Get premium membership and access questions with answers, video lessons as well as revision papers.
Every writer sets out to pass a certain massage or communicate a particular issue to the audience through their work of art. This is the main reason why stories are written. Benjamin Branoff highlights a few concepts in the story "Window Seaf 'To start with, the author addresses the issue of lawlessness on our roads. Vehicles should always follow traffic laws on the roads for safety. In this story however, law and order is not followed as it should be. For instance, the public transport vehicles are so much overloaded. Passengers are literally packed. Conductors carry excess passengers as the narrator says a mini-van meant to carry ten passengers now carries twenty four of them. It even becomes worse when it comes to rush hour where they carry twenty eight with others standing. The drivers also bribe the traffic policemen in order to get away with this crime. Even when things seem to be okay with the vehicle the policemen solicit for bribes to an extent of removing the car keys from the ignition. The bribe here is a very powerful voice that the police use to silence the adamant drivers. The passengers suffer on these roads. The narrator says that one learns no to commit to a long road because of discomfort. However, they don't seem to care or they are used to it. They even smack their lips loudly when the policemen take bribes but they don't take any step. It is even because of overloading that makes it easy for Kanga to rob the narrator.
Poverty is also portrayed in this story. The people at the bus stop ar*
said to be in sandals and others are barefoot. This means that cannot afford better shoes. The passengers could be suffering in silence in the overloaded daladala because of poverty. This is because they pay less money for fare. The narrator describes Kanga that shehaso trim figure probably caused by a lifetime of hard work and deprivation of luxuries. This shows that she cannot afford luxuries.
We also think that what made her to steal from the narrator is poverty.
The aggressiveness of touts in town is also a sign of poverty. This iso society where one must struggle to make ends meet. That's why they scream and shout and also convince people to take their daladala. Corruption is also evident in this story especially on the roads where the policemen who were supposed to guarantee safety on the roads take bribes and also collude with drivers in order to escape facing the law. The corrupt police officers seem to have taken bribes as their rights because even if the vehicle has everything right they force the drivers' submission by taking the keys from ignition. The word Mzungu means a white man. The Africans call them this to mean he is from the white race. The Africans see this man, (the narrator) as more superior than them and use even a spectacle that he is using public transport. When the guard greets him at the city
Chuo everybody turns to see him. Africans perceive the white men as rich and wealthy that's why Kanga robs him in the vehicle. The narrator chooses to date Monique a French girl because sheisfre#*
their race. He says, 'I should be with the French girl La fille becau*
French women absolutely like American men '
Major issues that can be related to our day to day lives are highlighted in the story. Such issues such as corruption, poverty and lawlessness on our roads need to be dealt with for better life.
Musyoxx answered the question on February 28, 2018 at 15:58
- Discuss the traits of Ali Mahfouz as brought out in this story ALMOST HOME by Barry McKinley.(Solved)
Discuss the traits of Ali Mahfouz as brought out in this story ALMOST HOME by Barry McKinley.
Date posted: February 28, 2018. Answers (1)
- 'Wealth and money cannot afford happiness' citing evidence from the Pearl by John Steinbeck, Discuss(Solved)
'Wealth and money cannot afford happiness' citing evidence from the Pearl by John Steinbeck, Discuss.
OR
John Steinbeck: The Pearl
Wealth and money cannot afford happiness. With illustrations from John Steinbeck’s The Pearl, validate this statement.
Date posted: February 28, 2018. Answers (1)
- The play ‘Betrayal in the City’ by F. Imbuga focuses on the problems facing a post-independence developing nation. Discuss any four of such problems using...(Solved)
The play ‘Betrayal in the City’ by F. Imbuga focuses on the problems facing a post-independence developing nation. Discuss any four of such problems using appropriate examples from the play.
Date posted: February 28, 2018. Answers (1)
- Discuss the role of family in the novel the River and the Source(Solved)
Discuss the role of family in the novel the River and the Source
Date posted: February 28, 2018. Answers (1)
- ‘Bitterness breeds courage and opportunities to some but breeds vipers to others.’ Support this using The River and the Source (Solved)
‘Bitterness breeds courage and opportunities to some but breeds vipers to others.’ Support this using The River and the Source
Date posted: February 28, 2018. Answers (1)
- "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)