Introduction
In any given society, women play a very important role. In some cases, they take over leadership from men, and they lead even better than their male counterparts. This is true in The Whale Rider where leadership is a reserve for men, but we find women influencing either directly or behind the scenes.
i) Muriwai
Muriwai, Nani Flowers’ ancestor had come to New zealand with her chieftainly brothers on a canoe. When the brothers went to investigate on the land they were supposed to possess, the sea became rough and the boat almost got swept away. Muriwai requested gods to give her strength and save her people. (pg 15). She says, “Now I will make myself a man.” She took charge and started to make orders, and managed to save the canoe would have been wrecked.” So we can correctly conclude that the success of the chieftainly brothers was due to Muriwai.
ii) Nani Flowers
Nani flowers is a very strong woman both in the household and in the community. She claims that Muriwai’s blood flows in her veins (pg 15). Whenever there are arguments between Koro and Nani Flowers, the latter often emerges victorious. At one point, Koro argues that Nani flowers’ “blood always too strong for me.' (pg 20)
iii) Kahu
Koro Apirana had tried to put down Kahu and make her feel useless, but Nani Flowers always came to her defense and told Koro to let Kahu take her rightful place in the tribe. She reminds him that Kahu has the leadership blood of Muriwai. Later, Koro admits that Nani flowers’ advice was right, and acknowledges Kahu as leader of the community
(pg. 120 - 121)
iv) Saving the whales
During the fight to save the whales, Nani flowers marshals women and brings them together to support the men on the beach. They assert themselves, and working together makes the mission successful. Were it not for the women coming to support their men, men would have failed
v) Mother - Whale
When the Mother-whale discovers her husband is carrying a stranger on his back, she tries to convince him that the stranger is not paikea. When he convinces her that he believes it is Paikea, she suggests that they should take Paikea back to the land. She uses her feminine charm, including touching him in areas that are most pleasurable. The ancient whale becomes thrilled and instructs the warrior whales to give her space. This shows that the mother-whale makes decisions together with the husband, and the right decisions
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is clear that sexism is an outdated practice. Men and women can make valuable decisions and if they can come together and work as partners, the success they would realize would be magnificent.
marto answered the question on June 10, 2019 at 12:21
- Longhorn (Ed): When The Sun Goes Down and other stories from Africa and Beyond
Sandisile Tshuma highlights very serious issues that not only affect Zimbambwe but...(Solved)
Longhorn (Ed): When The Sun Goes Down and other stories from Africa and Beyond
Sandisile Tshuma highlights very serious issues that not only affect Zimbambwe but also Africa as a continent. Drawing illustrations from Tshuma’s story, 'Arrested Development,' Write a composition supporting this statement.
Date posted: June 10, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the extract below then answer the questions that below.(Solved)
Read the extract below then answer the questions that below.
FIRST LAWYER (bowing):Thank you, your honour. High court of Justice, of all ties of blood are strongest.
Mother and child - is there any intimate relationship? Can one conceived it in the holy ecstasies of love. She has carried it in her womb. She has fed it with her blood. She has borne it with pain. High court of Justice, it has been observed that the wild tigress, robbed of her young, roams restless through the mountains, shrunk to a shadow. Nature herself..........................................
AZDAK (interrupting, to GRUSHA) : What’s your answer to all this and anything else the lawyer might have to say?
GRUSHA: He’s mine.
AZDAK : Is that all? I hope you can prove it. Why should I sign the child to you in any case?
GRUSHA: I brought him up like the priest says “according to my best knowledge and
conscience.' I always found him something to eat. Most of the time he had a roof over his head. And I went to such trouble for him. I had expenses too. I didn’t look
out for my own comfort. I brought the child up to be friendly with everyone, and from the beginning taught him to work. As well as he could, that is. He’s still very little.
FIRST LAWYER: Your Honor, it is significant that the girl herself doesn’t claim any tie of blood
between her and the child.
AZDAK: The court takes note of that.
FIRST LAWYER: Thank you, your HONOUR. And now permit a woman bowed in sorrow __ who has already lost her husband and now has also to fear the loss of her child ___ to adress a
few words to you. The gracious Natella Abashwili is .............
GOVERNOR’S WIFE (quietly) : A most cruel fate, sir, forces me to describe to you the tortures of
bereaved mother’s soul, the anxiety, the sleepless nights the ..........
SECOND LAWYER (bursting out): It’s outrageous the way this woman is being treated! Her husband’s palace is cold -bloodely told that it’s tied to the heir. She can’t do a thing without a
child. She can’t even pay her lawyers!! (To the FIRST LAWYER, who, desperate
about this outburst, makes frantic gestures to keep him from speaking) Dear
Illo Shuboladze, surely it can be divulged now that Abashwili estates are at stake?
FIRST LAWYER: Please, Honored Sandro Oboladze! We agreed............. (TO AZDAK) Of course it is correct that the trial will also decide if our noble client can take over the Abashwilli
estates, which are rather extensive. I say “also” advisely, for in the foreground stands
as human tragedy of a mother, as Natella Abashwili very properly explained in the first words of her moving statement. Even if Michael Abashwili were not heir to their estates, he would still be the dearly beloved child of my client.
AZDAK: Stop! The court is touched by the mention of estates. It’s a proof of human feeling.
SECOND LAWYER: Thanks, Your Honor. Dear Illo Shuboladze, we can prove in any case that the woman took the child is not the child’s mother. Permit me to lay before the Court the
bare facts. High Court of Justice, by an unfortunate chain of circumstances, Michael
Abashwili was left behind on that Easter Sunday while his mother was making her
escape. Grusha, a place kitchen maid, was seen with the baby............
COOK: All her mistress was thinking of was what dresses she’d take along
(a) Explain what happens shortly before and after the extract.
(b) In not more than thirty (30) words, summarize the points in the argument that the first lawyer gives in favour of Natella Abshwili.
(c) Explain any two character traits of each of the following characters
(i) Natela Abashwili
(ii) Grusha
(d) Identify and illustrate one theme in the extract and show how it is brought out elsewhere in the play
(e) Explain the relevance of the following stylistics devices as used in the extract
(i) Ellipsis
(ii) Rhetorical questions
(f) (i) ‘I always found him something to eat.” Rewrite, adding a question tag
(ii) Azdak: Is that all? I hope you can prove it. Rewrite in indirecct speech.
(g) Explain the meaning of
‘..................... it has been observed that the wild tigress, robbed of her young....................
(h) Give two possible meanings of the word ‘Permit
Date posted: June 10, 2019. Answers (1)
- The Whale Rider. by Witi Ihimaera.
'Kahu has special abilities and powers beyond those of an ordinary human beings.'
Explain this statement using illustrations form 'The Whale...(Solved)
The Whale Rider. by Witi Ihimaera.
'Kahu has special abilities and powers beyond those of an ordinary human beings.'
Explain this statement using illustrations form 'The Whale Rider' by Witi Ihimaera.
Date posted: June 10, 2019. Answers (1)
- The Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga.
'Many African leaders are dictatorial to cover up for their inadequacies.'(Solved)
The Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga.
'Many African leaders are dictatorial to cover up for their inadequacies.'
Date posted: June 10, 2019. Answers (1)
- The short Story: When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories by Emilia and Weveney Olembo (Ed)
'Many African States are facing many challenges that hinder...(Solved)
The short Story: When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories by Emilia and Weveney Olembo (Ed)
'Many African States are facing many challenges that hinder development'. With illustrations from the story
Arrested Development by Sandisile Tsuma, show the truth in this statement.
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
SINGER: So many words are said, so many left unsaid.
The soldier has come Where he comes from, he does not say.
Hear what he thought and did not say:
“The battle began, gray at dawn, grew bloody at noon.
The first man fell in front of me, the second behind me, the third at my side.
I trod on the first, left the second behind, the third was run through by the captain.
One of my brothers died by steel, the other by smoke.
My neck caught fire, my hands froze in my gloves, my toes in my socks.
I fed on aspen buds, I drank maple juice, I slept on stone, in water.”
SIMON: I see a cap in the grass. Is there a little one already?
GRUSHA: There is, Simon. There’s no keeping that from you. But please don’t worry, it is not mine.
SIMON: When the wind once starts to blow, they say, it blows through every cranny. The wife need
to say no more. (GRUSHA looks into her lap and is silent)
SINGER: There was yearning but her was not waiting.
The oath is broken. Neither could you why.
Hear what she thought but did not say:
“While you fought in the battle, soldier,
The bloody battle, the bitter battle
I found a helpless infant
I had not the heart to destroy him
I had to care for a creature that was lost
I had to stoop for breadcrumbs on the floor
I had to break myself for that which was not mine
That which was other people’s
Someone must help!
For the little tree needs water
The lamb loses its way when the shepherd is asleep
And its cry is unheard!'
SIMON: Give me back the cross I gave you. Better still, throw it in the stream. (He turns to go.)
GRUSHA: (getting up) Simon Shashava, don’t go away! He isn’t mine! He isn’t mine! (She hears the
children calling.) What’s the matter, children?
Questions.
1. Place the extract in its immediate context.
2. With illustrations from the extract make notes on experiences during the war expounded in the extract.
3. 'But please don’t worry it is not mine,' Who is it in the statement and explain why Grusha says it is not hers?
4. Explain the mood of the extract.
5. How are Grusha and Simon potrayed in the extract?
6. What is the role of the Singer in this extract?
7. Identify and illustrate one theme from extract.
8. Grusha tells Simon Shashava, “Don’t go away! He isn’t mine! He isn’t mine!” From elsewhere in
the play, quote the instances where she states the opposite.
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
- 'Racism is a monster in the society.' Citing examples from 'The Guilt'
by Ryda Jacob, justify the above statement.(Solved)
'Racism is a monster in the society.' Citing examples from 'The Guilt'
by Ryda Jacob, justify the above statement.
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
- The River and The Source by M. Ogolla
Akoko is at the center of the change process in the society of The River and The...(Solved)
The River and The Source by M. Ogolla.
Akoko is at the center of the change process in the society of The River and The Source, by Margaret Ogolla. Write an essay illustrating the truth of this statement
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
- Witi Ihimaera, The Whale Rider.
'Women and girl characters are portrayed as having admirable qualities.'How true is this assertion? Draw your
illustrations from the novel. The Whale...(Solved)
Witi Ihimaera, The Whale Rider.
'Women and girl characters are portrayed as having admirable qualities.' How true is this assertion? Draw your
illustrations from the novel. The Whale Rider.
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
- Drama
Francis Imbuga, Betrayal in the City.
'The outside of one cell may as well be the inside of another.'
Discuss the relevance of the above statement basing...(Solved)
Drama
Francis Imbuga, Betrayal in the City.
'The outside of one cell may as well be the inside of another.'
Discuss the relevance of the above statement basing your answer from Franchis Imbuga’s, Betrayal in the City.
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
-
Ilieva Emilia and Waveney Olembo (ED.), When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories. With relevant
illustrations, discuss the effects of global warming, in the story...(Solved)
Ilieva Emilia and Waveney Olembo (ED.), When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories. With relevant
illustrations, discuss the effects of global warming, in the story Tuesday Siesta by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
- Margaret Ogola, The River and the Source.
The Western culture has totally changed the African traditions.
With reference to the 'River and the Source,' show the...(Solved)
Margaret Ogola, The River and the Source.
The Western culture has totally changed the African traditions.
With reference to the 'River and the Source,' show the validity of this statement.
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the excerpt and answer the questions that follow. (Solved)
Read the excerpt and answer the questions that follow.
GRUSHA Noon time is meal time. Now we’ll sit hopefully in the grass, while the
good Grusha (to the CHILD): goes and buys a little pitcher of milk. (She lays the CHILD down and
knocks at the cottage door
OLD MAN: Milk? We have no milk. The soldiers from the city have our goats. Go to
the soldiers if you want milk.
GRUSHA: But grandfather, you must have a little pitcher of milk for baby?
OLD MAN: And for a God-bless-you, eh?
GRUSHA: Who said anything about a God-bless-you? (She shows her purse.) We’ll
pay like princes. “Head in the clouds, back-side in the water.” (The peasant
goes off, grumbling, for milk). How much for the milk?
OLD MAN: Three piasters. Milk has gone up.
GRUSHA: Three piasters for this little drop? (Without a word he old man shuts the
door in face). Michael, did you hear that? Three piasters! We can’t afford it!
(She goes back, sits down again, and gives the CHILD her breast). Suck.
Think of the three piasters. There’s nothing there, but you think you’re
drinking, and that’s something. (Shaking her head, she sees that the child
isn’t sucking any more. She gets up, walks back to the door, and knocks
again). Open grandfather, we’ll pay. (softly). May lightning strike you!
(When the OLD MAN appears). I thought it would be half a piaster.
But the baby must be fed. How about one piaser for that little drop?
OLD MAN: Two
GRUSHA: Don’t shut the door again. (She fishes a long time in her bag). Here are
two piasters. The milk better be good. I still have two days’ journey ahead
of me. It’s a murderous business you have here – and sinful, too!
OLD MAN: Kill the soldiers if you wan milk.
GRUSHA: (giving the CHILD some milk): This is an expensive joke. Take a sip, Michael; it’s a week’s pay.
Around here they think we earned our money just sitting
on our behinds. Oh, Michael, Michael. You’re a nice little load for a girl to
take on! (Uneasy, she gets up, puts the CHILD on her back, and walks on.
The OLD MAN, grumbling, picks up the pitcher and looks after her unmoved
SINGER: As Grusha Vashnadze went northward
The Princes’ Ironshirts went after her.
CHORUS: How will the barefoot girl escape the Ironshirts,
The bloodhounds, the trap-setters?
They hunt even by night.
Pursuers never tire.
Butchers sleep little.
(a) Explain what happens immediately before this excerpt?
(b) As Grusha’s Vashnadze went Northwards, the princes Iron shirts went after her.
Using the excerpt and elsewhere from the text, explain the importance of this mission to the soldiers.
(c) What is the attitude of the Old man towards the soldiers?
(d) Explain two character traits of Grusha as brought out in the excerpt.
(e) What is the significance of the song in the excerpt?
(f) Identify and explain two stylistic devices used in the excerpt.
(g) It is a murderous business you have here and sinful too. (Add a question tag).
(h) Identify and illustrate two themes evidently brought out in the excerpt.
(i) Give the meaning of the following statements as used in the passage.
(i) This is an expensive joke
(ii) And for a God-bless-you, eh!
(iii)Blood hounds.
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the narrative below and answer the questions that follow. (Solved)
Read the narrative below and answer the questions that follow.
Long, long time ago animals and birds spoke just like men do. When God had to stop them speaking, he
made birds sin, like this chrrip! Chrrip……… Lions to roar like this graagh! Graagh! And hyenas to howl like
this huuu! Huuu!
And do you blame God? Listen to what naughty hyena who had gone two days without any meat did. He had
been wondering up and down the hills when he suddenly stopped, nose in the air, one foot raised.
Do I smell, eh…………smell food? He slowly raised his head to the skies as if to say, “Please God, let me
find some food, even one rotting bone will do.”
Slowly, he followed the smell, sniffing hard, stopping now and again, over grinning wider as the smell
became stronger. “Here at last”, He said as he came in sight of a calf that seemed dead, flies buzzing over its
excrement.
“God, no time to waste. Who knows the owner may be around. Oh, no, 3 see it is secured to a tree with a
“Mukwa” I’ll take my time.
Ha, I am tired too, come to think of it. God gave us pretty strong senses of smell, generous old…… man.
Still I do think some people tend to exaggerate, now who was it saying the other day ‘ati’ God is the giver of
everything and that we should be grateful. O.K.
Tell me, did God give this calf? Did you God? I found it myself, smelled my way there, all the way. Nice calf
too, rather thin but it will do. I’ll take the head home and make soup with herbs. I especially like ‘muthathii’,
and I see one over there.
OK. Here we go, where shall I start, this lovely neck? No, I know, I will start with the ‘mukwa’ then I’ll get
on to the soft stuff, the tail, the rump, ‘Mahu’……….'
After chewing up half of the ‘mukwa’ the hyena brushed his teeth with the twig of a ‘muthiga’ a tree of
stimulate his appetite. He stepped on the calf’s tail, stuffed it in his mouth and ‘snap’ it went. The calf which
was only very sick and tired shot up and bolted away in the twinkling of an eye.
The hyena rubbed his eyes, ambled after the disappearing calf and soon fell
down in exhaustion. He looked up again to the heaven, tried to speak but no words came. Hyenas have never
been able to speak ever since…….
(a) Categorise this narrative and give a reason for your classification.
(b) Identify and explain two characteristics of oral narratives evident in this story
(c) Describe two character traits of the hyena as depicted in the narrative.
(d) Identify one economic aspect of the community described in this narrative and give a reason for your
answer.
(e) What moral lesson do we learn from this narrative?
(f) Give a proverb with the same moral lesson as this narrative.
(g) If you are asked to go and collect this story in the field, state:
(i) Three things you would do before the actual field trip.
(ii) Two problems you are likely to encounter
Date posted: May 28, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.
Bertolt Brecht: The Caucasian Chalk Circle.(Solved)
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.
Bertolt Brecht: The Caucasian Chalk Circle.
AZDAK: Listen! Am accused instigating war? Ridiculous! Am saying ridiculous!
That enough? If not, have brought lawyers. Believe five hundred.
(He points behind him, pretending to be surrounded by lawyers) requisition all available seats for
lawyers! (The IRONSHIRTS laugh:the FAT PRINCE joins in).
NEPHEW (to the IRONSHIRTS): You really wish me to try this case? I find it rather unusual from the taste angle,
I mean.
FIRST IRONSHIRT: Lets go!
FAT PRINCE: (smiling): Let him have it, my little fox?
NEPHEW: All right. People of Grusinia versus Grand Duke. Defendant, what have you got to
say for yourself?
AZDAK: Plenty. Naturally, have read war lost. Only started on the advice of
patriots. Like Uncle Arsen Kazbeki. Call Uncle Arsen as witness.
FAT PRINCE (to the IRONSHIRTS. Delightedly): what a madcap!
NEPHEW: Motion rejected. One cannot be arraigned for declaring a war, which
every ruler has to do once in a while, but only for running a war badly.
AZDAK: Rubbish! Did not run it at all! Had it run! Had it run by Princes!
Naturally, they messed it up.
NEPHEW: Do you by any chance deny having been commander in chief?
AZDAK: Not at all! Always was commander-in-chief. At birth shouted at wet nurse. Was
trained drop turds in toilet, grew accustomed to command.
Always commanded officials rob my cash box. Officers flog soldiers only on
command.
IRONSHIRTS (clapping): He’s good! Long live the Grand Duke!
FAT PRINCE: Answer him according to the dignity of the law. Defendant, preserve the dignity of
the law!
AZDAK: Agreed. Command you proceed with trial!
NEPHEW: It is not your place to command me. You claim that the Princes forced you to declare
war. How can you claim then that they-er- “messed it up”.
AZDAK: Did not send enough people. Embezzled funds. Sent sick horses.
During attack, drinking in whorehouse. Call Uncle Arsen as witness.
NEPHEW: are you making the outrageous suggestions that the Princes of this
country did not fight?
AZDAK: No. Prince fought. Fought for war contracts
FAT PRINCE: (jumping up): That’s too much! This man talks like a carpet weaver!
AZDAK: Really? Told nothing but truth.
FAT PRINCE: Hang him! Hang him!
FIRST IRONSHIRT (pulling the PRINCE down): Keep quiet! Go on, excellency!
NEPHEW: Quiet! Now render a verdict; you must be hanged! By the neck! Having
lost war!
AZDAK: Young man, seriously advise not fall publicly into jerky clipped speech. Cannot be watchdog
if howl like wolf. Got it? If people realize Princes
speak same language as Grand Duke, may hang Grand Duke and prince, huh? By the way,
must overrule verdict. Reason? War lost, but not for Princes. Princes won their war. Got
3,863,000 piasters for horses not delivered, 8,240,000 piasters for food supplies not produced.
Are therefore victors. War lost only for Grusinia, which is not present in this court.
(a) 'am accused instigating war?' Explain the circumstances that led the speaker to say these words.
(b) Why do you think the nephew is reluctant to try the case?
(c) Explain who according to the extract is responsible for instigating the war.
(d) Discuss at least two dominant themes in this extract.
(e) Identify and illustrate two character traits of Arsen Kazbeki as brought out in this extra
(f) Pick out two stylistic devices and comment on their effectiveness.
(g) Explain the ironic twist that takes place in this extract.
(h) Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each.
(i) I find it rather unusual. (Add a question tag)
(ii) Defendant, preserve the dignity of the law.
(Rewrite in the passive).
(iii) 'It is not your place to command me.'
(Rewrite in indirect speech.)
Date posted: May 28, 2019. Answers (1)
- Witi Ihimaera ‘The Whale Rider’
'Women have no place in the society portrayed in the novel'. Drawing examples from the Whale Rider by
Witi Ihimaera,...(Solved)
Witi Ihimaera ‘The Whale Rider’
'Women have no place in the society portrayed in the novel'. Drawing examples from the Whale Rider by
Witi Ihimaera, Write a composition in support of this statement.
Date posted: May 28, 2019. Answers (1)
- a) The Short Story.
Iliera and Olembo (Ed) 'When the Sun Goes Down and Other stories'
People encounter many problems in search for greener pastures....(Solved)
a) The Short Story.
Iliera and Olembo (Ed) 'When the Sun Goes Down and Other stories'
People encounter many problems in search for greener pastures. With examples from Seti Atta Short
Story 'Twilight Trek'.
Write an essay in support of this statement.
Date posted: May 28, 2019. Answers (1)
- 'The River and the Source” by Margaret Ogola.
'Despite good parenting, children can sometimes be a disappointment'. Using Elizabeth and Mark children, write
an essay in...(Solved)
'The River and the Source” by Margaret Ogola.
'Despite good parenting, children can sometimes be a disappointment'. Using Elizabeth and Mark children, write
an essay in support of this statement.
Date posted: May 28, 2019. Answers (1)
- Longhorn Publishers: When The Sun Goes Down and Other Stories from Africa and beyond
'Terror gangs bring about devastation to any society.' Write an essay in...(Solved)
Longhorn Publishers: When The Sun Goes Down and Other Stories from Africa and beyond
'Terror gangs bring about devastation to any society.' Write an essay in support of this statement with close reference to Moses Isegawa’s story ‘The War of the Ears’.
Date posted: May 28, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow. (Solved)
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.
OLD MAN: Pursued. Need undivided attention. Make proposition . . .
AZDAK: Make what? A proposition? Well, if that isn’t the height of insolence. He’s
making me a proposition! The bitten man scratches his fingers bloody, and the leech that’s
biting him makes him a proposition! Get out, I tell you!
OLD MAN: Understand point of view! Persuasion! Pay hundred thousand piasters one night!
Yes?
AZDAK: What, you think you can buy me? For a hundred thousand piasters? Let’s say a
hundred and fifty thousand. Where are they?
OLD MAN: Have not them here. Of course. Will be sent. Hope do not doubt.
AZDAK: Doubt very much. Get out!
The OLD MAN gets up, waddles to the door. A VOICE is heard offstage.
VOICE: Azdak!
The OLD MAN turns, waddles to the opposite corner, stands still.
AZDAK (calling out): I’m not in! (He walks to the door.) So you’re sniffing around here again,
Shauwa?
SHAUWA (reproachfully): You caught another rabbit, Azdak. And you’d promised me it
wouldn’t happen again!
AZDAK (severely): Shauwa, don’t talk about things you don’t understand. The rabbit is
dangerous and destructive beast. It feeds on plants, especially on the species of plants known
as weeds. It must therefore be exterminated.
SHAUWA: Azdak, don’t be hard on me. I’ll lose my job if I don’t arrest you. I know you
have a good heart.
AZDAK: I do not have a good heart! How often must I tell you I’m a man of intellect?
SHAUWA (slyly): I know, Azdak. You’re a superior person. You say so yourself. I’m just a
Christian and an ignoramus. So I ask, you: When one of the Prince’s rabbit is stolen and I’m
a policeman, what should I do with the offending party?
AZDAK: Shauwa, Shauwa, shame on you. I catch a rabbit, but you catch a man. Man is
made in God’s Image. Not so a rabbit, you know that. I’m a rabbit-eater, but you’re a man
eater, Shauwa. And god will pass judgement on you. Shauwa, go home and repent. No, stop,
there’s something . . . (He looks at the OLD MAN who stands trembling in the corner.) No, it
is nothing. Go home and repent. (He slams the door behind Shauwa.) Now you are surprised,
huh? Surprised I couldn’t hand over a bedbug to that animal. It goes against the grain. Now
don’t tremble because of a cop! So old and still so scared? Finish your cheese, but eat like a
poor man, or else they will catch you. Must I even explain how a poor man behaves? (He
pushes him down, and then gives him back the cheese.) That box is the table. Lay your elbow
on the table. Now, encircle the cheese on the plate like it might be snatched from you at any
moment – what right have you to be safe, huh? – now, hold your knife like an undersized
sickle, and give your cheese a troubled look because, like all beautiful things, it’s already
fading away. (AZDAK watches him.) They’re after you, which speaks in your favour, but
how can we be sure they’re not mistaken about you? In Tiflis one time they hanged a
landowner, a Turk, who could proof he quartered his peasants instead of merely cutting them
in half, as is the custom, and he squeezed twice the usual amount of taxes out of them, his zeal
was above suspicion. And yet they hanged him like a common criminal – because he was a
Turk – a thing he couldn’t do much about. What injustice! He got in the gallows by a sheer
fluke. In short, I don’t trust you.
1. Place this excerpt in its immediate context.
2. Who is the old man and why is he being pursued?
3. Identify any theme present in the excerpt.
4. Why has Shauwa visited Azdak’s home?
5. Identify any instance of irony in the excerpt
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6. What are the traits of the characters in this excerpt?
a. Azdak……………………………………………………………………………………
b. Old Man ………………………………………………………………………………….
c. Shauwa……………………………………………………………………………………
7. Must I explain how a poor man behaves? (Change into a declarative)
8. In less than 35 words, summarise the ways in which a poor man behaves.
9. Explain the meaning of the following words and expressions as used in the excerpt.
a. Insolence ________________________________________________________________
b. Exterminated _____________________________________________________________
c. Ignoramus _
Date posted: May 28, 2019. Answers (1)