talking money essay questions and answers pdf

• Mon. Mar 25th, 2024

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GOD SEES THE TRUTH, BUT WAITS-A Study Guide To A Silent Song And Other Stories

By Dean of Studies

Guide to an artist of the floating world by kazuo ishiguro.

GOD SEES THE TRUTH, BUT WAITS

Leo Tolstoy Russia About the author:

Leo Tolstoy was born in 1928 in Tula Province, Russian. A master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists, Tolstoy is best known for his finest novels: and Peace (1865 69) and Anna Karenina (1875 – 77). His shorter works include Ellie Death of Ivan Ilyich, The Living Corpse and The Kingdom of God is within You, in his last three decades, Tolstoy worked as a moral and religious teacher, an embodiment of nature and pure vitality. Though dead now, his soul lives as a living symbol of the search for life’s meaning.

Episodes / sub-episodes

• Aksionov’s excursion for a Trade Fair at Nizhny. (p68 – 69).
• Aksionov’s arrest and 26-year imprisonment. (p69 71).
• The coincidental encounter with the real killer. (p71 – 72).
• Makar’s confession. (p73 74).

God Sees the Truth but Waits is a parabolic story about Ivan Dmitritch Aksionov, a meek young merchant with two shops in Vladimir, Russia.

Ivan bids his family and sets out on a Trade Fair in Nizhny despite his wife’s premonition through a dream. Midway through the journey, he meets another merchant, and they put up at the same inn for the night. A rogue thug kills the merchant at night and flees, leaving his blood-stained knife in Aksionov’s bag. Aksionov is arrested on suspicion and is sent to ‘Siberia’ for twenty-six years. On enquiry about his character, Vladimir people say that Ivan is now good after he stopped drinking.

However, even his wife now doubts him! Coincidentally, the rogue murderer, Makar Semyonich, is brought to prison for a minor offence, and Aksionov is severely disturbed by his presence that he feels like killing himself.

Makar commits another offence in prison, and Aksionov finds him, but the man begs him to keep quiet and not betray him, or he will kill him. Aksionov tells him he had killed him long ago, and he will do as God shall direct.

When the Governor implores Aksionov to tell him the truth about the prison offence, for he trusts only him, Aksionov refuses and tells him he can do what he

likes with him as he is in his hands. At night the killer, Makar, confesses and begs Aksionov to forgive him.

As Makar sobs, Aksionov weeps, for he has no desire to leave the prison. When the order for his release comes, Aksionov is already dead.

TALKING MONEY-A Study Guide To A Silent Song And Other Stories

Title of the story

• How relevant is the title of the story, God Sees the Truth, but Waits?
• Why do you think Aksionov refuses to tell the truth about the prison incident?
• Do you think the Governor is to blame for Aksionov’s prolonged imprisonment?
• What is the impact of Ivan Aksionov’s faith in God on his life?
• Why is Ivan reticent to go back home?
• Mistaken identity.
• Crime and Confession
• Wrongful conviction and imprisonment. iv. The concept and context of truth.
• Justice delayed is justice denied.
• Coincidence

THEMATIC CONCERNS

Wrongful conviction and imprisonment.

The values of honesty, truth and justice are tested through this story.

• Aksionov comes out to question the essence of these values if he suffers in the prison caves of Siberia under wrongful conviction and subsequent incarceration for twenty-six years. (p71).
• Mistaken identity runs through this story. Ivan Dmitritch is arrested for spending a night with an acquaintance a fellow merchant at the inn who leaves before dawn.
• This is because the merchant is killed during the night by a thug who hides the knife in Ivan’s bags. This is what makes the police officer arrest him on suspicion. (p69, 70).
• At the story’s beginning, Aksionov is characterized by dynamic character and setting. He is lost in liquor but later starts a business and owns two shops. (p68).
• He leaves and loses his home, family and his freedom. This story sends the message that none of these things matters in the long run.

The concept and context of truth.

• Aksionov learns the hard way that when the chips are down, nothing remains except God at his side, who knows the truth. (p73).
• Truth depends on context. It is true that the bloody knife is found in his bags and that he had slept close to a fellow merchant, but then it is not true that he kills him. (p69).
• By the end of the story, Aksionov has an opportunity to be free and return home, but he no longer desires to leave the prison but only hopes for his last hour to come. Ivan is a man who seems to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. He is unlucky, mentally strong, and religious. He is unfortunate because he is sentenced to prison for 26 years for a murder that he did not commit.

He is also mentally strong because he can endure many tragic events, such as losing his home and business.

Faith and devotion

Finally, he displays a strong religious devotion by growing closer to God during difficult times.

• However, at the story’s end, he only seems to care about his faith and being close to God.
• Ivan relies on God as he is the only constant in his life. At the end of the story, he has no desire to return home. His only wish is to be with God.

At the story’s beginning, Ivan and his wife don’t have the best relationship as he leaves for Nizhny Fair even after his wife asks him to stay. Later, she doubts his innocence after he is convicted of murder.

• Faith keeps Ivan going after losing everything, being charged with murder and sent to prison in Siberia. He could have completely given up, but he instead leans on his faith in God.

l. Describe the character traits of the following characters.

• The Governor
• Focusing on their prominent character traits, compare and contrast the protagonist, Ivan Aksionov, and the Makar.
• Citing evidence from the text, describe the character traits of the following characters.
• Aksionov’s wife

Style and Language use

• How is symbolism employed in Leo Tolstoy’s God Sees the Truth, but Waits?
• Examine the use of irony and paradox God Sees the Truth, but Waits.
• What does Siberia represent in this story?

Essay question

1. The average human attribute is evile Discuss this assertion using illustrations from

Leo Tolstoy’s God Sees the Truth, but Waits, (20 marks),

Chapter Summary To An Artist Of The Floating World By BY Kazuo Ishiguro-OCTOBER 1948

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KCSE SET BOOKS ESSAY QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

Enjoy free KCSE revision materials on imaginative compositions, essay questions and answers and comprehensive analysis (episodic approach) of the set books including Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta, The Samaritan by John Lara, A Silent Song, An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro and Parliament of Owls by Adipo Sidang'. This blog is useful to Kenyan students preparing for KCSE; and their teachers.

Saturday 9 July 2022

Talking money analysis pdf – stanley gazemba, a silent song and other stories.

In Talking Money , Stanley Gazemba weaves a compelling narrative that revolves around one Mukidanyi, an obstinate man, who is forced to eat his words after experiencing a strange ordeal with talking money.

Initially, Mukidanyi is headstrong and would not take heed of what his brothers, Ngoseywe and Agoya, or his wife Ronika tell him. Ronika warns him against transacting with the Galos but her pleas fall on deaf ears. He also angrily dismisses his brothers.

In the long run, he regrets his willful action when something bizarre happens.

Characters in Talking Money

• Ngoseywe – his elder brother
• Agoya – his brother
• Ronika – his wife
• The danger of ignoring wise counsel

Key events in Talking Money

• The expulsion (pg. 49-50) throws his brothers out of his home
• Assault (pg. 50) Mukidanyi attacks Ronika
• The transaction (pg. 50-51) sells land to Galo for half-a-million shillings
• Sleepless night (pg. 53) Mukidanyi cannot sleep
• Talking money (pg. 53-54) the money starts talking
• Ronika's fury (pg. 55) Ronika forces Mukidanyi to get rid of the talking money
• Journey to the Galos (pg. 55) Mukidanyi returns the money to the Galos.
• Change of heart (pg. 56) Mukidanyi changes his mind about selling the land.

TALKING MONEY SUMMARY

When Mukidanyi’s brothers, Ngoseywe and Agoya, try to talk him out of an imprudent decision, he angrily expels them from his home. Their altercation almost erupts into a physical fight.

He makes a conceited declaration that he does not need anyone’s help. He wants to run his household without interference. He is determined to sell his land against his brothers' wish. He is so enraged that the neighbours watch the drama helplessly from afar.

Later on, that evening Ronika, his wife, sensibly tries to dissuade him from selling the land without consultation and urges him to listen to other people’s counsel. He first ignores her before furiously giving her a lashing, promptly extinguishing her fair-minded plea. He ignores her entreaties about the Galos money not being good.

Mukidanyi defies his brothers and his wife and goes ahead to sell the land to Galo. Although he is prepared for a bruising tussle with Galo, Galo accepts to pay half-a-million shillings without haggling.

Because of his intransigence, you will be forgiven to consider Mukidanyi a pigheaded fool. He is however not a complete buffoon. On one hand, he is illiterate since during his school days he would sneak out of school and skip classes and spend his days playing simbi and roasting stolen maize with his errant friends. On the other hand, he is an astute cattle trader with an impressive business acumen.

Because he is unlettered, he is unable to sign the business papers presented by Galo's assistant after the sale of the land. He needs Ngoseywe and Agoya around after all. After the messy paper business is over, Galo hands him a briefcase containing half-a-million shillings in cash. Mukidanyi is too shocked to count the cash in the briefcase. Unsuspectingly, he tells Galo that he trusts him. Besides, would a clansman deceive him?

That evening Mukidanyi is nervy. He does not eat his supper. He cannot sleep that night. He wakes up twice to ascertain that the money is still there – safely chained to the bedpost. He also awakens Ronika, who is still piqued from the lashing she received earlier.

Something curious happens when he tries to go back to sleep. The money in the briefcase starts conversing casually like a couple of frisky school boys sauntering home from school. This bizarre occurrence has the couple scared out of their wits.

The once wilful and ostensibly gallant Mukidanyi suddenly recoils like a panicky chicken. When he hears the strange voices, he is horror-stricken. He shakes and sweats in panic. His assertive voice is reduced into a frightened child-like whisper when he asks: “Who were they?”

An angry Ronika scolds, derides and hysterically laughs at him. She taunts him for failing to listen to other people.

“I warned you about the Galos, didn’t I? Eh? Ngoseywe and Agoya warned you too against this, didn’t they, big man? And what did you eh? Tell me what did you do?”

The money talks again, this time complaining about the couples' argument.

“I don’t like their shouting. It was better with the silence.”

Ronika has had enough. She drags Mukidanyi and forces him to unlock the padlock securing the briefcase. She then snarls at him, hurls the briefcase outside and sends him after it. Their frightened children are stunned to see their mother so agitated and their father extremely scared.  

The journey to the Galos is eerie to say the least. Mukidanyi is haunted by unseen night creatures swimming around him, threatening to harm him. He is nonetheless determined to return the peculiar briefcase to Galo. Galo lives a couple hundred yards away but it seems like a mile. The case gets heavier and heavier as Mukidanyi lumbers on.

The stubborn man eventually returns the money. He also makes a change of tune about selling his land.

“I changed my mind about selling the land. Here is your money.”

It is prudent to listen to wise counsel. Failure to heed good advice may result in unwanted consequences.

Learn some new words in Talking Money 

• Weather-scoured - faded 
• Assuaged – eased
• Attaché case – a small rectangular case for carrying documents
• Fodder – food for livestock
• Tussle – vigorous struggle
• Haggling – bargaining persistently
• Surmise – guess
• Discomfiture – unease, awkwardness
• Bristling – angered
• Groggy – weak/unsteady
• Tinny – metallic sound
• Disembodied – (of a sound) lacking any obvious physical source
• Slick – (skin) shiny
• Leaden – heavy

13 comments:

Yes, Mukidanyi regrets his irresponsible decision because he gets quite scared when he heard the money talking. It is at this point that reality dawns on him that the Galos money is not clean. When he returns the briefcase to Mr. Galo he does not engage in any length discussion. He just throws the money to him and runs back home.

Thanks for the feedback. This is remarkably comprehensive.

Relieved me alot do you have for fathers of nation

I'm working on it. Articles will go live on the blog soon.

There is no essay related to this?

It is available on this blog. Thanks.

Good choice of words. I love the details given

Thank you for the feedback.

Explain me about essay about talking money

you should pu lish something on essays about the story not major events.it doesnt help a thing as kcse tests on essays only

I do both. Analysis helps students understand the story rather than simply cram answers from sample essays. Thanks for the feedback.

Tell Wekati something

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Essay: silent song kcse essay questions and answers.

A SILENT SONG AND OTHER STORIES ESSAY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ©Wafula Wekati   A SILENT SONG ESSAY QUESTION   Share An i...

• Fri. Mar 22nd, 2024

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A Silent Song And Other Stories KCSE Essay Questions and Answers-Series 1

Find also Study Guide To ‘THE SAMARITAN’ by John Lara

Sample answered essay questions.

Question 1:

Ninema is an admirable character. Support this from Vrenika Pather’s ‘Ninema’ 20marks.

Ninema is an outstanding character who is liked by many of the people she associates with. We see many good traits that she portrays in the story “Ninema”.

To start with, Ninema is presented as a principled person. She does not let the behaviours and traits of others change what she believes in. Her business manner is unique only to her, and she does not change it to fit or be like others. Although she was one of the traders, something about her was different.

She ran her business with an iron fist which made some people like her while others disliked her, -Tie people’s reactions do not affect her as she remains herself. ‘The ladies in the stalls admire _her mainly because they had gotten compromised at work and home.

In addition, Ninema is admirable since she is organised. She plans her work early enough, making it easy to run her business.

She wakes up early in the morning to reap the herbs that she takes to the market for the day. She organises her herbs in an appetising way, which draws many customers to here She does not chat with other ladies aimlessly, which would waste her time. She plans to ensure the stall is organised before she takes her breakfast. Once her stall is ready and only when ready, she takes sips ofthe tea she had brought. Her meals are packed early in the morning, which points to this organised personality. She packs tea and some sandwiches that she takes for lunch. Nlnemaås also admirable since she is skilful wise, She handles different customers masterfully, thus making her earn their loyalty. She can handle Mr Chinran, infatuated with her, by treating him with respect and appreciation instead of encouraging his infatuation. She also handles Mrs Singh firmly but respectively, thus winning her even though Mrs Singh is difficult and troublesome. Ninema’s ability to entice a new customer

by offering an extra bunch of mint for free shows that she is skilful in business, thus making her admirable as a trader.

Lastly, Ninema is seen to be courageous, making her admirable. When a man sexually harasses her, she does not let him go scot- free. She follows the man who pinches her erect nipple and hits him with the only weapon at hand — her Chumpal, which makes the man too astounded to react. The other women hawker jeer and cheer as Ninema repeatedly hits the man. She even gives him extra hits on behalf of all the women, thus depicting her as the fighter of her rights and those for others. By following the man and hitting him with her sandal, Ninema shows her courage.

From the story, Ninema is genuinely seen to be admirable due to her courageous, skilful, organised and moral nature.

When one is given power, he/she should use it onlyforgood but more often than not people use it for wrongpurposes. Support this statement basing your argument from Naguib Mahfouz’s ‘A Man of Awesome Power’ Many people who are in powerful positions or who have been gifted with some sort of power tend to abuse it. Instead of utilizing it for improvement of the society at large, they use it for their own selfish interests or to punish those that have wronged them. same scenario is seen in ‘A Man of Awesome Power through a number of illustrations.

We see Tayyib al- Mahdi utilizing the power given to him for revenge. This is not a good a way of power utilization as it causes harm to others. Tayyib realizes that he has power to order things to be and he sets out to utilize the power to change’ his country. However, the first episode where he utilizes this power shows that he is utilizing it to hit back at a person who offends him. The driver of the taxi that he hails suffers his wrath for refusing to stop. When Tayyib is on his way to the heart of the town, he hails a taxi but the driver simply waves a hand at him in haughty refuses. Tayyib’s irritation makes him stare at the rear wheels of the taxi and the two explode suddenly.

A Silent Song And Other Stories KCSE Essay Questions and Answer

He ignores the voice that reminds him that he should only use his power for good and lets his anger control him. This act of revenge was deliberate since as Tayyib bypasses the driver he feels that he has taught the man a lesson. By utilizing his power to hit back at the taxi driver, Tayyib shows that people with power use it for wrong purposes. We further see wrong utilization of power where Tayyib causes the man in the bus to suffer stomach pains. Although the man had physically attacked a woman, causing him to suffer stomach cramps not justified. Tayyib encounters a confrontation between the man and a woman in a public bus and the man ends up slapping the woman. Just like the incident with the taxi driver, Tayyib lets his anger control him where he focused it on the man’s stomach and immediately the man suffers severe cramps

that cause him to moan and scream in pain. The pain is so intense that an ambulance had to be called to fetch him•

Allowing his anger to control him and causing pain to the man who had slapped a woman is a vengeful act which is wrong thus showing how people with power use it for wrong purposes.

Beside, Tayyib uses the power bestowed on him to interfere with the radio presentation by causing the presenter to start sneezing. While seated in the café, he hears a radio announcer expounding on the developments that were to be expected in the future. Tayyib feels that the announcer should report on what has been achieved yet instead of giving false hopes to the people. Tayyib thus decides to cause some sneezing to attack the announcer since it was the only way to stop him.

Soon after, the announcer develops massive sneezes that prevent him from carrying on with the presentation. Tayyib feels happy and victorious after the unexpected conclusion of the announcement. Although his desire is to purify the broadcasting sector, the approach of causing massive sneezing to the presenter is harmful and thus wrong. Lastly, Tayyib is seen to use the power given to him to satisfy his sexual passion and desires. Tayyib utilizes the power to make a woman that he is attracted to notice

him. While he is seated at the tea garden planning how to effectively use his power, Tayyib notices a beautiful woman approaching the entrance of the garden. The woman does not notice him at first and Tayyib thinks of how through his powers he can cause her to be head -over-heels with him. He then sends her a hidden message and she responds to him. He sees nothing wrong with satisfying his desires as a way of repairing himself. He closes his note book and they surrender to fate, This is an immoral act since Tayyib is married to Haniya whom he had remained faithful to throughout their marriage.

People gifted with power should strive to use it only for good purposes and not to cause pain and suffering to others or for immoral deeds like Tayyib did.

Some cultural practices do not add value hence should be done away with.

Show the truthfulness of this assertion basing on Eric Ng’maryo’s ‘Ivory Bangles’. (20 marks)

Culture keeps people together and governs their way of life thus is important. However, there are some traditions that are of no benefit and in some cases such traditions cause harm to people who continue to embrace them as is the case in Ivory Bangles]

For this reason, such traditions should be discarded. Polygamy is one such cultural practice that has continued to be embraced yet it has no value. We realize that the community in the story holds in high esteem this practice. As such, a man who does not ascribe to it is seen to be a topic of discussion:

This comes out clear where the old man who is a respected Chief’s councilor is talked about because he had only one wife. According to the story, it was unheard- of for someone as powerful as the old man- a small chief, to have only one wife,

However, this value is seen to have no value since the old man is happy in his marriage and he really loves his wife to the extent that he gifted her twenty-four ivory bangle Besides, the riddle used by old man when responding to the Chief’s demand that he marries another wife shows that polygamy causes harm. The riddle’s interpretation A wife, a co-wife, witchcraft and death points to the harmful effects of the practice. As such, polygamy should be abolished as it causes harm and adds no value. Another cultural value that has no value is believe in the seer and the act of seeking his guidance. The old man goes to seek the advice of the seer after noticing some blood specks in the live at he goat that he slaughtered, He does this since his people, believed in him as their tribal seer and their priest. We also see how valued he is when the old man’s wife dismisses his demands. The old man harshly rebukes her telling her that the seer is the mouthpiece of their departed fathers, we however {see that this belief

does not add value since some of the advices given are bound to cause harm. The advice given to the old man by the seer supports this as the seer tells him ‘That the pebbles demand that he beats his wife and send her back to her father’s home. According to the seer, the pebbles are jealous of a happy wife- a woman unmolested by her husband. This shows that this believe in the seer is of no benefit but rather causes harm.

The superstitious belief that having blood specks in a goat’s liver is a sign of something bad about to happen does not add any value, Tris is not based on any proven basis but is just a traditional belief. The old man goes to consult the seer since he had noted some blood specks in the liver of the goat he had slaughtered. The belief is so strong that the man does not agree with the wife’s dismissal of the seer’s demands. According to the wife, the seer was hitting back at her for turning down his marriage proposal. This argument that had been used previously does not appear believable at this time as the old man reminds the wife that the seer did not put blood specks on the goat’s liver. Wife battering is another cultural practice that the people hold in esteem yet it causes more Karm than good. When the old man consults the Seer about the blood specks in the liver of the goat he had slaughtered, ‘the seer’s pebble disclose that a wife was going to die since the spirits were jealous of a happy wife, a woman unmolested by her husband until old age. This (Shows the value attached to wife molestation. To avert the

death, the old man is asked to give his wife the ‘ritual beating before sending her back to her parent’s home. Although the old man offers to give a number of goats to avert the catastrophes, the pebbles keep demanding for the ritual beating forcing the old man and the wife to come up with a plan of tricking the pebbles. The harmful effect of the ritual beating is seen through Leveri, the wife to the old man’s son. The wife remembers how her daughter-in-law had been beaten to a fingernail’s distance to her grave by the son. This shows that the ritual beating can almost cause death hence the reason it should be discarded.

Although culture is a glue that holds people together, some of the outdated practices should be gotten rid of as the cause more harm than good.

War causes a lot of harm and thus should be avoided at any cost. Validate this statement basing your illustrations from Chimamanda Adichie’s ‘Ghosts’ (20 Marks)

Whenever parties engage in some form of fighting, there are grave implications that follow as is seen in Ghosts’ where the civil war that happened in July 6, 1967 cause suffering and pain to the people.

To start with, war is seen to cause displacement of several people. Many people are forced to run away from their country and their homes when the civil war broke

Prof. James and Ikenna’s meeting takes James down the memory lane where he recounts how they were forced to evacuate Nsukka in a hurry in July 6, 1967 when the war began. Through their conversation, we learn that Ikenna has lived in Sweden ever since the war began and has only come back to Nsukka recently. He discloses that he was flown out on Red Cross planes just like many other children had been airlifted to Gabon. Prof. James did not escape the displacement since he and his wife, Ebere had to move to America when the war broke out. Many people are seen to have been forced to leave their motherland as a result of the civil war.

secondly, we see that war leads to loss of lives. Several people had their lives cut short due to the civil war that broke out. The return of Ikenna comes as a surprise to Prof, James since Ikenna was thought to have died in the war. It is no wonder that Prof initially thought of throwing a handful of sand at him just like his people did to ensure that it was not a ghost. Actual loss of life is seen through Ikenna’s family. While explaining to prof the reason why he never returned to Nsukka after the war, Ikenna tells him that his whole family was killed when Orlu was bombed during the war thus he had nobody to come back to. It is not just Ikenna who lost loved ones but Prof too. His first daughter Zik died in the war. He tells Ikenna that the war took Zik. It is no wonder they named their second daughter Nkiruka which means: what is ahead is better.

Thirdly, war is seen to cause massive destruction and loss of properties. When Prof James and his wife first returned to Nsukka when the war ended in 1970, they notice major destructions that had occurred. Prof recounts how they found their house and items destroyed. His books were lying in front of the gate, his Mathematical Annals torn and used as tissue paper, the bath tab used as toilet and their photos ripped and their frames broken. The massive destruction of their house was too much that they had to be assigned a different house in a different street to avoid seeing their old house. In the process of their house being destroyed, they lose their Piano that belonged to Ebere. Prof also remembers the landscape of drove back to Nsukka after the war. The massive destruction a recounted by Prof shows how destructive war is.

Lastly, war causes psychological and physical suffering o live with nightmares the victims. Those who experience war and sad memories of it. Prof James is seen to have lived with the memories of the war. He easily remembers every detail of the war as he recounts it to Ikenna. Ikenna has suffered psychologically as is seen from the fact that he lost all his family in Orlu hence the reason he does not return to Nsukka. His psychological suffering is further seen from the fact that he never remarries after the war took his wife. Further evidence o psychological pain is seen where Prof observes how his people avoided the topic of war and if they engaged in it, it was with some vagueness. The naming of their second daughter Nkiruka- what is ahead

is better, also shows the pain that Prof and Ebere: were trying to avoid. The people also suffer physical pain. Prof.James remembers how a wounded soldier was shoved in their car on the day they returned to Nsukka«

War causes loss oflives, displacement ofpeoplej and destruction of properties among other effects. People should thus strive to live in harmony and avoid it at all costs.

Lack of courtesy between the police and civilians leads to lethal conflicts. Justify the validity of this statement using illustrations from Meja Mwangi’s Incident in the park. (20 marks).

Across the world, over centuries, the behaviour of some of the police officers has caused dire repercussions. Sometimes this happens due to excessive use of force or simply wrongful application law and policies, but majoriy this occurs as a result of impolite

Incident in the Park shows how city dwellers, hawkers and loafers find themselves in conflicts with the police over flimsy and petty reasons often ending unpleasantly. When the two constables accost the fruit peddler, he gets startled and confused. They demand for his licence and identity card which he obviously doesn’t have. Then he offers five shillings which doesn’t seem

good enough as one constable shrugs. This means that at times if the offer were attractive, they would have accepted it and left him.

The police refuse to listen to the fruit merchant and harshly shove him along the street to the city telling him he will explain to the judge. This complicates matters even more because the fruit- seller fears the judge more. It throws him into more panic as he has a case that is coming up the following week and the judge is a “tyrant”. He explains further that he is selling this time so that he can afford of me but all his entreaties fall on deaf ears. They remain unimpressed saying nothing until he breaks away and flees into the crowded city.

The situation escalates when the constables chase the fleeing man shouting for help from the passers-by. They actually betroth him unto the mob. A city man intercepts him and another man lunges for him as shouts increase. Tossed here and there as a suspect, the desperate fruit peddler stumbles and falls into a ditch. No one seems to care to find out what really is happening before taking action. No one listens as he pleads for mercy. 7his is where he meets his ‘verdict’ which is death. According to the crowd, ‘justice’ is administered. The mob universally condemn him without plausible evidence.

By the time the police arrive at the scene, it is too late. Their action is irreversible and fatal. Flie mob has already killed him for being a “thief”. They who are supposed

to ensure public safety an security have aided the killing o/a hardworking hawker by their silly mistake. This should not have happened if they had treated

the man Politely. An innocent life is so unnecessarily lost. This makes the public lose confidence in the police. after investigations the truth will come out and it will be hard to trust the police.

In a nutshell, wanton conflicts and deaths of innocent citizen could be averted if the police handled matters with courtesy and sobriety.

A Silent Song — Leonard Kibera.

Action speaks louder than words. Discuss the truth of this saying using illustrations from Leonard Kibera’s A Silent Song. (20 marks)

The character of an individual tells more than what they actually say. Mbane’s brother, Ezekiel, preaches water and takes wine. He is so devoted to God as a preacher, but neglects Mbane, to agonize in the streets for a long time until he almost dies. When he brings Mbane to his hut claiming to rescue him from the barbaric city in order that he can see the light of God, the blind beggar starts to feel more lonely and miserable in the desolate environment. lhe desolate hut is not a habitable place for him as it has a flea-ridden floor. One wonders

why he cannot live with his own brother in his own house! This action tells that the preacher does not love his brother.

It ironical for Ezekiel to keep preaching to his blind brother about Christ and salvation instead of first saving him from the harsh street beggary. Ezekiel seems to have already judged him as a sinner and that “Christ” will come down from heaven to do the good to him. Mbane dies miserably without much help from his brother. This is least expected from a man of God who should Have preached to his brother through actions of care and concern.

Ezekiel portrays religious hypocrisy since Christians would not throw insults and abuses to God’s people when they don’t agree with them on some issue, or when they do not show that they believe in Jesus Christ. When Mbane shows no interest in Christ, his brother tells him he is worse than a Judas. EIT1is lack of patience for a Christian, especially a preacher, is not morally acceptable.

Another action that tells of the preacher’s action is the meaning in his silence later as Mbane nears his death. Christians, good men and women on a Christmas morning, also display pretence in the way they curse and call him names instead of bringing the good knowledge of Christ to him. They claim, in his hearing, that he is an able-bodied person, only crippled more daily by the idleness of leisurely

begging. He could only yearn impotently beyond the reach of darkness and lameness. At times, self-pity overcomes him. To him, the God of the Gospel and religion are comforts beyond his reach as a cripple. His God is his only hope of deliverance from pain, destitution and despair. The people’s actions discourage him about Christianity which they profess but not practice.

In conclusion, the true gospel is the action of an individual because it is more practical than mere words. Actions work and satisfy the heart more than proclaiming the word ofGod.

Incident in the Park — Meja Mwangi.

1. Lack of courtesy between the police and civilians leads to lethal conflicts. Justify the validity of this statement using illustrations from Meja Mwangi’s Incident in the Park. (20 marks).

Across the world, over centuries, the behaviour of some of the police officers has caused dire repercussions. Sometimes this happens due to excessive use of force or simply wrongful application of the

law and policies, but majorly this occurs as a result of impolitel interactions between the two parties.

Incident in the Park shows how city dwellers, hawkers and loafers find themselves in conflicts with the police over flimsy and petty reasons often ending unpleasantly.

When the two constables accost the fruit peddler, he gets startled and confused. They demand for his licence and identity card which he obviously doesn’t have. Then he offers five shillings which doesn’t seem good enough as one constable shrugs. This means that at times if the offer were attractive, they would have accepted it and left him.

The police refuse to listen to the fruit merchant and harshly shove him along the street to the city telling him he will explain to the judge. This complicates matters even more because the fruit- seller fears the judge more, It throws him into more panic as he has a case that is coming up the following week and the judge is a “tyrant”. He explains further that he is selling this time so that he can afford a fine but all his entreaties fall on deaf ears They remain unimpressed saying nothing until he breaks away and flees into the crowded city.

The situation escalates when the constables chase the fleeing man shouting for help from the passers-by. They actually betroth him unto the mob. A city man intercepts him and anotherman lunges for him as shouts increase. Tossed here and there as a suspect, the desperate fruit peddler stumbles and falls into a ditch, No one seems to care to find out what really is happening before taking action. No one listens as he pleads for mercy, This is where he meets his Verdict’ which is death. According to

the crowd, ‘justice’ is administered. The mob universally condemn him without plausible evidence.

By the time the police arrive at the scene, it is too late. Their action is irreversible and fatal. The mob has already killed him for being a “thief”. They who are supposed to ensure public safety and security have aided the killing of a hardworking hawker by their silly mistake. This should not have happened if they had treated the man politely. An innocent life is so unnecessarily lost. This makes the public lose confidence in the police. after investigations the truth will come out and it will be hard to trust the police.

In a nutshell, wanton conflicts and deaths of innocent citizens could be averted if the police handled matters with courtesy and sobriety.

1. Action speaks louder than words. Discuss the truth of this saying using illustrations from Leonard Kibera’s A Silent Song. (20 marks)

The character of an individual tells more than what they actually say. Mbane’s brother, Ezekiel, preaches water and takes wine. He is so devoted to God as a preacher, but neglects Mbane, to agonize in the streets for a long time until he almost dies. When he brings Mbane to his hut claiming to rescue him from the barbaric city in order that he can see the light of God, the blind beggar starts to feel more lonely and miserable in the desolate environment. The desolate hut is not a habitable place for him as it has a flea-ridden floor. One wonders why he cannot live with his own brother in his own house! This action tells that the preacher does not love his brother.

It ironical for Ezekiel to keep preaching to his blind brother abou Christ and salvation instead of first saving him from the harsh street beggary. Ezekiel seems to have already judged him as a sinner and that “Christ” will come down from heaven to do th good to him. Mbane dies miserably without much help from his

brother. This is least expected from a man of God who should have preached to his brother through actions of care and concern.

Ezekiel portrays religious hypocrisy since Christians would not throw insults and abuses to God’s people when they don’t agree with them on some issue, or when they do not show that they believe in Jesus Christ. When Mbane shows no interest in Christ, his brother tells him he is worse than a Judas. This lack of patience for a Christian, especially a preacher, is not morally acceptable.

morning also display pretence in the way they curse and call him names instead of bringing the good knowledge of Christ to him. They claim, in his hearing, that he is an able-bodied person, only crippled more daily by the idleness of leisurely begging. He could only yearn impotently beyond the reach of darkness and lameness. At times self-pity overcomes him. To him, the God of the Gospel and religion are comforts beyond his reach as a cripple. His God is his only hope of deliverance from pain, destitution and despair. lie people’s actions discourage him about Christianity which they profess but not practice.

In conclusion, the true gospel is the action of an individual because it is more practical than mere words. Actions work and satisfy the heart more than proclaiming the word of God.

Another action that tells of the preacher’s action is the meaning in his silence later as Mbane nears his death. Christians, good men and women on a Christmas

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Education in Kenya-Facts, News, Analysis and Resources

Talking money-a study guide to a silent song and other stories.

By Tr Mercy

About the author:

Stanley Gazemba was born in 1974 in Vihiga, Kenya. Stanley Gazemba has published three novels: The Stone Hills of

Maragoli (Kwani, winner of the 2003 Jomo Kenyatta Prize for fiction, published in the U.S. as Forbidden Fruit), Khama (DigitalBackBooks), and Callused Hands (Nsemia). He has also published eight children’s books, of which A Scare in the Village (Oxford Univ. Press) won the 2015 Jomo Kenyatta Prize for children’s fiction. Gazemba’s fiction has appeared in ‘A’ is for Ancestors, a collection of short stories from the Caine Prize (Jacana); Africa39: New Writing From Africa South of the Sahara (Bloomsbury); Ihe Literary Review (Fairleigh Dickinson Univ.); Man of the House and Other New Short Stories from Kenya (CCC Press); Crossing Borders online magazine; among other publications.

As a journalist, Gazemba has written for The New York Times, The East African,

Msanii magazine, Sunday Nation, and Saturday Nation. Gazemba was the International Fellow at the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference in 2007. Gazemba lives in Nairobi, where he is the editor of Ketebul Music.

1. Mukidanyi dismisses his elder brothers. (p49 – 50).

A colli rchensive and dctailcd uidc to a silent son and other stories

• The arrival of Galo and his lawyer for negotiation. (p50 52).
• The disturbing night of evil spirits. (p53 56).

SYNOPSIS IN TALKING MONEY

Talking money is a story about Mukidanyi, a furious young man and a cattle trader who ignores his elder brothers’ warning against selling his land. The story is set in the vast rural expanse of Kakamega, Kenya. Mukidanyi’s brothers Ngoseywe and

Agoya give up on him and leave. Obsessed with money in his mind, he refuses to heed his wife’s counsel and instead flogs her.

When his clients arrive, he receives them warmly, showing them the fertile land and offers to help where necessary. They then negotiate without a tussle, for they accept his first offer without haggling. He takes the huge amount of money without counting it and signs the papers with his thumbprint, for he had played truant and naughty when his father, Kizungu, tried to take him to school.

Enthusiastic and excited about the money, he cannot sleep until he is attacked by voices at night, which his wife tells him are evil spirits. He almost runs mad as his wife laughs at him. Overwhelmed by nervousness and fear of the demons, he returns all the money to the Galos and flees back to his house.

Questions for reflection on ‘Title’ of the story and themes.

• How relevant is the title of the story, Talking moneym
• Why do you think the money given to Mukidanyi “talks’ only at night while in his custody?
• Do you think the Galos are responsible for the talking of the money?
• Primitive superstition on sources of wealth.
• Obsession with money and the power of guilt.
• Importance of consultation on family property.

THEMATIC CONCERNS IN TALKING MONEY

Ethnocentric beliefs in spirits.

The concept of social superstition rooted in people’s culture is linked with belief in good and bad luck as a context-derived concept affects the people of that culture in various aspects.

Although the concept of superstition is common, many of its features and aspects are still unclear. Some questions about these beliefs remain baffling and unanswered. Engulfed with immense doubt, Mukidanyi decides to obey his wife’s words and beliefs about the Galos. (p50).

• At night, the hour of witches, viganda haunt Mukidanyi. He hears voices speaking, and he believes they are not dreaming voices. (p54).
• Then his wife Ronika scoldingly tells him those are certainly viganda spirits speaking. (p54).

Ronika takes advantage of her husband’s extreme fear and makes more fun of him. She reassures him that the Galos’ money is speaking in the briefcase under the bed. (p54).

• Confident and sure that he is terrified, she shouts and scoffs at him to take the money out. “Go with your devil money this very minute and find somewhere else to keep it but not in this house, you hear?” (p55).

Obsession with money and the power of guilt

• The tough speaking and abusive man is now humbled and reduced to a whispering weakling.
• Definitely, the warnings are ricocheting in his mind because of his guilt and failure to consult before beginning the process of selling his land.
• Scared by the unseen demons, Mukidanyi flees back to the Galos, returning all the money. (p55, 56).
• He changes his mind. He is only left with his wife to trust, and his house is the only refuge at this ‘hour of witches’.

CHARACTERS IN TALKING MONEY

1. Using evidence from the text, describe the character traits of the following characters.

Style and Language use

• How is sarcasm employed in Stanley Gazemba’s Talking Money?
• Examine the use of dialogue and native dialect in Talking Money.

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A Silent Song Analysis - A Silent Song and Other Stories Easy Elimu Study Guide

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• About the Author 
• Key moments in the story
• Characters and characterization

Stylistic Devices

Revision questions - a silent song., essay question.

A Silent Song - Leonard Kibera

About the author.

Leonard Kibera was a Kenyan novelist and short story writer who died in 1976.

Kibera was born in Kabete, Kenya, attended high school at Embu and studied at the University of California and Stanford University.

He taught at the University of Zambia and at Kenyatta University, Kenya, from 1976 until his death. His first publication was a book of short stories, Potent Ash (1968), which he wrote with his brother, Samuel Kahiga. The book explores the guilt, betrayal, and failure of the Mau Mau.

​​Several of the stories have been anthologized, especially The Spider's Web, which points an accusing finger at Kenya's elite for the state of Kenya since independence.

His only novel, Voices in the Dark (1970), uses dark humour to question why most Mau Mau soldiers who fought for independence were forgotten and left to beg and die along the roadside. Kibera has also written several articles of literary criticism.

The Plot Summary

​​A Silent Song by Leonard Kibera is a story about Mbane, a young, paralyzed, blind city street beggar who has spent much of his life living on the streets of a city, begging for money and seeking shelter in a back lane at night. He lives in destitution, begging from the passers-by while seething with pain and discomfort. However, d espite being surrounded by people and activity, Mbane is isolated and unable to fully participate in the rhythms and pleasures of urban life.  He is unable to share in the small talk of the pedestrians, and even when they sing or whistle to the morning sky, Mbane can only observe from a distance.

In the story, the city is depicted as a place of noise and activity, with people singing and dancing and engaging in various forms of work and leisure. However, Mbane is only able to experience this activity from a limited perspective, and is unable to fully understand or participate in it. This is due to Mbane's blindness, paralysis and destitution as such he cannot really participate in the city's noise and activity.

In contrast to Mbane's destitution his brother is a wealthy preacher who 'rescues' Mbane from the 'barbaric city' unto the 'light of God' after neglecting him for a long time. Mbane's brother 'rescues' him from the city and brings him to a hut in a serene, but suspicious, location.

Mbane reflects on his life in the city and the differences between his new surroundings and the city, including the lack of noise and busyness, the presence of trees, and the fact that his brother has brought him here with the intention of showing him the "light of God."

Though Mbane was unable to fully join in and express himself in the city with its vibrant energy and culture he misses it. He painfully reminisces his street life with nostalgia at his brother's lonely hut. He thinks about his brother and wonders what his intentions are in bringing him to the hut.

He is not as happy though he is now in a more serene environment. He remembers the bright weather, lovely morning and beautiful sunset as the citybustling with people during the day talk. At night, the good men and women turned drunk and the pimps and whores have their turn to smile, sing and dance. Though he used to beg day and night for a living.

In his religious brother Ezekiel's hut, Mbane is nursed by  Sarah, his brother's wife, who administers bitter fluid down his throat. He swallows it painfully, and she assures him of being well.

His religious brother, Ezekiel, preaches to him about Christ, the saved ones and sinners. He asks him whether he knows where sinners go when they die and whether he accepts Jesus, and Mbane says he doesn't know.

Mbane wonders why certain groups, such as pimps and whores, are considered bad, and reflects on the violence and hostility that he has witnessed in the city.

Mbane is in pain and struggling to survive, and at one point he is overwhelmed by sharp pangs and momentarily paralyzed by them. 

Before Ezekiel saves him (brings him into the light of God), Mbane's strength wanes, the pain goes, his head jerks down to the bed, and he is gone.

In the end, Mbane is unable to fully comprehend or connect with his brother, and feels that his brother's efforts to communicate and guide him are like a silent song - a message that is present, but that Mbane is unable to fully hear or understand.

Despite this, Mbane remains hopeful that his brother's intentions are well-intentioned and that he will be able to find meaning and purpose in his new surroundings.

Key Moments in the story

• Mbane's life of misery in the streets as a lame, blind beggar. (p17 - 19).
• Mbanes's lonely self versus the bubbly world around him. (p18 - 19).
• Mbane's nostalgia. (p18).
• Mbane's brother, Ezekiel, rescues him. (p19 - 20).

The title "A Silent Song" could be interpreted in a few different ways, all of which seem fitting for the story described.

--> One possibility is that the title refers to Mbane's own experience of living on the streets of the city .

Despite being surrounded by people and activity, Mbane is isolated and unable to fully participate in the rhythms and pleasures of urban life.

He is unable to share in the small talk of the pedestrians, and even when they sing or whistle to the morning sky, Mbane can only observe from a distance.

In this sense, Mbane's life is like a silent song - he is present, but unable to fully join in or express himself.

--> Another possibility is that the title refers to the city itself , and the way in which it is described in the story.

The city is depicted as a place of noise and activity, with people singing and dancing and engaging in various forms of work and leisure.

However, Mbane is only able to experience this activity from a limited perspective, and is unable to fully understand or participate in it. As a result, the city's vibrant energy and culture might be seen as a kind of silent song - it is present, but beyond Mbane's reach .

--> Finally, the title could also be interpreted as a metaphor for Mbane's relationship with his brother .

The brother is described as being silent and enigmatic, and Mbane is unsure of his intentions in bringing him to the hut.

The brother's actions and words seem to suggest that he is trying to show Mbane something, perhaps the "light of God," but Mbane is unable to fully comprehend or connect with him.

In this sense, the brother's efforts to communicate and guide Mbane might be seen as a silent song - a message that is present, but that Mbane is unable to fully hear or understand .

Characters and Characterization

List of characters.

• Mbane: the protagonist of the story, a young man who has spent much of his life living on the streets of a city, begging for money and seeking shelter in a back lane at night. He is in pain and struggling to survive. He passes away at the hut, smiling.
• Ezekiel: a man who is present at the hut with Mbane and his wife Sarah. He tries to encourage Mbane to accept Christ and be baptized, but becomes angry and frustrated with Mbane's lack of commitment. He ultimately decides to let Mbane be and not give him over to the devil.
• Sarah: Ezekiel's wife, a woman who is present at the hut with Mbane and confirms his passing.

Character Traits

• Vulnerable: Mbane has spent much of his life living on the streets, begging for money and seeking shelter in a back lane at night. This difficult and precarious existence has left him vulnerable and exposed to various dangers and hardships.
• Isolated: Despite being surrounded by people and activity in the city, Mbane is depicted as being isolated and unable to fully participate in or understand the rhythms and pleasures of urban life. He is unable to share in the small talk of the pedestrians and can only observe from a distance.
• Reflective: Mbane is depicted as being introspective and reflective, thinking about his life and the world around him. He reflects on his time on the streets of the city and the differences between his new surroundings and the city, and wonders about the intentions of his brother.
• Non-judgmental: Mbane is depicted as being accepting and non-judgmental towards the pimps and whores who frequent the back lane where he seeks shelter at night. He does not view them as "bad" or immoral, but rather as simply a part of his environment.
• Open-minded: Despite his struggles and difficult circumstances, Mbane seems to be open to new ideas and experiences. He is receptive to Ezekiel's attempts to guide him towards Christ and seems to come to a sense of acceptance and understanding before he dies.
• Observant - despite being physically blind and paralyzed, Mbane is able to 'see' so much of the city through his other senses. 
• Sceptical - He thinks about his brother and wonders what his intentions are in bringing him to the hut.
• Enduring - Though he is destitute and living in misery in the city he endures.
• Religious: Ezekiel is depicted as being deeply religious and concerned with Mbane's spiritual well-being. He tries to encourage Mbane to accept Christ and be baptized, and becomes frustrated when Mbane resists.
• Compassionate: Despite his frustration with Mbane's lack of commitment, Ezekiel is depicted as being compassionate and caring towards Mbane. He is concerned for Mbane's physical and spiritual welfare and does not want to give him over to the devil.
• Persistent: Ezekiel is depicted as being persistent in his efforts to guide Mbane towards Christ. He continues to try to encourage Mbane to accept his beliefs even when Mbane resists or is uncertain.
• Frustrated: Ezekiel becomes frustrated with Mbane's lack of commitment and seems to believe that Mbane is being obstinate or difficult. He becomes angry and hisses at Mbane, accusing him of being worse than Judas. However, he ultimately decides to let Mbane be and not give him over to the devil.
• Hypocritical - he rescues his brother only to show him the 'light of God' after neglecting him for a long time. That is against the religious teachings.

The character of Ezekiel is depicted as being deeply religious and trying to encourage Mbane to accept Christ and be baptized. The theme of religion is present throughout the story and is a major focus of Ezekiel's interactions with Mbane.

​Religious hypocrisy/pretentious piety

Mbane's brother, Ezekiel, is so devoted to God a preacher but neglects him for a long time till he realizes Mbane is nearing his death.

He picks him up and brings him to his hut, claiming it is rescuing only for Mbane to feel lonelier and more miserable. "I rescued you from that barbaric city so that you can see the light of God.

The desolate hut is not a habitable place for him. It has a flea-ridden floor. .

He could tell that there was meaning in his brother's silence of late... (p18).

Asked whether he knows a man called Jesus, he says "Yes", but whether he believes and accepts him, Mbane says, "1 don't know," and his brother says Mbane is worse than a Judas. This portrays hypocrisy, and Christians would not talk like this.

It is ironical and hypocritical for Ezekiel to tell Mbane, "Mbane - I want Christ to save you..." (p20) as though he has already judged him as a sinner and that "Christ" will come down from heaven to do the good to him while his brother watches.

There is a pretence in the way good Christian men and women curse and call him names instead of bringing the excellent knowledge of Christ to him. '... able-bodied, only crippled more every day by the idleness of leisurely begging'.

He could only yearn impotently beyond the reach of darkness and lameness. At times, self-pity overcame him.

The God of the Gospel and religion are comforts beyond the reach of a wretched cripple. His God is his only hope of deliverance from pain, destitution and despair. (p18 - 20).

Mbane is depicted as struggling to survive on the streets of the city, enduring pain and hardship in order to survive. His eventual passing at the hut can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles and challenges that we all face in life.

Prostitution and sexual slavery

There is evidence of such sexual evils as commercial sex and promiscuity.

The blind man knows, sees, and recalls City Street with nostalgia. The noises, drum beating and rhythms which Mbane calls the voices of good men and women turned drunk in the refuge of the night brothels, pimps and whores galore.

Meaning and Purpose

Mbane is depicted as being introspective and reflective, thinking about his life and the world around him. He seems to be searching for a sense of meaning or purpose in his existence, and wonders about the intentions of his brother.

Alcoholism and escapism

The street, especially the back lane, had taught Mbane a lot of ... good men and women turned drunk in the refuge of the night brothels, pimps and whores galore. (Pg. 8).

Belief and Faith

The theme of belief and faith is present in the story through Ezekiel's efforts to encourage Mbane to accept Christ and be baptized. The story touches on the idea that belief and faith can be a source of strength and comfort, even in difficult circumstances.

Compassion and Caring

The theme of compassion and caring is present in the story through Ezekiel's concern for Mbane's physical and spiritual welfare. He tries to guide Mbane towards Christ out of a sense of compassion and concern, and ultimately decides to let Mbane be and not give him over to the devil.

Personification

When an idea or animal is given human characteristics. “The sky weeps.”

The wind is personified in the line "the wind whizzing through the trees around his new confinement." This gives the wind a sense of agency and human-like qualities, making it seem more active and dynamic.

Comparing two things without using the words “like” or “as”.

The metaphor of Mbane's "eternal night" is used to describe his sense of isolation and inability to fully participate in or understand the rhythms and pleasures of urban life. This metaphor helps to convey the idea of Mbane's inner experience in a more imaginative and evocative way.

Imagery is a literary device used in poetry, novels, and other writing that uses vivid description that appeals to a readers' senses to create an image or idea in their head.

Through language, imagery does not only paint a picture, but aims to portray the sensational and emotional experience within text.

The story makes use of imagery to describe the setting and atmosphere of the hut, as well as Mbane's experiences on the streets of the city. For example, the description of the city as a "barbaric" place, with "quick footsteps of busy people prancing away fitly to business" and "the gay morning as their footsteps sang their way down the pavement" helps to create a vivid and immersive sense of the setting.

Repeating words or phrases.

(There are actually many different types of repetition like anaphora and epiphora.)

The phrase "the light of God" is repeated several times throughout the story, most notably when Ezekiel tells Mbane that he brought him to the hut "so that you can see the light of God." This repetition helps to emphasize the importance of this concept to Ezekiel and the centrality of faith in the story.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sound.

The repetition of the "s" sound in the phrase "surrender his vulnerability to sleep" creates a sense of flow and continuity in the language.

Comparing two things using the words “like” or “as”

The simile "as the sun withdrew he knew not where, to yield the street to hostile cold" compares the sun's movement to a person retreating or withdrawing. This helps to convey the sense of the sun's absence in a more imaginative and evocative way.

Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is a powerful and common technique used in literally works to hint at future events.

It not only creates suspense and tension but can also hold symbolic value, too.

The mention of Mbane's brother's "strange" and "well-intentioned" voice, as well as the reference to Mbane's "new life away from the streets of the City" could be seen as foreshadowing Mbane's eventual passing at the hut. These details suggest that something significant is going to happen, even if it is not yet clear what that might be.

Symbolism is a literary device that  uses symbols, be they words, people, marks, locations, or abstract ideas to represent something beyond the literal meaning . The concept of symbolism is not confined to works of literature: symbols inhabit every corner of our daily life.

The hut where Mbane passes away could be seen as a symbol of Mbane's physical and spiritual confinement, as well as a place of transition and transformation. The fact that Mbane sees the light before he passes away could be seen as a symbol of enlightenment or spiritual awakening.

• Discuss the relevance of the title of the story, A Silent Song.
• Brainstorm about the paradox in the title, A Silent Song.
• How can you tell that Mbane 'sees' and knows a lot in the city street despite being blind? A Silent Song.
• Why is it ironic for Ezekiel to claim to rescue his brother Mbane from the barbaric city?
• Why is Mbane reluctant to accept Christ?
• What is the plight of people living with disability
• Is death liberating for a man living in anguish?
• Why do you think Mbane dies while smiling?

People living on the streets apply wisdom in order to survive the difficult conditions. Write an essay to qualify this statement citing illustrations from Rem'y Ngamije’s  The Neighbourhood Watch.

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