WAEC Literature in English 2022 Theory — Question 4

Model answer

Points to develop: i. Relation to theme; ii. Character identification; iii. Going to Nigeria; iv. The journey out; v. Arrival in Nigeria. In the novel, events and the actions of the characters are founded on the theme of social dysfunction. Nii is not spared the consequences of these as he arrives in Nigeria at the height of an expulsion order. Nii Tackie is the protagonist of the novel. He is a Nigerian born in Ghana. He has Yoruba tribal marks but bears a Ga name and does not speak Yoruba. His sister lives in Nigeria; their parents are dead. He is an Assistant Manager of a bank in Accra. There is a military regime in Ghana. Besides, assets and bank accounts have been frozen. The cost of living is high and this makes life unbearable. Nii's wife is very ill and dies on their way to a healing centre. Nii dumps the body of his dead wife at the mortuary at Koforidua and sets out for Nigeria. Nii joins other travelers like him. Aaron, an entrepreneur denied assistance by Nii's bank is in the bandwagon. The travelers are harassed by the security forces. Nii is also cheated by a commercial motorcyclist. Nii's arrival in Nigeria coincides with an expulsion order. The deadline for the aliens to leave is fast approaching. Nii is not recognized as a Nigerian. The fact that he has a sister at Ijase and the tribal marks on his face avail him nothing. No one listens to him and he has to be careful to avoid being arrested by the Immigration. His new-found love dies and is buried hurriedly and secretly. The deportation order puts Nii at great risk and delays his reunion with his sister.