CONTENTS PART A SHORT STORIES ‘The Necklace (Guyde Maupassant) The Visit (Richard Rive) The Magistrate’s Daughter (Alan Paton) The Silk Scarf (Ahmed Essop) ‘The Wasteland (Alan Paton) The Toilet (Gcina Mhlophe) Questions & Answers PARTE POETRY ova ee My Name (Magoleng Wa Selepe) Lament For A Dead Cow (Francis Carey Slater) ‘Mementos | (W.D Snodgrass) Ozymandias (Percey Bysshe Shelley) The Unknown Citizen (W,H Auden) On Aging (Mayo Angelou) - Questions & Answers ~ Exam Structures of Pd, P2 & P3 Including Study & Exam Tips °/01-07 P/08-13 P/14-17 P/48-22 P/23-24 P/25-30 P/Q1-30 P/32-36 P/37-42 ?/43-48 P/49-50 P/51-53 P/53-56 P/32-55 P/56-61,INTRODUCTION 1. What isa story? tion, his truest medium of expression, criticism, The story is man’s oldest means of communi extension of sensibility, experience, mood. The story is also, and this is probably most important of all, his truest record of what was, or what came of what ended both in his day to day life, and in his inner life. A worthwhile short story always has a theme of underlying message and this is what the Jearner must look for. Never regard a short story merely as story. Always search for a deeper meaning, a message, a lesson to be learned from it. In this study Guide, we have eight short stories for examination purpose, The learner must regard the title of each story with understanding as it points to the theme. By so doing the learner is automatically assisted to recognize the message. 2. How to study short stories for exam purpose. Make sure you understand the significance/ meaning of the title. Familiarize yourself with what is happening in the story. Know the plot (i.e. how events follow on events), Divide the story into introduction (starting point of the story), development (greater part of the story), conflict (rising action or crisis), climax (turning point in the story) and resolution/ denouement (conclusion of the story). Identify main themes. Study characterization and how the characters respond to what is happening in the story. 7 Study vocabulary. Study and be well conversant with figures of speech (e.g. simile metaphor, personification, etc) and sound devices (e.g. assonance, alliteration, onomatopoeia, etc) Work through questions and answers that are included in the study guide. vv vvvy vv vTHE NECKLACE (Guyde Maupassant) AUTHOR’S SHORT BIOGRAPHY . AFrench citizen born in 1850 and died in 1893. . The greatest French writer of stories, novels and poems. . Suffered from syphilis (i.e a sexually transmitted disease.) SETTING The story is set in the Loisels’ home on Rue des Martyrs, Paris in the 1900s. THEMES 1. The story is about Mathilde Loisel’s ungratefulness and envy for the rich ; 2. Itis also about greed, dissatisfaction with one’s lot in life including pride and personal honour. VOCABULARY Necklace = An ornament for the neck in the form of jewels,etc. Dowry = Money or property a bride brings to her husband at marriage usually provided by her parents. Caste/breeding = A hereditary social group defined by occupation, Trade, wealth, religion and marriage laws. Bom bya Freak of Fortune = Born mean or in a very unusual way. Candelabra = An ornamental holder for candles. Boudoirs = A woman’s bedroom. Stuttered Stammered. Frock Woman’s dress. Toying Playing. Brougham = Closed carriage drawn by a horse or horses. Ply Work. 10U owe you. Attic Room under the roof of a house. To mar = To spoil. Paste = Cheap material. CHARACTERS 1. Mr Loisel: . Husband to Mathilde. . Junior clerk in the Ministry of Public Institution. - Not financially well off, i.e long-suffering husband. - Reported the loss of a diamond necklace to the police, etc.. His father left him 18 000 francs before he died. | Employed a Breton maid for housework, ete. | Generous, loving and loyal husband. * Worked after hours as'a Bookkeeper to augment his income. “Puts his wife’s needs above his. Took ten years to pay off his family debt. 2. Mrs Mathilde Loisel: . Young, attractive and pretty woman matried to Mr Loisel. . Dissatisfied with lowly lifestyle. “Lived with her husband in a flat in the Rue des Martyrs, Paris. . Comes fro m a poor family. . Born in a freak of fortune/nature. | Wanted to wear a piece of jewellery. . Borrowed a magnificent diamond necklace from Madame Forestier. | Praised to be the most pretty woman during the function. «Lost the diamond necklace after the party. . Lied to Mme Forestier that she broke the necklace and that she was trying to repair it. : . Replaced the necklace with an identical one for approximately 34 000 francs. _ Got rid of her maid and gave their family flat and moved to an attic in a poorer part in order to save money to repay the heavy debt. . Took ten years to repay the debt. 3. Mme Jeanne Forestier: . A close and wealthy friend of Mrs Loisel. . Borrowed Mathilde her fine diamond necklace. . Young, beautiful and attractive woman. SUMMARY Mathilde was bom attractive, pretty and mean(i.e unkind, selfish or small-minded) in a lower-class family. That is why she had no dowry, no expectations and no way to getting famous, appreciated, loved and married by a rich man. That is why she allowed herself to be married to ‘Mr Loisel —a mere junior clerk in the Ministry of Public Institution. The couple lived in a flat in the Rue des Martyrs area, Paris in the 1800s. ‘Mrs Mathilde Loisel was totally dissatisfied with her poor life because she hated not being rich. Indeed, she dressed plainly owing to poverty. Yes, she imagined owning a mansion full to capacity with expensive and modem furniture, appliance, etc. She dreamt of luxurious dinnerclan, Oe i Mé Lois worked hard after hours to increase his tare who was already looking a cab outside to bring them back home. Reaching home Mathilde discovered that the necklace was missing around her neck. The partners searched for it all over, but in vain, Mr Loisel had no option but to Teport the matter to the police, newspapers and offered a reward to the cab companies for the safe retum of ie Precious metal. Again, there was 0 positive response. Indeed, Mathilde was under duress to write a letter to Madame Forestier, telling her a lie that they are having the necklace clasp fixed, After a week the Loisels Tealised they will have to replace the lost necklace. They found an identical one and arranged to buy it on oredit, To do so they had to borrow almost 40 000 francs, Fortunately Mme Forestier could not detect that her necklace had been replaced, Ten years of hardship followed as the Loisels struggled to repay the enormous debt. The family was obliged to relocate to an attic ina poor the couple was ruined. Mathilde’s health had deteriorated. For instance her hands were red and her voice loud. She was now the poorest of the Poor, She was strong, tough and coarse woman like women we find in the homes of the poor. Even her friend, Mme Jeanne Forestier could not beable to recognise het after ten years of separation. . Yes, Mathilde was again nearly shocked to death when told that the original necklace was aly paste, Le cheap material and not worth more than 500 francs. QUESTIONS A. ESSAY ‘Write an essay of about 150-200 words to discuss the following topic. “Mathilde Loisel’s ungratefulness and envy for the rich” ‘Your essay must consist of an introduction, a body and a conclusion. B. CONTEXTUAL Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions thereafter. One evening her husband came home with a broad sinile on his face and a large envelope in his hand. “Look” he cried. “Here is something for you dear!” She took the envelope eagerly and pulled out a printed invitation ‘vith words, ‘the Minister of Public Institution and Mme Georges Ramponneau request the honour of the company of Mr. and Mrs Loisel at the Ministry on the evening of Monday, January 18", Instead of being delighted as her husbend had hoped, she threw the invitation pettishly Gown on the table, murmuring: ‘what's the good of this to me?” “But I thought you would be pleased, dear! You never go out and this is the occasion. Thad the greatest difficulty to get the invitation. Bvery one want one, its very select and junior clerks don’t often get the chance. uthe whole official will be there”. She looked at him crossly and declared impatiently: “What do you think I am going to wear?” He had not thought of that and stuttered: “Why? The frock you weat for the theatre I think it is charming!” He stopped in an astonished manner when he saw his wife crying. ‘Two great tears were running slowly down the comers of her eyes to the comers of her mouth. He stammered: “What is the matter? What i the matter, dear?” But with a great effort she had controlled her disappointment and replied quietly, drying her wet cheeks: Oh nothing! Only not having anything to wear, I can’t go to the party. Pass on the invitation to some colleagues whove wives are better dressed than I”. Look here Mathilde! How much vould @ suitable frock cost, something quite simple that would be useful on other occasions later on. She thought for a second, doing a sunt and iso wondering how much she could ask for without inviting an immediate refusal and an outrage exclamation from close-fisted clerk. ‘At last with some hesitation she replied: “don’t know exactly but I think T could manage on four hundred francs”.‘ion: Contextual 4. a) Write down two adjectives of your own to describe Mathilde Loisel as she is at the beginning of the story. » wi ‘a sentence of your own describing how she has changed by > end of ry. 2, a) “She let herself be married off to a Iitie clerk . . “What does this tell us About her attitude to her marriage initially? b) By contrast, what sort of man does her husband seem to be? 3, 2) Why did he have to go to “tremendous trouble” to get the invitation to the Ministry party? b) Why do you ‘think he did go to the trouble? 4, Madam Forestier offers a variety of jewels “of exquisite workmanship “to Mathilde. “The fact that Mathilde discovers the necklace last can be due to two reasons. are they? 5, How can the night of the party be said to be all Mathilde ever dreamt of? 6. Write a good sentence in which you express your opinion of the Loisels’ solution to ‘the loss of the necklace. 7. Explain why the senterice, “The necklace was N° tonger round her neck” can be sale ‘to be the turing point for the Loisels. 8, The title of the story “The necklace” can have two interpretations: one Iiteral, one figurative.Explain ‘each of these meanings. 9, Ifyou were in the Loisels’ situation, what would you do to sort out the problem? ssa 4. Often it is thought that material possessions bring happiness. 4 Prien essay of 250 300 words, explain how Mathilde discovered that this is seldom true. 2. Ina paragraph of 80 — 100 words, describe what Kind of husband Monsieur Loisel was. Refer to the story in ‘support of your answers.Answers ‘The Necklace-Guy de Maupassant {Contextual} 1 2 a) Unhappy/Discontent/Dissatisfied ») Mathilde learns what hardship really Is and proud of their hard work to ay off their debts a) She does not seem to be very keen about being married to this man, /she doesn’t really want «tobe married. 8, ») Mathilde’s husband is consistently loyal and patient. He must ove her as he g0¢s to trouble to make her happy. 2) Very few invitations were given to clerks at his level, 5) He went tothe trouble of getting an invitation as he knew Mathilde would like the ‘opportunity. / He wanted to make his wife happy. [ther Madore Forestier doesn’t Mathilde the necklace because Its too valuable to lend out or she doesn’t it as she thinks its not special/valuable enough, Mathilde looks beautiful and attracts a lot of attention, She dances all night and does what she has been dreaming of doing for years, ‘They should have tola the truth from the beginning as they would then found out the real value of the necklace and not have had such a huge debt, so maybe it wasn’t a good thing to hide the ‘truth. /it was silly to be too proud to tell the truth, For Mathilde the oss ofthe necklace means the beginning of real hérdship as her life changes dramatically. (however, she becomes a better person for it all) For Monsieur Loisel it means even more hard work to try and pay his debt, as he supports his wife. . Literally, the title means a piece of jewellery worn around the neck. A necklace is something around your neck but it could also be symbolic of a burden around ‘your neck, (Own opinion: the truth, offer to pay fori, discuss the loss with the owner before ‘taking action, Essay questions and other activities Question 1 Aithough Mathilde and her husband are not financially well off, he works hard to provide a decent home and make her happy. 3 However, she believes she is entitled to a better lifestyle, and is dissatisfied with the things she has, When her husband brings home the invitation to the ball, she is not grateful She has no suitable clothes. Her husband sacrifices money he has saved for a gun so she can buy a new dress, Even this does not make her happy. She needs jewels to wear with it, so she borrows a necklace from her wealthy friend, at his Suggestion. She thoroughly enjoys the party, but comes home sad to think there are no more parties lke this coming up. After the loss of the neckiace, they incur a huge debt to pay for its replacement, They move to an attic and she does all the housework herself. Her husband works nizht and day to pay off the debt. ‘They have very few pussessions now and their lifestyle is one of boring hardship. Aker they have paid ci the debt, Mathilde becomes a better person as.a result ofthe hardships she has endured. When she meets her friend and tells her about the necklace, "she smiled in proud and innocent happiness” Tere was no mention of Mathilde being happy with what she had before the party. She has discovered th:t material possessions do not necessarlly make one happy. (35) 6Question 2 nd when he’spends ten years paving Off Monsieur Loiselis a hard-working man both in His job, their debt. tHe accepts thelr socal status, and makes 2 fuss about ‘the food they eat: “Ahal Scotch broth! ‘What could be better?” Hiei long-suffering and tolerant. He puts up with fis wife's dissatisfaction with thelr lives. He tries very hard to make her happy by gon 10 trouble to get the invitation tothe party. tHe is generous as he gives is wife the money he saved for a gun to buy adress for the party vee loving and loyal husband as he stands by her when she loses the necklace and cost himn @ lot of money.THE VISITS @ichard Rive) AUTHOR'S SHORT BIOGRAPHY + A South African citizen born in 1931 in Cape Town. « Grew up in District six until it was declared white area. - Killed in Cape Town in 1989. SETTING ‘The story is set in a suburban flat shared by The Student and The Teacher, Mr Chips.” THEMES 1. The story is about the African Woman’s visit to The Teacher to beg for food. 2. The story is also about responsibility to fellow man. VOCABULARY - Brazen = Bold or shameless, Adolescent = Youthful. Whine = Low complaining ory or sound. Peeredout = Looked closely. Cluttered = Untidy. Servile tone = - Not pleading tone. Bulging = Swelling. Comical = Amusing. Squalls = Sudden strong winds, Raspy voice = Hoarse voice. To nag = To irritate; Giddy fresher = Silly first year student, Ve = Summit or edge, ‘erge Quaint bow -= Old fashioned bow. Ritual feast © = Formal or ceremonial feast, Frook-marched = Held and pushed somebody to go away. CHARACTERS 1, The Teacher, Mr Chips: -A Grade 12 English educator. - 4.45 year old man, -A lonely and isolated gentleman who is a bechelor. - Shared the flat with The Student as housemaids, + Annoyed.and disturbed by The Student’s bad behaviour: outdoor life, evening outings, many girlfriends, banging the doors, revving his Honda engine high, etc. - A pipe smoker and beer drinker ). ~A keen reader of literature and a devoted teacher.: Keep himself busy by marking Grade 12 composition scripts. Provide food/grocery for the Aftican ‘Woman, Edith. . Disorientated as 2 result of Edith’s regular visits — hence the desire to know more about her life. _ Became restless, nervous and short-tempered with his Teamers due to Bdith’s regular visits 68 ‘beggar. 2. The Student: "A young student of rags and tatters. _ A giddy Fresher and Mr Chips’ housemaid. “ Party-goer and mobile. _ Accused the African. ‘Woman for being @ bitch. 3. The African Woman: . A beggar. . Asilent and traditional character. : imately 40 years old. ” Unattractive with thick breast, ankles and dumpy figures. sive and old-fashioned the way she bowed. ‘with a demanding voice. * She hed partly hidden face and eyes- “A mocking and boring person. SUMMARY 2 The schoolteacher was left alone one evening in the flat he shared with ‘The Student. Of course, here he enjoyed an +e door life of peace, quietness and tranquillity. Aithough be was sometimes bored and felt Jonely, he proved to be ‘well devoted to his schoolwork. The ‘Student on the otherhand was fond of ‘outdoor life of | ‘entertainment, friendship, cars, ete. As party-goer, he was always out in his car. ‘His behaviour disturbed the spirit and mind of his housemaid. One evening as The Teacher was preparing tga for himself, there came the Aftican Woman, Edith. She repeatedty ‘and roughly knocked at t° Kitchen door. Quickly, Mr Chips came to het assistance. He Was coor te see the Aftican woman standing there silently. ‘ed what the matter was, ce Senply and sofily asked for food ® & for food as if it was hers by tight. jher just for been impolite Oot her someThe following week the African Woman returned to the flat to ask like her first visit. At first for food again. The second time was almost. ‘The Teacher was afraid to open the door even though he recognised the knock. When opening the door there was the woman having again an empty carrier or bag with her, Silently she held out the container for more grocery. Reluctantly, The Teacher went for more grocery from the cupboard. Before handing over the carrier, he asked her what her name was. Yes, the woman mumbled a name sounding like ‘Edith’. Again, he warned her not to return, otherwise he would be compelled to call the police. Moreover, he advised her to look for work and stop being a beggar all the times. She nodded slightly and took the grocery away with the same old-fashioned bow and vanished. The teacher went back to his study room. He slumped down on his chair until well after eleven o’clock when he was awaken by The Student's noisy Honda car whining up the driveway. ‘The night of Edith’s third visit to the apartment, The Student was out 2s usual. Mr Chips was.also on the verge of going to the library because he was afraid of being alone. He had lately developed a habit of visiting colleagues and friends rather than to be bored in the flat. Simultaneously he was trying to avoid Edith. Just as he was about to pick up bis books, there was a knock again at the kitchen door. Yes, there was the beggar standing on the driveway. She came for additional grocery. Not knowing what to say, Mr Chips gave her food. He watched ber while walking away until she vanished in the dark. Funny, there ahead The Women was joined by another dark figure. Both seemed to speak for e while and laughed. Unfortunately they were too far from Mr Chips to eavesdrop them. What he clearly saw-was when Edith pointed at him still standing in the open doorway, Again, thereafter he heard the loud laughter. Being sickened by the event, The Teacher shut the door and took the decision to purchase extra grocery-every month to cater for the needs of the woman. Although the woman didn’t always come on the same evening, but she never came more than once 2 week. She seemed to time it so that The Student was out and The Teacher in. What worried Mr Chips more was when he never saw the woman’s companion each time she paid him a visit. Yes, he started suffering from lack of sleep. He became short-tempered with his learners at school and was seriously thinking of giving The Student notice and himself moving from the flat. Worse, there was no one to speak to about this serious matter. He tried to brief The student at one stage but all in vain as the guy took it as joke.‘What worried him further was the urge to know the woman’s background, why she was begging food fiom him, éto. ‘The following week Edith did not appear. Of course, her groceries remained in the closet. Again, the following week she did not come either. This was un “After she had failed to appear fore month, Mr Chips utilized the grocery, not knowing that the woman had been chased previously by. The Student. After he was briefed how the beggar was frock-marched out of the kitchen until the driveway, Mr Chips was devastated. Indeed, he blamed The Student for the trouble‘and for the racist treatment. QUESTIONS A. ESSAY In an essay of about 150-200 words, discuss the following statement: “The African Woman was not Mr Chips’ visitor’. Support your discussion by defining what a visitor or visit is. Do not forget that your essay must consist of ari ititroduction, a body and a conclusion. B. CONTEXTUAL Read this extract carefully and answer the questions thereafter. Ht wes on the evening'when The Student had gone out that the woman bad first arrived. It was not actually a visit, but that was the nearest one could come'to describe it. First the phone calls for The Student, some girls, etc. ‘The ringing sounded brazen adolescent, and then the front door banging. “The Student revving his engine and the tortured whine as the Honda. gathered speed up the driveway. He was distinctly annoyed. He went to” the front door, open it peered out from long habit, then closed the door gently as if it was for The Student’s treatment, ‘He retumed to his study and sat down. Should he read or mark books? He was fighting his way through a century of South African verse in English. ‘What a boring bore should he mark the Standard ten composition scripts instead? Mark books? There was quietness, which settled over the flat. 1 was that whenever The Student went out and he took the phone off the cradle, The silence softly :...... But first the storm peace. Matk books. Standard Ten cortpose. 1. a. Who was annoyed? B. What annoyed him? (Mention 5 points). c. What bored the person? (Mention 2 points) d, What happened during the person’s boredom and why? e. Give synonyms of these words or phrases as used in-context. Annoyed; Adolescent; Distinctly; Peered; Flat.2. a. This short story is entitled: ‘The Visits! Give reason. b. Was the African Woman a visitor in the real sense of the word? (Support your answer by defining what a visit or visitor is.) _ ¢. In what ways did the woman fail to meet the requirements of the Definition above? 3.a. Who is this woman beggar in the passage? ’b. Explain how she asked for food. ¢. Give reasons why The Teacher had to wish The Student was present. d. Quote an incident where The Student proved to be unkind and cruel. e. G) Give synonyms of these words as used in context. Tin; Provision; Contest; Cupboard; Sensed. (ii) Boiling water hisses, Which reptile does the same’ 2 4, a. Give reason why The Teacher felt guilty after The Women’s second visit to the flat. b. Quote from the story to prove your answer in 4.a, above. ¢. Explain how the woman was badly treated by The Student. 5. Contrast between The Student and The Teacher in tabular form. 6.a. In your own words explain why the names of the three actors in this short story are capitalized. b. (@) Describe the relationship between Mr Chips and The Student. Gi) Give reason for this kind of: ‘relationship. c. Why is The Teacher feeling guilty and ashamed when The Student say the African Woman will never return to the flat.ANSWERS THE VISITS (Richard Rive) A B. ESSAY POINTS: 4. Definition of a visit or visitor. 2. The purpose of paying people visits 3. The African woman begs for food, ete. SONTEXTUAL: 1. a. Mr Chips, the English Teacher. b. The Student's bad behavior and treatment in terms of his evening outings, many girlfriends, nonstop telephone calls, high rewing of his Honda engine, banging the kitchen door, ete. ©. He was bored by the quietness of the apartment in the absence of the student. He was also bored by the many books he was expected to read and many Grade 12 composition scripts to mark. d. The Teacher was visited by Edith, The African Woman, Edith came to beg for food . Infitated; Childish; Clearly; Looked clearly; Apartment 2. a. The Teacher was lonely and bored in the flat. That is why the advert or coming of the beggar seemed like a visit to him b. No. She was a beggar. 70 visit is going or coming together of fiends or acquaintances for the purpose of sharing something. ©. She was a total stranger something. Her coming was not to share, but to beg, One can't be a visitor and a beggar simultaneously. 3. a. Edith, the African woman. b. Her voice was not pleading, but demanding as if the asking for food was hers by right. & To help him deal with the situation because ‘two heads are better than one’ Moredver, The Student was a no nonsense fellow. & [Hook her by black neck and fog - marched her down the driveway. Then threw her out” @. (!) Bin; Food; Competition; Closet; Felt f. (W) Snake. 4. a. He felt guilty because he spoke to her in a harsh voice. b. Take the carrier and go! Don't come back here again, or | will call the police! ©. One evening the woman came again to the fiat only to find The Student instead of Mr. Chips. The former treated her badly by chasing (frock ~ marching) her out of the flat down the driveway. 5. THE TEACHER Se THE STUDENT : 1._An older person of about 45 years. 17. A young, good-looking and shaming gentler 2._A disciplined and dedicate Teacher, | 2. A student of rags and tatters. 3._Experienced and matured. [3.A giddy fresher. 4. Bored, lonely and matured. (4. A party — goer. 5._A bookworm. | §. A frivolous person. . 8. _A silent and an indoor character. 6. A noisy character who is fond of outdoor life. 6. 2. The character's names are anonymous ~ hence the terms replace their identities. b. (i) Strained felationship. (ii) The Student's unbecoming behavior. ©. He felt guilty because he had already purchased and saved the food for her. He felt ashamed and guilty at the way the woman was ill - treated. 13"TerS DAUGHTER (Alan Baton) ‘THEMES 1 The theme of class differance / consciousness and 2.The theme of natural human longmg ‘to want to ko up 32) CONTENT LThe family of Mr & Mrs Palser. 2.The fanily of Mr & Mire Garland 3-Hemnione Parker’s bosuty. 4-Archis Garland is attracted to Hermione, S.Archie Gationd is a schoo! hero. a snobbery. (ie. opi bersiens in He, ‘the world’ and cross Hfe’s 7-Aschic Gadiand is jealous of Flermione ‘ 3 ftiendship with ber. 8.David Parker visits tho: inviteArchie was excited becense tint malts platform for him to mect Hennione fos to fe SBS Ae ceed ce i ye rere; apeat 0 great al of te EPPING HNP "Vics Penkcer sorved tham with tea and Sc0R8S | say From © dletance , she looked Hue gn emipress and Hermione like si exgeose’s i a oven Archie thanked and bade the Paxkers Sarowell- ‘Ba route home, Arcbie’s jealousy was ‘again. This was’ because the Crews — Themen bao inoted he nto dence. Ty So te Dede N's PES orca — i S people Te Parcrested in medieval means of transpact such 6° Gwineiling every year because people longer interested ating ry Fe a Pie fecause of Archies desized to booomme medical deotor i se ‘the obimoh with ker important ‘Sunday suit, Lie. Give reason winy Archie was the ‘hero. ‘synonym for ‘passion’, EF pamoa in Pe ie pooud and proty . Quote two phrasss of two wards etsh to prove he ¢..What do you thintt has omueeil the person's pride ? . 3.cnbhie Gecland experienced a range of afferent exartéons.-As far as possible, commect Your SBFven ZERMIONE’S DESCRIPTION — 1 Heartbreskingly proud. 2-Her pelo ‘and orvel favs: S.That indescribable pallor, which set her off from» all others. Her pen acd oft orate sho Ossian endo Saity recty. 4.Give 2 word for each of these phrases. 3. Looked upto. b, Singled one out, ©. Adored, d. Passion,THE SILK SCARF (Ahmed Essop), AUTHOR’S SHORT BIOGRAQPHY . Born in India in 1931. | Emigrated to South Africa as a child. : | Anti-apartheid teacher who became unpopular with the Government. - Left the profession in 1986 to become a full-time writer. SETTING . ‘The story is set in South Africa before a democratic government was in place. In reality the story is set in Moghul Boutique Shop in the Oriental Plaza, Fordsburg. "THEMES 5 1. The theme of principled behaviour by shop owner, Mr Sakcur. 2. The theme of equality between Mr Sakur and Mrs Nebo. 3. The theme of wealth and status by Mrs Nebo. VOCABULARY Scarf = A strip/cloth worn around the head or neck. = A person hired to drive someone privately. Chauffeur Escorts Body-guards. Designated Nominated. Loins = The lower part of the body of a person or animal. Portals = Doors. Haberdashers = Shops selling material and sewing equipment. Dummy = Animation or something used for display. Coffers = Funds of an institution. Defraud = Cheat or swindle. Stalemate = Deadlock. Ominous = Threatening. CHARACTERS 1, Clive Nebo: Appointed as Foreign Affairs Minister in the new Government to be established after the passing of the apartheid era. . Husband to Mrs Nebo and leader of the African Front Party. | A rich politician living in the white suburb of Houghton, JHB. 2. Mrs Nebo: . Wife to, Clive Nebo. _ Dressed in designer clothing and expensive jewellery. : Medium height lady with heavy loins.. Proud and pampered woman with smooth skinried complexion. : Margaret is her bosom friend. ; Driven to Oriental Plaza for a shopping spree. . Escorted by two bodyguards. Arrogant, proud, insensitive, manipulative and selfish character. 3. Sakur: A silent and reserved character. . Sincere and honest in dealing with the public. . Owner of Moghul Boutique Shop. . Stubborn and unnecessarily difficult. . Strict on business principles. . Unimpressed by Mrs Nebo’s status gad threats. SUMMARY Mrs Nebo is presently enjoying the lifestyle her position offers. Using chauffeur-driven Mercedes Benz cer, she went on a shopping spree with Margaret, her friend. The two ladies landed in Fordsburg ~ a traditionally Indian Area. Of course, she was accompanied by two escorts in another same car. The time came for Mrs Nebo to enter Moghul Boutique Shop to buy & silk scarf that matched perfectly an Indian dross she not long ago. Since she did not have enough cash in her possession, Mrs Nebo offered to pay with a cheque. The shopkeeper, Sakur, refused to accept cheque in terms of his business philosophy of ‘No Cheque, No Credit, Cash Only’. Yes, Mrs Nebo was upset. She felt offended, insulted and humiliated as the trader thought her cheque may bounce. On the contrary Mr Sakur was not prepared to make an exception for her irrespective of her status and wealth. Seeing that the man was unn ily difficult to compromise, Mrs Nebo lost her self-control and together with her friend, Margars made rude and racist remarks to him. The dispute attracted the attexdon of the nearby traders. After investigation a certain Mr Sadar (an old and experienced shopkeeper) advised his colleagues to do a virtue out necessity by buying the same scarf and present it to Mrs Nebo asgift Yes, by so doing the traders were attempting to protect their business interest in the new South Africa. Moreaver, they wanted to kesp Mrs Nebo’s goodwill and political favour. During the presontatios Mr Sadar apologised on behalf of Mr Salcur for the embarrassment ané inconveniences caused and wished blessings on Mrs Nebo and her husband.Leaving the shop Mrs Nebo was thankful. She also took the opportunity to warn Mr Sakur to the effect that there will be no space or place for people like him in the new South Africa. Of course that was a bad omen for the new democracy. QUESTIONS A. ESSAYS “Mr Sakur’s business philosophy landed him in trouble with Mrs Nebo” Discuss this statement in an essay of about 150-200 words. Do not forget that your essay must consist of an introduction, a body and a conclusion. B, CONTEXTUAL Read this passage attentively and answer the questions thereafter. “I have not enough cash. I will give you a cheque.” “No madam, I deal strictly in cash. You see the sign” He pointed to a strip of cardboard which signalled in scarlet: Mrs Nebo looked at the words and felt offended immediately. Her integrity was being challenged by the fire in the letters. “My cheques have never bounced”, she said. “I'm not saying they have bounced”, the shopkeeper said, holding a plastic bag with the sille scarf in it, “Mrs Nebo shops in Sandton and Rosebank and always pays by cheque”, Margaret came to her friend’s defence. “Do you know who she is?” asked Margaret. “I don’t want to know who the lady is. There is the sign”, said Sakur. “What! Mrs Nebo said, beginning to lose her composure, Are you suggesting that I hae no money in the bank? “Many shops have accepted my cheques in the Oriental Plaze, You can go and ask Oriental Fashions” Mrs Nebo said. “[ don’t ask anyone”, Mr Sakur said, taking the scarf out of the plastic and replacing it on a hanger behind him. 1. 1. Who is not having enough ‘cash in her possession? 2. Give two synonyms of ‘enough? 3. What is the person paying for with a cheque and why? 4, What is the price of the item in question? 5. Was the cheque accepted or rejected? Support your answer. 6. What were the feelings of the owner of the cheque? 7. Who came to the person’s rescue and how? 8. What was the traders’ aim in doing what they did in 1.7?9. Mrs Nebo stemly wamed the trader. 2. What was the warning? b. Who is the trader? ©. What is the name of his trade or shop? d. Where is the trade situated in town? fe. What did the trader above fear? 10. List insults directed at Mr Sakur by Mrs Nebo and Margaret tia, G) How were the two ladies dressed? i) What is the {implication of their dress? b. How did the ladies come to the Plaza? 2 a. Give suitable synonyms of the words in brackets. 1. T (deal) strictly in cash, 2. 1 will (give you) a cheaue- 3. You can (see) the (sign). 4. She fell (offended). 5, The (fire in the letters) 6. My cheques have never (bounced). 7 Margaret (came to her friend’s defence) He was not going to (make an exception in the lady’s case) O’Mts Nebo felt humiliated by the trader's (action). 10-Funds are (poured) into the (coffers)of the Party. , Mrs Nebo intimidated Mr Saker. ‘What was the motive behind? 3. Mrs Nebo’s integrity was being chall sg, Quote and name the figure of speech used above- £. Which words do you think challenged her? os in Column B 4, Match each character in Column A with characteristi ‘Column A. ‘Mr Sakur Mrs NeboANSWERS THI feeeo abpee pa iE SILK SCARF (AHMED Essop) ESSAY POINTS: Mr. Sakur's business principles. Mrs. Nebo's cheque is refused. Mrs. Nebo's integrity is challenged. Mr. Sakur is insulted. Mr. Sadar intervenes in the furore. oraeen CONTEXTUAL Mrs. Nebo. 2. Sufficient and adequate A silk scarf that marched her new dress perfectly. R 110.00 Rejected, because the transfer runs his business according to his rules on the notice board. ‘No credit, No cheque, Cash only’ She felt offended, insulted, humiliated and belittied. The nearby traders under the auspices of Mr. Sadar. They agreed to buy the scarf for cash and present it to Mrs. Nebo as gist. To gain and win Mrs. Nebo's goodwill and political favours for the sake of protecting their business interest. 4.8. a. The warning was that people like him are unwanted in the democratic South Africa. B. Mr. 1A » bo 44 4 Sakur. C. Moghul Boutique, D. In the Oriental Plaza, Fordsburg. e. Victimization by the goverment of the day. Allite unknown man. Have you got a Mercedes Benz? - You make laws like white government in this country without consulting with the oppressed. - Do you think if she didn’t have money in the bank she could hire escorts? - You must be drunk, - You are behaving like a white government whose time is up. 0. a. (i) They were elegantly dressed in designer clothing and wearing expensive jewellery. (ii) This implies that they are wealthy and can afford everything. 5, By a chauffeur-driven Mercedes Benz followed by,two escorts in another same car. (1) Trade. (2)Payyouby. (3) Read, notice board. (4) Hurt. instruction on the notice board. Reiumed or dishonoured by the Bank. 7. Protected/ defended rescued. . Treat her differently to the expense of his business. . Treatment, 10. Channeled / deposited into the bank of the party. ». Te pressurize Mr. Sakur to accept her cheque and to make him aware of her position in the goverment. 8. ‘By the fire’; Presonification. b. ‘No credit, no cheques, cash only’ Mr. Sakur: Rigid; principled, intimidated; friendly. Mrs. Nebo; Self-absorbed; patronizing. 22The waste land Storyline: An old man gets of the bus with his wages in his purse He sees a group of young men waiting for him, and he knoivs what they want. They will take his money, and if he dies, it doesn’t matter He is in a place where he will not find help. The convent on the one side is closed and on the other side of the road is wasteland, a dumping erea. He moves towards this desolate area, hoping to find ‘somewhere to hide among the junk dumped there. ‘As he goes, he swings his stick a a figure infront of him. He pushes deeper into the waste land, bumping ‘gainst bits of ron, The young man follows him. He was worried that his chikcren might be fatherless if ‘2s killed by the robbers. He leaves the waste land, ‘actually goes into an emotional waste land as what vas done will be with him always 23 Setting: * Apiece of waste lend, a dumping area, probsbly on the outskirts of a town Night time after work Possily pay-day as the victim has wages with him _ Themes: + Violence Greed Breaking down of human bonds Narrative technique: * Third person narrator (omniscient) ‘* Short sentences, almost like lists, build: tension; hey are brief and to the point, reflecting the harshJunk of tho wasteland intense descriptions of physical sensatioss make ‘sense of panic real ("His very entrails seemed to be coming into his mouth, and his lips could taste sweat and blood.”) Tense, sad mood created by the desl ofthe victim's foolings and thoughts, but never naming him or the gang Characters: © Old man ~ Freddy’ father, the victim + Freddy—one of the gang who will ob his fether Anonymous group of young men ~ planning to rob the old manJontextual questions “That was the thing feared by all” What is the thing? ‘Quote a sentence which indicates that the young men were hardened criminals. ‘What makes the.old man hit out at someone the first time? Why do the young men decide to leave the waste land? ‘Try to express in words the father’s feelings as he realises what he has done. ‘What kind of person do you think Freddy is? ‘say questions and other activities Than essay of 250-300 words, explain exactly what happened to old man from the time he gets off the bus. Contextual questions 1. People feared that a gangofmen were ‘waiting to rob them. ® 2. “Mercy was the unknown word?” ® 3. The man is filled with anger and therefore becomes very strong: ashe knows he is trapped. @: 4, First the men think that Freddy’ father, their victim, gotaway.- Then they find Freddy's body: and as they do not want to be held responsible they push it under the lorry and disappear. @ 5, The father is horrified and feels a terrible emptiness as he realises he has killed his ownson. ‘He feels there is no hope for the future @ s 6. Freddy is probably a victim of the times. f Buthe has allowed himself to get involved 4n robbing his father, which suggests that he is without a conscience: or that he is a coward who has been scared into doing ‘what the gang wants. @ Essay questions and other activities Question 1 + The old man gets off the bus. | * He sees a group of young men waiting under 2 tree and knows they are waiting for someone i to rob. ’ + The young men come closer, following the old man as he moves towards a dumping area, a piece of waste land zt the side of the road. ‘+ He runs into the waste land, swinging his stick oA @ Q@) Q 8) Q) @) (35)THE TOILET (Gcina Mhlophe) AUTHOR’S SHORT BIOGRAPHY . A South African citizen born in KwaZulu-Natal in 1960. . Became. a famous and successful actress, story teller and writer. - Has written many children stories. SETTING The story is set in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. Some actions occurred in the servant's quarters, clothing factory and in the public toilet. THEMES 1. The story is about plights of Africans as a result of the Group Areas Act during the apartheid era/times. 2. Moreover, the story is about the struggle for creative expression in order to make dreams come true. VOCABULARY To give up = To surrender. Boutiques Small fashion shop selling women’s clothing, etc. Bari * = Somebody who is not ‘streetwise’ CHARACTERS 1. The Nesrator: «A young and ambitious woman. - Matriculated recently. . An avid or keen reader and writer of poems and short stories. - Stayed or lived with her sister, Irene, in the servant’s quarters. - Bored and lonely because she was locked in the room so that the owner of the stand does not see her. : - Played with her sister only after hours. . Got temporary job in the Clothing Factory. - Criticised by Gwendolene as stupid/bari for reading during free time instead of getting ‘lunch boy’ for herself. + Spent almost two hours in the public toilet while waiting for the factory to open. - Forced to do her writing and reading on the park bench when she found that the toilet was locked. . Wrote stories and poems based on her experience. 252. The Narrafor’s sister, Irene: . A domestic servant in Orange Grove. . Worked for strict employers. - Secretly lived with Irene in her backroom. 3. Madame: Irene’s employer or landlord. . A doll-like with orange hair, thin red lips, long nails, ete. . A free woman with constant laughter and smile. SUMMARY Long before writing matric exams, it was obvious that the Narrator is interested in acting rather than to become a teacher or nurse, as her mother had wished. Her love and ambition to become an actress and scriptwriter was kindled by her perfection and excellence in reading and writing. Her mother blamed herself for having wasted money to educate her only to pursue something that she was not sure of. The mother also criticised her daughter for being disobedient to her elders. Pursuant to her dream to become an actress and scriptwriter, the narrator went to Gauteng, Orange Grove, during the December holidays to stay with her sister, Irene. She was lucky to find a job in the Clothirig Factory. Irene accommodated her sister secretly in her backroom. She warmed her to be careful not to be seen or spotted by the landlords. On weekdays, she locked her in the room to hide her. Although she felt bad about the treatment, she had no option/choice but to do so in order to save her job. Moreover, Irene supplied her sister with reading material for entertainment purpose. Sometimes after knock-off she played cards with her for variety sake. In terms of the job she secured in a Clothing factory, the narrator was forced to creep out early in the morning and late in the evening to avoid being seen by the landlords. As a result she was compelled to locate hiding place/spot to spend time before and after work. The unlocked and clean public toilet in the park was suitable and safe. It was here whers she enjoyed privacy, did a lot of reading, writing, dreaming, thinking and imagining herself in some big halls doing popular play with other young actors. She wondered why since she left school she couldn’t start writing poems and short stories, ete. Of course, her English Educator was her motivator and role model. Yes, he used to encourage her to continue to sharpen her wits and writing skills, not forgetting to pursue/follow up her dreams to become an actress and scriptwriter in the future. 26One Thursday the narrator returned as usual from work only to find her sister off-duty. She sat and waited at the door for/her as she did not have the room keys. Unfortunately she was spotted by the barking dogs which also forced thé stand owner to investigate. She was found and ordered to go away. While waiting in the street, Irene appeared atlast. After being briefed about what happened, Irene scolded her for being stupid to risk her employment. One afternoon the narrator found her hiding place — the toilet ~ been locked. Who locked it, nobody knew. She had no choice but to make her way to the park bench in order to continue writing her poems and stories. Funny, no one knew about her writings, not even her sister. QUESTIONS. A .ESSAY Write an essay of 150-200 words in which you discuss “The Narrator’s ambition, wishes and struggles to make dreams come true” Remember that your essay must consist of an introduction, a ‘body anda conclusion, B. CONTEXTUAL Read the following passage and attempt the questions thereafter: The factory knocked off at four-thirty, and then I went to a park near where my sister worked. I waited there till half-past six, when Icould not sneak into the house again without the white people seeing me, I had fo leave the premises before half-past five in the morning as well. That meant I had to find something to do with the time I had before I could catch the seven-thirty bus to work, about two hours. I would go to a public toilet in the park. For some reason it was never locked, so T would go in and sit on the seat to read some magazines or other writings until the right time to catch the bus. The first time I went into this toilet, I was on my way to the bus stop. Usually I went straight to the bus stop outside the OK Bazaars where it was well lit, and I could see. Twill wait there reading or just looking at the growing number of traffic on their way to town. ‘On this day it was raining quite hard, © T tought it would be better to shelter in the toilet until the rain ha¢ passed. I knocked first to check if there was anyone inside. As ther? was no reply, I pushed the door open and went in, it smelt a litte ~@ dryish kind of smell as if the toilet was not used all that often The | floor was painted red and the walls were cream white. It looked like # had been painted for a few years. 27©. What must the person do in order to be seen-as ‘good girl’? d, What work did the person do st the factory? 2. a, Give suitable synonyms of these words or phrases as used in context. Knocked off Sneak; Catch; Lit; Number of cars; Shelter in. 6. (1) Whose house is this in the third line of the passage? @)Quote to prove that the Narrator is a commuter. ©. Desoribe the public toilet. . Give reasons why the toilet was suitable and convenient. ©, At school the Narrator was involved in plays. 2 Mention one prescribed book her classmates have dramatized. £ Sometimes I wanted to give up and be « good girl, | & -Give one word for this phrase: ‘to give up’ b. Mention tv: ways to prove that the speaker has not been good. 3. @ During her stay in Johannesburg, the Narrator was lonely and . Gi b. What were the wishes of the speaker? ©. Give reasons why the narrator used the toilet as her waiting room instead of @ relieving facility. d, How long did the speaker wait in the public toilet before and after work? ©. What forced the speaker the first time she went into the toilet? 28ANSWERS TO! (Geina Mhlophe) AESSAY POINTS {The Narrator’s ambition. 2.The Narrator’s wishes. 3, The Narrator’s struggles. B, CONTEXTUAL 1.1, a. The Narrator, Irene’s younger sister. ‘b. The patk toilet which was always ‘unlocked was her halfway station ‘between her home and workplace. She was forced by to use the toilet. For example, she was not allowed to stay with her sister in the servant’s quarters, date. here in the public toilet she ‘read, wrote, etc. poetry and short stories ¢. To become an actress and scriptwriter. d. She must listen to the advice and wishes of her mother; Le should be obedient. e. Gi) Cut loose threads from finished work. Gi) Count, write and pack finished items in boxes. 2.a. Closed; Creep; Board; {tuminated; Traffic, Occupy. ‘bl. The white man’s house. 2. “{ catch the seven-thirty bi ’ ol. Jt smelt a little dryish kind of smell. 2. The floor was painted red. 3.Jt was clean compated to the people’s toilets. 4.Jt was small and comfortable. 4.— It was private. - Twos Pr votivated to do a lot of reading, thinking, - She was motivated to jmagine herself been. actively involved in popular plays together with other actors. e. Aman ofall seasons. $a, Relinquish or surrender. bil. She has not become a nurse or teacher as her mother had wanted. 2. She has ambitions to ‘become a different person in life. 3,a, —She knew no one except her sister and her sister’s friends. She Goes not speak the same language es spoken by her colleagues. - She and her sister doesn’t share the same 6x b She cannot share her writings and creativity with her sister ‘because she doesn’t value education the way she valued it. 29~ She feels useless in terms of her mother’s wishes to go for teaching or nursing career. : 6.1. To have a friend who will tell har that'she was not useless. 2.To have a friend who would tell her that her sister did not hate her, but protected her. 3.To have a friend who can tell her that one day she woyld have a nice Place to stay in,eto. ¢. The narrator was breaking a law (Group Areas Act) by living with her sister — hence she was forced to spent time early in the morning and Jate in the afternoon in this toilet so as not to be spotted by the landlord. d. Two hours. e-Rain,Si INTRODUCTION Whatis poetry? Poetry is the oldest form of literature. It is man’s most spontaneous ordering of his expression. Moreover, it forms part of the cultural heritage of a language. 1 2. 3. 4, 5. 6. ft. STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO STUDYING A POEM Study brieffy the biography of the poet. Analyse the title of the poem. Determine names of places that are important. ‘Study unfamiliar vocabulary. Read the poem aloud and for several times. Analyse the poem closely using SIFT and SEI methods, not forgetting to memorise the definition of the poetic devices, e.g. Climax, Elegy, Alliteration, Figures of speech, etc. S= Sense (i.e. the content of each line of the poem) |= Intention (Le. the theme message of the poem) Fs feeling (i.e. how the poet feels about the subjects he is writing about) T= Tone (je. voice or tone of the poet is using) ‘S= Sensory Impressions (i.e. various images the poet would have to use) E= Emotions (i.e. the reader's emotional reactions) |= Intellect & Imagery (Le. the thoughts or ideas that a word/image prompts in our minds 31My name (MagolengWaSelepe) Nomggibelo Neamisile Mnghibisa AUTHOR'S SHORT BIOGRAPHY ‘A South African poet born in 1950, Unfortunately no one seems to remember Magoleng WaSelepe. This makes the subject matter of the poem even more moving and sad SETTING The poem is set in South Africa prior to democracy. THEMES ‘The poem is zbout the theme of cultural differences, intolerance and racial prejudice. 2. It is also about the interaction between black woman (the speaker) and a white Government official. 3. The poem is also about the speaker's frustration and anger as her name is distorted by the racist Administrator, VOCABULARY Name = First names. Wonderful= extremely good and fine Burly = Big and strong or large Bureaucrat= Government official in charge. Messia= Jesus Christ Trash = Rubbish or a petty thing Convenient = Suitable or not involving too much effort ‘Whim = Sudden fancy/ desire/ idea not based on reason or necessity. SUMMARY Stanza 1 ( The speaker’s name and how it was distorted) The speaker is named after her great-great-grandmothers as Nomggibelo Neamisile Mnghibisa. Further she comes from Chief Daluxolo Velaigodle of emaMpondweni. ‘Her wonderful name not only represents her, but also her family and her ancestors and where she comes from. That is why she complains about its distortion by a government representative. Stanza 2 (The Speaker’s anger and frustration) A racist bureaucrat apparently in Home Affairs Department is surprised to hear the speaker pronouncing her Xhosa names. Although her names were beautiful, to a white man’s ear was rubbish simply because it was difficult for him to pronounce them. Yes, the names had many clicks and difficult to spell. That is why the official had to say what he heard was music to his vars simply because he was unlearned in as far as Xhosa language is concemed.Even if the speaker was asked to repeat her names, the intolerable official ended 32up giving her a “white” name” : Maria. He regarded the new name as simple to pronounce and common. As an African, the Speaker was highly offended by this name change as she ‘was not part of the decision. Stanza 3 (The speaker asks God for help) ‘Sceing that the administrator shows no respect for her name and ignores the identity she is proud of the speaker had no option but to appeal to Messia for intervention. She argues that her name is traditional, simple and meaningful though it is trash/rubbish in the mind of an official due to cultural intolerance. Stanza 4 (Criticism of the Bureaucrat by the speaker) Out of sheer power, pride and disrespect, the racist official violated the speaker’s rights by giving her a foreign name, Maria, Jn an essay of about 150-200 words , discuss the struggles and frustrations of Nomgqibelo Neamisile Mnghibisa at the Home Affairs Department, B. CONTEXTUAL Read this poem carefully and answer the questions. Look what they have done to my name... ‘The wonderful name of my great- great-grandmothers ‘Nomggibelo Neamisile Mnghibisa ‘The burly bureaucrat was surprised. What he heard was music to his ears “Wat is daai, se nouweer’? am from Chief DaluxoloVelayigodle of emaMpondweni. And my name is Nomggqibelo Neamisile Mnghibisa Messia help me! My name is so simple And yet so meaningful, But to this man is trash... He gives me aname Convenient enough to answer his whim; i Tend up being Maria Nomggibelo b le Mnghibisa 1, a. Affican names are, always important 33,, What are the spesker’s grievances? . Who are referred to as ‘they’ in the first line of the stanza? 4. What do you know about the speaker’s name? ¢. Translate this Afrikaans sentence into English: * Wat is dasi, se nouweer” 2. a. Quote a word from the stanza to prove that, the official at the counter was huge and strong. b. Define what a name is. c. What does the Chief’s name: Dahuxolo Veloyigodle mean? cd. Say what ‘they’ have done to the speaker’s name, ¢. Describe the tone of the first line of the poem. 3. a.The bureaucrats asks the speaker to repeat herself . Explain how the woman felt when she said , ‘Messia help me” c. What does the speaker’s express in the next line :‘ Look what they had done to my name 7 d. Look at line 12 of the poem and complete the following sentence with the words underneath: in which the speaker"s wonderful the figure of speech is a (i) is this illustrates the Gi lack of (iv) (official, idea, rubbish, name, e. Identify the figure of speech used here under: “but to this man is trash” 4, What is the moral of the poem? 5.1, Give reason why the speaker is very proud of her name. 5.2, Refer to line 2(look what they have done to my name..... a. What feeling does the speaker express in this line? . Who are referred to as ‘they? [What does the word “burly” (line 5) suggests about the bureaucrat? 4. Refer to line 6( “what he heard was music in his ears”) Does the reference to music suggest that the bureaucrat appreciates the speaker's name? Give reason for your answer. 5.5, Where does the speaker come from? 5.6. Refer to line 10(‘Messia, help me”) ‘What does the use of the word Messia suggests about the speaker? 5.7 Identify the figure of speech used in line 13( “but to this it is trash”) 5.8. Explain why the bureaucrat changed the speaker’s name to Maria, 5.9. Choose one word in the poem that emphasises how the speaker feel about her name. 5.10. What does the poe:a suggest about the bureauerat’s political believes? 5.11, Refer to lines 16-18(“ Tend up being Maria. D Discuss the effect created by the use of very short lines at this point in the poem. 34Answers ‘My Name(M. Magoleng) A a 2. 3. B. 1 ESSAY POINTS ‘The woman’s struggle at the office of the Home Affairs Department. ‘The woman’s disappointment and sadness as she was given a ‘white’ name: Maria ‘The woman’s appeal to God for help. CONTEXTUAL |. a. They refer and connect us to our ancestors as backbones in life. b. @) When the bureaucrat couldn’t understand how to spell and pronounce her name. (ii) When she was given a foreign name, Maria. ¢. The Department of Home Affairs and its racist official. d. The speaker’s name is proper, simple, wonderful, meaningfal and traditional because we are all named after our dead grand-parents. e. ‘What is that, repeat’. a. Burly b, A name is word by which a person or thing is known. Moreover, it is a clue about one’s culture and one’s past. . It means ‘the leader who brings peace’ d. They have distorted by changing the speaker’s name to a ‘white’ name : Maria. e. Despondent tone. a. (i) she repeated her name and surname Gi) Itis music because he cant grasp Xhosa language due to lack of knowledge. b. she felt desperate and that is why God’s intervention was sought. ¢. Disillusionment or despair. 4. (@ Metaphor. (ii) Name. (ii)Rubbish. (iv)Respect. (v) Official. ¢. Simile ‘The immorality of imposing one’s will on others causes frustration. She is named after her great-great-grandmothers(1) It is part of her culture. It reflects her ancestry. ‘The name is mesniigful to her A feeling of despair/angry/sadness/frustration/exasperation at how her name has been disregarded. /she feels she is being denied her identity. ‘The white official and his office-apparently the Department of Home Affairs He is very big/large/sturdy/fat/muscular/huge. 3555. 56. 57. 5.8. 5.9, 5.10. 5.11. No.(1) To the buréaucrat, her name was just a series of sounds without any meaning. /It is ironic because he ends up giving her a new name: Maria. She comes from emaMpodweni/Transkei/Pondoland/Eastera Cape/Lusikisiki. She calls for divine intervention in her situation. /She is angry and upset at her name being belittled./she is 2 Christian/religious Metaphor He finds is difficult to pronounce/spell the name and it is too long. OR He prefers a shorter name, in his language that he can pronounce. OR ‘As a white man during the apartheid era he could change a black person’s name to the one he prefers. : oR ‘He wants to replace her traditional name with 2 Christian one. : OR He does not respect her or her name. “Wonderful/meaningful” He believes that his language and culture are superior to those of other racial groups oR He believes he has the right to change black people’s names. It emphasizes/stresses the speaker's feelings of Powerlessness/ despair/ sadness at the ease with which he changes her name. OR It suggests that her identity is being diminisheg/ belittled. OR She feels disrespected by the bureaucrat who does not realize the importance of her name to her. OR She is at a loss for words/speechless at the ease with which he changes her name, 36LAMENT FOR.A DEAD COW (G@rancis Carey Slater) AUTHOR'S SHORT BIOGRAPHY Te South African poet bom in'1876-and died in 1958. * Grow up nest Alice (Amatola Mountain) it the Bastern Cepe- . His Family spoke English buthe leamt Xhose. - Finished schoo! in Lovedals. © Worked for STD Bank until he became Manager. SETTING . “The poem is set in South Africa in the Basten Cape Province: THEME. Fhe noem is about a chant by a Xbose family on the death of Wer their oily. cow. MASSAGE/ MORAL ‘Life is dependent'on water VOCABULARY expressing grief. ‘Larment='A sorrowful ory or.a poem Siyalila, inkomo yetu efile =We weep, our cow 8 ‘dead. Isipingo — berry = A kind of fruitree, 2-8. Strawberry. Coat = Skin colour. Tosses = Throws Aloft = High up into the air. Banish = Chase or drive away. ‘Teasing = Irritating or worrying. ‘Whistling Tail = Tail that produces sound. ‘Yapping ~ baring sharply or Talking foolishly. Curs = Despicable. Bewildered = confused or puzzied. Lowing = Mooing or bellowing sound of cattle. Fountain = Spring of water. Calabashes = Bowls or dry gourds, i. e. deep sound dishes for carrying water.. Desolate = Barren or empty. SUMMARY Weta. Qutline: The Xhosa family weeps over the death of its only cow, The cow was beautiful and indispensable. 37Lines 1-11 (Description of the cow) Asa female cow, Wetu was as beautiful as the blue sky in summer and as an eagle which soars in the sky and throws a shadow on the hilltops. Her skin colour was blue — black and shiny like berries, etc. Her horns were as sharp as a new razor blade or like the shining points of the semi — cireular moon, not forgetting her round eyes which were clear and soft like standing water in a pool or dam. Line 12— 19 (What the cow used to do,.but will never do it again due to death.) _ As a result of death, Wetu will obviously no longer do what she used to do end prabtise when still alive. For instance she will no longer be able to drive away inriteting flies with her long tail, no more face or be frightened by barking dogs such as the aggressive mongrel, no more will her slow shadow (in the form of movernent) be appreciated by the dry veld as she searches for green pastures, no longer will her sweet mooing please the hills in the evening, etc. Above all, she will no longer produce and give milk to the family. Line 20-25 (The cause of Wetu’s death) ‘Wetu died as a result of proloriged and severe drought in the land. Yes, the drought had dried up grass and water as the necessities of life. As @ result the fountain in the neighbourhood has gone dry due to the scorching heat of the sun. There was no longer water all aver to quench human and animal thirst - hence-the family’s dual weep for Wetu’s death and for the terrible drought. Questions A. ESSAY In an essay of about 150 — 200 words, discuss the usefulness and death of. ‘Wetu. ‘Your essay must consist of an introduction, a body and a conclusion. B. COTEXTUAL ‘Read the following poem carefully and answer the questions: Siyalile, siyalila, inkomo yetu ifile! Beautifal was Wetu as a blue shadow "That nests oi the grey rocks About a: sunbaked hilltop: ‘Her coat was black and shiny 38Like an isipingo — berry, Her homs were a3 sharp as the harns of the new moon ‘That tosses aloft the evening star Her round eyes were as clear and soft ‘As a mountain — pool ‘Where shadows drive from tho highi rocks No more will Wetu banish teasing flies With her whistling tail; No more will she face yapping curs ‘With lowered horns and bewildered eyes; ‘No more will her slow shadow f Confront the sunbumt veld, and her sweet lowing, Delight the hills in the evening. The fountain that felled our calabeshes Has been drained by a thirsty sun ‘The black cloud that brought us white rain Has vanished, the sky is empty; Our kraal is desolate Our calabeshes are dry; And we weep: 1, a. The poem is painful. Quote 2 words to prove your answer. b, What are the result of the 2 words you have quoted in the above question? ¢. Wetu was the pride of the Xhosa family. Why? d. What does ‘ Sunbaked” hilltops indicates? e, Quote 4 Similes between lines I-and-11. 2. a. Quote a pronoun of 3 letters to prove that Wetu was not amale animal. b. Wetu’s physical features can be compared to what? c. What actually constituted Wetu's beauty. rena on 3 characteristics and say to what are they compared to? d. What figure of speech has been used here under? ©The black cloud that brought us white.rain’ ¢. @) Define what anamatopocia is? Gi Qoute 2 examples of anamatopoeia in this poem. 3. Mention 4 functions that Wetu will no Ionger perform as 2 result of death. 4, a. Mention the colours used in the poem. 39b, There are distinctive things that make the Xhosa family to weep apart from the answer in question 1.a. mention them. ¢. Give synonyms of these words as used if context: Coat, Siyalila, Dive, banish, shadow. 5, a. Answer the following questions based on this quotation: “The black cloud that brought us; white rain’ (@ Who is referred to as the black cloud and why? (i) What is ‘white rain’? (ii) What figure of speech is used in this quatation above? b. Give synonyms of the following words + ‘Vanished, Calabashes, desolate c. Explain why Wetu-was precious to the femily. 4. Prove by quoting that this poems’s South African. © hat elec did the family miss from Wetu in exception of milk? 6, 1, Refer to line 13 (With her whistling tail’) ‘What does Wet do with her tail? 2. Wa vour own words, deseribe 3 physical features of Wetu, the cow. 3, Explain why Wetu died. 3. Explain os word that emphasises the heat experienced ot that Sms. . Explain . 17. Rafer to lines 21- 22 (the black cloud .... Sky is empty). Explain the TWO meanings of these lines. 40‘Lament for a dead cow!¥.C. Slater] A. ESSAY POINTS 7 1. Wetn's uiility/usefulness in the family. 2, Causes of Wetu's death. 3, The family laments. B. CONTEXTUAL 1. @. Drought and death. b.— The drained fountain. ~The casinos Ween, dhe cow, due to hunger and thirst ¢.— Webs was beautifial and precious. ~ Wetn was the only female cow. 4. It wadioates the heat and drought in the Innd. o:— ‘Asa blue shadows’. ~ ‘Like an isipingo-berry” 7 «A the homs of the now mi00n’. = As clear and soft as e mountain-pool”. 2.8. Her’. b- ‘To the features from her netural enviroosent- & “black and shiny skin (ike an isipingo-beny), ~ Blase and shy ed oof ike @ pool next to the matic) 4: Pessonifisation, : s 6: Front poste io wen a word isitates te eound oF Wt Gecetibes. Gi) “Whistling” and “yepping” 3.— Will no longer give the family mille ~ Will no longer benish teasing flies. - Will never face the yapping 5 g ‘White. b. The empty sky. ‘The desolate kraal. ‘The dry calabashos. ©. Skin, We weep, Jump, Chase, Image. 5.2. @ — Wetu, the family cow. — Her coat/skin is blue-black. GD) ‘Milk’. Gi) Metaphor. b, Disappeared, Bowls/Containers, Lonely/ Bare. 4©. Wetu was precious the milk she provi ‘ . Sunbaked hilltop, Mountai ui * They missed Wetn’s beanty, her gentle nature, the sweet sound of her mooing as well as the comfort she brought with her calm and soothing presence. because. of her sweet and gentle nature plus The family is facing drought and there ere no dark clouds — wit signify sain ~in the sky. ere no dari clouds ~ which 42MEMENTOS 1 (W.D. Snodgrass) POET’S SHORT BIOGRAPHY: reer was interrupted by the 2" Wérld War. * American post born in 1926 and whose ca ee eens * A teacher and member of the ‘Confessional’ poets (i.e. group comprisin: ican poets) ; Re 3d teacher (in 1994) who lost a daughter in a divorce case. Won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1960. TITLE: Memento is a reminder (something one keeps e.g. photograph to remind himvher about 8 particular event, pace or person). In the case of the poem the picture of the speaker's €x- his memento number one as it!feminiscent of his past. 155) THEMES 1. The poem is an address or a communication by the speaker to his ex-wife regarding memories of the past when all was fine as lovers. The address is through the picture as his ex-wife is nowhere near to talk in return. 2. The poem is about @ divorce (an unpleasant phenomenon), and also about personal belongings. VOCABULARY Mementos > ‘téminders Sort out : is to clear off or separate Cold : shocked Severed (hand) : cutoff Delicate : fragile or easily hurl/ broken ‘Stunned : amazed or astonished Force : | power Canceled : US spelling of cancelled Checks US spelling of cheques ‘Treachery : disloyalty Lace : anet (ike garment wom'by women) Daisies : kind of flowers, mainly white and yellow SUMMARY Stanza 4 (This is about the unexpected discovery of a photograph of the speaker's ex-wife while certing out documents/ letters in the office) Indeed, the speaker informs his ex-wife in a poetic form how he happened to find her picture while sorting out old papers in his files. These documents are piecés/ fragments of his past kept safely 7.2 Graiwer, long forgotten. Yes, the photograph reminded the speaker of the past memories ©.9. their love, their pains, when the picture was taken, etc. He immediately stopped doing his work because the picture was much more important. Moreover, he was shocked by this unexpected discovery. He was stunned like 2 man who while raking piles of old leaves in his yard came across @ cut off human hand. Here the poet compares his shock/ horror at discovering the photo of his ‘ex-wife to that of the discovery of a hand that has been cut off, while raking leaves.Stanza 2 (ltis about the speaker's remembrance and admiration of his partner’s character) “The speaker was overjoyed, when he looked at the picture. What pleased him at that moment was When ve Komerbered the time the picture was photographed! taken. Yes, the pisture captured the true character (Le. essence and precise reflection of his ex-wife as follows): shy, delicate, slends's young and beautiful. Moreover, the picture: reminded him of (perhaps that was the lovers Fis éncounter! meeting), their first dance party where she was wearing @ wonderful and long evening floral green gown decorated with lace material and flowers. Yes, her prosence and looks on thet ovcasion attracted and astounded everybody in the hall, the way she was stunning. Yes, even i the lovers needs were different then as young people, their aim to get married was inevitable! unavoidable as it came easily. Stanza 3 (Thie poet takes theex-wife's photo with him to war as reminder of how happy they used to be and also to relieve and calm down his fears as a soldier.) i The poet's career and love relationship were interrupted by the Second World War 2 (1939 — 4945) 2s he was conscripted/ drafted in the US Navy for 2 years. Throughout the duration of the war, the poet had the photograph of his ex-wife in possession, proving that she was an integral part of his life. Indeed, the picture was his source of courage, consolation and inspiration as felioved and calmed down his fears as a soldier. He always looked at it when alone and while colleagues are asleep in their tents. As a resul the death of the Japanese during the war did not Stanza 4 (It is about conflicts that led to the speaker's divorce) When he retums from war the poet got married to his lover, but the marriage could not last as it broke down. The speaker was depressed/ sad when remembering the challenges he had with his wife. The couple cited several things that ed to the divorce such as lies, self-denial, dishonesty, betrayal, etc. No one accepted responsiblity each had said or done. There was “treachery” which implied the existence of adultery or unfaithfulness between them meaning they were both to blame, The confit strained their relationship until they opt for a divorce. Yes, their sap of affection and the flame of their love was drained. In spite of these painful memories the speaker was comfortable to retain the photo instead of destroying it. This is because it brings back good memories that he cherished, The pleture is a good reminder of the heartache he went through when the.relationship soured. Yes, there is no way the speaker can wipe out the ex-wife of his past. QUESTIONS Contextual Read the poem attentively and answer the questions thereafter: Sorting out letters and piles of my old Cancelled checks, old clippings and yellow note cards ‘That meant something once, | happened to find Your picture. That picture. | stopped there cold, Uke @ man raking piles of dead leaves in his yard 5 Who has tumed up a severed hand. Still, that first second, | was glad: you stand Just as you stood — shy, delicate, slender, tn that long gown of green lace netting and daisies That you wore to our first dance. The sight of you ‘Stunned Us all. Well, our needs were different, then, And our ideas came easy.‘Then through the war and those two long years Overseas, the Japanese dead in their shacks . Among dishes, dolls, and shoes; | carried 5 This glimpse of you, there, to joke down rhy fear, Prove it had been, that it might come back. That was before we got married. Before we drained out one another's force With fies, self-denial, unspoken regret And the sick eyes that blame; before the divorce And the treachery. Say it: before we met. Stil, | put back your picture. Someday, in due course, | will find that it’s stil there, 20 4.2) (i) Define what mementos are. ii) Give 4 synonyms of the word. (ii) State the mementos mentioned in this poem. (iv) “Your” in the first stanza refers to who? () — *You" in the 2™ stanza refers to who? ») What do you think were the main function of the speaker in his office? 3} What unforgettable loss did the speaker suffer from in his life time? a) (i) Quote 2 word inthe first stanza that the speaker was shocked to fing hig ex-wife's (i) Give reason why the speaker was pleased by the discovery. (ii) Give a suitable synonym of ‘picture’ and ‘severed’ (iv) Quote and name a figure of speech in stanza 1, (v)_ Why the poet used the shacking image of finding @ severed hand while raking? (vi) Quote @ word in line 3 to prove/ show that the filed documents in the speaker's office were useful in the past. ®) Give reason why ‘The picture’ is italized’ 2.a) Describe in one word how the speaker's ex-wife looked like in her gown during the dance. b) Describe the character of his ex-wife. c) “All" in stanza 2 refers to who? d) What do you think were the ideas of the lovers? ©) Give synonyms of these words as used in context Ideals, Needs. 3.8) State how the speaker's ex-wife was dressed in the picture. 5) “among dishes, dolls and Jost shoes” Give reason why the Japanese soldiers carried dolls during the war, 4a) @) The word “glimpse” in line 16 refers to what? {)___Which countries were involved in the worid war? ©) Search for 2 words in stanza 3 that are related to “toys” and “houses”. > 8) Give one word for each of the following words or phrases: Drained out, Force, Treachery, Put Back, In Due Course 5) “f put back your picture” “Back” refers to what in this context? *) Mention the conflicts you think led to the speaker's divorce. 5.2) “Well, our needs were different then” (What do you think the lovers’ needs might have been then compared now. Tabulate your answer.°) @) The poet was conscripted in the US Navy (24 world war) was the duration of the war? Gye uate "Wo words in the last stanse to verify, 3, That the partners were all cut to biame sear oper for the breakdown of the maniage, 2. That both partners are equally blamed for the divorce, (iil) Say what was wrong with the marriage? “T+ The speaker is addressing his ex-partner directly, 2) What does this suggest about his feelings for her now? ) Give reasons why the speaker carried the ex-wife's picture to war? &. 3) What is the purpose Of Halios used in “That picture’ tine 4 of the poem. >) Whats the Significance of this repetition: “Your picture’, “that picture"? The simile: "Like @ man raking piles of dead leaves" ig comparative, raking? * 8) What did the speaker witness and experience at war? 5) Paraphrase the following lines, @- “Prove it has been, that it might come back” (“twas glag” ‘9. Quote phrases Of 2 words h the importance of ihe ernie oie Tend stanza 3 respectively, {0 show and prove ©) “That picture" in stanza 1, Give reason why the word “That” is written in italics, ‘ 12. a) Quote a Sentence of 7 words from stanza 2 to indicate that the &x-partner is pretty, 5) In stanza 3 itis stated that the poet carried the lover's photo/picture for 2 years, Explain why?SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS MEMENTOS.1 (W.D. Snodgrass) Contextual 1-2) (i) Reminders, (Le. Something one keeps e.g. photograph to remind himself/herself about ¢ Particular event, place, person, ete. in the past.) (ii) Keepsakes, tokens, souvenirs, remembrances. (ii) Letters, cancelled cheques, old ellppings, and yellow note'cards including the picture of the speaker's wife. (iv) ‘Your’ refers to the speaker's ex-partner. (\) 'You' refers to ex-wife's photo. ») He was clearing i.e. getting rid of unwanted letters from his files. At the same time he was organizing his office files. ©) He lost his wife and only child in a divorce. 4) () Cold. ; (ii) The speaker was pleased because the picture is reminiscent of his past memories whether good or bad. Yes. it seminded him of the past memories of pain and happiness. (iil) Photograph and cut off. (iv) “Like a man raking” = Simile. (v) He wanted all of us to feel his shock. (vi) Once ©) The picture is italized as it was a pretty photograph of his former wife taken on the occasion of their first dance. Moreover, the picture reminded him of the occasion that was special in his life and in their relationship. 2.a) Stunning. b) Shy, delicate, slender, young and beautiful, ©) The audience in the dance hall. d) To love and get married. ©) Aims/ objectives, wants. Se) She wore a beautiful gown! night dress made of lace material and decorated with daisies! flowers. ©) They carried.dolls, etc to war to relieve their fears as well as to remind themselves of their obligations and loved ones back at home. 4.2) (i) Pleture (ji) America and Japan b) Dolls and shacks 5.2) Exhausted/ Emptied, power, betrayal, replace, at the appropriate time. ) The speaker's file. - 3) Lies, self-denial, regret, accusations, treachery, etc. 8.2) _(i) Needs then (As young lovers) Needs now (as old lovers) _ | Togethermess, Entertainment, Fun, Play, Responsibility, Commitment, integrity, Family, Ovsidoor life, etc. Indoor life, etc. (ii) Their needs were different because itis for young people to have ideas as they do not, have responsibilities etc. 2) To relieve/ calm down his fear. ©) (i) 2 years. (il) 1. Orained. 2. "Wer Li) The marriage was riddled with lies, regret, self-denial, etc. ed to the divorce. 7.) - He is no longer angry and hurt, ze is stil in fove with her especially since he could not afford to lose a daughter forever. 5) For remembrance, consolation and to relieve himself of the atrocities of w, porte icate that the speaker's ex-wife knows the pictu 7 ») tition «no Picture "e FefeT2d t0/ they show the The repetition i signifies/ e, i ; speaker, mMphasizes the Importance and impact the picture has on tha a7©) @ The speaker. (ii) While the man rakes dead leaves the speaker sorts/ clear old and unneeded documents. Also the ex-partner's picture is likened to a severed hand found in the pile of leaves. () He witnessed the Japanese lying dead in the cottages and some dead next to their dishes and dolls. (il) He experienced the discomfort and cruetties of war in the trenches, etc. b) (i) The speaker remarks that he had always known that he would one day find his ex-wife's picture. (i) The speaker is glad because the memory of the past had returned to him. 40. ‘I stopped” (Stanza 1) and ‘I carried” (Stanza 3), 41. a) The poet throws nothing away after reading, but rather hoards everything in his office for reference. When the stanza begins, we see him sorting out letters, cancelled cheques, yellow note cards etc. contained and saved in the files. b) Checks = cheques "The Japanese dead in their shacks’. (Note that the Americans were based in Japan during the 2" world war) c) The word is written in italics to illustrate the importance of the ex-wife's picture which holds so many memories for the speaker. S.a) 42. a) “The sight of you stunned us all” ) Firstly, the poet was conscripted or drafted in the US Navy for 2 years, As a result he had to carry the picture with him because he was in love. Moreover, he carried it to remind him constantly of his responsibilities especially when he retums home. The picture was also a source of courage, inspiration and comfort because it relieved/ calmed down his fears as a soldier. an‘he offen writes. - be often i tis age of thirty in a boating accident off the coast of Isly in self-imposed exile since 1818, ‘Ozymandias bas boen identified as the, ian Pharaoh, Rameses. eel end merciless. Hie zegerded ? statue that depicted his attributes. Of course, with the Janse of time, the statue broke down in the lonely sand. That was the end of the king whose sroataess vas Something of the past and totally forgotten, MOCABULABY: Antique = Old. Baro = Empty. Take =. Bodiless. ‘Wreck = Ruin. Shattered =~ ‘Broken/destroyed.. s alin. — = — Sightor thee. ‘Survive. = Live. pea sneer = _-Mocidng smile. Marked anal = Doric smile (a win creme ert hy Sseing,omrvings OFM Passions - Enthusiasm or strong feeling. Mocked = ‘Ridicule or scai Pedestal = Baseofa statue, ¢.g.stone. SUMMARY: Yond. ‘ris tnfomnatin as given inthe poom is sold by o waver fos menius Sis ‘iinet as given Pca og nn of he sa SADE in the sand. oa legs, tothe sand, was aba munen broken visage WSN Ef sen ae = be ‘tae type of commends heused 10 493, Search for the suitable vin gsae words £oD8 tae POSS = ‘Freshness. fA. A sixius Gs two bis tege made of stone ) sands | inicied. ‘Prom. oA ‘a. Frown and ‘Remeses D- . 2.6. King ’. mn B yosk, yo Might. sa Sonos ’. ins ep tan Ore is noting tt Oa” SS in ifs. 50THE UNKNOWNCITIZEN (w.t.Auden) AUTHOR'S BIOGRAPHY: = Born in England in 1907 and died in 1973. ~ Studied et Oxford University. = Aleading figure among young English poets. = AMarxist whose work is written from a Christian point of view = Married a daughter of Thomas Mann, Erika in 1935 evén though homosexual. THEME: ‘The theme is about the poet’s concern about the position of people in the society. It is also about the dehumanizing effect modern society can have on the individual (i.e. the poem criticizes the whole Idea of people being known by members.) VOCABULARY: Unknown = Nonetity. Scab _= Sore/ problem. ‘Odd ‘Strange. Dues Debts Sound = Clear Phonography = Early form of gramophone. Absurd lly / foolish Frigidafre = Abrand of fridge, Eugenist ‘One who improves the quality of a Race by control of inherited characteristics. Bureau = Government office collecting & analyzing vital data /inform action. INAMSE OF IMPORTANCE: 1. Fudge Motors inc, 6. Insurance policies. 2. Greater community. 7. Health Department. 3. Employees Union. 8. Producers Research. 4. Social Psychology worker. 9. High - grade living. 5. The newspaper press 10. Installment plan. NOTE WELL: ‘The tattle “THE UNKNOWN CITIZEN” is a intentional allusion to the real memorials to The Unknown Soldier’ (1S/07/ M/ 378) - hence the unsuitability of such an erected monument by the State. Several institutions or / and Research Organizations made in depth inquiries conceming the person’s conduct in this poem. It was discovered that the fellow is perfect in all respect as if he was a saint. In other words, the way the man is described is the epitome of human virtue. ‘The following are the discoveries of the Research Compani Line1-8 1. THE BUREAU OF STATISTCS: = No official complaint against the man ll reports agree that he was a saint and served the Greater Community very well. 51atte worked in Fudge Motor Corporation very wel, and if t was time for him to serve his country inwar, he gladly did so without hassles. + aisfed his employees in everything. That is why he was never fired. He only went on retirement. Lines: 9-14 2. UNION: ‘The report from this Union certifies that the man p of Union Management. Lines 12-13 his dues well. He was also not a scab in the eyes 3, SOCIAL PHYSCHOLOGY WORKERS: ‘They found that the man was popular wit was never drunk. Lines 14-15: fa his mates and was favored by all. He also liked a drink, but THE PRESS ASSOCIATION Tre gpurted that the man bought Newspaper everyday and his reactions toward advertisement were good. Lines 16-17 5 INSURANCE COMPANIES: Here the man was found to be fully insured. Even if he wa: healthy man + Lines 18-24: .s once hospitalized, he left the hospital being @ 6 PRODUCES RESEARCH & HIGH GRADE LIVING: ‘The man was declared the gentleman who was very sensible to installment plan. He had everything that a modern person should have. Lines 25-26 ‘7 THE EUGENIST: a toad thet the man wes married and had five children, That was the right number for @ parent of his generations. Line 27 ‘8 SHOOL REPORT: : “The school report that the fellow never interfered with the education of other children. 28-29: ‘The poet concludes by saying fever there was anything wrong with this man, then we shoud have known up to now. in practice, such a person is non —existent—hence the title! “ The Unknow" Citizen”. ‘On the contrary, the poet feels that if everything could be lke this anonymous man, then Iie would be enjoyable. QUESTIONS: Read the following stanza carefully and enswer the questions: He was found by the Bureau of statistics to be one against whom there was no official complaint. had all the reports of his conduct agree that, in moder sense of old- fashioned word, he was 8 saint. For everything he did he served the Greater Community. 52Except for the war tll the day he retired. He worked In the factory and never got fired, But satisfied his employers, Fudge Motors Inc. Yet he wasn’t a scab or odd in his views, For his Union reports that he paid his dues (Our report on his Union shows it was sound) And Our Social Psychology Workers found ‘That he was popular with his mates and like a drink. 1. What is happening in this poem? 2. Who is the citizen referred to? 3 Where did the citizen work and until when? 4. Quote from the poem to verify that the man was not a teetotaler. 5. Who discovered that the man complied, without failure, with the terms of the installment plan 6.How many children did the man have?’ 7. Comment on the whole poem. ANSWERS: 1. Several Institutions are presenting an investigated report concerning the conduct of “ The Unknown Citizen” He is unknown because he does not exist in reality. 3. Fudge Motors incorporation. Till retirement. He like a drink. Producers Research & High Grade Living, HE had five children. ‘The citizen is non-existent, but the poet feels that if anybody could be like this man, life would be worthwhile and worth living too. Noyveey ON AGING (MAYA ANGELOU) SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF THE POET 1. Born in 1928 at ST Louis, Missouri, USA. 2. Awriter editor, singer actor, dancer as well as an activist. 3, Holding alifetime appointment as professor of American studies at Wake Forest University ( North Carolina) Theme: Aging is natural and it is not a sign of dying Vocabulary Chat = Talk Stop Halt Hold keep it to yourself Pity sympathize Rocking (chair)= A chair that rocks/sways Study = Think/consider SUMMARY LINES 1-4 Here the poet warns that by sitting and idling alone and quietly away from the public, it is not an invitation to outsiders to be tempted to come closer and keep her busy. She is behaving as such due to aging as a natural process. She prefers silence and solitude in order to listen to herself _LINES 5-8 ‘These are an instruction to all not to pity or sympathize with her aging body parts. She warns that everyone in life has to undergo old age, like it or not. LINE 9-12 Old age has its own consequences e.g stiff bones, aching muscles, limited eyesight ete. The speaker is asking no favour nor @ rocking chair present to entertain and keep herself busy with LINES 13-20 The poet says people should not think and draw conclusions when seeing old folks struggling and seated timeously that they are lazy or tired. No, they are not indolent. They are under old age pressure to struggle to walk and to standup. Hence they sometimes stumble and fall on their knees. By so doing, itis clear proof that in life nothing stays static. Everything and everybody change asa result of aging. Despite aging, the poet is proud to say she is still a complete person she was back them. Of course, with everything grown little, e.g little and dying hair, thin chin, ruined face, shrinked lungs, ete. QUESTIONS Read the poem and answer the questions 10 15 20 1. When you see me sitting quietly, Like a sack left on the shelf, Don’t think I need your chattering, ’m listening to myself. Hold! Stop! Don’t pity me! Hold! Stop your sympathy! Understanding if you got it, Otherwise I'll do without it! When my bones are stiff and aching And my feet won't climb the stairs, | will only ask one favor . Don’t bring me no rocking chair. When you see me walking, stumbling, Don’t study and get it wrong. ‘Cause tired don’t mean lazy And every goodbye ain’t gone. I'm the same person ! was back then, A\ittle less hair, a little fess chin, A lot less lungs and much less wind, But ain’t lucky | can still breathe in. 1. a, Give a synonym of “aging’ in a phrase of 3 words b. Give synonyms of these words: quietly and chattering ¢. The word “myself” refers to several human parts. Mention them 542. a. Quote a figure of speech in the first four lines of the poem and name it. b. What does this figure of speech imply . According to your experience, why grandparents like to hide themselves from the public. 3. a. Explain, why the speaker says “otherwise I'll do without it!” b."It’in lines 6 & 8 refers to what? 4. a. What are the results of old age? b, Whats a “rocking chair? c. Quote an instance of ungrammatical dialect speech in the poem. 5. a.”Gone” in line 16 is meaningful. in what ways? b. Give 2 language indications that this poem is written in North America. C .Paraphrase the following sentence “Don’t study and get it wrong”. Answers La.Becoming old b. Silently, talking c. Myself = the poet's heart, soul, life etc, 2a. “Like a sack left on the shelf’ = simile b. It implies that old folks are inclined to hide themselves wherever they are seated as if forgotten/neglected c. They don’t want to be seen, spoken to as they are satisfied to be and to speak to and their God 3a She means to say aging is unavoidable as a natural process, i.e all must get old one day. b. Aging or old age 4.2, Stiff bones, aching muscles, painful feet, stumbling, less hair growth, thin chin, little lungs, shrinkled skin, etc b. A chair.mounted on rockers which allow it to swing back and forth. "Don’t bring me no rocking chair” 5.a.Either disappeared or passed on b. ‘Favor instead of favour’. ‘Aint” instead of aren’t : ¢. Don’t stand there carefully while considering how I struggle to do everything andending up by getting it wrong 5s