- "War is ugly." Drawing illustrations from the short story, The President by Mariatu Kamara in the anthology Memories We Lost and Other Stories, validate this...(Solved)
"War is ugly." Drawing illustrations from the short story, The President by Mariatu Kamara in the anthology Memories We Lost and Other Stories, validate this statement.
Date posted: August 27, 2019. Answers (1)
- Despite colonisation, the Kino's strongly hold onto their traditional faith. Validate this statement with reference to 'The Pearl' by John Steinbeck. (Solved)
Despite colonisation, the Kino's strongly hold onto their traditional faith. Validate this statement with reference to 'The Pearl' by John Steinbeck.
Date posted: August 27, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow.
A long, long time ago, there was a man and his wife. They had built their hut in the middle of the forest but they had fenced round the homestead to keep wild animals from entering the compound. Now this man used to go to the smithy to join the other smiths in ironwork. This time, when he went, he left his wife heavy with child.
In this forest, there was a big ogre. As soon as the man went away the ogre came into the compound with a heavy load of firewood. When he brought the load to the compound, he dropped it outside with a big thud of this firewood.
He went inside the hut where he made some porridge. He drank it. To the expectant woman he said, “Woman with child, take this. You don’t want, I shall eat it for you.” And he ate all the porridge. Now this happened everyday for many days and the expectant mother grew as weak as the reeds by the riverside. When the time came for her delivery, the ogre crudely assisted her but he did not give her food.
Now the woman continued to be starved and grew weaker and weaker. She became very worried yet she did not lose heart. Every day she used to spread her castor oil seeds in the sun for she hoped to make oil for the child’s skin.
One day when she had spread her castor oil seeds in the sun, a dove came and helped herself to some seeds. The woman said to her, “You always come here to eat my seeds. Will you go if I send you?”
Said the dove, “let me eat my fill and then you can send me wherever you want. The dove ate until she had had enough.
“Where do you want to send me?”
“Go to the smithy and when you see the smiths ,sing these words:
Mutuiuukutuaisaangalalai x2
Mukauniwasyaiyeisaangalalai
Avyuviiawaniyiimu iii saangalalai
Yisikuyanakwivua iii
Saangalalaisa.
(Blacksmith smithing on your iron x 2
Your wife has given birth
Assisted by an ogre
Which eats all it has prepared)
And the dove went to the smiths and sang the song:
Blacksmith smithing on your iron x 2
Your wife has given birth
Assisted by an ogre
Which eats all it has prepared.
What is this thing – of a – bird saying, disturbing our work?” said one man throwing a stone at the dove. But the dove perched herself on another tree and sang again.
Blacksmith smithing on your iron x 2
Your wife has given birth
Assisted by an ogre
Which eats all it has prepared.
This time the men said;
“Haiya, perhaps this bird has a message for us. Who of us left his wife heavy with a child?”
Said one man, “I left my wife heavy.”
“Eei, take your things. Go home. This message might be yours. Your wife might have given birth and she is in danger.”
At home, the ogre was still tormenting the woman. He used to go to the shamba, dig out the sweet potatoes, prepare them and offer them to her when they were already in his mouth, “Woman with child take this. You don’t want it, I’ll eat it for you.”
One day when the sun stood in the middle of the compound, her husband arrived from the smithy. He hid himself in the darkest corner of the hut and awaited the ogre. When the ogre arrived he cooked, ate all the food and slept on the naked floor. From his mouth came green, yellow and red foam that was a sign that he was fast asleep.
It was then that the blacksmith came down and speared him through and through until he was dead. Then the man and his wife moved and built a new home in another place.
a) Classify the above narrative and give a reason for your classification.
b) In the story, what shows that the ogre never intended to share the food with the woman?
c) Discuss any two features in the story that qualify it as a traditional oral narrative.
d) With an illustration for each, describe two character traits of the ogre
e) Of what use is the song in the story?
f) What is the livelihood of the people from which this story is derived?
g) What moral lesson do you learn from this story?
Date posted: August 19, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the oral narrative below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the oral narrative below and answer the questions that follow.
There was once only one wise being in all the world, and that was Kwaku Ananse, the spider .But Kwaku Ananse wished to keep all this wisdom to himself.
One day, bored with having to stay and guard his wisdom all day, Kwaku Ananse decided to store it away and hide it in a safe place. So he called his wife, Aso, and asked her to make him a big pot into which he could put all his wisdom.
Aso went down to the riverbank and collected clay .She carefully made a big pot - a great pot with a narrow opening at the top so it could be easily sealed. Then she put the pot out in the sun to bake, and with the remainder of the clay, fashioned a stopper.
When the pot was finished, Aso took it to her husband, who, after making sure that there were no cracks in it, gathered together all his wisdom and pushed it well down into the pot .He covered it with some cocoa-yam leaves, then put in the stopper and tied it on with some strong twine
Now Kwaku Ananse had decided to hide the pot way up in the branches of a huge, silk-cotton tree that grew some distance away in the forest .It was over three metres wide, and the spikes on its trunk would stop all but the most intrepid spiders from climbing it.
Carrying the pot in front of him, he made his way through the forest, followed – unbeknown - by his small son, Ntikuma. At last he reached the great tree and started to attempt to climb it. He hung the pot by a rope around his neck, with the stopper just below his nose so he could make quite sure it did not tip over.
Alas, try as he would ,KwakuAnanse could not climb the tree ,for the pot kept getting in the way of his arms and he found he was unable to grip the trunk .He tried ,and tried, and tried, but with no success.
He grew hot and sticky and started to swear angrily.
Now, Ntikuma was watching his father from behind a tree, puzzled by his curious antics. At last, when Kwaku Ananse’s swearing grew really bad, he could stand it no longer and came up to his father timidly.
“Surely my father”, he said, “If you wish to take that pot up the tree you should tie it to your back, not your front. Then your hands would be free.”
Ananse was furious. Here was his small son teaching him a lesson – a lesson which he realized was only too true. Shaking with anger and exhaustion, he lifted the pot intending to take it off and chastise his son .His hands were slippery with sweat and the great pot was heavy. It slipped through his fingers and crashed to the ground. The pot burst open and the contents were scattered far and wide .There was a storm coming, and the wind swept through the forest, lifting the wisdom and carrying it on its way. The rain poured down and swept the wisdom into the steams, which carried it into the sea .Thus wisdom spread throughout the world.
(a) Giving a reason, identify the sub-genre of the above narrative.
b)Why did Kwaku Ananse decide to hide his wisdom?
c)How did Ananse make sure that his wisdom was safe in the pot ?
d)Why was it difficult for Ananse to climb the tree with the pot?
e)Identify and illustrate one character trait of each of the following as brought out in the above narrative:
(i)Kwaku Ananse -
ii)Aso -
(f) What two aspects of this narrative qualify it as oral?
(g) Identify and illustrate one economic activity of the community from which this narrative was taken
h)Which is the suitable audience for this story and why?
Date posted: August 19, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.
Rank: Is there anything wrong?
Nora: No, no, not in the least. It is only something it is my new dress —
Rank: What? Your new dress is lying there.
Nora: Oh, yes, that one; butthis is another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn't know about it —
Rank: Oho! Then that was the great secret.
Nora: Of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room, Keep him as long as—
Rank: Make your kind easy; I won't let him escape. (Goes into HELMER'S room)
Nora: (to the MAID) And he is standing waiting in the kitchen?
Maid: Yes, he came up the back stairs.
Nora: But didn't you tell him no one was in?
Maid: Yes, but it was no good.
Nora: He won't go away?
Maid: No; he says he won't until he has seen you, ma'am.
Nora: Well, let him come in —but quietly. Hellen, you mustn't say anything about it to anyone. It is a surprise for my husband.
Maid: Yes, ma'am, i quite understand. (Exit)
Nora: This dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in spite of me! No, no, no, it can't happen — it shan't happen! (She bolts the door of HELMER'S room. The MAID opens the hall door for KROGSTAD and shuts it after him. He is wearing a fur coat, high boots and a furcap.)
Nora: (advancing towards him) Speak low — my husband is at home.
Krogstad: No matter about that.
Nora: What do you want of me?
Krogstad: An explanation of something
Nora: Make haste then. What is it?
Krogstad: You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal.
Nora: I couldn't prevent it, Mr. Krogstade I fought as hard as a I could on your side, but it was no good.
Krogstad: Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows what I can expose you to, and yet he ventures —
Nora: How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort?
Questions:
a) Place the excerpt in its immediate context.
b) What is it that Nora claims to be another that she ordered? What does it reveal about her character trait?
c) This dreadful thing is going to happen! What is it that Nora fears will happen?
d) What character trait of Nora is brought outin the excerpt?
e) What is the presentation of Rank in the excerpt?
f) What major theme comes out in the excerpt?
g) What is the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt?
Date posted: August 19, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.
Rank: Is there anything wrong?
Nora: No, no, not in the least. It is only something it is my new dress —
Rank: What? Your new dress is lying there.
Nora: Oh, yes, that one; butthis is another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn't know about it —
Rank: Oho! Then that was the great secret.
Nora: Of course. Just go in to him; he is sitting in the inner room, Keep him as long as—
Rank: Make your kind easy; I won't let him escape. (Goes into HELMER'S room)
Nora: (to the MAID) And he is standing waiting in the kitchen?
Maid: Yes, he came up the back stairs.
Nora: But didn't you tell him no one was in?
Maid: Yes, but it was no good.
Nora: He won't go away?
Maid: No; he says he won't until he has seen you, ma'am.
Nora: Well, let him come in —but quietly. Hellen, you mustn't say anything about it to anyone. It is a surprise for my husband.
Maid: Yes, ma'am, i quite understand. (Exit)
Nora: This dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in spite of me! No, no, no, it can't happen — it shan't happen! (She bolts the door of HELMER'S room. The MAID opens the hall door for KROGSTAD and shuts it after him. He is wearing a fur coat, high boots and a furcap.)
Nora: (advancing towards him) Speak low — my husband is at home.
Krogstad: No matter about that.
Nora: What do you want of me?
Krogstad: An explanation of something.
Nora: Make haste then. What is it?
Krogstad: You know, I suppose, that I have got my dismissal.
Nora: I couldn't prevent it, Mr. Krogstade I fought as hard as a I could on your side, but it was no good.
Krogstad: Does your husband love you so little, then? He knows what I can expose you to, and yet he ventures —
Nora: How can you suppose that he has any knowledge of the sort?
Questions:
a) Place the excerpt in its immediate context.
b) What is it that Nora claims to be another that she ordered? What does it reveal about her character trait?
c) This dreadful thing is going to happen! What is it that Nora fears will happen?
d) What character trait of Nora is brought out in the excerpt?
e) What is the presentation of Rank in the excerpt? .
f) What major theme comes out in the excerpt?
g) What is the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt?
Date posted: August 16, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the extract below and then answer the questions that follow: Nora: (drops her cloak) Someone is coming now! ........(Solved)
Read the extract below and then answer the questions that follow:
Nora: (drops her cloak) Someone is coming now! (Goes to the door and listens.) No — it is no one. Of course, no one
Christmas Day — nor tomorrow either. But perhaps— (opens the door and looks out.) No, nothing in the letterbox; it is quite empty. (comes forward) What rubbish! Of course, he can't be in earnest about it. Such a thing couldn't happen: it is impossible — I have three little children. (enter the NURSE from the room on the left, carrying a big cardboard box)
Nurse: At last I have found the box with the fancy dress.
Nora: Thanks; put it on the table.
Nurse: (doing so) But it is very much in want of mending.
Nora: I should like to tear it into a hundred thousand pieces.
Nurse: What an idea! It can easily be put in order—just a little patience.
Nora: Yes, I will go and get Mrs. Linde to come and help me with it.
Nurse: What, out again? In this horrible weather? You will catch cold, ma'am, and make yourself ill.
Nora: Well, worse than that might happen. How are the children?
Nurse: The poor little souls are playing with their Christmas presents, but —
Nora: Do they ask much for me?
Nurse: You see, they are so accustomed to having their mamma with them.
Nora: Yes, but, nurse, I shall not be able to be so much with them now as I was before.
Nurse: Oh well, young children easily get accustomed to anything.
Nora: Do you think so? Do you think they would forget their mother if she went away altogether?
Nurse: Good heavens! - Went away altogether?
Nora: Nurse, I want you to tell me something I have often wondered about how could you have the heart to put your own child out among strangers?
Nurse: I was obliged to, if I wanted to be little Nora's nurse.
Nora: Yes, but how could you be willing to do it?
Nurse: What, when I was going to get such a good place by it? A poor girl who has got into trouble should be glad to. Besides, that wicked man didn't do a single thing for me.
Nora: But I suppose your daughter has quite forgotten you.
Nurse: No, indeed she hasn't. She wrote to me when she was confirmed, and when she was married.
Nora: (putting her arms round her neck) Dear old Anne, you were a good mother to me when I was little.
Nurse: Little Nora, poor dear, had no other mother but me.
Nora: And if my little ones had no other mother, I am sure you would — What nonsense I am talking! (opens the box) Go in to them. Now I must You will see tomorrow how charming I shall look.
Nurse: lam sure there will be no one at the ball so charming as you, ma'am. (goes into the room on the left)
Questions
a) Why is Nora looking worried that someone might be at the door?
b) The nurse reveals that she had to leave her daughter behind in order to serve as Nora's nurse. Explain the theme brought out from this revelation.
c) What does this conversation between Nora and the Nurse foreshadow?
d) Other than foreshadow, give another styles that is brought out in the excerpt
e) Someone is coming now! (Change into a negative sentence).
Date posted: August 16, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the extract below from DOLL’S HOUSE and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the extract below from DOLL’S HOUSE and answer the questions that follow.
Mrs. Linde: Still I think the sick are those who most need taking care of.
Rank: (shrugging his shoulders) Yes, there you are. That is the sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house. (NORA, who has been absorbed in her thoughts, breaks out into smothered laugher and claps her hands).
Rank: Why do you laugh at that? Have you any notion what Society really is?
Nora: 'What do I care about tiresome Society? I am laughing at something quite different, something extremely amusing. Tell me, Doctor Rank, are all the people who are employed in the Bank dependent on Torvald now?
Rank: Is that what you find so extremely amusing?
Nora: (smiling and humming) That's my affair! (walking about the room) It's perfectly glorious to think that we have — that Torvald has so much power over so many people. (takes the packet in her pocket) Doctor Rank, what do you say to a macaroon?
Rank: What, macaroons? I thought they were forbidden here.
Nora: Yes, but these are some Christine gave me.
Mrs. Linde: What! I ?-
Nora: Oh, well, don't be ashamed! You couldn't know that Torvald had forbidden them. I must tell you that he is afraid they will spoil my teeth. But, bah! — once in a way —That's so, isn't it, Doctor Rank? By your leave! (Puts a macaroon into her mouth) You must have one too, Christine. And I shall have one, just a little one — or at most two. (walking about) I am tremendously happy. There is just one thing in the world now that I should dearly love to do.
Rank: Well, what is that?
Nora: It's something I should dearly love to say. If Torvald could hear me.
Rank: Well, why can't you say it?
Nora: No, I daren't; it is so shocking.
Mrs. Linde: Shocking?
Rank: Well, I should not dvise you to say it. Still, with us you might. What is ti you would so much like to say if Torvald could hear you?
Nora: I should just love to say— Well, I'm dammed!
Rank: Are you mad?
Mrs. Linde: Nora, dear- !
Rank: Say it, here he is! Nora (hiding her packet) Hush! Hush! Hush! ) HELMER comes out of his room, with his coat over his arm and his hat in his hand.)
Nora: Well, Torvald dear, have you got rid of him?
Helmer: Yes, he has just gone.
Nora: Let me introduce you — this is Christine, who has come to town
Helmer: Christine - ? Excuse me, but I don't know — Of course. School friends of my wife's I presume?
Mrs. Linde: Yes, we have known each other since then.
Nora: And just think, she has taken a long journey in order to see you.
Helmer: What do you mean? Mrs. Linde. No, really, I—
Nora: And when she heard you had been appointed manager of the Bank — she travelled here as quick as she could Torvald, I am sure you will be able to do something for Christine, for my sake, won't you?
Questions
a) Why does Mrs. Linde feel that those who are sick need taking care of?
b) Identify use of symbolism in the excerpt.
c) Give Nora's traits brought out in the excerpt.
d) What amuses Nora when she finds out that Helmer has so much power over many people? Explain
e) What is it that Nora would dearly love to say?
f) Hush! Hush! Hush! Identify the style used here.
g) What happens immediately after the excerpt?
Date posted: August 16, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the extract below from DOLL’S HOUSE and answer all the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the extract below from DOLL’S HOUSE and answer all the questions that follow.
Nora: Should? He did sign them.
Krogstad: I had left the date blank; that is to say, your father should himself have inserted the date on which he signed the paper. Do you remember that?
Nora: Yes, I think I remember—
Krogstad: Then I gave you the bond to send by post to your father. Is that not so?
Nora: Yes.
Krogstad: And you naturally did so at once, because five or six days afterwards you brought me the bond with your father's signature. And then I gave you the money.
Nora: Well, haven't I been paying it off regularly?
Krogstad: Fairly so, yes. But to come back to the matter in hand that must have been a very trying time for you, Mrs.
Nora: It was, indeed.
Krogstad: Your father was very ill, wasn't he?
Nora: He was very near his end.
Krogstad: And died soon afterwards?
Nora: Yes:
Krogstad: Tell me, Mrs Helmer, can you remember what day your father died? the month, I mean.
Nora: Papa died on the 29th of September. by any chance on what day of
Krostand: That is correct; I have ascertained it for myself. And, as that is so, there is discrepancy (taking a paper from his pocket) which I cannot account for.
Nora: What discrepancy? I don't know—
Krogstand: The discrepancy consists, Mrs. Helmer, in fact that your father signed this bond three days after his death.
Nora: What do you mean? I don't understand —
Krogstand: Your father died on the 29th of September. But, look here; your father has dated his signature the 2nd of October. It is a discrepancy, isn't it? (NORA is silent) Can you explain it to me?
(NORA is silent) It is a remarkable thing, too, that the words '2nd of October,' as well as the year, are not written in your father’s handwriting but in one that I think I know. Well, of course it can be explained; your father may have forgotten to date his signature, and someone else may have dated it haphazard before they knew of his death. There is no harm in that. It all depends on the signature of the name; and that is genuine. I suppose, Mrs. Helmer? It was your father himself who signed his name here?
Questions.
a) What is it that Nora claims to have signed? Explain.
b) What does this excerpt reveal about Krogstad's character?
c) Explain key theme brought out in the excerpt?
d) Why did Nora forge her father's signature?
e) What is the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt?
I. Ascertained
II. Discrepancy
III. Genuine
f) Papa died on the 29th of September (Add a question tag.)
Date posted: August 15, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follows.(Solved)
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follows.
Mrs. Linde: (Smiles sadly and strokes her hair). It sometimes happens, Nora.
Nora: So you are quite alone. How dreadfully sad that must be. I have three lovely children. You can't see them just now, for they are out with their nurse. But now you must tell me all about it.
Mrs. Linde: No, no; I want to hear about you.
Nora: No, you must begin. I mustn't be selfish today; today I must only think of your affairs. But there is one thing I must tell you. Do you know we have just had a great piece of good luck?
Mrs. Linde: No, what is it?
Nora: Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank!
Mrs. Linde: Your husband? What good luck!
Nora: Yes, tremendous! A barrister's profession is such an uncertain thing, especially if he won't undertake unsavory cases; and naturally Torvald has never been willing to do that, and I quite agree with him. You may imagine how pleased we are! He is to take up his work in the Bank at the New Year, and then he will have a big salary and lots of commissions. For the future we can live quite differently —we can do just as we like. I feel so relieved and so happy, Christine! It will be splendid to have heaps of money and not need to have any anxiety, won't it?
Mrs. Linde: Yes, anyhow I think it would be delightful to have what one needs.
Nora: No, not only what one needs, but heaps and heaps of money.
Mrs. Linde: (smiling) Nora, Nora, haven't you learned sense yet? In our schooldays you were a great spendthrift. (Laughing) Yes, that is what Torvald says now. (Wags
Nora: her finger at her.) But 'Nora, Nora' is not so silly as you think. We have not been in a position for me to waste money. We have both had to work.
Mrs. Linde: You too?
Nora: Yes; odds and ends, needlework, crotchet-work, embroidery, and that kind of thing. (dropping her voice) And other things as well. You know Torvald left his office when we were married. There was not prospect of promotion there' and he had to try and earn more than before. But during the first year he worked early and late; but he couldn't stand it, and fell dreadfully ill, and the doctors said it was necessary for him to go south.
Mrs. Linde: You spent a whole year in Italy, didn't you?
Questions
a) Place the excerpt in its immediate context.
b) Identify three styles that are used in the excerpt. State their effectiveness.
c) But 'Norah, Nora' is not so silly as you think. What proves that Nora has not been as silly as she was thought to be by many.
d) What theme is brought out in the excerpt?
e) What character traits of Nora and Mrs Linde are brought out in the excerpt?
f) So, you are quite alone. (Add a question tag).
g) What is the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt?
Barrister
spentthrift
Date posted: August 15, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the excerpt below from doll’s house and answer the questions that follow.
(Solved)
Read the excerpt below from doll’s house and answer the questions that follow.
Nora: Yes!
Helmer: When did my squirrel come home?
Nora: Just now. (Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her mouth.)
come in here, Torvalds, and see what I have bought.
Helmer: Don't disturb me. (A little later, he opens the door and looks into the room, pen in hand.)
Bought, did you say? All these things? Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again?
Nora: Yes but, Torvalds, this year we really can let ourselves go a little. This is the first Christmas that we have not needed to economize.
Helmer: Still, you know, we can't spend money recklessly.
Nora: Yes, Torvalds, we may be a wee bit more reckless now, mayn't we? Just a tiny wee bit! You are going to have a big salary and earn lots and lots of money.
Helmer: Yes, after the New Year; but then it will be a whole quarter before the salary is due.
Nora: Pooh! We can borrow until then.
Helmer: Nora! (Goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear). The same little featherhead!
Suppose, now, that I borrowed fifty pounds today, and you spent it all in the Christmas week, and then on New Year’s Eve a slate fell on my head and killed me, and —
Nora: (Putting her hands over his mouth) Ah! Don't say such horrible things.
Helmer: Still, suppose that happened, - what then?
Nora: If that were to happen, I don't suppose I should care whether I owed money or not
Helmer: Yes, but what about the people who had lent it?
Nora: They? Who would bother about them? I should not know who they were.
Helmer: That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know what I think about that. No debt, no borrowing. There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt. We two have kept bravely on the straight road so far, and we will Go on the same way for the short time longer that there need be any struggle.
Helmer: That is like a woman! We two have kept bravery on the straight road so far, and we will go on the same way for the short time longer that there need be any struggle.
Questions.
a) What had happened before this excerpt?
b) 'That is like a woman!' What does this reveal about Helmer?
c) Nora says that this is the first Christmas that they need not economize. Why is this so?
d) Give and illustrate two-character traits of Nora brought out in the excerpts
e) Why does Helmer refer to Nora as my little squirrel?
f) From elsewhere in the play, explain why Nora had to hide the macaroons and wipe her mouth when
Date posted: August 15, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow.
Helmer: I have got authority from the retiring manager to undertake the necessary changes in the staff and in the re-arrangement of the work and I must make use of the Christmas week for that, so as to have everything in order for the New Year, Nora. Then that was why this poor Krogstad-
Helmer: Hm!
Nora: (Leans against the back of his chair and strokes his hair) If you hadn’t been so busy I should have asked you a tremendously big favour, Torvald.
Helmer: What is that? Tell me.
Nora: There is no one who has such good taste as you. And I do so want to look nice at the fancy dress ball. Tovarld. Couldn’t you take my hand and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of dress I shall wear?
Helmer: Aha! So my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to come to her rescue.
Nora: Yes, Torvald, I can’t get along a bit without your help.
Helmer: Very well. I will think it over; we shall manage to hit upon something
Nora: That is nice of you (goes to the Christmas tree; a short pause) How pretty the red flowers look, but tell me, was it really something very bad that this Krogstad was guilty of?
Helmer: He forged someone’s name. Have you any idea what that means?
Nora: Isn’t it possible that he was driven by necessity?
Helmer: Yes; or, as in so many cases, by imprudence. I am not so heartless as to condemn a man altogether because of a single false step of that kind.
Nora: No, you wouldn’t, would you, Torvald?
Helmer: Many a man has been able to retrieve his character, if he has openly confessed his fault and taken his punishment.
Nora: Punishment -?
Helmer: But Krogstard did nothing of the sort; he got himself out of it by a cunning trick, and that is why he was gone under altogether.
Nora: But do you think it would -?
Helmer: Just think how a guilty man like that has to lie and play the hypocrite with everyone; how he has to wear a mask in the presence of those near dear to him, even before his own wife and children. And about the children ……… that is the most terrible part of it all, Nora.
Nora: How?
Helmer: Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life of home. Each breath the children take in such a house is full of the germs of evil.
Nora: (coming near him) Are you sure of that?
Helmer: My dear I have often seen it in the course of my life as a lawyer. Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life has had a deceitful mother.
Nora: Why do you say ……….. mother?
QUESTIONS
a) Explain the events that lead to this excerpt.
b) In this excerpt, though Helmer and Nora are discussing about Krogstad, they are indirectly referring to Nora’s predicament. Explain.
c) ‘……… so my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to her rescue? Explain the ‘rescue’ Nora needs at this point in time.
d) From your knowledge of the text, apart from the fact that Krogstad had forged a signature why else does Helmer detest him
e) Describe any two styles used in this excerpt
f) Give one character trait of Nora from this excerpt.
g) Add a question tag: I can’t get a long a bit without your help
h) The discussion with Helmer leaves Nora terrified. Explain why this
Date posted: August 15, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that follow.
(Solved)
Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that follow.
Nora. What right have you to question me, Mr.Krogstad?–You, one of my husband’s subordinates! But since you ask, you shall know. Yes, Mrs. Linde is to have an appointment. And it was I who pleaded her cause, Mr. Krogstad, let me tell you that.
Krogstad. I was right in what I thought, then.
Nora (walking up and down the stage). Sometimes one has a tiny little bit of influence, I should hope. Because one is a woman, it does not necessarily follow that–. When anyone is in a subordinate position, Mr. Krogstad, they should really be careful to avoid offending anyone who–who–
Krogstad. Who has influence?
Nora. Exactly.
Krogstad (changing his tone). Mrs. Helmer, you will be so good as to use your influence on my behalf.
Nora. What? What do you mean?
Krogstad. You will be so kind as to see that I am allowed to keep my subordinate position in the Bank.
Nora. What do you mean by that? Who proposes to take your post away from you?
Krogstad. Oh, there is no necessity to keep up the pretence of ignorance. I can quite understand that your friend is not very anxious to expose herself to the chance of rubbing shoulders with me; and I quite understand, too, whom I have to thank for being turned off.
Nora. But I assure you–
Krogstad. Very likely; but, to come to the point, the time has come when I should advise you to use your influence to prevent that.
Nora. But, Mr. Krogstad, I have no influence.
Krogstad. Haven’t you? I thought you said yourself just now–
Nora. Naturally I did not mean you to put that construction on it. I! What should make you think I have any influence of that kind with my husband?
Krogstad. Oh, I have known your husband from our student days. I don’t suppose he is any more unassailable than other husbands.
Nora. If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house.
Krogstad. You are bold, Mrs. Helmer.
Nora. I am not afraid of you any longer. As soon as the New Year comes, I shall in a very short time be free of the whole thing.
Krogstad (controlling himself ). Listen to me, Mrs.Helmer. If necessary, I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I were fighting for my life.
Nora. So it seems.
Krogstad. It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs least with me in the matter. There is another reason–well, I may as well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you know, like everybody else, that once, many years ago, I was guilty of an indiscretion
Nora. I think I have heard something of the kind.
Krogstad. The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you know of. I had to do something; and, honestly, I don’t think I’ve been one of the worst. But now I must cut myself free from all that. My sons are growing up; for their sake I must try and win back as much respect as I can in the town. This post in the Bank was like the first step up for me–and now your husband is going to kick me downstairs again into the mud.
Nora. But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at all.
Krogstad. Then it is because you haven’t the will; but I have means to compel you.
(a) Krogstad asks four questions just before this excerpt. Which are they?
(b) For what reasons has Krogstad visited Nora? Refer to what happens in the excerpt and in the rest of the play.
(c) “I was right in what I thought, then.” What do you think Krogstad thought?
(d) Describe two character traits of Nora as brought out in the excerpt.
(e) Rewrite the sentences according to the instructions given after each without changing their meanings.
i. If you speak slightingly of my husband, I shall turn you out of the house.Use: Unless…
ii. So it seems.
supply a question tag
(f) Highlight two themes evident in this excerpt.
(g) “Then it is because you haven’t the will; but I have means to compel you.” How does Krogstad plan to force Nora to talk to her husband?
(h) Write a word with the same meaning as each of the following words as used in the excerpt.
i. Necessity ………………………………………………………
ii. Pleaded ………………………………………………………………
iii. Influence ………………………………………………………………
Date posted: August 14, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the following excerpt then answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the following excerpt then answer the questions that follow.
Krogstad : Are you sure of that?
MrsLinde : Quite sure, but –
Krogstad: (with a searching look at her) Is that what it all mean? That you want to save your friend at any cost? Tell me frankly. Is that it?
Mrs Linde: Nils, a woman who has once sold herself for another’s sake doesn’t do it a second time.
Krogstad: I will ask for my letter back.
Mrs Linde: No, no.
Krogstad: Yes, of course I will. I will wait here until Helmer comes; I will tell him he must give me my letter back-that it only concerns my dismissal-that he is not to read it.
Mrs Linde: No Nils, you must not recall your letter.
Krogstad: But, tell me wasn’t it for that very purpose that you asked me to meet you here?
Mrs Linde: In my first moment of right, it was. But twenty-four hours have elapsed since then, and in that time I have witnessed incredible things in this house. Helmer must know all about it. This unhappy secret must be disclosed; they must have a complete understanding between them which is impossible with all this concealment and falsehood going on.
Krogstad: very well, if you take the responsibility. But there is one thing I can do in my case and I shall do it at once.
Mrs Linde: (listening) You must be quick and go! The dance is over, we are not safe a moment longer.
Krogstad: I will wait for you below
Mrs Linde: Yes, do. You must see me back to my door.
Krogstad: I have never had such an amazing piece of good fortune in my life!
Questions
1. Explain what happens before this excerpt.
2. Why does Krogstad say he would ask for his letter back? Explain.
3. Identify and explain the dominant theme in the excerpt.
4. 'Nills, a woman who has once sold herself for another sake doesn’t do it a second time'. Briefly explain what makes Mrs Linde say this?
5. Explain the use of irony in this excerpt.
6. Identify and illustrate two character traits of Mrs Linde in this excerpt.
7.' I have never had such amazing piece of good fortune in my life!' Rewrite beginning never…………………
8. What makes Krogstad say that he has never had such good fortune in his life?
9.'But there is one thing I can do in any case and I shall do it at once.' What is that
Krogstad does and how does it affect the rest of the play?
10. Explain the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in the passage.
i) At any cost –
ii) Recall –
iii) Elapsed –
iv) Incredible things –
Date posted: August 14, 2019. Answers (1)
- The Play, Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House.
Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that follow
(Solved)
The Play, Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House.
Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that follow
Mrs. Linde: Listen to me Nora you are still very like a child in many things, and I am older than you in many ways and have a little more experience. Let me tell you this-you ought to make an end of it with Doctor Rank.
Nora : What ought I to make an end to?
Mrs. Linde: Of two things I think. Yesterday you talked some nonsense about a rich admirer who was to leave you money-
Nora Linde: Is Doctor Rank a man of means?
Mrs. Linde: And comes here every day?
Nora : Yes, I told you so.
Mrs. Linde: But how can this well-bred man be so tactless?
Nora : I don’t understand you at all.
Mrs. Linde:Don’t prevaricate, Nora.do you suppose I don’t guess who lent you the two
hundred and fifty pounds?
Nora :Are you out of your senses? How can you think of such a thing? A friend of ours,
who comes hereevery day! Do you realize what a horribly painful position that
would be?
Mrs. Linde: Then it really isn’t he?
Nora : No, certainly not. It would never have entered into my head for a moment.
Besides, he had no money to lend then; he came into his money afterwards.Mrs. Linde: Well I think that was lucky for you, my dear Nora.
Nora :No, it would never have come into my head to ask Doctor Rank. Although I am
quite sure if I had asked him-
Mrs. Linde: But of course you won’t.
Nora: Of course not. I have no reason to think it could possibly be necessary. But I am
quite sure that if I told Doctor Rank-
Mrs. Linde: Behind your husband’s back?
Nora : I must make an end of it with the other one, and that will be behind his back too, I
must make an end of it with him.
Mrs. Linde: Yes, that is what I told you yesterday, but-
Nora : ( walking up and down) a man can put a thing like that straight much easier
than a woman.
Mrs. Linde: One’s husband , yes.
Nora : Nonsense!( standing still) When you pay off a debt you get your bond back, don’t
you?
Mrs. Linde:Yes, as a matter of course.
Nora : And can tear it into a hundred thousand pieces and burn it up- the nasty dirty
paper.
Mrs. Linde:(looks hard at her, lays down her sewing and gets up slowly.) Nora you are
concealing something from me.
Nora : Do I look as if I were?
Mrs. Linde: Something has happened to you since yesterday morning. Nora, what is it?
(a) Briefly explain what happens before the events in this extract.
(b) Explain why Mrs. Linde says “…I am older than you in many ways and have a little more experience?
(c) From the dialogue, what do we learn about Nora’s character?
(d) What is Mrs. Lindes’ view about Doctor Rank and Nora’s relationship?
(e) Identify and explain the use of hyperbole in this excerpt.
g) What does Mrs. Linde thinks Nora is concealing from her? Is Mrs. Lindes right?
(f) Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the extract.
i)A man of means
ii)Prevaricate
iii)nasty
(h) Describe what happens immediately after the events presented in this extract
Date posted: August 14, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow .
A Doll’s House:
Krogstad: (Controlling himself) Listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. If necessary, I am prepared to fight for my small post in the Bank as if I were fighting for my life.
Nora: So it seems
Krogstad: It is not only for the sake of the money; indeed, that weighs least with me in the matter. There is another reason-well, I may we well tell you. My position is this. I daresay you know, like everybody else, that once, many years ago, I was guilty of an indiscretion.
Nora: I think I have heard something of the kind.
Krogstad: The matter never came into court; but every way seemed to be closed to me after that. So I took to the business that you know of. I had to do something; and, honestly, I don’t think I’ve been one of the worst. But now I must cut myself free from all that. My sons are growing up; for their sake I must try and win back as much respect as I can in the town. This post in the Bank was like the first step up for me – and now your husband is going to kick me downstairs again into the mud.
Nora: But you must believe me, Mr. Krogstad; it is not in my power to help you at all.
Krogstad: Then it is because you haven’t the will; but I have means to compel you.
Nora: You don’t mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money?
Krogstad: Hm! – suppose I were to tell him?
Nora: I would be perfectly infamous of you. (Sobbing) To think of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride, in such an ugly, clumsy way – that he should learn it from you! And it would out me in a horribly disagreeable position-
Krogstad: Only disagreeable?
Nora: (Impetuously) well, do it, then! – and it will be the worse for you. My husband will see for himself what a blackguard you are, and you certainly won’t keep your post them.
Krogstad: I asked you if it was only a disagreeable scene at home that you were afraid of?
Nora: If my husband does get to know of it, of course he will at once pay you what is still owing, and we shall have nothing more to do with you.
Krogstad: (Coming a step nearer)Listen to me, MrsHelmwe. Either you have a very bad memory or you know very little of business. I shall be obliged to remind you of a few details.
Questions
a) What happens just before this excerpt?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
b) Identify and illustrate any two themes evident in the excerpt.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
c) Using about fifty words, summarise why Krogstad is prepared to fight for the small post in the bank (5mks)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
d) Identify and illustrate any two character traits of;
i. Krogstad
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
ii. Nora
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
e) Identify and illustrate any two stylistic devices used in the excerpt.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
f) Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the extract
i. Compel
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
ii. Blackguard
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
g) “I shall be obliged to remind you of a few details”. Which are those details?
Date posted: August 13, 2019. Answers (1)
- Using a riddle of your choice , explain the riddling process. (Solved)
Using a riddle of your choice , explain the riddling process.
Date posted: August 13, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the narrative below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the narrative below and answer the questions that follow.
Once upon a time, a tribe of monkeys made their home in the pleasure garden of the king. In certain holiday when the drum was beaten to call the people together, the King's gardener, hearing the drum, said to himself, "Even though it is holiday, the garden must be watered. Accordingly, I will ask the monkeys to water the garden for me so that I can be off to enjoy myself and keep holiday with the rest." So he called the monkeys and asked them to water the garden. When the monkeys had promised to water all the young trees faithfully, the gardener gave them water skins and the wooden pot with which to perform the task.
After the gardener had gone, the monkeys took up the water skins and the watering pot and began to water the young trees. But the leader of the monkeys stopped them. "Wait," he said," we must be careful not to waste water. Before you water them, you must first pull up each tree and look at the size of the roots. Then you must give plenty of water to those which have long, deep root. For when this water is finished, we shall have hard work to get any more.
"To be sure," said the other monkeys," that is what we must do." So, they pulled up all the trees just as their leader had told them to do and all the young trees died.
QUESTIONS
a) What would you do to prepare your audience to listen to the above story?
b) What two oral devices would you use in narrating this story effectively?
c) What two things would indicate that your audience is following the story?
d) You are one of the students chosen to negotiate in a dispute involving members of your class and another class. What negotiation skills will you employ to ensure an amicable resolution is reached.
e) Put the words below in correct column according to pronunciation of the vowel sounds.
school, floor, you, write, oar, night
Date posted: August 6, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the oral narrative below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the oral narrative below and answer the questions that follow.
The Stupid Monkey
Once upon a time, a tribe of monkeys made their home in their pleasure garden of the king. On a certain holiday when the drum was beaten to call the people together, the King’s gardener, hearing the drum, said to himself, 'Even though it is a holiday, the garden must be watered. Accordingly I will ask the Monkeys to water the garden for me, so that I can be off to enjoy myself and the holiday with the rest.' So he called the Monkeys and asked them to water the garden. When the monkeys had promised to water all the young trees faithfully, the gardener gave them the water skins and the wooden pot with which to perform the task.
After the gardener had gone, the Monkeys took up the water skins and the watering pot and began to water the young trees. But the leader of the monkeys stopped them. 'Wait,' he said, we must be careful not to waste water. Before you water them, you must first pull up each tree and look at the size of the roots. Then you must give plenty of water to those which have long, deep roots, but less to those with short roots. For when this water is finished, we shall have to work to get any more.
'To be sure,' said the other monkey, 'that is what we must do.' So they pulled up all the trees just as their leader had told them to do and all the young trees died.
Question
i. What feature of oral narratives would you use to prepare your audience to listen to the above story?
ii. What two devices of performance would you use in narrating this story effectively?
iii. Which three things would indicate to you that the audience is following the narration?
(b)Underline the silent letters in the following words:
i) Rapport
ii) Rendezvous
iii) Poignant
c) Your friend attended an interview but was not successful. Mention four things that he/she may have
failed to do before and during the interview.
Before
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………During
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Date posted: August 6, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the narrative below and answer the questions that follow.(Solved)
Read the narrative below and answer the questions that follow.
WHY THE OWL IS NOT KING OF THE BIRDS: INDIANTALE
WHY is it that Crows torment the Owls as they sleep in the daytime? For the same reason that the Owls try to kill the Crows while they sleep at night
Listen to a tale of long ago and then you will see why.
Once upon a time, the people who lived together when the world was young took a certain man for their king. The four-footed animals also took one of their numbers for their king. The fish in the ocean chose a king to rule over them. Then the birds gathered together on a great flat rock, crying:
"Among men there is a king, and among the beasts, and the fish have one, too; but we bird have none. We ought to have a king. Let us choose one now."
And so the birds talked the matter over and at last they all said, "Let us have the Owl for our king."
No, not all, for one old Crow rose up and said, "For my part, I don't want the Owl to be our king. Look at him now while you are all crying that you want him for your king. See how sour he looks right now. If that's the cross look he wears when he is happy, how will he look when he is angry? I, for one, want no such sour-looking king!"
Then the Crow flew up into the air crying, "I don't like it! I don't like it!" The Owl rose and followed him. From that time on the Crows and the Owls have been enemies. The birds chose a Turtle Dove to be their king, and then flew to their homes.
i) You have been asked to narrate the above story to a group of young people. What four things would you do to attract their attention?
ii) If you were narrating the above story to young children, how do you ensure you sustain their attention for the entire course of the narration?
iii) How would you say the line “I don't like it! I don't like it!"?
Date posted: August 6, 2019. Answers (1)