem easy to be sung. Stressed syllables cause rising sound while unstressed syllables cause a falling sound. By alternating the rise and fall of sounds the poet creates rhythm.

In poetry the character is the persona and rarely bears a name. Unlike prose which has many characters with names performing different roles, poetry hardly has characters with names. With exception of few narrative poems like “A freedom song” most personas in many poems are named after their jobs, relationship or the class they belong to. Example, in “Building the nation” the persona is the driver. He is named after his job.

Poetry is meant to be sung or recited. Unlike novels which are meant to be read, and plays which are meant to be performed, poetry is meant to be sung or recited. Poems are patterned in a way that they can be sung or recited that’s why they have sound devices like rhymes, alliteration, consonance, assonance, reiteration, and refrain which bring about music and add effect to the poem.

Poetry uses imaginative language. Poetry employs imagery and symbolism that makes the reader to dig deeper to uncover the underlying meaning. Some words carry an extra meaning in poetry apart from their literal meaning. Consider for instance words like “little bird, and “honey bee”, in Mwaikusa’s “When I say I Love you” they might be representing girls/women also he used imagery like “sweetness” (image of taste), soft soil, standing hard (image of touch), All these make the poem enjoyable.

Poetry arouses emotions and feelings. Unlike prose, poetry appeals to the five senses of touch, smell, taste, sight, and sound. The poem can move someone’s emotions and they cry or laugh. It can make you annoyed, angry, sad, embarrassed, sympathetic or amused, excited, and happy. For example the poem “If we Must Die” C. McKay and “Your Pain” by A Guebuza arouse the feeling of hatred against the white people.

Poetry has the first letter of each line capitalized (In Most poems). Unlike prose in which capitalization occurs only at the beginning of a new sentence or proper nouns, in most poems the first letter of each line is capitalized. This happens even when the sentence is still in progress. Look at the following stanza from Okot’s “The graceful giraffe cannot become a monkey”

Listen,

Ostrich plumes differ

From chicken feathers,

A monkey’s tail

Is different from that of a giraffe…

As a way of conclusion however it should be noted that the different features discussed above are not necessarily to be found in every poem. Some poems contain some features and lack others. But there are some features which are found in almost every poem.

• THEMES IN THE POEMS

Like other forms of art, poems reflect social realities. They try to make us see in a new light and by seeing we are inspired to change. Use four poems you have studied to verify the above statement.

A poem is a metrical composition in form of stanzas that uses imaginative language to portray social realities. It is true that like other forms of art such as plays and novels poems also reflect social realities which make us inspired to change from bad lifestyle to a good one. To verify the above statement references will be made to the following poems; “LOST BEAUTY” by J. Mwaikusa, “DEVELOPMENT” by K. Faraja, “BUILDING THE NATION” by H. Barlow and “A FREEDOM SONG” by O. Macgoye. To start with “Lost Beauty” the poet portrays the following social realities which might inspire us to change.

The poet shows the effects of neo-colonialism. The poet shows that most Africans have been affected by European culture. They try as much as possible to look like white people but in the process they lose their identity altogether. He shows that his eyes “don’t see anything black” but he sees “white skins and masks”. In a way the poet tries to remind Africans to know who they are and be proud of their identity as he says “black is beautiful”. This shows that he wants us to change the white’s mentality and embrace our African identity.

Also, the poet portrays African natural beauty. Africans were created naturally beautiful. However, most Africans especially women have been struggling to change their skin colour using cosmetics, curl their hair or wear wigs to look like white women to the extent that it is hard nowadays to get a naturally beautiful African lady as he says “I want a black beauty queen”. This shows that we have lost our beauty. So the poet urges us to change this mentality and value our African natural beauty.

In the poem “Development” the poet portrays the issue of selfishness. The poet criticizes the hypocritical behaviour of the leaders who think of themselves while the majorities are disregarded. He shows that they are more sensitive to selfishness (egoism) than to matters pertaining to national development. To be precise he asks whether they are incapable “to bring about development”. So the poet urges the leaders to change their behaviour or else the majority should take actions.

Additionally, there is an issue of corruption. Corruption is an obstacle to development. It is however sad to note that the people who are corrupt are the same leaders that we have given the power to rule us. He shows that it is difficult for a nation to develop when the leaders to whom we have entrusted power are corrupt. So here again the poet calls for actions so that we may change the system and put in power people who are not corrupt if we need to get development.

Coming to “BUILDING THE NATION”, the poet discusses about hypocrisy. Many people in our society are hypocrites. They speak one thing and do quite the contrary. In the poem we see the PS goes to take a heavy lunch and leaves his driver. On coming back he claims to have eaten nothing and says he had attended to matters of state. This is Hypocrisy and it is very bad in as much as national building is concerned. That’s why the poet says they were building the nation “different ways”. So the poet calls for the masses to take actions against hypocritical leaders.

Moreover, the poet shows the issue of classes. Classes are inevitable in any society however there should be no class that exploits the other. The poet shows that there are two classes in this society. High class represented by the PS who misuses the public funds by feasting and lower class who work on empty stomachs. So the poet is calling for the change in which the national resources will benefit not only the ruling class but also the masses or else the lower class may one day stage a revolution.

And in the poem “A freedom Song” the poetess shows the issue of exploitation. The poem shows that the young girl Atieno works for her uncle as a house help but she is not paid. The uncle gives a lame excuse that “since she is my sisters child” that why she “…needs no pay”. This is a high level of exploitation. Today there are a lot of people who live with their relatives’ children but they make them work all day long yet without pay. The poetess calls for change as this is a very bad habit.

Lastly, the poet discusses the issue of early pregnancy among children. This is a common problem today. The young girl Atieno gets early pregnancy and dies during delivery because of lacking proper guidance and care from parents who are busy with work and studies. Many young girls now get engaged in premarital sex which leads them to get early pregnancies and as a result some drop out of school or die during delivery or contact HIV. The poetess is calling for parents to change this behaviour and take good care of their children.

In summary, it can be seen that poems do not develop in a vacuum. They address issues found in our societies and provide the way forward. If we need to achieve sustainable development and live harmoniously we must discourage and fight against the evils discussed in poems that are still prevalent in our societies.

With reference to two poems you have studied, discuss the main ideas you experienced in relation to your society. Four main ideas from each poem

Poems usually have main ideas or the themes they want to communicate to the society for the purpose of educating, criticizing, or correcting the societal ills. This statement can be proved by the main ideas presented in, “A Freedom Song” by M, Macgoye and “Development” by K. Faraja. To start with “A Freedom Song” the poetess communicates the following main ideas.

One of the main ideas discussed is the issue of child labour. This has become a burning issue that attracts the attention of most social activists. Atieno in the poem represents children who are working as house girls and are not taken to school. Atieno is working at the age of 8 and strangely enough without pay. In our country today we see many children in the streets selling things like plastic bags, washing cars and so on. This has to be stopped immediately.

The second main idea is Exploitation and Oppression. The young girl in the poem is not only exploited but also oppressed by her own uncle. Although she works and does all the domestic chores she is not paid nor given any good care. Here says the poetess.

Since she is my sister’s child

Atieno needs no pay

This is common in Tanzania today where many people are working but are not paid according to their labour.

Another main idea is the issue of early pregnancy. This is another common problem among the teenagers today. Many girls today have failed to reach their educational goals because when they become pregnant, they are kicked out of schools altogether. At the age of fourteen Atieno becomes pregnant. This is partly due to poor parental care. As the poetess says that her aunt has gone to study and uncle is busy with the work while poor Atieno has no one to teach her what is right..

The poet also discusses the issue of Poor parental care. It is evident from the poem that Atieno’s parents are irresponsible. They have no time to make regular follow-ups to check the kind of upbringing their child goes through. Atieno goes to work in her uncle’s home at the age of eight, and her parents are not making followups. Atieno’s uncle is also portrayed as a bad parent since he mistreats his own niece. Today most parents are avoiding this most important responsibility claiming to be so busy.

Turning to the poem “Development” the following main ideas are presented

The poet talks about selfishness. We see the high class misuses the national resources at the expenses of the lower. Kundi Faraja criticises the hypocritical behaviour of most African leaders who think of themselves (being the minority) while the majority whose efforts are wasted are disregarded. Their selfish tendencies are expressed by the poet in these terms.

I reckon the minority

More sensitive to egoism

Than to national development

This is common among many post-colonial African leaders who are thinking in terms of me, myself and I.

Moreover the poet has portrayed the issue of corruption. He shows that it’s not the common people who are at the forefront in giving and receiving corruption but the leaders. Critically speaking, the issue of development is even more complicated when we come to think of the fact that those to whom we have entrusted power are the same who are corrupt. Thus the poet comes to a poet when he shows there is no way a country whose leaders have invested in corruption can develop. He says

When the people to whom We have entrusted power Are corrupt?

This is common in our country where we see ministers signing bogus treats that affect the country’s economy because of corruption.

Furthermore the issue of Classes and marginalization is also presented. Realistically speaking, classes in any society are inevitable. In most cases it has been evident that whenever these classes exist, the high class oppresses, exploits and marginalises the lower. The poet uses strong symbolic comparisons to bring the message home. While the minority (whom he calls privileged few) enjoy the national cake, the majority have been marginalized and disregarded.

I plead the stomachs

Of the privileged few

Greater than the rift valley They cannot be satisfied With a normal share.

This is common in Tanzania where we see most government officials (the high class) enjoying life, buying luxury cars living in decent mansions while the majority can hardly afford the three basic meals of a day.

Generally it can be said that poems do not develop in a vacuum. They usually have something to communicate to the society that emanates from the society in which we live. They criticise bad behaviours so that we may reform and they educate on the good morals

Use two poems “ A freedom Song” by Macgoye M.O and “Song of Lawino” by Okot to explain the ways the poets have portrayed the issue of oppression and show the relevance of these poems to your society. Provide three points for each poem. { NECTA, 2019}.

Oppression is the prolonged cruel or injustice treatment by the authority or is the state of being subjected to oppressive treatment. Poets have portrayed the issue of oppression in many ways. This can be verified by the poems “FREEDOM SON” by Macgoye M.O and “SONG OF LAWINO” by Okot who have show the issue of oppression and its relevance to the society.

To start with FREEDOM SONG the poetess has shown the issue of oppression as the following:

The poetess has discussed the issue of child oppression through child labour. A child is a person who is bellow eighteen years. The poetess has used Atieno to show child oppression through child labour where Atieno is overworked by her uncle while she was eight years old. She has to do all domestic work and wake up early. The poetess says:

Atieno washes dishes,

Atieno plucks the chicken,

Atieno gets up early,

Beds her sucks down in the kitchen, Atieno eight years old Atieno yo.

This proves that, there is child oppression in term of child labour and still exist in our societies since many children are working in small industries and fishing sectors.

The poetess has portrayed the issue of child oppression through exploitation. The poetess has shown how Atieno is being exploited by her uncle and Aunt by doing all domestic chores without any pay. This proved when the poetess says:

“Since she’s my sister’s child Atieno needs no pay

While she works my wife can sit”

This proves that, there is oppression of children in term of exploitation. This problem is also common in our societies since there is exploitation in the family level where they have to do all domestic work and no pay.

The poetess has discussed the issue of child oppression in term of lacking of parental care. The poetess has shown Atieno is being oppressed because the has no parents who will teach her what is right. The poet says:

“That girl stays too long at market

Who will teach her what is right?”

Therefore, the above proves that, there is oppression to the children whose parents have died and this is more common in our societies where many children are oppressed by their relatives when their birth parents died.

Coming to the Song of Lawino by Okol the issue of oppression has portrayed as follows:

The poet has portrayed the issue of women oppression in terms of being considered valueless by their husband. The poet has shown how Lawino is complaining that her husband compares her with the rubbish in the rubbish pit. The poet says:

“He compares me with the rubbish

In the rubbish pit….”

Therefore, the above proves that, women are oppressed by being considered valueless. This problem is also common in our societies which makes women inferior.

The poet has discussed the issue of women oppression in terms of not being sent to school. The poet has shown Ocol abuses Lawino because she has never been to school and she is not westernized. The poet says:

“He abuses me in English

And he is so arrogant”

Therefore, the above proves how women are oppressed by their husband because are not being sent to school. This is more common among african educated elites who mistakenly think that the western education they received elevated them higher and gave them the right to look down upon those uneducated.

The poet has portrayed the issue of women oppression through stigmatization. The poet has shown how Ocol stigmatizes Lawino because of her traditional adornments/decorations. He claims that adornments are old fashioned and unhealthy. Due to this social stigma, Lawino wonders whether she is suffering from a ‘don’t touch me disease’, she says:

“He says I soil his white shirt

If I touch him

My husband treats me

As if I am suffering from

The don’t touch me disease”

Therefore, this proves that the women are oppressed by being stigmatized by their husband and other relatives because of old fashioned adornments. This is more common in our societies especially to those affected by colonial education and globalization.

Conclusively, the government should teach its citizens to eradicate all forms of oppression so that people can live happily in the country and which can also help to form a stable nation without conflicts.

Using two poems that you have studied in this section, discuss the effects of selfishness among the leaders in developing countries. Give three points from each poem {NECTA, 2018}.

Selfishness is the act of one thinking of him or herself. The selfishness of the leaders brought various effects to the people in developing countries and due to that people faced with many problems. By using two poems BUILDING THE NATION and DEVELOPMENT the selfishness of the leaders has shown by the poets and their effects as follows.

Starting with BUILDING THE NATION by Henry Burlow the poet has tried to show selfishness has brought effects to the developing country as follows.

Misuse of public resources. This is the situation at which the leaders tend to use government facilities for their own gain. The persona has shown that the PS uses the state properties like cars for his own interests. The PS goes to feast/dinner using the government car, and after the feast he is driven back home. So he wastes not only the public resources but also the working hours.

Exploitation. This is the act of making someone work without concerning his or her wellbeing. In the poem, the poet has tried to reveal this as the effect brought by selfishness of PS as he is very busy wasting the public funds and eat lavishly and left the driver work on empty stomachs. The persona knows about this exploitation done by African leaders and informs his fellow countrymen what is actually happening.

“So the PS had ulcers too!

My ulcers I think are equally painful

Only they are caused by hunger,

No sumptuous lunches!”

Lies and hypocrisy. This is the act of pretending to what he or she is not doing. The poet has shown this as the effect of selfishness of the leaders as the PS lies to the driver that he did not have any meal just as did the driver yet you and I know that he had a very heavy and sumptuous lunch. “Then to keep awake, he suddenly asked, Did you have any lunch friend?

I replied looking straight ahead

And secretly smiling at his belated concern

That I had not, but was sliming”

This has been a vital tool for most politicians when they want to win more votes from the ignorant masses. They make heaps of lies on the hopeful crowds but eventually everything turns out only a nightmare

Turning to the poem DEVELOPMENT by Kundi Faraja the poet has shown the effects of selfishness of the leaders in the developing countries as the following:

Selfishness (egoism). Most post-colonial African leaders are thinking in terms of themselves, although the resources of the country ought to benefit both classes. The poet criticises the hypocritical behaviour of most African leaders who think of themselves (being the minority) while the majority whose efforts are wasted are disregarded. Their selfish tendencies are expressed by the poet in these terms.

“I reckon the minority

More sensitive to egoism

Than to national development”

Corruption, The poet has shown the sad mood that it’s not the common people who are at the forefront in giving and receiving corruption but the leaders. Because of leader’s selfishness, the issue of development is even more complicated when we come to think of the fact that those to whom we have entrusted power are the same who are corrupt. Thus the poet comes to a point when he shows there is no way a country whose leaders have invested in corruption can develop. No way! He says:

“How is development

To be brought brother

When the people to whom

We have entrusted power Are corrupt?”

Exploitation, The poet has shown that most leaders who climb up the leadership tree, begin while they are as poor as flies but in no time they become distinguished petty bourgeoisies. This is because of their selfishness that make them to exploit the masses. In the poem, the poet continues to point a finger at the leaders who exploit the masses by saying: “The majority plead Exploited”.

Conclusively, it is true that, the selfishness of the leaders bring various effects to the people in developing countries and due to that people faced with many problems. Therefore, the poets have used their poems to expose those problems in order for people to take care of them.

With reference to two poems that you have read in this section, show how the poets have addressed the issue of leaders’ irresponsibility. Give four points from each poem {NECTA, 2017}.

Irresponsibility is a state in which a person or a group of people is not responsible in what they are doing or carrying out their duties. The poets have addressed the issue of leaders’ irresponsibility in different ways. This can be justified through two poems DEVELOPMENT by Kundi Faraja and BUILDING THE NATION Henry Burlow.

Starting with the poem DEVELOPMENT the poet has shown the leaders’ irresponsibility through the following points:

The leaders’ irresponsibility in providing social services. In the poem we see how the leaders are irresponsible in accomplishing their duties since they promised to help the common people to improve their ways of life by providing social services but they failed to provide the social services for their people. This is seen when the poet say:

“Man of the people

You have always been telling us

What we need

Health centres

More schools

Clean water

Better transport facilities

Better living conditions”

The above phrase show how leaders are irresponsible in fulfilling their promise.

The leaders’ irresponsibility in bringing about development. The issue of development is more complicated when we come to think of the fact that those to whom we have entrusted power are irresponsible leaders who are corrupt. In the poem we see how the man of people is irresponsible as he is a corrupt leader who doesn’t want to bring the development. This is revealed when the poet says:

“How is development

To be brought brother

When the people to whom

We have entrusted power

Are corrupt?”

The above phrases illustrate how leaders are irresponsible in bringing about development.

The leaders’ irresponsibility in eliminating selfishness. Most African leaders are irresponsible as they are thinking in terms of themselves, although the resources of the country ought to benefit both classes. The poet has shown how the leaders are irresponsible as they think of themselves (being the minority) while the majority whose efforts are wasted are disregarded. Their selfish tendencies are expressed by the poet in these terms.

“I reckon the minority

More sensitive to egoism

Than to national development”

The above statements revealed how the leaders are irresponsible in eradicating the issue of selfishness.

The leaders’ irresponsibility in eliminating exploitation. The poet has shown that most leaders who climb up the leadership tree are irresponsible, they have failed to stop exploitation. This is because they are the ones who do it and due to their irresponsibility they do not care as they continue to exploit the masses. This is shown when the poet says: “The majority plead Exploited”.

The above phrases revealed how the leaders are irresponsible who fail to eliminate exploitation.

Turning to the poem “BUILDING OF THE NATION” the poet has shown the leaders irresponsibility through the following ways:

The leaders’ irresponsibility in the Misuse of public resources. This is the situation at which the leaders tend to use government facilities for their own gain. The persona has shown how the PS is irresponsible as he uses the state properties like cars for his own interests. The PS goes to feast/dinner using the government car, and after the feast he is driven back home. So he wastes not only the public resources but also the working hours.

The leaders’ irresponsibility in eliminating classes. The poet has shown how the leaders are irresponsible as still there is class imbalance. This is seen that there is high class that is represented by the PS exploits the lower class that represented by the driver. The role of both classes is building the nation, but the high class has just become the parasites who feed on the national resources at the expense of the masses. They are not building the nation at all but building their stomachs.

The leaders’ irresponsibility in eradicating Exploitation. This is the act of making someone work without concerning his or her wellbeing. In the poem, the poet has tried to reveal this as irresponsibility of PS being a leader he is very busy wasting the public funds and eat lavishly and left the driver work on empty stomachs. The persona knows about this exploitation done by irresponsible leaders and informs his fellow countrymen what is actually happening. The poet says:

“So the PS had ulcers too!

My ulcers I think are equally painful

Only they are caused by hunger,

No sumptuous lunches!”

The leaders’ irresponsibility in removing Lies and hypocrisy. This is the act of pretending to what he or she is not doing. The poet has shown this as the effect of the leaders irresponsibility as the PS being a leader lies to the driver that he did not have any meal just as did the driver yet you and I know that he had a very heavy and sumptuous lunch.

“Upon which he said with a seriousness That amused more than annoyed me, Mwananchi, I too had none!

I attended to matters of state”.

Conclusively, the poets have really tried their maximum best to show the leaders’ irresponsibility. Therefore, I argue the current people who climb the leadership tree to be responsible in carrying out their duties.

• MESSAGE IN THE POEM

Poets like other literary artists have messages they want to convey to their readers through poems. By using two poems you have read and appreciated give four messages from each poem {NECTA 2016 & 2014}.

Messages refer to the lessons taught by a literary work. A poem, often suggests a lesson/moral that is not directly stated. It is true that “Poets like other literary artists have messages they want to convey to their readers through poems”. This statement can be proved by using the poems “Development” by Kundi Faraja and “A freedom song” by Marjorie O Macgoye. To begin with Development, the poet has conveyed the following messages;

The leaders should be careful with national development. The poet shows that if the leaders are not careful with the national development one day the majority might stage a revolution. The majority are tired of witnessing the leaders enjoying life while they are suffering. As a result the citizens need changes. The poets says

How is development

To be brought brother

When the people to whom We have entrusted power Are corrupt?

This is a wakeup call to his fellow citizens that they need to do something to change the current leadership as it is corrupt.

Awareness is an important tool in so far as the liberation of the oppressed is concerned. The poet shows that if the oppressed class is aware of what is taking place it is easy for them to bring about the desired changes. The poet shows that these people are aware that they are exploited, cheated, disregarded and in that case, impossible development. He says;

The majority plead

Exploited,

Cheated,

Disregarded, But, brother,

How is development to come?

This shows that the majority are aware that if exploitation, cheating, and disregard continue, then no development should be expected.

Corrupt leaders are an obstacle to national development. The poet shows there is no way a country whose leaders have invested in corruption can develop. The issue of development is even more complicated when we come to think of the fact that those to whom we have entrusted power are the same who are corrupt. In

this case we cannot expect sustainable development. He says

How is development

To be brought brother

When the people to whom We have entrusted power Are corrupt?

This shows that we cannot get development with corrupt leaders still in power.

Bringing about development is not a simple task or a cheap commodity. It needs determination, dedication and focus. The poet uses different symbolic comparisons to show how bringing about development and fighting underdevelopment is a tough task to undertake. He compares it with, hurricane, fighting wounded buffalo, combating colonialism, and stopping a coup d’état. For instance he says

I plead fighting underdevelopment

Tougher than fighting

A wounded buffalo

With a pocket knife;

This shows that people need to show the spirit of determination, focus and sacrifice in order to get sustainable development.

Selfishness, exploitation and misuse of public resources for private gain are also obstacles to development. Leaders should utilise the national resources for mutual benefit from both classes. But more often than not, the leaders are selfish, exploit their subjects and misuse the public resources for their own benefits. This is not good if we need to bring about sustainable development. The poet says I reckon the minority

More sensitive to egoism

Than to National Development; Nothing that is not theirs Is of any interest.

The leaders should fulfil their promises to the majority when they get power. The poet shows that the leaders usually betray their subjects when they get power. Before independence the citizens were promised better life once uhuru is gained. This happens today as well when the leaders are asking for votes. But when they get power they forget the promises they gave to the poor citizens. The poet says.

You have always been telling us

What we need

Health centres

More schools

Clean water

Better transport facilities

Better living conditions

This shows that the leaders have not been capable to fulfil the promised they gave to people.

Turning to the next poem, “A FREEDOM SONG” The poetess has conveyed the following messages.

Parents should be careful with the upbringing of their own children. Atieno is mistreated by her uncle since she is not his biological child. We are not told the reason whatsoever why Atieno is not living with her parents, but they had a duty to make regular follow ups and know how she is doing. Atieno lacked proper guidance

because of the negligence from her uncle and aunt. The poetess says Specially when I work nights.

That girl stays too long at market Who will teach her what is right? Atieno’s uncle is busy with his work and the young Atieno lacks parental care. This is common among the busy parents today who leave their children under the care of house girls.

Child labour should be discouraged at all cost. The young Atieno is working as a house girl at the age of 8 and strangely enough without pay. At this age she should have been in STD 2. Yet she is employed in her uncle’s home while his own children attend school. The poet shows that she is overworked doing the domestic chore but without pay.

Since she’s my sister’s child Atieno needs no pay

While she works my wife can sit

Sewing each sunny day,

This is exploitation of the highest order so it should be discouraged because the reason he gives as to why he does not pay the young girl is a lame excuse.

All the children should be given the right to education. All children have the right to education but Atieno’s uncle sends only his wife and children to school while Atieno is left working at home. She is still at such a tender age that she should have been in school. This negligence to the children’s right to education should be discouraged.

Now my wife has gone to study

Atieno’s less free,

Don’t I feed her, school my own ones,

Children should be given proper reproductive health education. Without proper guidance, the young girl Atieno becomes pregnant and dies because of postpartum bleeding. Children need to be provided with reproductive health education when they reach puberty to avoid early pregnancies which may result to death as did Atieno. The poet shows that all this happened because Atieno was neglected by her uncle who paid attention to the visitors and his work than to Atieno (his niece). Visitors need much attention, Specially when I work nights.

That girl stays too long at market Who will teach her what is right?

As Atieno had nobody to teach her what is right she ended up getting pregnancy and died of the same.

So it is true that poets usually have a message they want to

communicate to their readers. It is this message that gives the members of the society a sense of awareness, knowing where they are right and where they are wrong. They have to discard the bad habits and pick the good ones. In this case, poems are worthy reading.

• FIGURE OF SPEECH IN THE POEM

With reference from two poems show how poets have used poetic devices to deliver the message in the society. Provide three points from each poem {NECTA, 2020}.

Poetic devices are tools that a poet uses to create rhythm, to enhance a poem’s meaning or intensifying a mood and feeling. The poet uses different devices so as to deliver the message and make their works beautiful. This can be verified using the two poems “THE DYING CHILD” by Freeman Lwanda and “DEVELOPMENT” by Kundi Faraja.

Starting with THE DYING CHILD the poet has used the devices to deliver the message as the following:

The use of paradox, this is poetic device in which a poet uses two conflicting words in the same verse. In the poem the poet says:

“Ten years old

But he looks older than ten

And younger than young”

These words older than ten, younger than young are conflicting each other and they have been used to describe the boy’s condition and show lack of balance diet. This helps to deliver the message that eating balance diet is so important for the boy’s health.

The use of parallelism, this is the poetic device in which two or more verses have identical words structure and meaning. In the poem the poet says:

Swollen stomach

Full of waste

Thin legs

Thin arms

These words have been used to show the issue of malnutrition. Due to poverty the boy lack proper nutrition and suffer malnutrition. The society get the message that poverty should be alleviate for the development of the nation.

The use of symbolism, this is the use of words or thing to represent another thing. The poet has used the symbol of an empty plate to represent poverty and deliver the message that people should fight to alleviate the problem of poverty. The poet says:

“As the boy

Fight with flies

Over the empty plate”

Coming to the poem DEVELOPMENT the poet has used the following poetic devices to deliver the message;

The use of simile, is the comparison of two dissimilar things using the words of comparison. In the poem the poet has used this to deliver the message to the readers. The poet says:

“Their response to egoism,

Is faster than camera film to light

But as slow as tropism

To national building”

The poet has used this poetic device to deliver the message that the country cannot develop with selfish leaders. So people should fight to remove those selfish leaders.

The use of parallelism, is the poetic device in which two or more verses have identical words structure and meaning. In the poem the poet says:

“Health centres

More schools

Clean water

Better transport facilities

Better living conditions”

Through this device the poet has shown the issue of poor social services and society get the message that social services should be improved for the development of the society.

The use of hyperbole/exaggeration, is the figure of speech that intend to exaggerate to emphasis the message in the society. The poet has used this device to show selfishness and deliver the message that people should fight alleviate the problem of selfishness.

“I plead the stomach

Of the privileged few

Greater than the Rift-valley They cannot be satisfied

With a normal share”

Generally, the poets are more creative and imaginative by employing various poetic devices to make their works look beautiful, however at the same time intend to deliver the message in the society concerned.

PART TWO: NOVELS

ANALYSIS OF THE NOVELS

• THEME IN THE NOVEL

The Novelists’ choice of content in their novels is a reflection of what is happening in their societies. Using two novels you have studied under this programme support this view by giving three points from each.

A novel is a fiction, narrative writing based of social reality. Many authors analyse their societies before writing their literary works. It is true that the novelists’ choice of content in their novels is a reflection of what is happening in their societies because they present issues that are really occurred in the society. This can be verified using two novels “PASSED LIKE A SHADOW” by Benard Mapalala and “UNANSWERED CRIES” by Osman Cotehn.

Starting with novel PASSED LIKE A SHADOW the author has presented the following issues that are happening in the societies.

The issue of drunkenness, Drunkenness in the action of using alcohol and other recreational drinks which injurious to someone health. This shown by Adyeri in novel when he arrived home while drunkard and he spends a lot of money to get alcohol and become drunkard. This is reflect with what is happening in the society we have witnessed many people neglected their family, and become irresponsible because of alcoholism. The spend most of the time at bar lost a lot of money for drinking alcohol and leave their family suffer.

Also, the issue of Raping, This is the practice of doing unwilling sex with someone. In the novel the author has shown raping John rapes Abooki because she was not willing to have sex with him hence john puts drugs which causes a sleep to Abooki so as to fulfill his will. This issue is reflecting what is happening in the society. Currently, we seen many cases people are sent to the court and others are imprisoned because of raping. This should be abolished because it has negative impacts such as spreading of HIV/AIDS.

Prostitution is another issue shown by the author. Prostitution is the commercial sex whereby people sell their bodies for the purpose of getting money. In most cases prostitution is mostly influenced by poverty and peer pressure. From the book we see Vicky, Tusiime and Kunihira engaged in prostitution due to poverty and peer pressure. In our societies this is more common most of girls sells their bodies so as to get money for their basic needs such as food, clothes and shelter. Therefore, it is true that the novelists’ choice of content reflects what is happening in their societies.

In the novel UNANSWERED CRIES the author has shown the following issues that reflect what is happening in the society.

The issues of Betrayal and corruption, this is the act of going against the agreement. In the novel betrayal is seen when Pa Amadu given a task by Makalay to look for Olabisi in which case he would be given a goat if he succeeded to find her. Unfortunately, he finds her and receives some money from her and helps her to escape. In our societies we have witnessed many betrayals. Politicians betray their citizens, husbands betray their wives and wives betray their husband. Therefore, it is true that the content of the authors reflect with what is happening in the society.

Fornication has shown by the author, this is the practice of having sex before marriage. From the book, the author has shown that Olabisi and Eddy have engaged in pre-marital sex more than once. In our societies there are people especially youths who are practicing this before marriage. We are all witnessing how young having sex with their boyfriends and girlfriends. So it is true that the choice of content of novelists reflect with what is happening in our society.

The problem of Superstition belief, this is the act of believing in the power of spirits and ancestors. In the novel superstition is shown by Makalay where she believes in the power of spirits. She trusts the spirits would make her childbirth difficult if she doesn’t obey them. That’s why we see her humbly submitting herself to the fate of the spirits by saying ‘whatever the spirits say I will do’’ and ‘don’t say that. Please! I’m pregnant. This is so common in our societies we are seeing politicians are visiting to witchdoctors to hold their position, couples visit witchdoctor to get a baby. Therefore, it is true that novelists reflect their content to what is happening in the society.

Conclusively, in Tanzania there are many bad traits that have been in place due to globalization. Therefore, the authors use their writings to create characters who will reveal and expose those bad traits that should be not adopted in Tanzania.

• MESSAGE IN THE NOVELS

How the playwright of any two novels you have read under this section deliver their message effectively to the readers. Give three points from each novel.

Messages refer to the lessons taught by a literary work. The authors, often ues their literary works to suggest a lesson/moral that is not directly stated. This can be verified by two novels “PASSED LIKE A SHADOW” written by Bernard Mapalala and “UNANSWERED CRIES” written by Osman Cotehn where the playwrights have deliver their message effectively to the readers.

Starting with PASSED LIKE A SHADOW the playwright has deliver the following message to the readers:

Peer pressure hinder the community development. The author has delivered the message that, People should be careful in choosing friends and selecting the advice from friends since Peer pressure seems to have a strong influence in personal transformation. This is seen when Tusiime and Kunihira are seen to put their bodies into sale and influencing Vicky who comes from a poor family to become a prostitute by telling her virginity is not thing of proud off.

Superstitious believe is a source of people to get HIV. This is another message delivered by the authors. It seems that, some people become HIV victims due to superstition. This is seen when the two want a baby and therefore Aluganyira forced Vicky to go to the witchdoctor in order to have a baby where the conflict begin since Vicky was not willing to go there. At last, they went to witchdoctor hence end up acquiring HIV/AIDS.

The drunkenness affects the welfare of the family. Some families live in poor life because drinking behaviour of the head of the family. In the novel, this is seen when Adyeri becomes a hopeless heavy drunkard after losing the job. This makes him unable to provide for the family food bills and the family suffers. He also becomes so mean and hot tempered and beats both his children and his wife. This causes serious misunderstanding in the family and the welfare of the family is affected.

Turning to the novel, “UNANSWERED CRIES” the author has delivered the message to the readers as follows:

Like father like daughter. The author has delivered the message that require Parents to be good role models to their children lest they pick bad behaviours. They should also be responsible for taking care of their children. It seems that, children imitate the behaviour of their parents. In the novel, Ade Jones is not faithful in marriage. He sleeps with many girls and women. He even impregnated Makalay and bears Olabisi through premarital sex. This makes him irresponsible in taking care of Olabisi who starts premarital sex as her father but Ade is not aware.

Corruption and betrayal are obstacles to development in the society. Most of people in the society fail to achieve the intended goal due to corruption and betrayal. In the novel is seen when Pa Amadu given a task by Makalay to look for Olabisi in which case he would be given a goat if he succeeded to find her. Unfortunately, he finds her and receives some money from her and helps her to escape. We should fight against corrupt people like Pa- Amadu.

The money mongering behaviour hinder the community development. Removing outdated traditions and customs is very challenging issue because there some people who support them. They use their education to support the cruel customs due to money monger. From the novel, Salaam is seen to be dangerous in the society because he support a cruel custom just to get money. He is a lawyer by profession and possibly informed of the potential dangers of FGM but in the court he supports the bondo women to force Olabisi to be circumcised. This behaviour affects the welfare of the majority in the society, so should be abolished.

Generally, it is true that the novelists write their work to expose different evils and problems that hinder the community development. Through them the audience is being educated and therefore take various strategies overcome those problem.

• POSITION OF WOMEN IN THE NOVEL

Like men, women are equally capable of contributing to the welfare of the society. Use relevant examples from two novels you have read to prove the statement.

Women occupy both positive and negative positions in different literary works. But women have proved to be very important personalities in African families as they are capable of contributing to the welfare of their families and societies at large. This statement can be verified by using “UNANSWERED CRIES” by O Conteh and “PASSED LIKE A SHADOW” by Benard Mapalala.

To start with UNANSWERED CRIES, Women have contributed to the welfare of their societies in the following ways.

Women have been portrayed as revolutionists. In this case we see Olabisi, Oyah and Dr. Asiatu standing firm to fight for the freedom of women and rights of the child of decision making. They help Olabisi to win the case and being set free from female genital mutilation.

Women have also been portrayed as child bearers and caretakers. Makalay is the mother of Olabisi who is very strict in ensuring that Olabisi observes good family standards like avoiding boys until she gets married. Also Oyah takes good care of Olabisi as her child although she is not her real biological mother.

Women are portrayed as agents for social change. We see Oyah, Olabisi and Asiatu standing firm as agents to bring about changes in this society particularly as far as FGM is concerned. All other women are supporting FGM but these few stand firm against other women to bring about changes in the traditional society.

Women are also portrayed as courageous and risk takers. Olabisi is a case in point here. She shows that even women can be courageous enough when they want to achieve a particular cause. This is shown by the way she manages to escape from her mother’s village and from the bondo camp to find her way to Freetown.

Turning to the novel PASSED LIKE A SHADOW, women have brought the

following contribution to their society and families;

Women are portrayed as parents and caretakers. Despite all her weaknesses, Amoti has a positive side. She manages to take a good care of her children even after family separation. We are told that until they reach High school, Atwoki and Abooki have never engaged in sexual affairs. This is a good contribution to the society in general.

Women are portrayed as good advisors. Vicky advises Abooki not to go after money it will kill her. She uses her own experience to help Abooki take care of her life. Abooki also advised her brother Atwoki to be careful when he goes to Kampala. She is deeply concerned with the welfare of her brother and makes sure that he does not mess up with his life.

Women are portrayed responsible people. Amoti takes all the family responsibilities while Adyeri is enjoying life with his concubines. She is the one nurturing children alone and protects them from their father’s hot temper something that endangers her own life as she is beaten. Abooki also takes care of her sick mother while Atwoki is enjoying the city life with girls.

Women are portrayed as disciplined people. Abooki represents a class of women who are disciplined and focused on what they do. She is dressed and has determined to keep her reputation despite the moral corruption of the whole society. Although she is fooled and drugged by John, she does not mess around with him instead she remains responsible to keep her secondary virginity. She sets a good example in the society for other girls to emulate.

So generally, it can be concluded that, like men women have proved to be one of the most important figures in the families. They are capable of contributing to the welfare of their societies. In more cases than one they have proved to be the hub in family upbringing and upkeep.

• CONFLICTS IN THE NOVELS

The authors use conflicts to present different issues in their literary works. Justify this statement using two novels you have under this section. Give three point from each novel.

Conflict refers to the misunderstanding between two people or groups. Conflicts arise due to difference in ideology. Conflicts are caused by different sources. It is true that the authors use conflicts to present various issues. This can be verified by two novels UNANSERED CRICIES by Osman Conteh and PASSED LIKE A SHADOW by Benard Mapalala where the authors have tried to show the issues in their literary works through conflicts.

Starting with the novel UNANSWERED CRIES the author has used conflicts to present the issues as follows:

The conflict between Makalay and Olabisi. The author has shown the family conflict between Makalay and her daughter Olabisi. This happen when Makalay wanted Olabisi to be circumcised in order to be a real woman. Thus Olabisi refuse to be circumcised and runs away to town led Makalay to seek for her till the case went to the court where the solution came out that Olabisi should not be circumcised against her will. Through this conflict the author has presented the issue of female circumcision.

Conflict between Edward Cole and Olabisi. The author has shown another conflict between boyfriend and her girlfriend. This conflict happen when Edward Cole betrayed Olabisi in the court by revealing their secret relationship that they have sexed several times. This led Olabisi to be humiliated to the court in front of her father. The solution of this conflict Olabisi told Eddy that they should not know each other anymore. Through this conflict the author presents the issues of betrayal and humiliation.

The conflict between Makalay and Pa Amadu. This conflict occurred due to betrayal and corruption. This happen when Pa Amadu given a task by Makalay to look for Olabisi in which case he would be given a goat if he succeeded to find her. Unfortunately, he finds her and receives some money from her and helps her to escape. Through this conflict enables the author to present the issues of betrayal and corruption.

Coming to the novel PASSED LIKE A SHADOW the author has used the following conflicts to present different issues:

The conflict between Adyeri and Amoti. The author has presented a family conflict between husband and wife which caused by drunkenness behaviour. This conflict is seen happen when Adyeri returns home while drunkard and starts beating his children and disturbing his wife thus caused Amoti to be beaten. This solution of this conflict was Amoti to cool down. This conflict helps the author to present the issue of drunkenness and alcoholism.

The conflict between John and Abooki. This conflict between John and Abooki occurs due to rapping behaviour of John. This happen when John plays trick with Abooki by putting drugs into the drink which makes Abooki sleep unconscious and found herself naked on the John’s bed. This led the conflict between John and Abooki where the solution they went to HIV test where she found that she has HIV negative. Through this conflict the author has presented the issue of Rapping.

The conflict between Vicky and Aluganyira. The author has shown another family conflict between Vicky and her husband Aluganyira which occurs due to superstition. This occurs when the two want a baby and therefore Aluganyira forced Vicky to go to the witchdoctor in order to have a baby where the conflict begin since Vicky was not willing to go there. At last, they went to witchdoctor hence end up acquiring HIV/AIDS instead of baby. Through this conflict present the issues of superstition and HIV/AIDS infection.

Conclusively, it is true that the authors use conflicts to present different issues that are happening in the society. This because Conflicts are not occurred without a reason thus the authors have used their literary works to show different sources that result into misunderstanding between people.

• SOURCE OF CONFLICTS

Analyse the source of conflicts in the two novels that you have studied in this section, giving four points from each reading. {NECTA, 2018}.

Conflict refers to the misunderstanding between two people or groups. Conflicts arise due to difference in ideology. Conflicts are caused by different sources. This can be verified by two novels UNANSERED CRICIES by Osman Conteh and PASSED LIKE A SHADOW by Benard Mapalala where the authors have tried to show the source of conflict in their literary works.

Starting with the novel UNANSWERED CRIES the author has analyzed the source of conflict as follows:

Female Genital Mutilation is a source of conflict. This is the act of removing the part of female reproductive organ. Female genital mutilation causes the conflict between Makalay and Olabisi. This happen when Makalay wanted Olabisi to be circumcised in order to be a real woman. Thus Olabisi refuse to be circumcised and runs away to town led Makalay to seek for her till the case went to the court where the solution came out that Olabisi should not be circumcised against her will.

Conflict caused by betrayal. Betrayal is the act of going against the agreement and being disloyal to someone. In the novel we see Edward Cole is betraying Olabisi in the court by revealing their secret relationship that they have sexed several times. This led conflict between Edward Cole and Olabisi. The solution of this conflict Olabisi told Eddy that they should not know each other anymore.

Womanizing behaviour is a source of conflict. Womanization is the situation whereby a man has sexual relationship with many women. In the novel Ade Jones was womanizer thus cause conflict between Ade Jones and Makalay. This conflict led to break down of the family.

Corruption causes conflict beteen Makalay and Pa Amadu. This happen when Pa Amadu given a task by Makalay to look for Olabisi in which case he would be given a goat if he succeeded to find her. Unfortunately, he finds her and receives some money from her and helps her to escape. This proved when Olabisi says:

I ran back and… bumped into this man a hunter. He said if I gave him enough money to buy two goats instead of one, he would show me a way out of the forest instead of taking me back to my mother.

Coming to the novel PASSED LIKE A SHADOW the author has discussed the source of conflict as follows:

Drunkenness is also a source of conflict. This causes conflict between Adyeri and Amoti. This happen when Adyeri returns home while drunkard and starts beating his children and disturbing his wife thus caused Amoti to be beaten. This solution of this conflict was Amoti to cool down.

Rapping causes a conflict. This is a source of conflict between John and Abooki. This happen when John plays trick with Abooki by putting drugs into the drink which makes Abooki sleep unconscious and found herself naked on the John’s bed. This led the conflict between John and Abooki where the solution they went to HIV test where she found that she has HIV negative.

Superstition is also a source of conflict. This causes conflict between Vicky and her husband Aluganyira. This occurs when the two want a baby and therefore Aluganyira forced Vicky to go to the witchdoctor in order to have a baby where the conflict begin since Vicky was not willing to go there. At last, they went to witchdoctor hence end up acquiring HIV/AIDS.

Poor upbringing is also another source of conflict. This causes a conflict between Atwoki and Adyeri, his father. This happen when Adyeri was irresponsible and has poor upbringing to his children. Therefore, Atwoki is forced to move from home due to constant conflicts with Daddy and poor upbringing. This led him acquires the disease in exile, hence passed like a shadow.

Conclusively, it is true that Conflicts are not occurred without a reason thus the authors have used their literary works to show different sources that result into misunderstanding between people.

• CHARACTERS IN THE NOVELS

Using characters from two novels you have studied under this section, analyze bad traits which should not be adapted in Tanzanian context. Provide three points from each novel {NECTA, 2019}.

Characters are living and non-living things used by the writers of a given literary work in order to convey a message to the people concerned. In the novels

PASSED LIKE A SHADOW by B. Mapalala and UNANSWERED CRIES by Osman Conteh the aouthors have shown various bad traits which should not be adopted in Tanzania context.

Starting with PASSED LIKE A SHADOW the following are the bad traits shown by the author which should not be adopted in the Tanzania context.

Drunkenness as shown by Adyeri, Drunkenness in the action of using alcohol and other recreational drinks which injurious to someone health. This shown by Adyeri in novel where he spends a lot of money to get alcohol and become drunkard. This is bad trait and should not be adopted in Tanzania context because it leads to negative impacts such as increasing of poverty and street children.

Raping behaviour as shown by John, in the novel the author has shown raping as the bad trait. This is the practice of doing unwilling sex with someone. John rapes Abooki because she was not willing to have sex with him hence john puts drugs which causes a sleep to Abooki as to fulfill his will. This is also bad trait which is practiced by many youths in Tanzania and should be abolished because it has negative impacts such as spreading of HIV/AIDS.

Prostitution as shown by Vicky, Tusiime and Kunihira. Prostitution is the commercial sex whereby people sell their bodies for the purpose of getting money. The author has shown prostitution is mostly influenced by poverty and peer pressure. Vicky, Tusiime and Kunihira engaged in prostitution due to poverty and peer pressure. In our societies this is more common most of girls sells their bodies so as to get money for their basic needs such as food, clothes and shelter. This bad traits should not be adopted in Tanzania context.

In the novel UNANSWERED CRIES the author has shown the following bad traits that should not be adopted in Tanzania context.

Betrayal as shown by Edward Cole, this is the act of going against the agreement. In this novel the author has shown that Edward Cole betrays Olabisi by expressing her relationship in the court and feel ashamed in front of her father. In our society most of people fail to reach their goals due to betrayal. This bad behavior should not be adopted in Tanzania context due to negative impact such as diminishing people’s rights.

Fornication as shown by Olabisi and Eddy, this is the practice of having sex before marriage. The author has shown that Olabisi and Eddy have engaged in pre-marital sex more than once. In our societies there are people especially youths who are practicing this before marriage. This bad trait is against religious teachings so it should not be adopted in Tanzania context.

Superstition belief as shown by Makalay, this is the act of believing in the power of spirits and ancestors. She believes in the power of spirits. She trusts the spirits would make her childbirth difficult if she doesn’t obey them. That’s why we see her humbly submitting herself to the fate of the spirits by saying ‘whatever the spirits say I will do’’ and ‘don’t say that. Please! I’m pregnant. This is a bad trait that should not be adopted in Tanzania context.

Conclusively, in Tanzania there are many bad traits that have been in place due to globalization. Therefore, the authors use their writings to create characters who will reveal and expose those bad traits that should be not adopted in Tanzania.

With reference to two novels you have read under this section, explain how the behaviour of some characters affects the welfare of the majority in the society. Give four points from each novel. (NECTA, 2016)

Characters are people or other inanimate beings that take part in a literary work. Some characters portray the behaviors that affect the welfare of others in the society. This statement can be explained by using the novels “UNANSWERED CRIES” by O. Conteh and “PASSED LIKE A SHADOW” by Bernard Mapalala. To start with “Unanswered cries” the author has shown the following.

Starting with UNANSWERED CRIES the author has shown how the behaviour of some characters have affected the welfare of the majority.

The superstitious behaviour of Ya Posseh and bondo women affects the welfare of the society. While other people are struggling to stop Female Genital Mutilation, Ya Posseh leads the bondo women to support it in the name of ancient superstition. They believe in bondo spirits to be able to harm anybody who challenges this practice. By so doing the lives of many young girls are put in danger/at risk.

The womanizing behaviour of Ade Jones affects his family. Ade Jones is not faithful in marriage. He sleeps with many girls and women. He even impregnated Makalay and bears Olabisi through premarital sex. This makes him irresponsible in taking care of Olabisi who starts premarital sex as her father but Ade is not aware. This affects the welfare of the child for lacking Parental guidance and care.

The money mongering behaviour of Salaam Sessay affects the welfare of the majority. People like Salaam are dangerous in the society because they support a cruel custom just to get money. He is a lawyer by profession and possibly informed of the potential dangers of FGM but in the court he supports the bondo women to force Olabisi to be circumcised. This behaviour affects the welfare of the majority in the society.

The hypocritical behaviour of Makalay affects the welfare of the society. She believes that FGM helps to reduce sexual appetite to girls and makes them committed to their husbands. But she fails to explain why FGM failed to make her committed to Ade as she conceived Bisi at the tender age of 16 years, and out of wedlock. Later she moved again to Dauda. Although she is educated, she uses her education in a negative way.

Turning to the novel “PASSED LIKE A SHADOW” the author has shown the following:

The drinking behaviour of Adyeri affects his family. Adyeri becomes a hopeless heavy drunkard after losing the job. This makes him unable to provide for the family food bills and the family suffers. He also becomes so mean and hot tempered and beats both his children and his wife. This causes serious misunderstanding in the family and the welfare of the family is affected.

The Jealous behaviour of Amoti affects the welfare of Vicky. Vicky brings home a man called Akena who wants to marry her. But because of the jealousy of Amoti she declares that Vicky cannot marry a man from another tribe

(Munyamahanga). This makes Vicky hopeless and forces her to run away from home to find another means for survival. She engages in prostitution and puts her life in danger.

The promiscuous behaviour of David, his father, and Adyeri affects many people including Atwoki. David and his father use their money in a negative way. They use it to get women and sleep with them. They are HIV positive and spread it intentionally. Their behaviour end up ruining Atwoki by affecting his future dreams completely. He ends up getting HIV instead of becoming a reputable footballer.

The womanizing behaviour of Atwoki affects his family and his country in general. Atwoki becomes a womanizer influenced by David. This makes him neglect his family. His mother becomes sick but he doesn’t care. She dies and is buried but he doesn’t care. After getting HIV he comes back home, hopelessly. The country depended on him but now he has nothing for which to hope.

Superstitious behaviour of Aliganyira affects Vicky. Vicky is married to Aliganyira but they fail to get a child. Aliganyira being superstitious forces Vicky to visit the witch doctor to help them get a child. This affects Vicky’s welfare because instead of getting the child she gets HIV and dies of the same. Superstition is one of the customs that affect the welfare of the majority as many get HIV through sharing sharp unsterilized instruments.

Therefore, it can be seen that when some people force their interests on others or use their power to do what they wish, it may affect the welfare of the majority. People ought to assess everything they do by considering what effect it will have on others. Will it affect others positively or negatively? Unless otherwise there may arise unnecessary conflicts in the society.

• TITLES OF THE BOOK IN THE NOVELS

Titles of books usually have a close relationship to the main ideas/messages found in them. Use two novels you have read to show how the titles of those books have a relationship to the message given.

The titles of the books usually have a great connection to the main content or message of the book. The authors select titles that summarise the main content. This can be verified by using the novel “The Interview by P. Ngugi” and “Passed Like A shadow” by B. Mapalala.

To start with “The Interview” the author has shown the following interviews:

Job interview at the City Soap Industry. The major interview in the novel is the job interview which Joe has to attend but unfortunately he misses it because of volunteering to save cucu. We are also told that a lot of candidates have attended the same job interview at the CITY SOAP INDUSTRY including Gladwell.

Police interview with Joe. The second interview is held by the police (Chief Inspector Margaret Kinyua) to interview Joe how the accident occurred and if he can recognize the plate number of the matatu that had knocked the old woman. These interviews are common as part of police investigations.

Hospital interview with Joe. At the hospital the doctors interview Joe by asking him questions whether he knows the old woman or his relationship to the old woman he saved. Of course Joe knows nothing about this woman with exception that he saved her from a fatal accident.

Njogu’s interview with Joe. Njogu asks Joe several questions after inviting him to his home. In that interview they come to find out that they are related and Joe is Njogu’s nephew. This helped Joe to be reunited to his long lost family relatives.

Joe’s life interview. Joe’s life is an interview by itself. From the way he sacrifices his job interview, to save cucu’s life, then keeps on visiting her at the hospital, and helps to finds her relatives. All these are series of actions that later reward him the job he wanted plus other benefits.

Also the book “Passed like a shadow highlights the following relationship between the title and the content.

Living a worthless life on earth that leaves no any memorable mark is having passed on this earth like a shadow. It is like you never existed because no one will remember you. You become like a shadow that vanishes away when the sun disappears in the clouds. Referring to the song sung by Kinyamasika pupils on Parents day. The author shows that people pass like a shadow if they did nothing for which to be remembered.

Adyeri’s family, passes like a shadow. The book presents the fact that AIDS pandemic has invaded the whole of Uganda and washes people away in large numbers and within a very short time. Adyeri’s family vanishes within a short time leaving only one family member (Abooki) who is HIV free. Adyeri dies followed by Amoti. Although Atwoki is still alive at the end of the book it is obvious that he is also going to die as he is HIV positive.

David’s family also passes like a shadow. Within a very short time also David’s family members die of the pandemic. David, his father his mother and their house girl all fall victims of HIV and it is suspected that it is the house girl who infected them all. This is compared to the shadow that disappears quickly when the sun disappears in the clouds.

Aliganyira’s family passes like a shadow. Aliganyira and Vick are also on their deathbed. They are infected due to their belief in superstition. When Vick is unable to conceive they go to the witchdoctor instead of going to the hospital. Vicky gets the disease and passes it over to the husband. Both are going to pass like a shadow.

Apart from these families the whole society in Uganda and Tanzania people are passing like a shadow. AIDS is killing people so quickly and in large numbers. Many people have acquired the disease unawares and ignorantly spread it unknowingly. For example Birungi, and the sick people in the Witchdoctors hut are a case in point. The whole community is passing away like a shadow.

So generally, the authors of literary works select the titles carefully to carry the message across and to provide a clue of what the book is about. However we are cautioned not to rely much on the titles when judging the book since some books contain ironical titles (the opposite of what actually happens in the book).

Titles of books usually have a close relationship to the main ideas/messages found in them. Use two novels you have read to show how the titles of those books have a relationship to the message given.

The titles of the books usually have a great connection to the main content or message of the book. The authors select titles that summarise the main content. This can be verified by using the novel “Unanswered cries by” and “Passed Like A shadow” by B. Mapalala.

The cries of Eddy to have Olabisi back is not answered. Edward Cole apologises for what he did to Olabisi when he betrays her by revealing their relationship to Salaam Sessay who later humiliates her in the court in front of her daddy. Eddy’s cry is not answered as Olabisi kicks him and runs away signifying the end of their relationship.

The cry of Makalay to have her daughter Olabisi circumcised went unanswered. Makalay wanted to bring her daughter back but due to corruption and betrayal of Pa-Amadu -The hunter who given a task by Makalay to look for Olabisi in which case he would be given a goat if he succeeded to find her. Unfortunately, she finds her and receives some money from her and helps her to escape. This shows corruption and betrayal make people fail to reach some intended goals.

The cries of bondo women are not answered. The cries of whole traditional society led by Ya Posseh in wanting all their girls to be circumcised including Olabisi are not answered. They claim it up to the court demanding that their cause is right and defend their position but eventually the court judge gives a decision against them. This is to say their cries were not answered.

The cries of young girl in the bondo camp went unanswered. There is a literal cry that is made by a young lady but her cry is literally unanswered. Look at the following paragraph from page 29.“Suddenly the bondo women started pounding their drums and the whole camp broke into a song. The shriek of the girl was drown. Her cries went unanswered. Her clothes and pants were torn off her body. She fought like a wild cat, kicking and punching and shrieking and scratching.

Without any success.”

Also the book “Passed like a shadow highlights the following relationship between the title and the content.

Living a worthless life on earth that leaves no any memorable mark is having passed on this earth like a shadow. It is like you never existed because no one will remember you. You become like a shadow that vanishes away when the sun disappears in the clouds. Referring to the song sung by Kinyamasika pupils on Parents day. The author shows that people pass like a shadow if they did nothing for which to be remembered.

Adyeri’s family, passes like a shadow. The book presents the fact that AIDS pandemic has invaded the whole of Uganda and washes people away in large numbers and within a very short time. Adyeri’s family vanishes within a short time leaving only one family member (Abooki) who is HIV free. Adyeri dies followed by Amoti. Although Atwoki is still alive at the end of the book it is obvious that he is also going to die as he is HIV positive.

David’s family also passes like a shadow. Within a very short time also David’s family members die of the pandemic. David, his father his mother and their house girl all fall victims of HIV and it is suspected that it is the house girl who infected them all. This is compared to the shadow that disappears quickly when the sun disappears in the clouds.

Aliganyira’s family passes like a shadow. Aliganyira and Vick are also on their deathbed. They are infected due to their belief in superstition. When Vick is unable to conceive they go to the witchdoctor instead of going to the hospital. Vicky gets the disease and passes it over to the husband. Both are going to pass like a shadow.

Apart from these families the whole society in Uganda and Tanzania people are passing like a shadow. AIDS is killing people so quickly and in large numbers. Many people have acquired the disease unawares and ignorantly spread it unknowingly. For example Birungi, and the sick people in the Witchdoctors hut are a case in point. The whole community is passing away like a shadow.

So generally, the authors of literary works select the titles carefully to carry the message across and to provide a clue of what the book is about. However we are cautioned not to rely much on the titles when judging the book since some books contain ironical titles (the opposite of what actually happens in the book)

• FIGURES OF SPEECH IN THE NOVEL

Figures of speech are used by novelists to colour their literary works. Analyse the effectiveness of these elements in presenting the message by referring to the two novels that you have studied. Give four points from each novel.

Figures of speech are literary devices such as simile, metaphor, imagery, personification, euphemism, paradox, symbolism, irony and hyperbole used by the writers to convey a certain meaning. It is true that figure of speech are used by novelists to colour their literary works but at the same time deliver the message to the society. The can be show through two novels PASSED LIKE A SHADOW and UNANSWERED CRIES.

Starting with PASSED LIKE A SHADOW by Benard Mapalala has shown the effectiveness of the following figure of speech in delivering the message.

The use of simile, this is the comparison of two dissimilar things using the words of comparison. In the novel the author has used simile “He was humble as a dove” explaining that when Adyeri is not drunk he was seen to be humble. This helps to get the message that, we should always be humble in the society.

The use of saying, this is a wise statement used by people to educate the society. In the book, the author has used saying “East West home is the best”. This saying helps to give the message that, we should love the people of our home because they the ones who will help in time of troubles.

The use of personification, this is the giving inanimate things a features and quality of human beings to deliver the intended message to the audience. In the novel the author has used the personification “I’m now enjoying my children sweet”. This statement was said by Amoti when she had benefits from her son Atwoki. This figure of speech helps to deliver the message that, we should work hard so that our parents can be benefited from us.

The use of hyperbole, this is the use of an intentional and extreme exaggeration to emphasis a certain message. From this novel the author has used exaggeration “Daddy gave him a classic slap”. This happened when Adyeri arrived home drunkard and start beating his son Atwoki. This gives the message that we should maintain peace in our family by avoiding drinking alcohol.

Turning to the novel UNANSWERED CRIES by O Conteh has shown the effectiveness of the figure of speech in delivering the message as follows:

The use of simile, the comparison of two dissimilar things using the words of comparison to convey the message home. From the book, the author has used the simile “she fought like a wild cat” saying this when the clothes and pants of the young at bondo camp were torn off her body for circumcision. This deliver the message that, bad traditions like circumcision should be abolished.

The use of personification, this is the giving inanimate things a features and quality of human beings to deliver the intended message to the readers. From Unanswered cries the author has used personification “Death is the enemy who has no respect for people and their privacy. He will come knocking at your door while you are sleeping”. Through this the audience is being educated that, there is no way we can escape our doom day, everyone will die in this world.

The use of hyperbole, this is the use of an intentional and extreme exaggeration to emphasis a certain message. In the book, the author has used this hyperbole “Daddy says you are the best lawyer in the whole world”. This is said by Olabisi when she looks for a lawyer who will assist in the court against being circumcised unwillingly. This provide the message that, the court should be a better place for people rights.

The use of Satire, this is a way of making fun of people by using silly or exaggerated language. In the novel, the author has used this satire “Welcome to the bondo camp, white woman”. This is said by Ya Posseh when she mocking Olabisi because she doesn’t want to be circumcised. This gives the message that, we should fight for outdated traditions and customs.

Conclusively, it is true that figure of speech are used by novelists to colour their literary works and attract their readers but at the same time deliver the message to the society.

• SETTINGS OF THE NOVELS

Setting is an important element used by the authors to deliver the message in the society. Justify this statement from two novels by giving three points from each.

Settings are place or areas in which the literary events are taken place. The authors choose different place to capture the reader’s mind, hence become an important element used by the authors to deliver the message to the audience. This can be verified by the two novels “UNANSWERED CRIES” and “PASSED LIKE A SHADOW”.

Starting with the novel UNANSWERED CRIES written by Osman C the author has used the following setting to deliver the message to the readers:

The use of forest setting, the author of this novel has used the forest setting to show the issues of corruption and betrayal. This is seen through Pa Amadu The hunter who given a task by Makalay to look for Olabisi in which case he would be given a goat if he succeeded to find her. Unfortunately, she finds her and receives some money from her and helps her to escape. Through this setting the community get the message that, corruption and betrayal are the enemies of community development.

The use of court setting, the author has used this court setting to show the issue of humiliation. This seen when Olabisi feels humiliated in the court when her secret affair with Eddy is revealed by Salaam Sesay. She thinks of throwing herself into a fast moving truck to cover up her shame. This setting gives the message that humiliation deprives people freedom of expression. Therefore, we should fight against humiliation.

The use of bondo camp setting, the author has also used the bondo camp setting as a place where female genital mutilation is practiced. This revealed when bondo women started the circumcision to the young girl whose yell was drown and her cries went unanswered. Her clothes and pants were torn off her body. She fought like a wild cat, kicking and punching and shrieking and scratching. Without any success. Through this setting helps to provide the message that, outdated tradition and customs should be stopped.

Coming to the novel PASSED LIKE A SHADOW written by Benard

Mapalala the author has used the following setting to deliver the message:

The use of home setting, the author of this novel has used the home setting to show the issue of drunkenness/alcoholism. This is seen when Adyeri arrived home while drunkard and and start beating his son Atwoki. This gives the message that we should maintain peace in our family by avoiding drinking alcohol.

The use of school setting, the author has also used this setting to show the issue of misuse of public fund and womanizing behaviour. This shown to Adyeri who was an ex-headmaster of St. Leos High school who loses his job as a result of a financial scandal for the money he steals to build a house for his concubine Birungi at Burungu. Through this setting we get the message that, misuse of public fund hinder the development of the society.

The use of village setting, the author has used the village setting to show the issue of superstition beliefs and HIV infection. This is seen when Aliganyira and Vicky went to visit the witchdoctor in Kihina in order to have a baby as a result they acquired HIV instead of a baby. This setting gives the message that, superstition believe and ignorance are the source of HIV infection. So people should be aware about the effects of HIV/AIDS.

Conclusively, it is true that, setting is an important element in the literary work used by the authors to deliver the message to the audience. This is because the authors choose different place present various issues and t capture the reader’s mind, hence deliver the message to the society.

PART THREE: PLAYS

ANALYSIS OF THE PLAYS

• THEMES IN THE PLAYS

The playwrights depict the experience of their own society and time but the issues tend to be universal. Justify this contention by using two plays (give four points from each play).

It is true that the playwrights tend to depict the experience of their own society and the time they live or lived. However, the issues they discuss or depict tend to be universal in a sense that what is happening in their society and time can possibly be happening somewhere else world over. This contention can be verified by using;

“THREE SUITORS ONE HUSBAND” by O, Mbia and “THE BLACK HERMIT” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’o.

To start with THREE SUITORS ONE HUSBAND, The playwright has

depicted the following issues;

First, there is the issue of forced marriage. Love is important in marriage. However in this society marriage is not defined by love but by money. The whole family forces Juliette to marry Mbia not because she loves him but because he has paid much money. The issue of forced marriage occurs in many societies especially in African societies.

Apart from that, there is the issue of Bride price. In this society the issue of bride price is seen to be one of the major sources of conflict in African families as manifested in Juliette’s family. Just like many other African societies, in this society bride price is important and has to be paid before the girl is married.

Furthermore there is the issue of Superstition and witchcraft. People of Mvoutessi believe in superstition and witchcraft just like many other societies in Africa. Consider the following cases; when Abessolo collapses they attack Ndi for bringing his witchcraft to kill people there. When the money is stolen they send for a witch doctor to recover the lost money. Superstitious beliefs are very common in most societies, in Africa and beyond.

Moreover, there is the misuse of power by public servants. Mbia is a government official who works as a civil servant. He missuses his power and position by using it to win love. He goes to the village where people are distilling illegal arki, but does not take any measures. But also he misuses the money to buy drinks for the villagers and promises them a lot of things. This is common among the public servants in most corrupt African governments.

Additionally, there is the issue of Male dominance. In this society women have no freedom of choice, speech and decision making. They only need to say yes on every decision made by men on their behalf. There are many societies in which women are deprived the rights to education, decision making and enjoying certain privileges like driving a car or being elected as leaders.

Turning to the play “THE BLACK HERMIT” the following issues have been depicted but they can also be seen in other societies over world.

There is the issue of Spouse inheritance (Widow Inheritance). This is a sacred custom in Marua tribe. According to Marua tribe, it is possible to inherit the wife of a brother who is dead. Remi finds himself faced by this fact when his brother dies of a motor accident and his father and elders tell him to inherit the wife of his late brother according to the custom. This custom is very common in many societies in the world like Kurya.

The issue of Tribalism is also depicted in the play. Some African societies perpetuate the spirit of tribalism. This is a very bad custom that has to be stopped. For example Remi hates this and is trying his level best to stop it. Tribalism has caused many problems in most African countries like Rwanda, Burundi, Nigeria, and Uganda.

Racism is yet another issue depicted in the play. In this play racism is shown in two ways: Africans don’t want people from other races. For example the elders are happy because Remi married Thoni a daughter of the tribe, instead of going to a white-skinned woman. Also Asians ignore people who cooperate with Africans. Omange tells Remi of an Asian girl who has been disliked by her community because she was seen going around with an African. This is still common in some countries like America and some Asian countries where racism has not yet ended completely.

Additionally, there is the issue of disunity. There is disunity among Modernists (Christians) and traditionalists (Marua elders). Their disunity is shown even on issues of common interest. The Christians want Remi to be on their side while the traditionalists want him to be on their side. Many societies in the world are divided on the basis of religious differences especially Christianity and Islam or political parties (ruling vs. Opposition).

Also the issue of betrayal is depicted in the play. Remi betrays Jane by refusing to marry her as he promised. Remi also betrays his tribe for not using his education to help them solve their social problems instead he runs away to the city to enjoy the city pleasures leaving his people in a bad situation. The government has betrayed the citizens most of whom do not see any meaning of independence. Betrayal is common in many parts of the world from individual to national level.

So realistically speaking, the playwrights usually write addressing the problems facing their own societies and the time they lived. However those issues tend to cut across many other societies because human beings are the same everywhere. This shows that most literary works are relevant across time and across space.

Literature as a mirror reflects the culture of a particular society. Justify this statement by using two plays that you have studied under this section {NECTA, 2019}.

Literature is the work of art at which uses language to deliver the message to the society. By using two plays to verify the statement that says literature as a mirror reflect the culture of a particular society I use THREE SUITORS ONE HUSBAND written by Mbia Oyono and BLACK HERMIT by Ngungi wa Thiongo. To start with THREE SUITORS ONE HUSBAND I justify the statement by the following points

Superstition belief. This is the situation of people to believe in their ancestors and spirits. In the play their people of mvutessi believe to their ancestors to solve their problems like the family of Julliet they went to Sangatiti who is a witchdoctor to know where the money of bride price has been taken. In our societies there are people who believe in the superstition to solve their problems. Through this literature reflects the culture of a particular society.

Forced marriage. This is the act of forcing someone to be married with a person who doesn’t love. In the book Julliet forced to be married with rich people like Mbia and Ndi but she doesn’t want them. In our societies there are some tribes which practicing it. This proves that literature reflects the culture of present societies.

The issue of polygamy. This is the situation whereby man has more than one wife. In the book most of men have more than one wife like Mbia has eight wives. In our societies there are also men who have many wives in the family. This proves that literature reflects the culture of the society.

Turning to another book BLACK HERMIT the author has shown the culture of different societies as through the following points.

Wife inheritance. This is the situation of taking a wife of your brother when he died. In the book Ngome he needs his son Remi to marry Thoni the wife of his brother but Remi refuses to marry her. In our societies this culture is also practiced by many people. This proves that literature reflects the culture of the society.

The issue of tribalism. This is the situation whereby someone discriminates another due to the tribe. In the book we have witnessed the presence of division of people because one tribe treated more than others. That is why they need Remi to be their leader since he belongs to their tribe. In our societies also tribalism still goes on. This proves that literature reflects the culture of the society.

The issue of suicide. This is the situation whereby someone kills him or herself so as to solve the problem. In the book Thoni kills herself when Remi refuses to marry her. In our societies there are people who attempted suicide and kill themselves seeing as a ways of solving their problems. This proves that literature reflects the culture of the society.

Conclusively, it is true that literature as a mirror reflects the culture of the society and this is because literature presents the issues that reflect daily practice of people in the society.

• MESSAGE IN THE PLAYS

How the playwright of any two novels you have read under this section deliver their message effectively to the readers. Give three points from each novel.

Messages refer to the lessons taught by a literary work. The authors, often use their literary works to suggest a lesson/moral that is not directly stated. This can be justified by using two plays “THREE SUITORS ONE HUSBAND” written by Oyono Mbia and “THE BLACK HERMIT” written by Ngungi Wa Thiong.

Starting with the play “THREE SUITORS ONE HUSBAND” the playwright has deliver the following messages.

Superstition belief hinder the community development. This is the situation of people to believe in their ancestors and spirits. In the play their people of mvutessi believe to their ancestors to solve their problems like the family of Juliette they went to Sangatiti who is a witchdoctor to know where the money of bride price has been taken. In our societies there are people who believe in the superstition to solve their problems. This proves how witchdoctors are lying us.

Love should be the determinant of true marriage and not money. We all know that true marriage comes due to love but nowadays determined by money not love. In the book, this is seen when Juliette forced to be married with rich people like Mbia and Ndi while she doesn’t want them. In our societies there are some tribes which practicing it. This proves that literature reflects the culture of present societies.

Polygamy is an obstacle for community development. The issue of polygamy is still a problem in most African societies and among the Moslems. This is the situation whereby man has more than one wife. In the book most of men have more than one wife like Mbia has eight wives and yet want to destroy the life of Juliette by marrying her as a ninth wife. In our societies there are also men who have many wives in the family. This proves that literature reflects the culture of the society.

Turning to another book BLACK HERMIT the author has deliver the following message in the society.

Betrayal is not good as it causes unnecessary conflicts. Remi betrays Jane by refusing to marry her as he promised. Remi also betrays his tribe for not using his education to help them solve their social problems instead he runs away to the city to enjoy the city pleasures leaving his people in a bad situation. The government has betrayed the citizens most of whom do not see any meaning of independence. Betrayal is common in many parts of the world from individual to national level

Tribalism, racialism, disunity and religious conflicts are obstacles to development. These are cause of disagreement between people and disunity. Disunity has become a major barrier to the struggle for change in the country. This problem is caused by tribalism, racialism and religious factions. This has become a real obstacle in fighting for their rights. Remi is used by the playwright as his mouthpiece/representative to condemn racialism, tribalism and religious factions in this society.

We do not solve problems by committing suicide. Suicide is the situation whereby someone kills him or herself so as to solve the problem. In the book Thoni kills herself when Remi refuses to marry her. In our societies there are people who attempted suicide and kill themselves seeing as a ways of solving their problems. This proves that literature reflects the culture of the society.

So it is true that playwright usually have a message they want to communicate to their readers. It is this message that gives the members of the society a sense of awareness, knowing where they are right and where they are wrong. They have to discard the bad habits and pick the good ones.

• CHARACTERS IN THE PLAYS

Qn. With reference to two plays that you have studied in this course compare and contrast two female characters one from each reading. Give four similarities and four differences.

Characters are animate or inanimate beings that perform different roles in literary work. Female characters occupy different roles in different literary works which make two different characters from two different readings to have similarities or differences respectively. To verify the above statement references will be made to ‘Juliette’ of “Three Suitors One Husband’ by O. Mbia and ‘Wanjiro’ of “This

Time Tomorrow” by N. Thiong’o. To start with their similarities;

Both Juliette and Wanjiro are denied to marry men of their choices.

Juliette on one side is denied to marry Oko the person she loves because he is still a schoolboy and has no money compared to other suitors like Mbia. Similarly, Wanjiro is denied by her mother to marry Asinjo because he is a poor man from another tribe and has no job.

Both Juliette and Wanjiro show true love to their fiancés. Juliette on one side shows true love to Oko and does all it takes to ensure that they get married. She steals the money paid by other suitors and gives it to Oko who in turn pays it as a bride price and they get married. Likewise, Wanjiro decides to stand on the side of Asinjo despite her mother’s warnings that she cannot marry a man from another tribe and has no job, but she insists that she loves him.

Both Juliette and Wanjiro finally get married to men of their choices. Juliette on one hand succeeds to marry Oko after playing a trick and stealing the money paid by other suitors. She presents Oko as the rich and greatest man than the civil servant. The family accepts Oko and the two get married. Also Wanjiro on her side decides to escape with Asinjo and the two go together to the city leaving behind the poor Njango in a demolished homestead.

Both Juliette and Wanjiro leave their parents frustrated. Juliette on one side leaves her parents frustrated because of the stolen money. Though they are able to pay back the previous suitors, they remain as poor as before. Likewise, Wanjiro leaves her mother in full frustration as she wonders where she “will be this time tomorrow” because her slum is demolished by the city council and Wanjiro has eloped.

Both Juliette and Wanjiro come from poor families. Juliette on one side comes from a poor extended family that expects to get rich through her marriage to a rich man. They all prefer Mbia to other suitors since he is capable of making them rich. Juliette wonders whether she is a shop or some other source of income. The same applies to Wanjiro who comes from a poor family that earns a living by selling soup to slum dwellers.

Both Juliette and Wanjiro represent young generation that opposes outdated customs. Juliette refuses to conform to the wishes of her parents to marry a man they choose for her and claims her freedom of choice, expression and decision making and finally marries a man of her choice. Similarly, Wanjiro refuses the wishes of her mother to abstain from Asinjo whom she loves, just because of tribalism, finally she elopes with him.

Turning to their differences, the two characters differ in the following ways.

Juliette is educated while Wanjiro is not. Juliette studies at Libamba secondary school and because of the education she gets she is able to defend her rights unlike other women like Matalina, Makrita and Bella who have never gone to school that conform to everything men say. Wanjiro on the other side, is not educated but remains at home helping her mother with domestic chores. Only her brother attends school.

Juliette marries legally but Wanjiro elopes/escapes. Juliette plays a trick and steals the money paid by other suitors and hands it to Oko who in turn pays the dowry. The procedures are followed and the marriage is settled legally. They get all the blessings from her parents. Wanjiro on the other hand leaves her home while there is no agreement/consensus between her and her mother thus she decides to escape with Asinjo.

Juliette comes from an extended family while Wanjiro comes from a single parent family. Juliette on one side belongs to an extended family in which even the marriage decision is not a personal matter. It involves grandparents, parents, uncles, brothers, cousins and many others. Unlike Wanjiro who lives with only her mother after her father’s death and even her marriage is the issue between her and Njango her mother.

Juliette loves Oko for who he is, but Wanjiro loves Asinjo for what he has. Juliette marries Oko knowing that he is poor, and cannot even afford to pay the bride price and she helps him to get the money to pay the dowry. Wanjiro on the other hand, marries Asinjo because now he has a job as a taxi driver and a house in Old Jerusalem. Additionally, he promises her a better life in the city. So she hopes to get decent clothes, high-heels shoes and a handbag that she may look modern.

Lastly, Juliette does not run away from problems but Wanjiro runs away to avoid problems at home. Juliette comes back from school and finds problems at home especially those facing her directly. She is forced to marry the suitors she doesn’t love. She becomes stable and solves the problems and succeeds to get what she wants. Wanjiro on the other side, runs away as a solution to her poor situation at home, hoping to get a better life with Asinjo in the city.

Generally, it can be concluded that different characters from different readings may be alike or different depending on the experience they face in their societies. Most characters in African literature behave almost the same way; however education seems to be the main influence in the way different characters behave.

Choose eight characters, four from each of the two plays you have read under this section and discuss their roles to the societies {NECTA, 2016}.

With reference from two play show how characters have been used by playwrights to portray different issues in their literary works [NECTA, 2020].

Characters are people, animals and other things used by playwrights to deliver a certain message in the society. It is true that, playwrights use different characters to portray various issues in their literary works. This ca be verified by the two plays

THREE SUITORS ONE HUSBAND and THE BLACK HERMIT.

Starting with the THREE SUITORS ONE HUSBAND written by Oyono

Mbia the following are characters that have been used to portray different issues.

Juliette has been used to portray the issue of awareness in the literary work. From the play it is seen that, it is only Juliette who is aware that she has to stand against women inferiority and she is aware that she has the right to make her own decision concerning her life without interference from the family and society that is why she fights for what she wants until she gets it.

The playwright has used Mbia to portray the issue of polygamy in the literary work. This is the situation whereby man has more than one wife. In the play Mbia is seen to have more than six wives and still he wants to marry Juliette to increase the number of wives.

Atangana has been used as a character to show the issues of bride price and superstition. In the play it is seen how Atangana is determined to marry off his daughter to any suitor who would be able to pay highest bride price without considering the views and opinions of his daughter. When the money stolen he calls a witchdoctor and believe in him to bring money back.

Turning to another book BLACK HERMIT written by Ngungi wa Thiong has used the following characters to shown the different issues:

Ngome has been used to portray the issue of Wife inheritance. This is the situation of taking a wife of your brother when he died. In the play Ngome is seen that, he needs his son Remi to marry Thoni the wife of his brother who died by accident but Remi refuses to marry her.

Thone has been used to present the issue of suicide in the society. This is the situation whereby someone kills him or herself so as to solve the problem. In the book Thoni is seen to kill herself when Remi refuses to marry her. In our societies there are people who attempted suicide and kill themselves seeing as a ways of solving their problems.

Remi has been used to depict the issue of betrayal in the society. In the play Remi betrays Jane by refusing to marry her as he promised. Remi promises Jane to marry her when the time is ready and the two spend time together as lovers. When the time comes for Remi to go back home he tells Jane that he is already married and cannot go with her. She complains; “Just now you are betraying the ideals you used to mirror before my eyes”.

Conclusively, the playwrights have succeeded in using the characters to portray different issue in the society so as that the society may be able to learn and correct the bad habits present and by doing so help to create the acceptable society’s values.

• CONFLICTS IN THE PLAYS

With reference to two plays you have read, discuss how some traditions, customs and beliefs contribute to misunderstanding in the society. Or analyse the causes of conflicts in two plays that you have studied in this section. Give four points from each play. (NECTA 2017)

Misunderstanding/conflict is a situation in which two sides fail to come into agreement on a particular decision or idea. This can happen due to some different views contributed by the existing traditions, customs and beliefs. This statement can be proved by using the play “Three suitors one husband by O. Mbia and “The Black Hermit by N. Thiong’o”.

To begin with Three Suitors One husband the following customs, traditions and beliefs have caused serious misunderstandings.

First, forced marriage causes a conflict between Juliette and her family. Love is important in marriage. However in this society marriage is not defined by love but by money. The whole family forces Juliette to marry Mbia not because she loves him but because he has paid more money. So forced marriage is also one of the major sources of conflict between youngsters and elders. It should be discouraged.

Apart from that, Bride price causes conflict between Juliette and her family. Just like many other African societies, in this society, bride price is important and has to be paid before the girl is married. However the issue of bride price is seen to be one of the major sources of conflict in African families as manifested in Juliette’s family. It is not a good custom thus it should be discarded.

Furthermore, Superstition also is a cause of conflicts among the members of this traditional society. People of Mvoutessi believe in superstition and witchcraft just like many other societies in Africa. Consider the following cases; when Abessolo collapses they attack Ndi for bringing his witchcraft to kill people there. When the money is stolen they send for a witch doctor to recover the lost money. When he fails to recover the lost money they beat him up. This is not a good custom so it should be discouraged.

Moreover, food taboos cause conflicts/misunderstanding between the old generation and the youngsters. These are customs that restrict certain groups of people especially women and children from eating taboo animals like vipers and wild boars. Young men are not to eat vipers and if they do, they must be permitted by elders. This causes a misunderstanding as we see Belinga and Owono go against this custom and the elders get angry. This is an outdated custom so it should be uprooted

Male dominance has also been a source of conflicts. In this society women have no freedom of choice, speech and decision making. They only need to say yes on every decision made by men on their behalf. When educated girls like Juliette begin to question these traditions, serious misunderstanding arises because they consider it as disobedience to parents.

Turning to the play “The Black hermit” there are customs, traditions and beliefs that cause misunderstanding as follows.

Widow Inheritance causes conflicts between Remi and his family.

According to Marua tribe, it is possible to inherit the wife of a brother who is dead. Remi finds himself faced by this fact when his brother dies of a motor accident and his father and elders tell him to inherit the wife of his late brother according to the custom. This custom is dangerous especially in this era of HIV/AIDS because more often than not in some cases it is not possible to know whether the person who died was HIV positive or not. So it should be discouraged.

Superstition and witchcraft cause conflicts between people and communities. In this play it is shown that the Marua elders believe that the neighbouring communities are jealousy of them. They even attribute Remi’s disappearance to black magic that might have been used by their neighbours to turn his mind against the tribe. As the leader says; “who can doubt that Remi’s mind was spoilt by the evil eyes of our neighbours?” This custom is not good as it may lead to hatred and unnecessary conflicts among communities just because of false speculations. So it should be discarded.

Traditional religion has also caused conflicts between traditionalists and Christians. In this society some people are still traditionalists who believe in traditional religion while others have followed Christianity. These two sides are not in agreement. That’s why they differ on the question of the return of the hermit. Traditionalists want him to be on their side and Christians want him to be on their side.

Tribalism is also the cause of conflicts in this play. Some African societies perpetuate the spirit of tribalism. This is very bad custom that has to be stopped. For example Remi hates this and is trying his level best to stop it. He says “even at college I hated many small political and social organizations based on tribe and race. He also comes with Omange, a man from Njobe tribe and introduces him as his brother and theirs too. This causes a conflict between Remi and the elders since he tells them to stop it.

Racism is yet another source of conflicts/ misunderstanding. In this play racism is shown in two ways: Africans don’t want people from other races. For example the elders are happy because Remi married Thoni a daughter of the tribe, instead of going to a white-skinned woman. That’s the reason why Remi refuses to take Jane home because she is different and this causes a conflict between the two.

It can generally be said that not all African traditions are good. Some of them are outdated and thus they have been the chief causes of misunderstanding and conflicts among people and communities. We have got to discard the outdated customs, traditions and believes that divide us and embrace those which unite us

• FIGURE OF SPEECH IN PLAYS

Figures of speech are used not only to make the work of art beautiful, but also to convey the message intended by the playwright to the readers. Validate this statement using two plays that you have studied in this section. Give three points from each reading.

Figures of speech are literary devices such as simile, metaphor, imagery, personification, euphemism, paradox, symbolism, irony and hyperbole used by the writers to convey a certain meaning. It is true that Figures of speech are used not only to make the work of art beautiful, but also to convey the message intended by the playwright to the readers. This ca be proved by two plays “THIS TIME TOMORROW” and “THE BLACK HERMIT” by Ngungi wa Thiongo.

Starting with the play THIS TIME TOMORROW the following are figure of speech used to convey the intended message to the society.

The use of simile, this is the figure of speech used to compare two dissimilar things using the words of comparison. In the play, the playwright has used this figure of speech when he says:

“They shot him like a dead dog”

Through this figure of speech the society is being educated that, presence of classes should be eliminated for the development of the society.

The use of symbolism, this is the figure of speech in which the writer use words or thing to symbolize other things. In the play, the playwright has used the words ‘Filthy mushrooms” to symbolize the poor houses/slums. From this figure of speech helps to convey the message to the society that poverty is the big enemy for the community development so should be eradicated.

The use of Reiteration/Repetition, this is the repetition of the same word for emphasis a certain message in the society. In the book, the playwright has used this literary device when people betrayed the stranger after seeing the police. He says “Run! Run! Run! Quickly”.

“Police! The police are coming”

This literary device helps to make this work of art beautiful and also deliver the message to the society that, betrayal slowdown the society’s development, so should be abolished.

Coming to the play THE BLACK HERMIT the following are figure of speech used to convey the intended message to the society.

The use of personification, this is the figurative language in which nonhuman things or ideas are represented as having human qualities. In the play, the playwright has used this figure of speech to show the issue of tribalism in the society. This is seen when he says:

“Our tribe wails under the new government.” “The tribe waits for you”

Through this use of personification helps to make this work beautiful and deliver the message to the society that, tribalism hinder the community development, hence should be eradicated.

The use of euphemism, this is the use of indirect words or expression to hide the abusive language. From the play, the playwright has used this to reduce harsh expression. This is revealed when Jane says:

“You shy with girls! And you almost ate me the very day you met me in the club!”

Through this figure of speech assists to make this work beautiful and the society is being educated that, womanizing behaviour should be abolished in Tanzania context.

The use of hyperbole, this is the use of an intentional and extreme exaggeration to emphasis a certain message. In the book, the playwright has used this to show the importance of education. He says:

“Remi your son and ours is the only educated man in all the land, exceeding in knowledge all the people, black and white put together”

Through this helps to make the work beautiful and convey the message to the society that, education is an important tool for community development.

Conclusively, it is true that Figures of speech employed by the playwrights help to make the work of art beautiful, but also to convey the message intended by the playwright to the readers.

• SETTING OF THE PLAYS

Setting is an important element used by the authors to deliver the message in the society. Justify this statement from two plays by giving three points from each.

Settings are place or areas in which the literary events are taken place. The authors choose different place to capture the reader’s mind, hence become an important element used by the authors to deliver the message to the audience. This can be verified by the two plays “THIS TIME TOMORROW” and “THE BLACK HERMIT” by Ngungi Wa Thiongo.

Starting with THE BLACK HERMIT by Ngungi wa thiongo the playwright has used the following setting to deliver the message to the audience.

The use of home setting, the playwright has used the home setting to show the issue of widow inheritance and superstition beliefs. This is seen when Nyobi comforts Thoni that she will be married by Remi, the brother of her late husband. Also an elder came to tell Nyobi to believe and trust Marua medicine will bring back Remi, her son. This gives the message that, we should eradicate outdated traditions and customs like widow inheritance.

The use of night club setting, the playwright also has used this night club setting to reveal the issues of alcoholism and womanizing behavior. This is seen when Remi spends time at club with Jane as she says: “You shy with girls! And you almost ate me the very day you met me in the club!”. Through this setting we get the message that, alcoholism and womanizing behaviour are bad traits, so should be stopped.

The use of meeting ground setting, the playwright has used this meeting ground setting as a place where people discuss how the situation is worse to them even after independence. Poor social services, taxation are just a few. They believe that Remi’s mind was spoilt by the evil eyes of their neighbours. Through this setting the writer present the issue of superstition beliefs and help to deliver the message that, superstition beliefs hinder the community development. Therefore, we should take care of it.

Coming to the play THIS TIME TOMORROW” by Ngungi wa thiongo the playwright has used the following setting to deliver the message to the audience:

The use of home setting, the playwright has used the home setting to show the issue of poverty. From the book this is seen through the house as we are told that,

Njango’s shelter made of Cardboard and rotting tins. Njango and her daughter Wanjiro share the floor as a bed just beside the small wall. Through this setting the community get the message that poverty is biggest enemy of development. Therefore, we should take initiatives to eradicate poverty.

The use of Uhuru market, Kolo, Westland and kabete settings, the

playwright has used these settings to show existence of classes in the society. From the book, there is Uhuru market where the slum dwellers/low class live miserably because their land has been taken by those in power. As though that is not enough, they are ejected/removed from the only place where they are living; At Uhuru Market. Also, From Kolo where Europeans live, to Westlands and Kabete where rich Africans have bought stone houses.

The use of meeting ground setting, the playwright has used the meeting ground setting to reveal the issue of betrayal in the society. From the novel, this is seen when the stranger is betrayed by the slum dwellers. They are the ones who asked him to address them but when the police appear at the meeting ground all the slum dwellers run away leaving him alone to be arrested by the police as he tries unsuccessfully to call them back. This setting gives the message that betrayal is an obstacle in bringing change.

In conclusion, it is true that setting is an important element in the literary work used by the playwright to deliver the message to the audience. This is because they choose different places to present various issues and capture the reader’s mind, hence delivering the message to the society.

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