WAEC Literature in English 2020 Theory — Question 3

Model answer

Points to note: 1. Relation to theme. 2. Character identification. 3. Change in his physical appearance and dressing. 4. Attitude towards his mother. 5. Attitude towards his father's legacy. 6. His ultimate intentions. Model answer: The novel exudes African culture and tradition in which one is expected to conform to the tradition as this is evident in the way Yaremi is expected to marry another man after Ajumobi's death. Her refusal to do this has led her to some woes. In African culture, sons are expected to inherit their fathers' property and this is portrayed in Uncle Deyo's invitation of Alani to claim his father's property. However, Alani who cherishes city life declines the offer of his father's heritage. Alani is the only son of Ajumobi and Yaremi. He lives in the city where he works as a carpenter. The purpose of his visit is to check his mother's welfare in the village after his father's death. Attention is paid to Alani's changed appearance even to the consternation of Uncle Deyo. Alani has evidently become almost lost to the city. His skin is burnt and bleached and the hair is dyed curly and dangled. He wears a "shining necklace" and a pair of springy intimidating high-heel shoes" which make Uncle Deyo disgusted. Uncle Deyo calls Alani "a freak". Alani is aloof towards his mother. This is evident in the way he gives his mother some money and a few items from the town. He promises his mother more money from time to time. Also, Alani's attitude towards his mother is not appreciative. He does not appreciate his mother's situation, ignoring her plight and her fight against the village elders. Alani cares little about his father's legacy - he exhibits a carefree attitude towards the legacy left behind by Ajumobi which includes the farmland which he thinks could be a sublet. Alani is clearly not returning to the village to tend his father's farm. Alani is ultimate intention to remain in the city, only to return occasionally to give his mother money. He also makes known his intention to relocate his mother and once his mother is relocated, Alani is likely to stop coming to Kufi. Alani is transplanted in the city which is evidently the centre of action. He despises and would better remain in the city.