WAEC Literature in English 2018 Theory — Question 3

Model answer

After the death of Ajumobi, Yaremi's life is left exposed. First of all, she becomes an object of suspicion from the mourners who think she was instrumental in the death of Ajumobi, her husband. Yaremi becomes a cynosure of eyes as mourners come to mourn Ajumobi's death: 'She is scanned by mourners in all directions. All eyes followed every step she took with hostile closeness.' Ajumobi's death means a lot to Yaremi. The implication is that she will live lonely and feel insecure for the rest of her life. Ajumobi dies when he is supposed to be keeping her company. Segi, Wura and Alani have all grown up. Segi and Wura have been married out while Alani is on his carpentry business in Ibadan. Yaremi's only consolation is Woye who will soon be schooling at Anglican Junior Primary School at Olode. Yaremi recalls her experience with Ajumobi when he was still alive. Their relationship was checkered with fights and companionship. She recalls having brawled with Ajumobi, raining abusive utterances on him. Yaremi and Ajumobi used to disagree and fight but now the reason to appreciate her husband dawns on her after his death. The cap-picking ceremony brings to confirmation the saying that 'no woman's life is ever complete without a man'. As it is believed that husband represents protection, security and care, a woman is incomplete without these. It is expedient that Yaremi must, like other widows, pick a cap and get married to another man. As the cap adorns the head and beautifies it, so does a man adorn and beautify a woman. A woman is regarded as incomplete without a man. Although Yaremi has turned down the hands of the likes of Ayanwale, Olonade and Lanwa in marriage, this does not imply that she can do without a man. Rather, it reveals the fact that Yaremi still owes allegiance to Ajumobi, her deceased husband, and she does not want to be regarded as second or third wife in another man's house. Her children are old enough to take care of her. After refusing to pick a cap as required by the custom, Yaremi's life becomes pitiable. She becomes more feeble and susceptible to insults from the villagers who have now become hostile. She confesses to Segi: 'See now, the people of Kufi have begun to jeer at me, Segi, thinking that my glory has come to a disgraceful end.' Segi does not compromise taking her child to Olode for further education despite Yaremi's plight. Yaremi's life is plunged into tragedy and insecurity by Alani's announcement and attitude. Yaremi, whom Yaremi thinks will stand in the position of a husband, breaks her heart with the announcement that he is very busy with his carpentry work in the city, his building and his plans to marry a 'pretty city girl who was now heavy with pregnancy'. Ajumobi appears elusive and irresponsible in his attitude. He advises Yaremi to lease out Ajumobi's property. Yaremi is traumatized by the elders' pronouncement that she will be ostracized by the villagers and she will be avoided like a leper. Her husband's property will also be confiscated. She strips herself of her brocade and ipele which circled her neck. Her eyes dim 'with tears of accumulated injustice.' Having been disappointed from all ends, she makes up her mind to stand strong. Yaremi's experiences after the death of Ajumobi show that a woman is insecure without a man. She becomes an object of oppression both emotionally and physically from all ends. This also brings to confirmation the saying that 'no woman's life is ever complete without a man.'