The River and the Source - Part 6

Q11. Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow
My fathers,  “It is a shameful thing for my wife to leave her husbands house and return to her father’s house. This outrageous thing had occurred only because I was  not here to prevent it.”
“Our chief, we are saddened by this unfortunate state of affairs, but you must admit that your mother has a point or two. Long have we pleaded with you to take another wife for two. Long have we pleaded with you to take another wife for yourself and you have adamantly refused. Now she has left you, you are like a misumba, a bachelor which would not have been the case if you had another wife. We beg you take another wife for yourself.” This was from Oyier, a grizzled old man who had been his mother’s greatest champion in her quest for a wife for Owuor. He realized that the old geezrs were going to give him a hard time of it, so he changed his tactics.
“Fathers,  you are the wise men of this community. That is why you sit in the council. Is it that you have forgotten the ways of chik or that your determination to get me to marry other wives has clouded your judgement? Do you not know that a man’s mikai is the greatest jewel that adorns his compound? That her position in maintained and protected by taboos imposed by the ways of chik? That if I die, Were forbid, my body can only lie of her hut? And this would do so even if she herself were dead? To lose one’s mikai is to lose one’s right hand.”
The Jodongo nodded sagaciously at the wisdom uttered by the chief. It is true that the mikai is the centre post that holds up a man’s hut. Without her, or if she were stupid, only Were could rescue such a man from being blown away from among the people like so much chaff. She it is who saves a young man from the follies and stupidities of youth. Indeed the people of Ramogi has a saying which declared that ‘The medicine for stupidity in marriage’. Yes, the chief had spoken wisely. But Oyier would not give up so easily
            Questions
            (a) Explain what happens just before this excerpt        (3mks)
            (b) What is the bone of contention between Akoko and her mother-in-law, Nyar Asembo     (3mks)
            (c) “The girl child” brieflt explain the relevance of this sub-heading to the whole novel         (2mks)
            (d) Oyier sounds sarcastic in his speech. Identify and explain the sarcasm        (2mks)
            (e) Basing your answer on what we see in the excerpt, contrast the character of Owuor with that of his brother Otieno     (4mks)
            (f) Explain the meaning of the following line as used in the extract
            “It is true that “Mikai” is the centre post that hold up  a man’s hut”       (2mks)
            (g) Identify parenthisis in the last paragraph of this excerpt            (1mk)
            (h) Explain the main theme that comes out in this excerpt       (2mks)
(i) From your knowledge of the novel, describe the role of ‘Jodongo’ in the community represented in this novel
Write your answer in note farm        (3mks)
(i) Local language is used in this exerpt. Give two examples and explain its significances      (2mks)
(k) Discuss the mood that is prevalent in this extract       (1mk)
Answers
(a) Owuor returns his journey only to find an empty house
He tries to inquire from neighbours and from his children what had happened
He gets very angry/locks himself up in his ‘simba’
He sermons the council;’jodongo’ to convene the following day        (3mks)
(b) Nyar Asembo alleges that Akoko is unable to conceive regularly/her rate of procreation is slow
She accuses Akoko of practicing witchcraft against her son
She also acuses Akoko of standing between Owuor and his marriage to other women by casting a spell on him
c) “The Girl child’ This refers to AKoko
She is the source of the family tree (river) that extends for many generations for her, Nyabera, Elizabeth and her great grandchildren
Akoko is the source of life. She represents women as natia, Awiti, Vera and Wandia
Aas a source, her family survives due to he determination wisdom, hardwork and clarity of vision as a girl-child
She plays a role of those who have been wise in their time, pioneers through whose daring actions bring progress to the whole society(2mks)
(d) Oyier says that they are saddened by the disappearance of Akoko but in the real sense he capitalizes or this opportunity to advance Owuor’s mother’s quest of getting him (Owuor) marry another wife. Oyier calls him a “misumba’. This is meant to hurt and humiliate Owuor so that he can marry another wife
(e) Look for the following points
Owuor                         Otieno
(i) wise                         Foolish
(ii) Reasoning              Irrational
(iii)Faithful                  Immoral
(iv) Responsible           Irresponsible
(v) Generous                greedy
(vi) Tactical                 tactless                                                                                            (4mks)
NB- Contrasting words and phrases must be used. If not award o mark
One character trait of Owuor must come from the excerpt but that of Otieno from elsewhere in the novel
Award any relevant trait well illustrated
(f) It expresses the importance of the first wife (Akoko0 to Owuor Kembo. Just like a central post holds
up a hut, the “Mikai” prevents a homestead from falling apart. Akoko supports her husband and gives
dignity.    (2mks)    
(g) Without her, or if she were stupid only  Were could rescue suh a man from being blown away from among the people like so much chaff                                                                                                                 (1mk)
(h) Tradition-If a man dies, his body lies in his house before burial in the right hand side of Mikai’s house
The council of ‘Jodongo’ arbitrates in marriage desputes
Position of ‘Mikai’ is protected  by taboos
Losing a ‘mikai’ is like loosing one’s right hand
(mikai refered as a ‘jewel’)
The society is polygamous
It was a taboo for a man and such a chief to be a ‘misumba’ bachelor                                                            (2mks)
(i) Involved in marriage negotiations/solved marriage disputes
Arbitrate in social matters/judges cases
Assists the chief in running the affairs of the community
Assists in the removal of a bad chief                                                                                                           (3mks)
NB- Notes are shown through letters, arrows, a star, a dash, a dot and use of incomplete sentences. If not in note form,deduct half a  mark from the total score
(j) :”Mikai’, Chik’, Misumba,
Effectiveness
Has aesthetic value
Gives the story its local flavor thus providing variety
Add colour and flavor to the novel
It authenticates and pin points the setting of the novel as Kenyan
It injects life in the narration thus making the story enjoyable
It provides a social and geographical setting (2mks)
(k) Solemn/serious /grave/somber/melancholic mood. “My fathers…..it is a shameful thing  fro my wife to leave…..prevent it” (1mk)

Q12. Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that follow
           IN THE ‘BOX’ THE WOMENS HALL OF residence, no one was consulted before being assigned a room mate and one could end up with a real creep. In the first  year, there was one room to be shared between two people. In the second and third years, one moved into a semi-divided room which quaranteed at least some privacy. Vera was lucky in the room-mate she drew in her second year. She was a commerce student called Mary-Anne Ngugi- a nice  human being by any standards. She had a boyfriend whose name was Mathew Saisi who was studying Design. He was very friendly  and had in fact hit it off with Tommy very well. Their shared room was therefore like an Island in the midst of the tumultuous sea that was the ‘Box’. Mary-Anne was a Nairobian whose parents lived in Buru Buru. Being an only daughter in a family of six, her parents treated her like something special and constantly brought her food from home. Most of this found its way to Vera, whom Mary-Anne  treated like the sister she had never had. Vera had maintained enviably slim. So when Vera  came in that night weeping, Mary-Anne was very solicitous of her. She put her in bed and just held her arms until she calmed down, then she made a cup of cocoa just the way Vera liked it-dark brown and sweet, with no milk.
“Want to talk?”
“Tommy  and I broke up today. Then I went to look for my sister- I felt so lonely.”
“A sister?”
“Yes, my  twin sister.”
“You have a sister in this town?”
“Yes!”
“How come she never comes to see you?’
“Are you going to listen!”
“Sorry, I was surprised, that’s all. You broke up with Tommy!” The expression on her face was so comical that Vera just laughed.
“I might as well let you tell the story Mary-Anne.”
“Sorry, but you can’t throw such shockers my way and expect me to think sensibly. Please tell me.”
“What was his crime?”
“Nothing. It’s got nothing to do with him at all. I just did not feel right about it, that’s all”. I just did not feel right about it, that’s all.”
“There are many questions I could and should ask,  but I will ask only one-how did he take it”
“You know Tommy, he tried to take it with good humour and then suddenly he couldn’t take any more and he left.”
“Do you realize that you might live to regret this? Boys like Tommy simply don’t grow off trees you know. Some girl is going to snap him up faster than fast. All the same it is not for me to censure you- an adult woman. Think it; you may see things differently tomorrow. Tell me about your sister. Your twin sister, if you please!”
Questions
(a) Who is the twin sister referred to here?     (2mks)
(b) State what happens immediately before and after this extract                                           
     (i) Before            (2mks)
     (ii) After           (2mks)
(c) Describe the events that led to Vera and Tommy’s break up       (3mks)
(d) Identify any two styles in the excerpt     (4mks)
(e) “You have a sister in this town” Rewrite this question adding a question tag                     (1mk)
(f) Describe the character of Vera and Mary-Anne Ngugi as portrayed in this excerpt            (4mks)
   (i) Vera
   (ii) Mary-Anne
(g) Vera’s twin sister had left home unceremoniously. From elsewhere in the novel state what necessitates the sisters departure from home       (4mks)
(h) Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt     (3mks)
    (i) Creep
    (ii) Solicitous
    (iii) Censure
Answers are unavailable for now

Q13. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
 “Mother, I have decided to seek the new religion which you have heard about. You know my life is a painful wound to me and much as I try my heart fills with bitterness- for me and for you”.
“ My child, do not feel bitterness for me for I am an old woman who has lived her life. As for you it is better that you seek this new way. It might give you hope and rescue you from bitterness. Bitterness is poison to the spirit for it breeds nothing but vipers some ofwhich might consume your very self. Pain and sorrow all human being feel; but bitterness drops on the spirit likealoes- causing it to wither. I give you my blessing my child. If you are walking along and you find your path leading nowhere, then it is only wise to try some other path.”
“ Thank you mother. I will bring you news as soon as I can. May Were protect you.”
Questions

1. Place the above extract to its immediate context.        (6mks)

1. “You know my life is painful wound.” What made Nyabera regard her life as a painful  wound?

1.  In what way was Nyabera’s life similar to that of Akoko according to the rest of the novel. (3mks)

1.  Identify and illustrate one characters trait of Akoko and Nyabera as brought out in this extract.

1. Akoko        (2mks)

1. Nyabera      (2mks)

1. Pain and sorrow all human being feel. Rewrite this sentences making “human” the subject of the sentence.  (1mk)

1. Briefly explain one theme that is brought out in this extract.    (2mks)

Answers
Nyabera had gone to philipo to inquire about the new religion. She had then gathered her things and decided to leave her daughter with her mother n Yimbo. Shei informs her mother of her decision to seek the new religion .Her mother encourage her to go ahead and join the new religion and forget her bitters .Immediately after this Nyabera  t ravel s to Aluor mission and join the new religion
(b). Nyabera had suffered a lot in her life  because her children had died mysteriously leaving her with only grl child .(Ant) Her husband had died .Ogoma Kwach who had inherited her had gone to his family
(c ). (i). Both had lost their husbands through death
        (ii). Their children had died
        (iii). They were both sonless
(d).(i) Akoko
      - philosophical – Bitterness is poison to the spirit for it breeds nothing but viper………”
     (ii). Nyabera

• Bitter – ‘ You know my wife a painful wound and much as my heart fills with bitterness  ‘    
• Religions – Decides to seek solace n the new religion “May Never protect you”

Identificant
(e). Dialogue – “Mother I have decided……..
Simile – “but bitterness drops on the spirit like aloes ……..”
Use of Non – English Were
(f). Theme of religion – Nyabera decides to seek new religion….
Theme of human suffering  - “ You know my life is a painful wound

Q14.  Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that follow.
“Brothers, we greet you and bring you many greetings from the people of seme. My nephew, Oloo, son of my late brother Sigu, came to me and said: “Father, I have found a girl and I want to get married. Now I am a reasonable man and I know the ways of chik, so I asked him: ‘Son I asked him one does not just find a girl in the air. One sends ajwanyo to go and spy a girl and find out her antecedents and character. Is she a thief or a witch? Is she lazy or shiftless? Might there be consanguinity between you and her? Who is her mother and father? I tell you my brothers that I was flabbergasted to hear that none of these things had crossed his mind. He knew that her mother’s name was Maria and her grandmother’s name was Akoko and that was all. You will therefore forgive us because we do not know you and you do not know us. We only came because we have faith in our son who has always been a reasonable man. We therefore wish to introduce ourselves before we go on. I am SemoRakula of Seme, our village is near that strange rock- upon-a-rock, Kit-Mikai. We are the descendants of that wear warrior, Nyagudi Kogambi. Oloo and these young men are my sons and nephew . Oloo is a man of learning and what is more a soldier who has fought for the white man in distant landa Now he is a clerk with a big kambi (company)in Nakuru, where he gets a good salary. So should this suit be acceptable to all you need have no fear that your daughter will starve. I tell you these things because there are things jawang’yo would have found out for you. Thank you brothers.” A pot of kong’o was moved near him and he drew a long refreshing draught. Some things never change-a spokesman needs to irrigate his throat.
“Brothers, people of Seme. My name is Oyange Silwal The girl Awiti is the only child of my late brother Okumu. We are from Sakwa from the village of Gombe, The girl has group in Gem because her mother being a widow and having converted to Christianity decided to settle here which a good thing is because now she is like light for the rest of us. She is highly educated and a teacher of children.
Questions
(a) Place this excerpt in its immediate context.        (4marks)
(b) Identify and illustrate any three thematic concerns evident in this excerpt.         (6marks)
(c) Describe the character of Awiti as brought out in this excerpt,     (2marks)
(d) Apart from the case in this excerpt, explain where again there is a compromise in the bride price later on in the novel.    (2marks)
 (e) In one sentence, paraphrase the statements below       (2marks)
       “Brothers, people of Seme. My name is OyangeSilwal The girl Awiti is the only child of my late brother
          Okumu. We are from Sakwa from the village of Gombe.
(f) We only came because we have faith in our son who has always been a reasonable man.
     Provide a question tag for the above statement.      ( l marks)
 (g) ‘ You will therefore forgive us brothers because we do not know you and you do not know us.’ In light
        of what happens in the novel, why is the speaker begging for forgiveness.        (2marks)
 (h) Identify and illustrate any two stylistic devices evidently used in this excerpt.        (4marks)
(i) Give the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in the excerpt.       (2marks)
      Consanguinity;       ………………………
       irrigate his throat;   ……………………
Answers

1. Place this excerpt in its immediate context (4mks)

Awiti Elizabeth begins a relationship with Mark Sigu; she introduces the matter to Akoko and Nyabera; Akoko invites her relations and negotiation is fixed .Mark Sigu comes also with his relations. They meet, talk and are entertained. They agree on just a token as a bride price. The talks are concluded and akoko calls Mark for a close talk, they joyously talk. Later on in the night Akoko dies.

1. Identify and illustrate any three thematic concerns evident in this excerpt (6mks)

Love and friendship: Awiti and mark fall in love and marry; Family ties and relations: Akoko’s close relatives must be invited for the negotiation so is the family of Mark Sigu.Changes; mark and Awiti want to marry yet they do not know one another’s family background; religion: Awiti’s mother is said to be converted to Christianity and went to live in the mission; Eduaction: Awiti is said to be an educated girl and is a teacher.

1. Describe the character of Awiti as brought out in this excerpt ( 2mks)

Hardworking; she studies very hard and becomes a teacher

1.  Apart from the case in this excerpt, explain where again there is compromise in the bride price later on in the novel (2mks)

Wandia’s mother does not demand any bride price but only asks Aoro to stay in peace with her daughter.

1. In one sentence, paraphrase the statements below(3mks)

“Brothers, people of seme.My name are OyangeSilwal.The girl Awiti is the only child of my late brother Okumu.We are from Sakwa from the village of Gombe.
Oyangesilwal tells the people of Seme that Awiti is the only child of his late brother Okumu and that they are from Sakwa from the clan of Gombe

1. We only came because we have faith in our son has always been a reasonable man. provide a question tag for the above statement (2mks)

We only came because we have faith in our son who has always been a reasonable man, didn’t we?

1. ‘You will therefore forgive us brothers because we do not know you and you do not know us’ In light of what happens in the novel, why is the speaker begging for forgiveness (2mks)

Because it is not customary to get into marriage negotiations without full knowledge of one another’s background.

1. Identify any two stylistic devices evidently used in this excerpt (2mks)

Rhetoric questions: Is she a thief or a witch? Is she lazy or shiftless? Might there be consanguinity between you and her? Who is her mother and father?.........Direct address “Brothers we greet you and bring you man greetings.

1. Give the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in the excerpt (2mks)
2. close relationship

To irrigate his throat – to take a drink to so as to talk with ease.

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