Corruption and greed in leaders always leads to a downfall of a nation. It is not different in Francis Imbuga’s
Betrayal in the City where the leaders have greatly contributed to Kafira’s downfall.
I. Mulili’s corrupt trait makes him have the milk tender which was initially Kabito’s. He manipulates Boss into
giving him the tender by lying to Boss about Kabito and later, he has him killed. He is also greedy for wealth
that he is ready to do anything to get the vast land (4000acres) promised to him by Boss. This indeed is a
quick way to a nation’s downfall.
II. Boss who is Kafira’s top most leader hires expatriates to take up lecturing jobs which causes university
students to go on strike since there are qualified citizens who are jobless in Kafira. To hit back, he gets more
expatriates. His greed is portrayed by the fact that he has stashed money in foreign accounts. These traits
contribute to a fall in a nation.
III. Tumbo, a top government official is corrupt, which leads him to let Jusper write the play without having a
competition to get a winner as was required to. He later says that the rest of the money would be used to ‘set
the records’ straight. This is greed at its best besides corruption.
IV. Nicodemus’ act of planting drugs in Mosese’s car is corrupt indeed, especially when it is meant to implicate
an innocent person leading into being jailed just to silence and punish him for no good reason. After the
announcement of Kabito’s death, he asks if that day would be counted since the meeting was being called off
V. Askari portrays a corrupt trait when he says that he gave tea to the prisoner Jere who does not belong to his
tribe. He goes further to say that one needs a ‘tall relative’ to get anything, an indication of high level of
corruption.
CONCLUSION
Indeed corruption and greed leads to the downfall of a nation as has been seen in Kafira. Boss and his
government officials have contributed a great deal to the state of Kafira.
marto answered the question on May 24, 2019 at 07:30
- Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow(Solved)
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow
SIMON: I thank you, Grusha Vashnasdze. And good-bye!
He bows low before her. She does the same before him. Then she runs quickly off without looking round. Enter the
ADJUTANT from the gateway
ADJUTANT (harshly): Harness’ the horses to the carriage! Don’t stand there doing nothing, scum!
SIMION SHASHAVA stands to attention and goes off. Two SERVANTS crowd from the gateway, bent low
under huge trunks. Behind them, supported by her women, stumbles NATELLA ABASHWILI she is followed by
a WOMAN carrying her CHILD.
GOVERNOR’S WIFE: I hardly know if my head’s still on. Where is Michael? Don’t hold him so clumsily. Pile
the trunks onto the carriage. No news from the city, Shalva?
ADJUTANT: None. All’s quiet so far, but there’s not a minute to lose. No room for all those trunks in the
carriage. Pick out what you need. (Exit quickly.)
GOVERNORS WIFE: only essentials! Quick, open the trunks! I’ll tell you what I need (The trunks are lowered
and opened. She points at some brocade dresses.) The green one! And of course, the one with the fur trimming.
Where are Niko Mikadze and Mika Loladze? I have suddenly got the most terrible migraine again. It always starts
in the temples. (Enter GRUSHA.) Taking your time, eh? Go and get the hot water bottles this minute!( GRUSHA
runs off, returns later with hot water bottles; the GOVERNOR’S WIFE ordered her about by signs.) Don’t tear
the sleeves.
A YOUNG WOMAN: Pardon, madam, no harm has come to the dress.
GOVERNOR’S WIFE: Because I stopped you. I’ve been watching you for a long time. Nothing in your head but
making eyes at Shalva Tzereteli I ‘ll kill you, you bitch! (She beats the YOUNG WOMAN)
ADJUTANT (appearing in the gateway) : Please make haste, Natella Abashwili. Firing has broken out in the city.
(Exit)
GOVERNOR’S WIFE :( Letting go off the YOUNG WOMAN) Oh dear, do you think they‘ll lay hands on us?
Why should they? (She herself begins to rummage in the trunks.) How’s Michael? Asleep?
WOMAN WITH THE CHILD: Yes madam.
GOVERNOR’S WIFE: Then put him down a moment and get my little saffron-coloured boots from the bedroom.
I need them for the green dress. (The WOMAN puts down the CHILD and goes off.) Just look how these things
have been packed! No love! No understanding! If you don’t give them every order yourself............At such that
moments you realize what kind of servants you have! They gorge themselves at your expense, and never a word of
gratitude! I’ll remember this.
ADJUTANT: (entering, very excited) Natella, you must leave at once!
GOVERNOR’S WIFE: Why? I’ve got to take this silver dress- it cost a thousand piasters. And that one there,
where’s the wine-coloured one?
a) Why does simon thank Grusha?
b) Explain the sense of urgency displayed by the Adjutant.
c) Describe what happened immediately after this excerpt ?
d) Identify and illustrate a character traits of each:
(i) Natella Abashwili
(ii) Shalva Tzereteli
e) Identify the main theme in this excerpt.
f) I hardly know if my head’s still on. Where is Michael? (Rewrite this in reported speech)
g) Describe the mood of the excerpt.
h) What is Natella’s attitude towards the servants?
i) Identify one stylistic device used in this excerpt and comment on its effect
Date posted: May 24, 2019. Answers (1)
- The Short Story: Longhorn (E.D) 'When the Sun Goes Down and other stories from Africa and Beyond.
With illustrations from Sandisile Ishuma’s story 'Arrested Development' show...(Solved)
The Short Story: Longhorn (E.D) 'When the Sun Goes Down and other stories from Africa and Beyond.
With illustrations from Sandisile Ishuma’s story 'Arrested Development' show how appropriate the title
'Arrested Development' is to the story.
Date posted: May 23, 2019. Answers (1)
- Margaret Ogula’s The River and the Source
Drawing illustrations from Margaret Ogula’s The River and The Source, write an essay proving that Akoko is at
the centre...(Solved)
Margaret Ogula’s The River and the Source
Drawing illustrations from Margaret Ogula’s The River and The Source, write an essay proving that Akoko is at
the centre of the change process in the society of the River and The Source
Date posted: May 23, 2019. Answers (1)
- The Caucasian Chalk Circle: Literary Appreciation
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow(Solved)
The Caucasian Chalk Circle: Literary Appreciation
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow
GRUSHA : Simon!
SIMON : Is that Grusha Vasnadze?
GRUSHA : Simon!
SIMON (formally): A good morning to the young lady. I hope she is well.
GRUSHA (getting up and bowing low): A good morning to the soldier. God be thanked he has returned in good
health.
SIMON : They found better fish, so they didn’t eat me said the haddock
GRUSHA : Courage, said the kitchen boy. Good luck, said the hero
SIMON : How are things here? Was the winter bearable? The neighbor considerate?
GRUSHA : The winter was a trifle rough, the neighbor as usual Simon.
SIMON : May one ask if a certain person still dips her toes in the water when rinsing the linen?
GRUSHA : The answer is no. Because of the eyes in the bushes.
SIMON : The young lady is speaking of soldiers. Here stands the paymaster
GRUSHA : A job worth twenty piasters?
SIMON : And lodgings?
GRUSHA (with tears in her eyes) : Behind the barracks under the date trees
SIMON : Yes there. A certain person has kept her eyes open
GRUSHA : She has, Simon.
SIMON : And has not forgotten? (GRUSHA shakes her head) So the door is still on its hinges as they
say? (GRUSHA looks at him in silence and shakes her head again) What’s this? Is anything
not as it should be?
GRUSHA : Simon Shashava, I can never return to Nuka. Something has happened.
SIMON : What can have happened?
GRUSHA : For one thing, I knocked an Ironshirt down
GRUSHA : Simon Shashava, I am no longer called what I used to be called
SIMON (after a pause):I do not understand
GRUSHA : When do women change their names, Simon? Let me explain.
Nothing stands between us. Everything is just as it was. You must believe that.
SIMON : Nothing stands between us and yet there is something?
GRUSHA : How can I explain it so fast and with the stream between us?
Couldn’t you cross the bridge there?
SIMON : Maybe it’s no longer necessary
GRUSHA : It is very necessary. Come over on this side, Simon. Quick!
SIMON : Does the young lady wish to say someone has come too late?
a) Place this excerpt in its immediate context
b) Where is this scene taking place .
c) Discuss the relationship between Grusha and Simon in this excerpt.
d) 'May one ask if a certain person still dips her toes in the water when rinsing the linen?' In which other scene does
Simon use the very words to Grusha? Explain what was happening in that scene .
e) Grusha says she cannot go to Nuka because something has happened. Explain. .
f) Describe the character trait of Simon as brought out in this excerpt .
g) Explain the meaning of the following saying and word as used in the excerpt
i) They found better fish, so they didn’t eat me, said the haddock.
ii) Gaily
h) Identity and illustrate the major theme present in this excerpt
Date posted: May 23, 2019. Answers (1)
- The Short StoryEmilia Ilieva and Waveney Olembo, When the Sun Goes Down With illustrations from Moyez Vassanji’s ‘Leaving’, write an essay to show what leads individuals to seekeducation...(Solved)
The Short Story
Emilia Ilieva and Waveney Olembo, When the Sun Goes Down
With illustrations from MoyezVassanji’s ‘Leaving’, write an essay to show what leads individuals to seek
education opportunities in foreign countries.
Date posted: May 23, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the excerpt below and respond to the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the excerpt below and respond to the questions that follow.
GUESTS (loudly):
- Have you heard? The grand Duke is back! But the princes are against him.
- They say the Shah of Persia has lent him a great army to restore order in Grusinia.
- But how is that possible? The Shah of Persia is the enemy….
- The enemy of Grusinia, you donkey, not the enemy of the Grand Duke!
- In any case, the war’s over, so our soldiers are coming back.
GRUSHAdrops a cake pan. GUESTS help her pick up the cake.
AN OLD WOMAN (to GRUSHA): Are you feeling bad? It’s just excitement about dear Jussup. Sit
down and rest a while, my dear (GRUSHA staggers.)
GUESTS: Now everything’ll be the way it was. Only the taxes’ll go up because now we” ll have to pay
for the war.
GRUSHA (weakly): Did someone say the soldiers are back?
FIRST MAN (to a woman): Show her the shawl. We bought it from a soldier. It’s from Persia.
GRUSHA (looking at the shawl): They are here. (She gets up, takes a step, kneels down in prayer,
takes the silver cross and chain out her blouse, and kisses it.)
MOTHER –IN –LAW (while the guests silently watchGRUSHA): What‘s the matter with you? Aren’t
you going to look after our guests? What’s all this city nonsense got to do with us?
GUESTS (resuming conversation while GRUSHA remain in prayer):
- you can buy Persian saddles from the soldiers too. Though many want crutches in
exchange for them.
- The leaders on one side can win a war, the soldiers on both sides lose it.
- Anyway, the war’s over. It’s something they can’t draft you anymore.
The dying man sits bolt upright in bed. He listens.
- What we need is two weeks of good weather.
- Our pear trees are hardly bearing a thing this year
MOTHER –IN –LAW (offering cakes): Have some more cakes and welcome! There are more!
(a) Describe the events leading to this extract.
(b) Explain what the guests mean by the statement 'The grand Duke is back'
(c) Why does the mother-in-law welcome the guests to eat cakes?
(d) Identify and explain three ironic situations in this extract.
(e) Identify and explain two themes in this extract
(f) What happens immediately after this extract?
(g) What makes the dying man sit bolt upright?
(h) 'Did someone say the soldiers are back? GRUSHA asked.
(Rewrite the sentence in reported speech.
(i) 'The mother-in-law’s action was an effort in futility.' Do you agree with this assertion? Justify your response
Date posted: May 23, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
AZDAK: (sitting down): I accept. (Sighing, the inkeeper hands him some money). Good.
Now the formalities are disposed of. This is a case of rape?
INKEEPER : Your Honour, I caught the fellow in the act. Ludovica was in the straw on the stable
floor.
AZDAK : Quite right , the stable. Lovely horses! especially liked the little roan.
INKEEPER : The first thing I did, of course , was to question Ludovica. On my son’s behalf.
AZDAK : ( seriously ): I said I especially liked the little roan.
INKEEPER : ( Coldly ) : Really ? Ludovica confessed the stableman took her against her will.
AZDAK : Take your veil off, Ludovica. (she does so) Ludovica, you please the court. Tell us
how it happened.
QUESTIONS.
1. What happens before this excerpt (3marks)
2. ‘I accept’ Explain what is implied by this statement (2 marks)
3. “Your honour, I caught the fellow in the act.” Identify and explain one theme that can be deduced from the
statement. (3 marks)
4. “Ludovica you please the court – Tell us how it happened.” In note form, explain Ludovica’s defense.(4 marks)
Rough copy.
Fair copy.
5. Using the excerpt, state and explain two character traits of Azdak and two of Ludovica. (4 marks)
6. Why do you think Azdak asks Ludovica to remove her veil in this excerpt. (2 marks)
7. '(Sighing, the inkeeper hands him some money). Good. Now the formalities are disposed of.' What turns out to
be ironic about this statement? (3 marks)
8. 'I caught the fellow in the act.' Explain what this statement alludes to in the Bible (2 marks)
9. Give the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt.
i) Roan
ii) Stable
Date posted: May 23, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the poem bellow and answer the question that follows
My grandmother(Solved)
She kept an antique shop-or it kept her.
Among Apostle spoons and Bristol glasses,
The faded silks, the heavy furniture,
She watched her own reflection in the brass
Salvers and silver bowls, as if to prove
Polish was all, there was no need for love.
And I remember how I once refused
To go out with her, since I was afraid.
It was perhaps a wish not to be used
Like antique objects .Though she never said
That she was hurt, I still could feel the guilt
Of that refusal, guessing how she felt.
Later, too frail to keep a shop, she put
All her best things in one long, narrow room.
The place smelt old, of things too long kept shut,
The smell of absences where shadows come
That can’t be polished. There was nothing then
To give her own reflection back again.
And when she died I felt no grief at all,
Only the guilt of what I once refused.
I walked into her room among the tall
Sideboards and cupboards-things she never used
But needed: and no finger-marks were there,
Only the new dust falling through the air.
a) Identify the persona in the above poem.
b) In note form, summarize what each stanza is talking about
c) Identify and briefly explain the use of any two images in the poem
d) What does the persona feel towards the subject matter?
e) What do the following lines mean in the poem?
'too frail to keep a shop'
'Only the new dust falling through the air'
f) Describe the tone the persona uses in the poem above
g) Explain the paradox in the line:
-things she never used
But needed:
h) Explain the persona’s sense of guilt
Date posted: May 6, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow.
SECOND OLYMPUS(Solved)
SECOND OLYMPUS
From the rostrum they declaimed
On martyrs and men of high ideals
Whom they sent out
Benevorent despots to an unwilling race
Straining at the yoke
Bull dozers trampling on virgin ground
In blatant violation
They trampled down all that was strange
And filled the void
With half digested alien thoughts
They left a trail of red
Whatever their feet had passed
Oh, they did themselves fine
And struttled about the place
Self proclaimed demi- gods
From a counterfeit Olympus
One day they hurled down thunder bolts
On toiling race of earthworms
They might have rained own pebbles
To pelt the brats to death
But that was beneath them
They kept up the illusion
That they were fighting foes
Killing in the name of high ideals
At the inquest they told the world
The worms were becoming pests
Moreover, they said
They did not like wriggly things
Strange prejudice for gods.
Questions
1) Who is being talked about in this poem? Give evidence.
2) With two evidences, discuss the poet’s general attitude towards the subject of the poem.
3) What do you understand by the following three lines?
'they trample down all that was strange
And filled the void with half digested alien thoughts?'
4) Who are referred to as 'toiling race of earthworms' and why
5) Discuss two stylistic devices used in the poem. Give their effectiveness
6) Explain the significance of the title.
7) What is the tone of the poem?
Date posted: May 6, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow. (20 marks)
The inmates(Solved)
The inmates
Huddled together
Cold biting their bones
Teeth chattering from the chill,
The air oppressive,
The smell offensive
They sit and they reflect
The room self contained
At the corner the ‘gents’ invites
With the nice fragrance of ammonia,
And fresh human dung,
The fresh inmates sit thoughtfully
Vermin perform a guard of honour
Saluting him with a bite here
And a bite there
‘Welcome to the world, they seem to say’
The steel lock of the door
The walls insurmountable
And the one torching tortuous bulb
Stare vacantly at him
Slowly he reflects about the consignment
That gave birth to his confinement
Locked in for conduct refinement
The reason they put him in prison
The clock ticks
But too slowly
Five years will be a long time
Doomed in the dungeon
In this hell of a cell
a) Who is the persona in the poem? (1 mark)
b) Briefly explain what the poem is about. (2 marks)
c) Identify and illustrate three aspects of style in the poem. (6 marks)
d) Give evidence from the poem which indicates the inmates are suffering. (3 marks)
e) Why is the fresh inmate in prison? (2 marks)
f) Identify and explain the mood of the new convict. (2 marks)
g) Explain the meaning of the following lines as used in the poem.
i) That gave birth to his confinement (1 mark)
ii) The room is self contained (1 mark)
h) What does the steel lock in the door and the insurmountable walls suggest? (2 marks)
Date posted: May 3, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the following poem and then answer the questions that follow: Song of agony(Solved)
Read the following poem and then answer the questions that follow.
Song of Agony
I put on a clean shirt
And go to work
Which of us
Which of us will come back?
Four and twenty moons
Not seeing women
Not seeing my hand
Which of us
Which of us will die?
I put on a clean shirt
And go to work my contract
To work far away
I go beyond the mountain
Into the bush
Where the roads end
And the rivers run dry
Which of us
Which of us will come back?
Which of us
Which of us will die?
Questions
a) Who is the persona in the poem? Explain. (2 marks)
b) Briefly discuss the subject matter in this poem. (3 marks)
c) Identify two stylistic devices in the poem and show their effectiveness. (4 marks)
d) Show how the persona and the others suffer in the poem. Illustrate your answer. (4 marks)
e) What is the dominant mood in the poem? (2 marks)
f) Is the title of this poem suitable? Explain (3 marks)
g)Identify and explain one economic activity practiced by the persona’s community
Date posted: May 3, 2019. Answers (1)
- How old was mama milanoi when she married ole kaelo?(Solved)
How old was mama milanoi when she married ole kaelo?
Date posted: April 29, 2019. Answers (1)
- Explain the theme of tradition in the novel The River Between by Ngùgí wa Thiong'o(Solved)
Explain the theme of tradition in the novel The River Between by Ngùgí wa Thiong'o
Date posted: April 28, 2019. Answers (1)
- Henrik Ibsen, An Enemy of the people“Cowardice is one of the factors that contribute to injustices in many societies even today. Write an essay giving...(Solved)
Henrik Ibsen, An Enemy of the people
“Cowardice is one of the factors that contribute to injustices in many societies even today. Write an essay giving clear evidence of this based on the play An Enemy of the people.
Date posted: April 25, 2019. Answers (1)
- Identify some themes based on some oral narratives(Solved)
Identify some themes based on some oral narratives
Date posted: April 23, 2019. Answers (1)
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- Describe some moral lessons derived from oral narratives appropriately.(Solved)
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Date posted: April 23, 2019. Answers (1)
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- Identify some social/ socio-cultural, socio-economic and economic activities evident in some narratives.(Solved)
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Date posted: April 23, 2019. Answers (1)