Sierra Leone (a small country in Western Africa)
Where was the author, Abioseh Nicol, born?
He wanted to give them nobility
Why did Nicol decide to write about his own people?
rural villages
Where are his stories and poems usually set?
Bola because she gives her child a chance to live
In the story, in which character can the real Africa be found? Explain.
foreshadowing
The use of clues that hint at what is going to happen later in a story
The English government is running the market. They need to at least know numbers in English to buy things from the market.
By what are almost every aspect of the lives of the people of the village affected
Mud huts, English is their second language, one side is the Atlantic ocean and the other is a tropical forest
What clues suggest a setting outside the United States (148;1;1)
The Abiku spirit keeps masking itself as her child and leaving her with a deceased baby
In Bola's culture, what do people believe when a woman bears one child after another, and all of these children die?
Genetic mutation, malnutrition, disease, birth defects, no access to medicine
What might be the scientific reason for the deaths of these children?
It is very inhumane and she had sort of emotionally connection to the baby.
Why did Bola refuse to mutilate the body of her sixth dead child?
The front door was locked and he still came in and he didn't really make any noise. This was an unplanned trip.
What does Bola find unsettling or mysterious about Meji's sudden appearance inside her house (149;1;2)?
They will know that he died soon enough and his life was short.
Interpreting: What might Meji mean when he states: "They will know soon enough. Let us enjoy each other, all three of us, this time. Life is too short."?
Returning- been the same child every time; girls- maybe if she had a girl then things may have been different.
Meji states: "No . . . it's just that I like returning to you. There will always be this bond of love and affection between us, and I don't wish to share it with others . . . Girls somehow seem to stay with relations longer." What is ironic about this in light of Bola's belief about her dead children?
Watch stops at noon, wearing a scarf (because his head might fall off), no shadow, tells Asi not to touch his neck, he doesn't eat any food.
What clues show that there is something very strange about Meji (150; 1; last two paragraphs)?
She is throwing the kola nuts and if they all face the same way then he is listening and is pleased. When Meji throws it, he is listening. We bring flowers to graves.
Look at Bola's ritual on page 151 (151; 1; bottom of 2). What other beliefs or strategies (from any culture) related to contacting the dead do you know about? Compare and contrast these.
Because he's getting buried at that moment.
Why do you think Meji has never "felt nearer" to his father than at this moment (151; 2; 1)?
1. watch stops at 12- he died at 12 2. skin is gray- he is dead 3. he can walk through locked doors- he is a ghost 4. his scarf- he was decapitated 5. no shadow- he's not real
List 5 clues and what they foreshadow.
To break the sixth dead child's bones.
What does Musa, the village magician, recommend to Bola in the beginning of the story?
Because she's already established an emotional connection to him and it's inhumane.
Why does Bola refuse to follow the magician's advice concerning her sixth-born son?
To thank her for giving him the opportunity to live.
Why does Meji say that he has returned
It proves that he returned and that he was there and that Bola is not crazy.
What is the significance of the fact that Asi knows how to open the locket?
The relationship between parent and a child is very strong, almost unbreakable. Also, to appreciate life because it can be taken away from you very quickly.
What is the theme of the story? Give specific examples to support this answer
Exposition- introduced to Bola and Asi, setting: Kumansenu in the later 1900s Rising Action- Meji shows up Climax- when there is a flash of lightning and he disappears Falling action- find out that Meji had died on Friday and he had stayed with them until Sunday morning Resolution- visit was real because Asi could open the locket
draw a plot chart for the story
Abioseh Nicol
Who was the author of "Life is Sweet in Kumansenu"?