The Whale Rider, Witi Ihimaera
Introduction
Conflicts are inevitable in life and human beings all over the world will disagree at on time or the other. The most important thing
is how the conflicts are resolved. This can be seen in The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera through Koro Apirana,
Nani Flowers, Rawiri and Porourangi.
Accept any other relevant introduction. (2mks)
Content
- Conflict between Koro Apirana and Nani Flowers concerning the birth of Kahu. When Kahu is born, Koro Apirana is so
disappointed that he rows to the sea to sulk because he has been expecting a baby boy. The boy child who would inherit the
chiefdom which has traditionally been passed on from the eldest son to the eldest son. Kahu has broken this tradition. Nani
Flowers on the otherhand is so happy and to her it does not matter whether the baby is a girl or a boy. This conflict prompts
Koro Apriaa to start men-only classes in a bid to get a boy who can replace Kahu as chief in her generation.Conflict between
Nani Flowers and Koro Apriana over the naming of the girl Kahu as Kahutia Te Rangi. Koro Apriana suspects it was Nani
Flowers idea and is very angry because he finds this as belittling the ancestor of the village, Kahuti Te Rangi. Nani Flowers
is not bothered by this and encourages Reha. To Nani Flowers, Kahu is a symbolic name. This conflict does not influence a
change in the name.
- Conflict between Koro Apriana and Porourangi over the issue of chiefdom in Kahu's generation. Porourangi has no issue but
Koro Apirana is forever looking for somebody who can replace Kahu as chief in her generation. This conflict makes
Porourangi make sarcastic jokes about Koro Apriana?s attempt and he
keeps on saying that Koro is still looking for the one.
- Conflict between Nani Flowers and Rawire over Rawire's venture outside Whangara Rawire thinks it's a good idea but Nani
Flowers is opposed to it Nani asks what there is that he cannot find in Whangara. Later, when he calls to inform her that he is to fly with Jeff to Papua New
Guinea, she discourages him telling him that he will be eaten up by the people of Papua. Rawire however has a
different idea. These conflicts do not stop Rawire from venturing to the outside world.
- Conflict between Rawire and Jeff?s family when Jeff?s family cause an accident in which a native, Bernard is seriously
injured, they think it is unsafe and useless to help the injured man since he is a native. This is despite the fact that he works
in their plantation Rawire chooses to help him. Due to this conflict, Jeff?s family speed in the family car, leaving Rawire with the
helpless man. Unfortunately, Bernard dies of the accident injuries. This conflict makes Rawire think seriously about
going back home.
- Conflict between two parties at Wainui Beach during the incident of the stranded whales. There are those who are out to cut
up the whales using chainsaws, then get ready for a feast. The others want to help the whales back into the sea where they
belong. This conflict causes fist fights and name calling, unfortunately, all these whales finally die.
Expect four well developed points.
Mark 3:3:3:3 4 x 3 = 12mks
Conclusion
From the above illustrations, it is evident there are many conflicts in the text
The Whale Rider. These conflicts highlight various issues and help in development of the plot.
Accept any other valid conclusion. (2 mks)
Grammar and presentation (4 mks)
marto answered the question on April 4, 2019 at 12:54
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Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: May the proceedings of this tribunal begin...
(Solved)
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
“May the proceedings of this tribunal begin and may God save the King.” intoned the DO. The twins looked at him with
interest. He waears and the tip of his long nose. His hair was an amazing yellow and wonder of wonders hid eyes were blue. Nevertheless he was
human and spoke with a human if strange voice - rather resonant with an unusual timbre, somewhat harsh to the ear.
“Great chief. I am a widow. My husband was the chief of Sakwa. We had two sons. The first one who would have
been chief died in the big war of the white people. His brother also died accidentally soon after taking over the chief?s stool. He left
one child, a son who is but a toddler. For this reason my late husband?s brother has taken over the chief?s stool supposedly in
custody for my grandson. However it has become clear that he has no intention of relinquishing that seat; what is more he has grabbed
all his brother?s wealth and is now at war with me, trying to grab my own personal wealth as well. He feels that being a woman I
deserve nothing. Now if this is allowed to happen, what will my grandson use to pay the brideprice and reclaim the chief?s
stool? May Were, God of the rising sun (the interpreter translated that simply as God) give his wisdom to you so that you can decide
this matter fairly. Thank you.” She sat down.
The DO was lost in thought for a few minutes. He had lived in this part of the country since the end of the war and he
was well aware how deeply these people were steeped in their tradition - they called it Chik. Chik governed every aspect of
the life of the people. It was the glue which held the people together, thus preventing disintegration of the fabric of society
and chaos. Without Chik to tell each person where he fitted in the exact order of things, where he came from and where he
could expect to go, there would be confusion and apprehension. Very few rebelled and were outcast, cut off from the people
like a branch from a tree. The majority were glad to avail themselves of the surety it offered; to do and to be done by.
According to Chik the brother should have married his brother?s widow and become guardian of the grandson and
custodian not owner of the chief?s stool. Animosity must run very deep in that family for this not to have been done. He cleared
his throat and spoke.
“This is a very deep and serious matter which cannot be decided in one sitting. May a team be dispatched to the village to
further investigate this matter. Then the woman may bring her appeal in three months to the visiting District Commissioner. Next
case.”
Akoko and her nephews left the tribunal and went back to their benefactor?s home. They discussed the DO?s decision. “You
mean there is a bigger white chief than this diyo?” Odongo asked.
“Looks like it,” replied the twins.
“Don?t you think he should have decided? Aunts? case is after all so s actually white - not cloud white, but an indefinable translucent colour with spots of red on the cheeks, theAkoko and her nephews left the tribunal and went back to their benefactor?s home. They discussed the DO?s decision. “You
mean there is a bigger white chief than this diyo?” Odongo asked.
“Looks like it,” replied the twins.
“Don?t you think he should have decided? Aunts? case is after all so clear.”
“May be he should have taken a longer time to think.”
“He probably does not understand the way of Chik. After all he is white.”
“My sons,” said Akoko. “Do not decide the wisdom of a man by the brevity of his quiet or the multitude of his words. It is only
a wise man who can decide quickly that he doesn?t know and needs to seek more knowledge. A fool knows everything. It is
only a wise man who does not hide his folly behind many words. I think this Diyo will help me.”
Questions
a. What had happened before this extract? (3 marks)
b. What did the boys find wondrous about the DO? (1 mark)
c. In note form outline the traditional practices of the community in this excerpt. (5 marks)
d. Apart from traditions which other three themes are evident in this excerpt? (6 marks)
e. Identify and illustrate two stylistic devices employed in this extract. (4 marks)
f. Akoko tells her nephews that she thinks this 'Diyo' will help her. How does this happen later in the story. (4 marks)
g. 'I think this Diyo will help me,'
(Rewrite the sentence and add a question tag) (1 mark)
h. What is the name of the benefactor mentioned in the extract?
Date posted:
April 4, 2019
.
Answers (1)
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“The society has lost its moral values.” Using the Pearl by John Steinbeck for your illustrations, show the truth of the above statement
(Solved)
“The society has lost its moral values.” Using the Pearl by John Steinbeck for your illustrations, show the truth of the above statement
Date posted:
April 4, 2019
.
Answers (1)
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Study the genre below and answer the questions that follow.
The short child shot a shot of his short white wash
(Solved)
Study the genre below and answer the questions that follow. (6 marks)
The short child shot a shot of his short white wash.
Questions
(i) Classify the genre. (2 marks)
(ii) Identify consonance in the genre above. (2 marks)
(iii) State two functions of the genre above. (2 marks)
Date posted:
April 4, 2019
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Answers (1)
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Using illustrations from Sefi Atta's short story, 'Twilight Trek,' write a composition to illustrate the problems illegal immigrants go....
(Solved)
Answer the following question
Emilia Ilieva and Waveney Olembo (Eds.), When the Sun Goes Down and Other Short Stories from Africa and Beyond.
Using illustrations from Sefi Atta's short story, 'Twilight Trek,' write a composition to illustrate the problems illegal immigrants go through in the event of wanting to seek better lives abroad
Date posted:
April 4, 2019
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Answers (1)
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Bertolt Brecht, The Caucasian Chalk Circle.'Everyone in society gets what they deserve, whether good or bad.'Write an essay in support of this statement drawing illustrations...
(Solved)
Bertolt Brecht, The Caucasian Chalk Circle.
'Everyone in society gets what they deserve, whether good or bad.'
Write an essay in support of this statement drawing illustrations from the play,' The Caucasian Chalk Circle.'
Date posted:
April 4, 2019
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Answers (1)
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Akawala akaawa kaawa kaawa akaawa kawa (Buganda)
A girl who gave kaawa bitter coffee; where is she from?
(a) Identify the genre above.
(b) With illustrations, identify...
(Solved)
Akawala akaawa kaawa kaawa akaawa kawa (Buganda)
A girl who gave kaawa bitter coffee; where is she from?
(a) Identify the genre above.
(b) With illustrations, identify any aspect of style used in the above genre.
(c) Give your own example of the genre above.
(d) Briefly explain any two functions of the genre
Date posted:
April 3, 2019
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Answers (1)
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(Solved)
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Date posted:
April 3, 2019
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Using the character of Brenda in Homestretch, write a composition to show how early life experiences influences a person's view of reality.
(Solved)
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Date posted:
April 3, 2019
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(a) How successful is the playwright in using play within a play?
(b) 'Military coups have done a lot of harm in African countries.'...
(Solved)
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(b) 'Military coups have done a lot of harm in African countries.' Discuss.
Date posted:
April 3, 2019
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'Without Stella, Wak and Odie would kill each other.' Citing examples from the play, support the above statement.
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April 3, 2019
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John Ruganda: Shreds of Tenderness describe the problems faced by refugees in the play.
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April 3, 2019
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Imagine you are John and you have planned to meet Wamuhu later in the evening to persuade her not to reveal her pregnancy to her...
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April 3, 2019
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'Society places great expectations on women,' with reference to Wangui wa Goro's Heaven and Earth, write a composition in support of this observation
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April 3, 2019
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Female genital mutilation (FGM) goes against the principle of pleasure. Using Saida Hagi-Dirie Herzi's story, 'Against the pleasure principle' explain why FGM should never be...
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Date posted:
April 3, 2019
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'During a civil war, those who flee their country suffer as much as those who remain behind.'
Drawing illustrations from Ruganda's Shreds...
(Solved)
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'During a civil war, those who flee their country suffer as much as those who remain behind.'
Drawing illustrations from Ruganda's Shreds of Tenderness, write an essay in support of this statement.
Date posted:
April 3, 2019
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Answers (1)
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With illustrations from Fatmata Conteth's short story 'Letter to my Sisters', show how traditions have been used to...
(Solved)
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April 3, 2019
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(Solved)
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Date posted:
March 21, 2019
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Answers (1)
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Give two problems you are likely to encounter when collecting oral literature genre. How would you solve these problems?
(Solved)
Give two problems you are likely to encounter when collecting oral literature genre. How would you solve these problems?
Date posted:
March 21, 2019
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Answers (1)
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Read and answer the questions to the narrative below.
(Solved)
JACKAL AND HEN
This is a story that the old people tell. They say that hen flew to the top of a stack of wheat one day to find food. From where she stood on the stack she could see far out over the fields. She could see far and she saw Jackal coming from afar. She saw him coming towards her, she saw him out of the corner of her eyes, but when he came closer she did not look up at all. She went on hunting for food.
'Good morning, mother of mine,' Jackal greeted her.
'Yes, I greet you,' she replied.
'Are you still living?' He asked, according to the correct way in which one person greets another.
'Yes, I am still living. And you? Are you still living also?'
'Yes, I too am still living, mother, 'he replied. And then he asked as the custom was, 'Did you wake well this morning?'
And she answered, as it is proper, 'Yes, I woke well.'
And all the while he was talking, talking, talking, Jackal was looking closely at hen and saw that she was young and that her flesh would taste sweet. He thought of how he would get at her. But now she was standing on top of that stack of wheat, where he could not reach her. He could not get hold of her at all, not while she was on top of the stack of wheat, and would have to think of a way to get her down.
Jackal had many plans. He was a man who was not just a little bit clever. No, he was very clever. He asked her. 'Mother, have you heard of that there is peace among everybody on earth? One animal may not catch another animal any more, because of that peace.
'Peace?' She asked.
'Yes, mother, peace. The chiefs called together a big meeting, and at that meeting they decided this business of peace on all the earth.'
'Oh yes,' said hen. But she wondered about it. She wondered whether this Jackal could be telling the truth. He was a man with many clever stories, and many times those clever stories were nothing but lies.
'You say there is peace now?' 'Yes, mother. The big peace. There has never been such a big peace. You can safely come down from that stack of wheat. Then we can talk about the matter nicely. We shall take snuff together. Come down. Mother! Remember the peace!'
But hen was not quite as stupid as Jackal thought she was. She wanted to make sure first that Jackal was telling the truth and that he was not telling her lies again. She turned around and looked far out over the fields behind her. Then she went to stand on the highest point of the stack and kept staring out over the fields until Jackal asked: 'What is it that you see from up there that you stare so: me?'
'What do I see? Why do you want to know what I see? It does not matter what I see, for there is no danger anymore for any animal on earth. Is it not peace among the animals? It is only a pack of dogs that are running towards us.'
“Dogs! A pack of dogs!' he cried. And his fear was very great. 'Then I shall have to greet you, mother. I am a man who has a lot of work waiting.'
'Kekekeke!' hen laughed. 'I thought it was peace among all animals on earth? Have you forgotten it? The dogs will do nothing to harm you. 'Why do you want to run away, grandfather?' I don’t think this pack of dogs came to the meeting on peace!' and jackal ran so fast that the dust rose in great clouds from the road behind him.
'Kekekeke!' laughed hen, for then she knew the story of the peace was just a big lie. And she knew that if she had taken snuff with that fellow he would have caught her so she made up a story herself and with it she had caught him beautifully.
'Kekekeke!' she laughed. 'I caught the story teller with another story.' And that is the end of this story
a) State the category of this Oral narrative and give a reason for your answer. (2mks
b) What does the conversation between the Jackal and Hen in the first part of the narrative reveal about the social conduct of the community in which this story originated? (2mks)
c) Compare and contrast the character of Hen and Jackal. (4mks)
d) Quoting examples from the story to support your answer, identify four features that are characteristic of oral narratives. (4mks)
e) List and illustrate two techniques of narrative more interesting if it were told orally.
f) Give two problems you are likely to encounter when collecting this type of oral literature genre. How would you solve these problems?
Date posted:
March 21, 2019
.
Answers (1)