Get premium membership and access questions with answers, video lessons as well as revision papers.
The River and the source is one book many will easily love and apply its teachings in trying to understand our society, however, it is a complex book given that, being fiction, many find it difficult to comprehend the possibilities available in the books.
Having said that, let us embark on the journey to understand the above question.
In society, we have many types of people depending on their perception in life. Pain and suffering breeds bitterness, especially, in society where success is brushed at the wounds of your suffering. However, how we handle our suffering determines our fate. In the book, filled with deaths and humiliation, suffering is inevitable.
First and foremost, Akoko, as a girl, fights bitterly to win her father’s love. Despite the love, she watches in despair as her father turns away suitor after suitor. Her pain is evident because as a girl, she has no authority over her own choices for a suitable mate. The dictates of the society are that, the male members of the society have the entitlement to decide the fate of the girl.
Secondly, in her new home, blame of not bearing children or bearing them lies solely on the woman. Similarly, a woman is to blame if her man does not marry more wives as is the custom. When Akoko heard of the rumours her mother-in-law and brother-in-law were dispensing, she bravely gave them a piece of her mind and walked out of her matrimonial home. In this occasion, she was unafraid of going back home despite the fact that her father, Odero gogni was no more.
As the book unfolds, we notice the bitterness in Otieno Kembo. He was opposed the high bride price paid for Akoko and this puts him in mortal hatred towards Akoko. However, he does not have the power to oppose her. when he comes of age, with the fear that, incase his brother, Owuor Kembo decides to marry again, he may lack bride price, he goes on a marrying spree with little regard to the welfare of his family. He is desperate and therefore treats his wives like sluts. He is envious of Akoko, and her beauty that defies the test of time.
When Otieno Kembo inherits the Chief’s stool after the death of his nephew, Owang’ Sino, everything goes haywire. He marries two more wives and plows in Akoko’s wealth like a hungry hyena. If Akoko were a weakling, she would have fallen in despair and pain of the loss of both sons and husband. She however, rose to the occasion as the man of her household and fought for her grandson- Owuor Sino.
After her fight, she has an open mind to see the opportunities beyond Sakwa and the futility of living in both Sakwa and as a Migogo in Yimbo. She chooses a neutral position in Aluor where she bravely confronts the challenges life throws her way.
Meanwhile, Nyabera , Akoko only daughter almost succumbs to her bitterness. After the death of her brother, were it not for the spirit of her mother, Nyabera could have grown embittered by the brutality of the earth. But as we are going to see, the pain of loss after loss gave her lessons of a devoted spirit similar to that of Akoko.
After being married to Okumu Angolo, Nyabera devotes her love and loyalty to her man. Her love for children, perhaps she hoped, will be achieved when she gets her own. But, fate has its own cause, the children Nyabera hopes for end up dying at infant stage. Her husband finally dies leaving her with a girl child, Awiti. She is inherited by Ogoma Kwach who devotes himself to this hardworking rich woman but his wives, unhappy with it, reports him to the council of Jodongo. Now left alone, with no son to lean on but a girl, who is not recognized by society, Nyabera leaves her matrimonial home to Aluor a Christian society. However, her love for many children drives her away for two years but, she returns to the Christian society bitten with life to submission. She accepts the only bird in hand, Awiti. As Awiti grows up, Nyabera realizes the ultimate price a mother has to pay, making sacrifices beyond your expectations. By this, she lets Awiti join teachers college despite her fear that no man would marry an overly educated woman.
Finally, in Awiti’s family, there are twins, Veronica and Rebecca. The twins have different personalities and interests. Becky grows as an amicable beauty while Vera thrives academically. Becky becomes an air hostess while Vera an engineer. Vera has a strong spirit and loves her twin sister; however her sister has bitter feelings towards Vera. Vera wants to build a strong relationship with Becky but, it is evident that Becky has no desire to reach out to her other sister.
When Becky divorces her husband Courtney, she takes to amorous behaviour. Vera seeing how precarious the situation is decides to intervene, but just like her earlier intervention when they were teenagers, Becky lashes out at Vera. Her pain and bitterness ends up driving her to the grave when she dies of HIV/AIDS related illness.
To conclude, it is paramount to recognize our weakness in confronting the challenges in life and come up with a stronger heart that confronts our bitterness so that we can make rational decisions rather than emotional ones.
Musyoxx answered the question on February 28, 2018 at 15:50
- "The gap between the rich and poor can be controlled through the use of social justice."Write an essay in support of this proposition drawing illustrations...(Solved)
"The gap between the rich and poor can be controlled through the use of social justice."Write an essay in support of this proposition drawing illustrations from Bertolt Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle.
Date posted: February 27, 2018. Answers (1)
- Read the Oral poem below and then answer the questions that follow.
HUNGER
Hunger makes a person climb up to the ceiling
And hold on to the rafters
It...(Solved)
Read the Oral poem below and then answer the questions that follow.
HUNGER
Hunger makes a person climb up to the ceiling
And hold on to the rafters
It makes a person lie down.
But not feel at rest.
It makes a person lie down
And count the rafters.
When the Moslem is not hungry, he says:
“We are forbidden to eat monkey.”
When Ibrahim is hungry, he eats baboon!
When hunger beats the woman in the Koinange,
She will run out into the street in daytime.
One who is hungry does not care for taboos
One who is hungry does not care for death
One who is hungry will take
Out of the sacrifice money
Hunger will open it.
“I Have filled my belly yesterday”
Does bite with hunger.
We have to sacrifice daily to it.
Date posted: February 27, 2018. Answers (1)
- The River and the Source: Margaret A. OgolaRead the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.“Hey, was an army passing this way, Mother?” asked...(Solved)
The River and the Source: Margaret A. Ogola
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.
“Hey, was an army passing this way, Mother?” asked Aoro.
“It is not every day my grandchildren – all of them, come to see me; and I am a farmer; I have plenty of food – fresh from the garden, not like that frozen tasteless stuff you people eat in the city.”
“Agreed! Agreed!” answered her eldest son waving a juicy looking drumstick in the air. She noticed with motherly approval that he had started to fill out and his eyes were happy and settled. For a while, she had feared that this particular son was headed for trouble. But that had been long ago in his boyhood. She had been mistaken – happy mistake. She noted with concern, however, that Wandia seemed to have little to say. Something was a miss.
After the meal the children ran out to chase whatever farm animals they could find and to exercise their city cramped limbs. Aoro and Tony decided to take a walk together. Opiyo and his twin went to admire a herd of high breed cattle. Mark sat on the veranda admiring his scampering many hued grandchildren and Elizabeth and Wandia went to the kitchen – the only place where a woman can expect not to be disturbed for a while, especially when all are well fed.
“Yes tell me. Is he giving you a hard time or something?” Elizabeth asked and Wandia looked at her startled.
“No! No! I mean – gosh – am I so obvious?”
“ I can read you like a book, my girl.”
“I have a scholarship to study in America for a year.”
“And he is against it?”
“No! He is not. In fact he is all for it. But how can I leave him with five children?”
“Don’t worry about him. You see if you don’t go, it is something that will haunt you – a lost chance is very hard to live with. We will all chip in to give him a hand with the children. Mary is also there in Nairobi with absolutely no responsibility whatsoever. They will be OK. Just organize your affairs and go do what you have to do.
“Oh, thank you so much! Now I can tell the good news to my own family. I didn’t want to have to disappoint them.” The two women looked at each other with understanding. The leaving and cleaving was always more difficult for a woman who has to tear herself from so much, and give so much – which almost always went unnoticed.
The children, who apparently have some very powerful grinders in their tummies started rushing back into the house to ask for this, that or the other to eat and their solitude was broken as they attended to their needs, but Wandia was now at peace.
Father Tony and Aoro were reminiscing, about the escapades of their boyhood and each memory was punctuated by great gales of laughter. Eventually they got around to more serious talk.
“Great girl you have there.” Observed Tony.
“Yes. I am a lucky man. She does a wonderful job with the kids – Becky’s as well as ours. How about you Tony?
How’s the priesthood? Are you happy?”
“Absolutely. It is my life and it fulfills me completely. You know the priesthood is quiet like medicine.
Date posted: February 27, 2018. Answers (1)
- Communication technology has given impetus to effective communication inspite of various complications that it has posed.Explain this statement(Solved)
Communication technology has given impetus to effective communication inspite of various complications that it has posed. Explain this statement
Date posted: February 27, 2018. Answers (1)
- “Betrayal in the City” Francis Imbuga.
“When the Madness of the entire nation disturbs a solitary mind, it is not enough to say the man is...(Solved)
“Betrayal in the City” Francis Imbuga.
“When the Madness of the entire nation disturbs a solitary mind, it is not enough to say the man is mad”. Basing your answer on Francis Imbuga’s Betrayal in the City show the validity of this statement.
Date posted: February 22, 2018. Answers (1)
- Caucasian chalk Circle – Berllt Bretch
For one to succeed in his/her Endeavors, one has to take risks. Using Caucasian Chalk Circle for your illustrations, write...(Solved)
Caucasian chalk Circle – Berllt Bretch
For one to succeed in his/her Endeavors, one has to take risks. Using Caucasian Chalk Circle for your illustrations, write an essay to show the validity of this statement
Date posted: February 22, 2018. Answers (1)
- THE NOVEL: Witi Ihimaera, The Whale Rider.
“Witi Ihemera’s, The Whale Rider is an articulation of the traditions of the Maori people,”
Write an essay showing...(Solved)
THE NOVEL: Witi Ihimaera, The Whale Rider.
“Witi Ihemera’s, The Whale Rider is an articulation of the traditions of the Maori people,”
Write an essay showing the validity of this statement.
Date posted: February 22, 2018. Answers (1)
- THE DRAMA: Francis Imbuga, Betrayal in the City
“Mulili is the mastermind of the atrocities that bedevil most of the characters in the play.” Discuss. (Solved)
THE DRAMA: Francis Imbuga, Betrayal in the City
“Mulili is the mastermind of the atrocities that bedevil most of the characters in the play.” Discuss.
Date posted: February 22, 2018. Answers (1)
- Emilia Illieva and Waveney Olembo, When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories.
It takes great determination and persistence for children to achieve their dreams and...(Solved)
Emilia Illieva and Waveney Olembo, When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories.
It takes great determination and persistence for children to achieve their dreams and especially so when the parents have fears about their choices. Using the story Leaving by Moyez. G. Vassanji, write an essay to show the relevance of this statement.
Date posted: February 22, 2018. Answers (1)
- Francis Imbuga, Betrayal in the City
Injustice propagated by leaders in Kafira has led to the suffering of the citizens. Discuss this statement basing...(Solved)
Francis Imbuga, Betrayal in the City
Injustice propagated by leaders in Kafira has led to the suffering of the citizens. Discuss this statement basing your illustrations on the play Betrayal in the City.
Date posted: February 22, 2018. Answers (1)
- Ilieva Emilia and WaveneyOlembo(Ed).When the Sun Goes Down and Other storiesfrom Africa and Beyond.
‘Africans have to grapple with many challenges in the post-apartheid period. Using...(Solved)
Ilieva Emilia and WaveneyOlembo(Ed).When the Sun Goes Down and Other storiesfrom Africa and Beyond.
‘Africans have to grapple with many challenges in the post-apartheid period. Using Rayda Jacob’s story, The Guilt, illustrate the truth of this statement.
Date posted: February 22, 2018. Answers (1)
- The Whale Rider – WitiIhimaera
“Determination is key to success” Using illustrations from WitiIhimaera’s novel The Whale Rider, write an essay showing how Nani Flowers...(Solved)
The Whale Rider – WitiIhimaera
“Determination is key to success” Using illustrations from WitiIhimaera’s novel The Whale Rider, write an essay showing how Nani Flowers contributes to Kahu’s success.
Date posted: February 22, 2018. Answers (1)
- When people try to practice their rights under an intolerable government, they land in trouble. With reference to characters in the Betrayal in the City...(Solved)
When people try to practice their rights under an intolerable government, they land in trouble. With reference to characters in the Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga, illustrate the statement.
Date posted: February 22, 2018. Answers (1)
- Emilia Ilieva and Waveney Olembo, When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories from Africa and Beyond
“Parenthood comes with responsibility and preparedness.” Using illustrations from...(Solved)
Emilia Ilieva and Waveney Olembo, When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories from Africa and Beyond
“Parenthood comes with responsibility and preparedness.” Using illustrations from Tillie Olsen’s story, ‘I Stand Here Ironing’, discuss the plight of children born to parents lacking in these qualities?
Date posted: February 22, 2018. Answers (1)
- Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.
The Guilty of Giving
You've seen that heap of rags
That pollutes the air-conditioned
City Centre
That louse that creeps...(Solved)
Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.
The Guilty of Giving
You've seen that heap of rags
That pollutes the air-conditioned
City Centre
That louse that creeps about
In the clean core of sophistication;
Youve seen him waylay his betters
And make them start
Especially when they have no change
You recall the day you came upon him
And were startled by his silent presence
Intruding into you preoccupation:
You hurled a coin
Which missed the mark
And rolled into the gutter
Where he groped for it
With a chilling grotesque gratitude
That followed you down the street
You dived into the nearest shop
To escape the stare
Of the scandalized crowd
That found you guilty
Of recalling attention
To the impenetrable patience
They had learnt not to see.
Laban Erapu
(a) Who is the Persona in this poem
(b) Paraphrase the subject matter of this poem
(c) Explain the title of the poem by discussing three different ' guilts'
(d) Identify three poetic devices used by the poet.
(e) What is the tone of this poem?
(f) Explain the meaning of the following lines:
And make them start
Which missed the mark
To escape the stare
Date posted: February 16, 2018. Answers (1)
- Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.
The boy's name was Waiyaki, the only son of Chege. He was quite young; not...(Solved)
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.
The boy's name was Waiyaki, the only son of Chege. He was quite young; not of Kamau or Kinuthia's age. He had not even gone through his second birth, Waiyaki was however, already tall for his age. He had a well-built athletic body. His hair was tough and dry with kinks that finished in a clear outline on the forehead. Just above the left eye was a slightly curved scar. He had got it from
a wild goat. The goat had run after one of the herds boys. Seeing this, Waiyaki had taken a stick and run after the goat shouting. The goat had turned on him and jabbed him with its horns, tearing the flesh to the bone. His father arrived in time to save him. That was along while ago. The wound had healed leaving him a hero among the boys although he had run after the goat for sheer fun and enjoyment of the scene. That, however, was not the sole reason why the other boys, young and old promptly followed him.
Chege, his father, was a well known elder in Kameno. He had now only one wife, who had borne him many daughters but only one son. The other two wives had died during the great famine, without any children. The famine had been preceded by a very rich harvest. Then locusts and worms and a blond drought came to bring death to many. Chege had barely survived. His daughters were now well married, apart from one, who had died early. The other elders feared and respected him. For he knew more than any other person, the ways of the land and the hidden things of the tribe. He knew the meaning of every ritual and every signs. So, he was at the head of every important ceremony.
Many stories ran around him. Some people said that he had the gift of magic. Others said that he was a seer and Murungu often spoke to him. And so they said that he could see visions of the future like Mugo wa Kibiro, who along time back prophesied the invasion of the Gikuyu country by the white man. Some even said that Chege was actually related to Mugo. Nobody knew this for sure Chege himself claimed nothing. Ever since he had warned people against Siriana Missionary Centre and they had refused to hear his voice, he had talked little, keeping all thought to himself. Chege had told the people of the ridges what had happened to the people of Murang'a, Nyeri, and Kiambu. He told them of Tumutumu, Gikuyu, Limuru and Kijabe. They doubted his voice saying:
How do you know?
“See them the butterflies.
“Butterflies? You have never left the ridges!
They are there, beyond the ridges, putting up many houses and some taking the land.
How could you have seen the light beyond?
Fools, fools, he muttered to himself in despair.
Nairobi was already flourishing and the railway was moving across the country in the land beyond where not many from the ridges had been. And they lowered their voices and whispered together:
“The white man cannot speak the language of the hills.And knows not the ways of the land.
But the white man had come to Siriana and Joshua and Kabonyi had been converted. They had abandoned the ways of the ridges and followed the new faith. Still, people shrugged their shoulders and went on with their work, whispering:
Who from the outside can make his way into hills?
However, he remembered something in his old age, a light shone in his eyes, a flicker of hope. He would guard it and divulge the knowledge to none but the right one.
(a) What happens just before this excerpt?
(b) What circumstances cause the ordeal above?
(c)Who are butterflies? Illustrate.
(d)Describe the peoples attitude towards Chege
(e)What is the irony in Chege's warning about Siriana Missionary Centre.
(f) How could you have seen the light beyond?(Rewrite in reported speech)
(g)Discuss the role of Waiyaki as evident in this excerpt.
h) Discuss one major theme in this extract.
(i) Who is right one' and what knowledge will Chege divulge to him?
Date posted: February 16, 2018. Answers (1)
- Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow:
Repentant
Yesterday my emotions
burst like a dam
and flowed violently
onto your innocent self.
Today deluged with
a deep sense of...(Solved)
Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow:
Repentant
Yesterday my emotions
burst like a dam
and flowed violently
onto your innocent self.
Today deluged with
a deep sense of regret
I hold out my hand
a gesture of reconciliation.
Seeking to forget
The galling bitterness
Of that regrettable moment
When I caused you pain.
A.D. Amateshe.
i) Describe the rhyme scheme in this poem.
ii). Which word would you stress in line 2 of the first stanza?
a) What tone would you use to recite the poem and why?
(b) For each of the following words, write another word that is pronounced the same.
Sale:
Boos:
Cymbal:
Douse:
Morning:
(c) (i) Indicate and name the sound patterns used in the following proverbs:
(i) Better beg than steal.
(ii) Health is better than wealth.
(iii) Time and tide wait for no man.
(iv) Money makes money.
(ii) Give an illustration of the riddling process.
(d) Imagine you are narrating a trickster narrative to children.What would you do to make the performance interesting? Explain.
(e) For each of the following sets of words, underline the odd one out according to the pronunciation of the underlined sounds.
Knot Weapon Saw Breathe
Note Weed Sow Breath
Not Wed So Breadth
Date posted: February 16, 2018. Answers (1)
- Explain communication skills one should have for a successful communication to take place(Solved)
Explain communication skills one should have for a successful communication to take place.
Date posted: February 14, 2018. Answers (1)
- Explain factors affecting communication(Solved)
Explain factors affecting communication.
Date posted: February 13, 2018. Answers (1)
- Explain the main characteristics of an epic poem.(Solved)
Explain the main characteristics of an epic poem.
Date posted: January 31, 2018. Answers (1)