UNDERSTANDING

English Literature O’level

Question & Answer Handbook

2024
EDITI
ON

S. Sithole
 UNDERSTANDING O’LEVEL COMMENTARY IN ENGLISH

(Questions with answers) STUDY PACK

S. SITHOLE

1
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 About the Publishing House
Address
Dingani Publishers
Between 10th & 11th Avenue
Robert Mugabe Way, Bulawayo
Contact: +263777896159

Cover Designed by: Dingani Publishers

Typesetting by: Dingani Publishers

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilised

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval
system, without permission in writing from the Publisher. Inquiries
should be addressed to Dingani Publishers.

Printed by Dingani Publishers in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

2
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 CONTENTS
The Valley of Tantalika - Richard Rayner ...................................................... 4
Shadows on the horizon: stephen mpofu ...................................................... 26
I will wait-bertha msoro ................................................................................ 38
Romeo and Juliet: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: ........................................ 50
GOLDINGS WILLIAM: LORD OF THE FLIES ........................................ 76
Animal farm .................................................................................................. 91
Blackboy ....................................................................................................... 94
OTHELLO BY SHAKESPEARE ................................................................ 99

3
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 THE VALLEY OF TANTALIKA - RICHARD RAYNER
1. Read the passage below and answer the questions which follow.

All along the central Zambezi valley, from the gorges east of the Victoria Falls
to where the river twisted abruptly north from Kariba, over 150 miles away,
an early summer storm was raging thunderously across the hills and
escarpments, the sheets of rain washing away deep-down topsoil, dust-dry
from the winter months, soaking the forest trees down to their roots.

Far away, south-west of Kariba and quite close to the river bank, the lightning
slashed and cracked over the mopane trees growing thickly on a low rise,
where an impala doe sought privacy from the rest of the herd among the dense
riverine bush and tall grasses. It was the same birth site she had used before,
where she felt safest from predators and the unwelcome attention of young
curious males.

Swilila, the docile one, was no youngster. By human standards she was
middle-aged, and had produced her first-born when she had been two years
old, her second and third at two yearly intervals thereafter. None had survived
for long. The first had been taken by wild dogs, the second snatched from her
by a tawny eagle, and the last had been carried away by flood waters sweeping
along the river early in the year.

She lay down for a while, head raised, ears stretched back, and groomed
herself briefly. Then, shifting uncomfortably, she got up and wandered about,
careful to keep out of sight, her hind legs slightly straddled, until she collapsed
into a clump of grass, bleached white by the sun. For a long time, she lay,
straining, helping the new life struggling within her to release itself from the
darkness in which it had grown for seven months. She tried to rise again, but
fell back and lay on her side, with hind legs backward-splayed.

4
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 ANSWERS

1A) WHAT EMOTIONS ARE EVOKED IN YOU WHEN YOU READ

THE ABOVE PASSAGE? (10)

I feel scared for Swilila as she is giving birth in a summer storm raging
thunderously across the hills and escarpments. One fears that the offspring
could be drenched to death in the storm.

I am anxious to know if Kali-Anuka is going to survive threats like wild dogs,

tawny eagles and floodwaters that had killed his siblings.

It is saddening to learn that Swilila had lost three of her offsprings to wild
dogs, tawny eagles and flood waters respectively.

I feel relieved when Swilila escapes unharmed by the splitting branches which
brushed gently against her after being struck by lightning.

I feel elated for Swilila who finally manages give birth to Kali-Anuka and she
is optimistic that he would survive to maturity.

I admire Swilila’s determination and hope. The author says she would see him
grow into a fine impala ram, braver and wiser.

6
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 Kali-Anuka’s wisdom is also shown when during Operation Noah, he reacted
with composure unlike the other animals which suffered shock and died in the
process. He wisely instructs members of his Pambuka herd to remain calm and
follow his lead and this saved their lives. He is also wise enough to interpret
the language of Fura Uswa even when he had not been taught it by anyone.

At the end of the story, Kali-Anuka exhibits his wisdom when he expresses
his gratitude to the Zimikile by bowing in front of them. He is also wise
enough to know that the Pambuka needed a leader during his absence hence
he appoints Yandika to lead them.

8
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 They grouped themselves under the shed of two stocky shepherd’s trees- the
otters, Kali-Anuka and Kusomona, Swilila, Silulimi and Yandika. It was just
like the long-gone days, all being together again.

10
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 and hard rock. As Mwami lowered the branch, too quickly, the tip of one of
his horns snapped off.

From then, Tantalika felt he owed a debt of gratitude which he tried to repay
in many ways. Mwami taught Tantalika to speak impala language and they
spent many happy hours together before Tantalika was able to converse in
simple phrases. Mwami called other impalas to join in conversations with
Tantalika for easy communication.

The impalas had happy moments forming a circle, lying or standing, Tantalika
at the centre telling of another stories. They talked about other animals’ antics
for example the elephant, warthogs and the hippos.

One day Tantalika just drops in on Mwami to ask him as a friend if there had
been Zimikiles in his territory. He comes to inform his dear friend Mwami that
Fura-Uswa was angry and that the Zimikile were intending to destroy the
Great Valley.

Their friendship is strengthened after Mwami’s death, when Tantalika comes

again to inform Kali and the Pambuka herd that he was going to the place of
Mabuyu to meet Fura-Uswa. Trusting the family friend Kali-Anuka joins him
on the journey and this cements their bond.

Along the journey Kali Anuka had challenges of fatigue and injuries but
Tantalika as a friend continued to wait for him and constantly rested on the
way so that Kali would recuperate and continue with the journey. Since
Tantalika knew the way, he led his Pambuka friend.

At the place of Mabuyu they are both warned of the flood and were supposed
to pass the message to all the animal species in the Great Valley. Knowledge
of impending disaster bonds the two as are eager to return.

12
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 3. DISCUSS THE ROLE AD CHARACTER OF TANTALIKA IN THE
NOVEL, “THE VALLEY OF TANTALIKA”. (25)

In the novel, Tantalika the otter is a central character who helps propel the
plot, embodies a number of themes and has various traits.

Tantalika is presented as an agile character. His name means he who moves

quickly, like a spider. His ability to traverse the Great Valley- going to and fro
the place of Mabuyu, up and down the Kariba gorge to meet Fura-Uswa shows
how agile he is. He is able to swim across the vast waters of the Great Valley.

Rayner also presents Tantalika as a comic figure. The author directly describes
Tantalika as always full of fun. He loved playing tricks on his friends. He
scorns Kali-Anuka as, ‘…looking about ready for the vultures’ after Tantalika
emaciated. This was just a way to tease him.

Tantalika is presented a spiritual figure as he is able to communicate with

Fura-Uswa the godkin at sacred places like the place of Mabuyu and the
Kariba gorge where the river narrows. He always recognized the moment
when Fura-Uswa wished to communicate with him. He is also the medium
who gets messages directly from Fura-Uswa. He felt a strange sensation
whenever Fura-Uswa wished to communicate with him. Pictures formed in his
mind and he was guided to the meeting place or wherever he wanted Tantalika
to go.

Tantalika is presented as apologetic. After offending Kali-Anuka by

trivializing Mwami’s death he comes back to Kali and said, ‘I am sorry I lost
my temper with you the other day.’ He knew he was very wrong and thought
to encourage Kali.

14
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 Tantalika is also romantic as an animal lover. When time is ripe, he finds a
suiter, Vutuka whom he caresses and they play underwater games. We see him
chirp at Vutuka, move closer, put his forepaws o the stone and looked up into
her face. He chirped again reaching up to touch her nose with his, then licked
her face. He catches fish and crabs for her. In the end the romance culminates
into the birth of the three cubs by Vutuka.

Tantalika is also presented as intelligent. He is quick to learn the language of

the Pambuka. When he meets the other Pambuka`s later on his journey from
the place of Mabuyu, they are surprised that Tantalika could speak the
language of the impalas. He is the only animal who could understand the
language of Fura-Uswa in the Great Valley.

Tantalika is also appreciative. This is illustrated when Mwami rescues him

from the trap by the tree when he was a cub. Ever since then, Tantalika felt he
owed a debt of gratitude which he tried to repay in many ways.

In the novel, Tantalika plays the role of a messenger- a go-between between

the animals and Fura-Uswa the godkin. He is the one who takes messages from
Fura-Uswa and informs the animals that the valley was under threat from the
Zimikile. Tantalika passes the message to the Pambuka family and this later
saves them from the floods. One can also conclude that he is the animal savior.

Tantalika embodies the theme of friendship. After having been saved by

Mwami, Tantalika felt he owed the debt of gratitude to the Pambuka family.
We then see him learning the Pambuka language and constantly visiting the
Pambuka to advise them about the messages from Fura-Uswa. Out of concern,
Tantalika follows Kali-Anuka to find out if he had survived the flooding and
they happily reunite.

16
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 4. OUTLINE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE ANIMALS IN THE
GREAT VALLEY. (25)

The animals in the Great Valley face a threat of death. Swilila’s first born had
been taken by wild dogs, the second snatched from her by a tawny eagle and
the last had been carried away by floodwaters. Mwami was shot by a Zimikile
and later died from the wound. Fura-Uswa was also shot dead and his species
the white rhino was becoming extinct. There are tales of whole herds of
impalas wiped out by explosions from deadly Zimikile sticks, not only impalas
but all the large species of animals.

The animals also face extinction. The white rhino whose spirit was Fura-Uswa
had been the last of a species which had thrived, though never in great
numbers. He was easier game for hunters. By early in the century, there were
no more white rhinos in the valley except for one. In the same vein, Tantalika’s
species of the otter is rare in the Great Valley. The author says that Tantalika
lived a lonely life until he finds Vutuka.

Pollution is another problem affecting the animals of the Great Valley. There
is noise pollution from the roaring machines of the Zimikile. Tantalika reports
seeing a massive chain, each link of it larger than himself scouring the ground.
Explosions from the rifles also scared the animals in the Great Valley. The
Zimikile birds also cast their deadly mist over the countryside killing
mosquitoes and tsetse flies and the species that fed on these insects also died
from the spray. Clouds of blue grey smoke rose high into the air from several
points where stakes of timber burned away.

Animal habitats were also destroyed by the Zimikile. Tantalika saw huge
machines toppling down trees, snapping branches, roots dragged out
mercilessly from the subsoil. The Zimikile destroyed hundreds of trees that

18
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 5. DISCUSS THE THEME OF GREEDY AS BROUGHT IN THE
NOVEL “THE VALLEY OF TANTALIKA”. (25)

The theme of greedy is revealed when the Zimikile kill animals for meat and
their skins. This is illustrated when Mwami reports that he had knowledge of
much killing of animals of all kinds and the destruction of bush and woodland
in places high in the hills. Tantalika had seen the black Zimikile wearing
animal skins in the BaTonga villages. Great birds bigger and noisier than any
which had frequented the valley before had been seen and heard flying low
over the land, their wings rigid and unbeating. Sometimes a mist issued from
their bowels killing all insects touched by it, in the air or on the ground. They
died in their hundreds of thousands, in their millions. Animals eating the
insects became ill and often died. Whole herds of impalas were wiped out by
explosions from the deadly Zimikile sticks. At one time four Zimikile shoot
an impala lamb ad it dropped on the sand and was carried to the boat and
dumped carelessly for the pot. These insects they kill to ensure that the valley
is habitable to themselves.

To show their greedy, the Zimikile destroy the Great Valley. According to
Fura-Uswa, the Zimikile wish to destroy the Great Valley and everything in
it. They want to build a dam wall that will capture the waters to give light
where there is darkness, to give heat where there is cold, where there is warmth
and to make the strength they do not have themselves to drive strange
machines which are beyond Fura-Uswa's comprehension. Fura-Uswa
concludes that, ‘Man turns everything on earth to his own ends.’ This clearly
illustrates how man is greedy and selfish.

Out of greedy man kills animals and lets them to rot. Tantalika finds the animal
carrion rotting in the sun- food for scavengers after being shot by the Zimikile.

20
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 The animals had to be relocated to higher ground and they lost their kith and
kin.

As if man’s greed was not enough, he launches Operation Noah. Ijongojongo

and his men begin to rescue the animals but only for his selfish ends. Those
that were rescued had tags stuck on their ears. This meant that the animals
were to be put under captivity and were to be viewed by tourists and at times
to be hunted down by professional hunters.

22
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 burned away to ashes. This results in the destruction of habitats for some
species and desertification following soil erosion.

The author castigates greedy in the novel. The white Zimikile are destroying
the Great Valley so that they harness the waters to generate hydro-electricity
for them to provide light where there is darkness, warmth where there is cold.
In the process many animals are displaced, the black Zimikile are also
removed from their ancestral land disrupting their livelihood. Some animals
are shot and their carcasses rot in the forests.

The author criticizes all forms of pollution in the Great Valley. The noise from
the Zimikile’s carrier creatures scares away flocks of stork and the impalas are
always alert of any of such noises meant death to them. The massive machines
scouring the land and cutting into hills also scare the animals and their peace
is disturbed. The banging sounds from the rifles carried by the Zimikile were
a terror to the Pambuka herd because in most cases they resulted in the death
of their own. The mist sprayed by the large Zimikile birds were a toxic in the
Great Valley and resulted in massive deaths of insects and animals.

The method used to rescue the animals during Operation Noah is also
castigated by the author. The shouts and the sound of the beating by the
Zimikile lifted a flock of frightened marabou stocks out of the trees and they
flew off to a peaceful land. A herd of impalas in panic ran towards the opposite
shore of the river but turned away into the direction of the trap. There was a
stampede, impalas, warthogs, bush-buck duikers and grysbok, baboons and
monkeys ran fleeing. It was all pandemonium once more, animals tried to leap
out of the net but were trapped. Others were shot to put those that were badly
injured out of pain. Shock acted quickly with some and they instantly died.
The method is criticized for causing death as well as shock in the animals.

24
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 SHADOWS ON THE HORIZON: STEPHEN MPOFU
1. USING APPROPRIATE EXAMPLES EXAMINE THE THEME OF
SUPERSTITION AS PRESENTED IN THE STORY THE BLACK
POT (25)

The thematic concern of superstition is vividly expressed in the plot of the

Black Pot. There are many incidents in the plot that show supernatural beliefs
of characters in the plot.

Superstition is associated with rural setting as it is revealed in the rural setting

of the village in the Mwenezi district. The setting adheres to the common
traditional and cultural beliefs that are found in rural areas.

Superstitious beliefs are embraced by the elderly or the elderly generation.

This is shown through uncle Marambas’s ritualism to avenge the death of his
day. He is convinced that if he follows the rituals of old before engaging in a
fight with Mr Moyo he will win.

Superstitious beliefs are shown as he sends the young narrator to dig up a

‘mususu’ root, put it across the road and bring a small piece of it. The
narrator’s uncle believed that it was part of powerful process of the ritual that
would have special enhancing effects on his ability.

The superstitious nature of the narrator is shown by his fear of his uncle
carrying an earthen pot in the intense darkness of the night. The ritual of
carrying an earthen pot a symbol of ritualism in the darkness of the night which
is a symbol of evil which enhances the narrator’s fear.

The earthen pot is a symbol of superstitious values held by Uncle Maramba.

The narrator describes it as ‘black and awe–inspiring’ as it is a vessel used in

26
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 The western education system does not acknowledge the superstitious ancient
way of warfare. The young narrator reveals that they are not taught this at
school this greatly upsets uncle Maramba.

The young narrator and uncle Maramba agree that the white educators left out
this superstitious way of warfare because they feared to look foolish in the
eyes of the world if the Africans “clever war tactics” became known.

Young children and elderly people are shown as in conflict of superstitious

beliefs, the young narrator finds it hard that a bullet can be diverted by the
shear power of the ritual while the uncle say though it may sound like a
“ngano” (folktale) and hard to believe but if the ritual is prepared correctly, it
is possible.

The coincidental death of Mr Moyo suggest perhaps the superstitious belief of

uncle Maramba is justified. The reader is left in suspense and intrigue that
perhaps there is a realistic aspect to suspicious belies in African culture.

28
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 that the whites had an advantage over the blacks hence creating political
conflict.

Racial conflict is also shown when the white lady calls Chaminuka the narrator
“kaffir” and kicks him out unceremoniously this shows the unfair treatment of
blacks in their own country.

Internal conflict is shown when the narrator couldn’t return home as he would
be unwelcome burden. He suffers from burdening his brother who has his own
family to cater for. He also suffers from the prospect of returning home
unemployed to be an object of ridicule to his parents and rural community.

There is ethnic conflict amongst the blacks. This is evidenced through the
blacks at the employment who sometimes took bribes from fellow black men.
Moreover, they were verbally abusive to other blacks in an unfortunate
predicament.

Verbal conflict is noted when the employment officers call the unemployed
youth ungrateful difficult loafers who are surviving on the soup they are given
by the employment agency. Temba then accuses them of selling jobs. The
confrontation shows conflict amongst the blacks.

Violence is a form of conflict that is presented in the novel. This is shown

when the narrator and his friends’ resort to robbery to survive. He ends up
arrested and his future is destroyed by the economy and political position of
young black in the country.

30
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 The ‘rara’ collection basket at the church symbolises manipulation of western
religion. An African basket is used to lure congregants into financially
contributing to the church.

The choir of young boys and girls symbolises the future which belongs to the
youth. As they walk out of the church, they symbolise the idea of gaining
personal freedom from the western powers.

The old lady’s parcel of monkey nuts symbolises unity and earnestness of
African congregants. Her unshod feet symbolise poverty while the white cloth
over her parcel symbolised the purity of her giving.

32
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 the workplace. If the white soldiers or the guerrillas suspected him of betrayal,
he risked getting killed by either of them.

In the story “Bruised on Both Sides” the villagers suffer from the oppression
of both the white soldiers and the guerrillas. Mandere’s wife suffers
intimidation and interrogation from the soldiers, she is also made vulnerable
by her husband absence.

Mandere and his wife are in the face of danger where they are suspected to be
working with terrorist (guerrillas) which is an offense that could see them shot
to death.

The narrator states that “collaboration with the guerrillas is a crime punishable
by summary execution”. This shows that villagers were in constant threat of
being killed. Every move of the villagers was regarded with suspicion, the
food the Mandere’s had cooked is deemed as a meal prepared for terrorists.

The villagers are frogged marched to assist with the derailed train out of their
own will. Villagers could not move or walk to the funeral as they too were
viewed with suspicion. The sticks the old man are holding are regarded as
weapons could lead to death as well.

The villagers despite being innocent are interrogated to report guerrilla activity
and they are coerced into buying ill begotten sugar. At the same time the
villagers suffer persecution from the guerrillas, Mandere is accused of feeding
the Rhodesian forces and assisting them to remove the donkey carcass from
the derailed train.

The guerrillas punish betrayal and misinformation with death, this is shown
when comrade chairman is told that he cannot be allowed to enjoy the best of

34
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 5. SHOW WHY FANYANA SHOULD BE VIEWED AS A HERO IN
THE PLOT OF SHADOWS ON THE HORIZON. (25)

There are many characteristics of Fanyana that define him as the hero of the
plot. He is at the centre of a political and romantic conflict found in the plot.
In the backdrop of the colonial era he proves to be a revolutionary character.

He is in love and wants to marry the love of his life Memory. He was waiting
to go for teacher training and marry her eventually, he is determined to fight
for Memory and their future despite the dispossession of their land by the
whites, and he did not want to separate from the love of his life.

He is a revolutionary youth who was personally eager to organise other youths

in order to form a strong resistant force. He was sure that the white man could
be defeated. He shows himself as unique when his first impulse is to fight
against the colonial force that had invaded their village.

He loved a strip of fertile very virgin land he wanted to turn it into a filed when
he married Memory. The virgin land is also a symbol of Memory’s virginity.
Fanyana love both Memory and the virgin land with passion.

Fanyana is the hero of the plot because he shared his plan to cease back the
land from the youth. Their rejection off his plan does not deter him, he viewed
it as a minor setback.

He is depicted as a hero when he is described as having a higher level of

education where he had been exposed to literature and discussions on political
developments in other parts of Africa, therefore his perception of life was
broader than that of other youths.

36
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 I WILL WAIT-BERTHA MSORO

1. SHOW HOW RUDO IS PORTRAYED AS A VICTIM IN THE

PLAY.(25)

There are several occasions that show Rudo’s vulnerable position in the pot.
She is strategically positioned to show the plight of the girl child in the
traditional family setups.

Rudo is shown as a victim when she is forced to be the child bride in order to
fulfil her dead sister Tambudzai’s wishes. Rudo is aware that her sister left an
instruction that Togara shouldn’t marry any other woman except her. This
shows that Rudo is robbed of her freedom of choice of husband.

Rudo is presented as a victim when Togara comes to claim her as his wife. He
refuses for her to continue with her education and expect her to resume her
wifely and motherhood duties. Rudo being denied the right to further her
education shows the painful circumstances of girls in African background.

The patriarchal system is traditional background victimises Rudo. This is

shown when her father rejects as a suitor. He supports Togara’s suit because
of the material support he renders to their family. He threatens Rudo with
violence when she attempts to argue her cause hence showing the
victimization of the girl child.

Rudo is victimized by the love triangle she has entered between herself, Leo
James and Togara. She is forced to live as Togara ’house as his wife while
pretending to Leo James that she is the faithful girlfriend waiting for him to
come back to Zimbabwe. She is forced to lie to the love of her life because of
the marriage arranged by the elders.

38
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 2. EXAMINE HOW THE ASPECTS OF CULTURE IS REVEALED IN
THE PLOT. (25)

There are many aspects of western and African culture that are revealed in the
plot “I Will Wait”.

African traditional is shown when Rudo is expected to follow the wishes of

her dead sister Tambudzai. Tambudzai’s words that Rudo must marry Togara
when she comes of age must be carried out in order to appease and ensure her
spirit rests in peace.

Rudo and Leo James follow the African protocol of courtship when Rudo
introduces her boyfriend Leo James to her aunt. Leo James declares his
intention to marry Rudo to aunt Rutendo as dictated by culture.

Togara also follows African tradition when he visits Atete Rutendo concerning
the fulfilment of his late wife’s wishes. After Tambudzai’s declaration he takes
care of Rudo’s financial needs and that of the family as their son in-law. He
assumes the responsibility of providing for Rudo as her accepted husband. His
visit to Atete Rutendo to ask them to release Rudo to her pending marriage
follows cultural norms.

The playwright reveals African cultural rites of marriage, this is evident when
Atete reveals that in their generation betrothal was represented by exchanging
of clothes “nhumbi”. Leo James reveals a western approach when he states
that they were to exchange engagement rings instead.

African way of life is shown when characters use the Shona traditional way of
greeting and handclapping. It is seen between Atete Rutendo and her two
prospective soon in laws Leo James and Togara despite their polarised life
backgrounds. They observe a cultural and respectful way of greeting.

40
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 3. WHAT ASPECTS OF LEO JAMES CHARACTER DO YOU FIND
MOST ADMIRABLE? (25)

Leo is well admired for being a lawyer. He is commended for being young
educated professional. Atete Rutendo also comments that lawyers’ salaries are
as good as teachers’ salaries. This shows that he was financially stable as well.

Leo is well admired for his positive stance towards Rudo’s education. His
intention is to marry Rudo in five years’ time when she has completed her
degree. This shows that he values the education of the girl child.

Leo’s traditional greeting to Atete Rutendo is admirable. Despite being a

modern boy raised in the urban areas he is able to observe a cultural manner
of greeting. Moreover, he knows his traditional totems ‘soko, moyondizvo’
showing that he has an appreciation of his cultural background.

Admiration for Leo is evoked when he visits. Atete Rutendo to declare his
intention to marry Rudo. He shows noble intention when he states to. Atete
Rutendo that he wants to introduce her to his family and engage her so that
they can marry in three or four years.

The decision to advance his education is also an admirable one. He travels

abroad for a six-month course to advance his education. This shows he values
the necessity of advancing education in order to perform well in one’s
profession.

Leo is to be admired for wanting to put a diamond ring on Rudo’s finger as a

promissory act to marry. The diamond ring is a symbol of commitment and
high value he places on the relationship he has with Rudo.

Leo is to be admired for splurging on nice gifts foe Rudo. Firstly, he buys
Rudo watch. When he sends her sheets, a necklace, gold earrings and plenty

42
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 4. DISCUSS THE ROLE AND SIGNIFICANCE FOR ROSE IN THE
PLAY. (25)
Rose is strategically positioned in the plot to reveal the condition of gender in
the plot. She knows the vices of both the female and male gender in the play
‘I Will Wait’.

Rose’s role is to provide a sense of companionship towards Atete Rerayi.

There is a sisterly relationship between her and Atete Rerayi which makes her
a more favoured prospective daughter in law than Rudo.

Rose’s significance is to reveal the exploitation of women by the male gender.

This is shown when Togara kicks her out unceremoniously from his house.
Togara shows that in all the years he was living with Rose as his wife he was
bidding time for Rudo’s arrival as his wife.

Through Rose the writer is able to reveal that African marriages are
solemnised by the payment of ‘lobola’ (bride price). This is evidenced when
Togara informs rose that she is not his wife because he never paid ‘lobola’.
Rose also shows that lack of children within the marriage institution leads to
marital breakdown. This is evident when she is informed by Togara that she
was never married to home, and that if they were married, they would be
having children by now. This shows that lobola and children are determinate
factors in traditional African families.

Rose is positioned to reveal the family dynamics amongst in-laws. Atete

Rerayi favours her because rose has done many things for Togara and given
her material thing such as shoes and dresses. Rudo is rejected in suspicion that
she might be misery like her late sister Tambudzai. This shows that a daughter
in law needed to be generous and giving in order to gain the favour of in-laws.

44
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 5. ‘VIRTUE IS REWARDED, VICE REGARDED’. DISCUSS (25)
The plot of ‘I Will Wait’ shows that good moral values are awarded while bad
moral practises are shunned. There is poetic justice to events that occur in the
play.

There is the reward of Leo James virtues of his willingness to wait for Rudo.
At first he is committed to waiting for her to finish her studies later on he waits
for he to finish her mourning period for her husband’s death. Rudo becomes a
worthy reward for Leo at the end of the plot. His virtue is patience is rewarded.

Unlike Leo, Togara receives disregard for his vice of disrupting Rudo’s
education. He selfishly demands that Rudo at the tender age of sixteen be
released from her parent’s care into his home. He is concerned about his
physical needs and that of his children as he makes Rudo his child bride, he
receives a filthy punishment when he is mistakenly poisoned to death by his
girlfriend whom he cohabitated with.

The reward of virtue is shown through Rudo. Despite her love for Leo James,
she follows the instructions of her dead sister and lives with Togara as his
wife. Her virtue of obedience is rewarded when eventually Togara is killed by
his scheming sister and girlfriend. After a difficult marriage she is widowed,
left free to marry the love of her life.

Vice receives its due when at the end of the plot Atete Rerayi and rose are
arrested and they serve jail time for the culpable homicide of Togara. Their
prison sentence is a pleasing form of justice for their meddling in Rudo’s
family.

46
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 7. SHOW THAT NDAREVA IS THE EMBODIMENT OF
PATRIARCHAL HEGEMONY. (25)

Ndareva is a symbolic representative of patriarchal rule. He shows dominance

over the female members of his family.

Ndareva shows dominance over his sister when she visits. He wonders when
Atete Rutendo will get time to work the fields when she visits them so often.
He shows that he expects women to spend their time working in the fields.

The patriarchal nature of Ndareva is shown when he wants to disengage from

women dialogue. When Sarudzayi and Atete Rutendo begin talking about days
pots he stands up and leave and says its women talk because a man just can’t
cope. This shows that he did not want to be associated with feminine things.

Ndareva also complains when Atete Rutendo introduces Rudo as the topic of
her visit. He explains that it is women’s talk again. He shows that what
concerns the girl child must be dealt with by women and not men. This is a
patriarchal notion.

The patriarchal position of Ndarera is shown when he welcomes the news of

Togara’s visit and wishes. He immediately responds that he will discuss the
matter with the elders in the family and inform the women about the
procedures.

Patriarchy is represented in Ndarera when he refuses to let Rudo stay with her
aunt for a month. He believes that as a girl child Rudo will get into mischief
and meet ‘stupid men’ who will fool her. He would rather see her in marriage
as soon as possible.

48
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 ROMEO AND JULIET: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE:
Remember to support your ideas with details from the play.

Read this passage, and then answer the question that follows it:

Paris: What cursed foot wanders this way to-night

To cross my obsequies and true love’s rite?

What, with a torch! Muffle me, night, awhile. [Retires.

[Enter ROMEO and BALTHASAR, with a torch, a mattock, and a

crow of iron.]

Romeo: Give me that mattock and the wrenching iron.

Hold, take this letter; early in the morning

See thou deliver it to my lord and father.

Give me the light; upon thy life I charge thee,

Whate’er thou hearest or seest, stand all aloof

And do not interrupt me in my course.

Why I descend into this bed of death

Is party to behold my ady’s face,

But chiefly to take thence from her dead fìnger

A precious ring – a ring that I must use

In dear employment; therefore hence, be gone.

50
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 It is supposed the fair creature died –

And here is come to do some villainous shame

To the dead bodies. I will apprehend him.

Stop thy unhallowed toil, vile Montague.

Can vengeance be pursued further than death?

Condemned villain, I do apprehend thee.

Obey, and go with me; for thou must die.

Romeo: l must indeed; and therefore came I hither.

Good gentle youth, tempt not a desp’rate man;

Fly hence, and leave me. Thnk upon these gone;

Let them affrght thee. I beseech thee, youth,

Put not another sin upon my head

By urging me to fury; O, be gone!

By heaven, I love thee better than myself,

For I come hither arm’d against myself.

Stay not, be gone; live, and hereafter say

A madman’s mercy bid thee run away.

Paris: l do defy thy conjuration,

And apprehend thee for a felon here.

52
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 A.) DESCRIBE HOW A TENSE ATMOSPHERE IS CREATED IN
THIS PASSAGE. [10]

Answer
Paying close attention to the language, atmosphere and tone used in this
passage, Shakespeare is able to bring about a sizzling, tense atmosphere
among the characters. The use of punctuation also goes on to intensify the
already heavy atmosphere that has been created.
From the first read, one is able to depict the tension from Romeo's decision to
choose death over life without Juliet. This continues after he misinterprets
Juliet's act as her actually dying. This raises tension because the
miscommunication would result in Romeo losing his life, eliminating one of
the characters from the play "By heaven ... lay me with Juliet “, goes on to
spice up Romeo's will as he reveals that he loves Juliet better than himself,
hence, creating a tense atmosphere.

A tense atmosphere is further fuelled as Romeo and Paris love for Juliet is
somewhat compared and put to the tea. In this case, Romeo seems to put his
proclaimed love into action. This is seen with him offering to kill himself. This
creates a tense atmosphere because Paris is Juliet's boyfriend (Betrothed),
whereas Romeo is an intruder in that relationship. This means showing more
love to Juliet would raise questions on Paris and Juliet's relationship.

The use of irony, when Romeo claims he wants to take charge of the same life
that he wants to end also goes on to contribute to the tense atmosphere that has
been created. In addition to that, the fact that he believes Juliet is dead raises
animosity for the audience would want to know what the outcome is going to
be.

54
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 B.) GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT LEAD
TO JULIET'S DEATH. [15]
The circumstances that lead to Juliet's death in the play Romeo and Juliet are
caused mainly caused by the feud between the Capulet and the Montague.

Romeo's dear friend Mercutio and Juliet's cousin Tybalt were having a
disagreement, so they fought about it but Romeo’s friend Mercutio ended up
dying from the battle with Tybalt, so Romeo killed Tybalt avenging Mercutio.
Mercutio and Tybalt both were slain that day and Romeo ended up getting
banished from Verona rather than getting the penalty of death on him.

Just before Romeo leaves for Mantua, he goes and sees Friar Lawrence for his
marriage with Juliet. After their secret marriage with the Friar, Romeo flees to
Mantua leaving Juliet behind. Juliet goes to see the Friar so that he could help
her to stop her marriage to Paris. She threatens to kill herself if the Friar refuses
to help her.

The Friar agreed to give Juliet a sleeping portion that would make Juliet appear
dead for a few days, and then Romeo would come and get her just after she
wakes up. Friar Lawrence also writes a letter to Romeo informing him of the
developments they had made with Juliet. However, the plan went wrong when
the letter does not reach Romeo on time. Instead, he receives news that Juliet
is dead and he thought Juliet had really died. Romeo quickly returned to
Verona to moan Juliet. On his way to Verona, Romeo buys poison with the
intention to kill himself.

When Romeo arrives at Juliet’s tomb, he meets Paris who challenges him into
a fight. Romeo kills Paris during the fight and drinks the poison he had brought
with him. Romeo killed himself because he loved Juliet. Soon after Romeo's

56
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 Read the passage, and then answer the questions that follow

Juliet: Now, good sweet nurse O Lord, why look’st thou sad?

Though news be sad, yet tell them merrly;

If good, thou shamest the music of sweet news

By playing it to me with so sour a face.

Nurse: I am weary, give me leave a while;

Fie, how my bones ache! What a jaunce have I had!

Juliet: l would thou hadst my bones and I thy news.

Nay, come, I pray thee speak; good, good nurse,

speak.

Nurse: Jesu, what haste? Can you not stay a while?

Do you not see that I am out of breath?

Juliet: How art thou out of breath, when thou hast breath

To say to me that thou art out of breath?

The excuse that thou dost make in this delay

Is longer than the tale thou dost excuse.

Is thy news good or bad? Answer to that;

Say either, and I’ll stay the circumstance.

Let me be satisfied, is’t good or bad?

58
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 a virtuous. Where is your mother?

Juliet: Where is my mother! Why, she is within;

Where should she be? How oddly thou replies!

‘Your love says like an honest gentleman,

Where is your mother?’

Nurse: O God’s lady dear!

Are you so hot? Marry, come up, I trow;

Is this the poultice for my aching bones?

Henceforward do your messages yourself.

Juliet: Here’s such a coil! Come, what says Romeo?

Nurse: Have you got leave to go to shrift to-day?

Juliet: I have.

Nurse: Then hie you hence to Friar Lawrence’ cell;

There stays a husband to make you a wife.

[from Act 2 Scene 5]

60
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 II.) WHAT EMOTIONS ARE EVOKED BY THE PASSAGE? [10]
The passage creates feelings of anxiety as suggested by the way the nurse takes
her time to give Juliet feedback when she is very anxious to know. Juliet falls
in love with Romeo son of her father's enemy. That creates sympathy. We
sympathize with Juliet because of the looming challenge in her relationship.

Feelings of sadness are also evoked by the fact because of the feud between
her father and Romeo's father; she cannot be seen talking to Romeo. Therefore,
she sends the nurse to go and speak to the Nurse on her behalf.

Fear is also evoked in the passage as one learns that Nurse is going to see
Romeo under Juliet’s instruction. Fear is created by the fact that the Nurse
goes behind her employer's back which may risk her job and her relationship
with Capulet if she gets caught.

Sympathy is also evoked as the Nurse complains that her back is painful from
going up and down to see Romeo.

62
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 3. HOW FAR DOES SHAKESPEARE’S WRITING MAKE YOU
ADMIRE FRIAR LAWRENCE? SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER WITH
DETAILS FROM THE PLAY. [25]

Answer
Friar Lawrence occupies a strange position in Romeo and Juliet. He is a kind-
hearted clergyman who helps Romeo and Juliet arrange their marriage. Friar
Lawrence gives generally good advice, especially in regard to the need for
moderation in his relationship. He is the self-figure of religion in the play, but
Friar Lawrence is almost the most scheming and political of characters in the
play. Thus, Shakespeare's Play Romeo and Juliet make me admire Friar
Lawrence to a lesser extent. This is due to the tragic consequences of his part
on the play.

Friar Lawrence marries Romeo and Juliet as part of a plan to end the civil
dispute in Verona between Capulet and Montague. After Romeo's banishment
from Verona, he goes to see the friar for advice, and to notify him of his new
love Juliet the daughter of his enemy. Friar Lawrence agrees to marry Romeo
and Juliet on the following day. After Romeo's departure the Friar devises the
plan to reunite Romeo and Juliet through the deceptive ruse of a sleeping
potion that seems to arise from almost mystic knowledge. This plan results in
the death of Romeo and Juliet, and even Paris. According to this action by the
Friar, Shakespeare's writing makes me admire the Friar to a lesser extent. in
addition, through Friar Lawrence's plans all seem well conceived and well
intentioned, they serve as the main mechanisms through which the fated
tragedy of the play occurs.

However, Friar Lawrence plays an important part in the narrative development

of Romeo and Juliet. He is naive and detached from society so doesn't fully
appreciate the bitterness of the feud between the Montague's and Capulet. The

64
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 4. HOW DOES SHAKESPEARE’S PORTRAYAL OF THE HATRED
BETWEEN THE CAPULET AND THE MONTAGUE CONTRIBUTE
TO THE DRAMATIC IMPACT OF THE PLAY? [25]

Shakespeare’s portrayal of the hatred between the Capulet and the Montague
contribute highly to the dramatic impact of the play in that the playwright
clearly demonstrates how hate impacts society more than love. This is because
hate can affect people directly and indirectly. For example, in the play Romeo
and Juliet we learn that two families hate each other the Montague and Capulet
Romeo is a Montague and Juliet is a Capulet. Their families’ ancient grudge
causes a descending twisting of death and sadness throughout the whole story
and everybody is affected in a negative way because of the family’s grudge.
In the play, Romeo and Juliet falls madly in love but their love is affected by
multiple obstacles leading back to their family’s grudge. Thus, Shakespeare’s
portrayal of the hatred between Capulet and Montague contributes to the major
theme of tragic love.

The characters Romeo and Juliet show their hatred for each other in many
different ways. The hatred between Capulet and Montague has even affected
their servants. Act one and two of the play show how much hatred there is
between the Capulet and Montague. Shakespeare portrays hatred as a
competitive force. When people have hatred for others, it changes the way
they act towards them. In the first act of Romeo and Juliet, two servants of the
house of Capulet named Sampson and Gregory have a conversation using puns
that insult the Montague. Sampson displays his hatred for the Montague when
he says; “’A dog of that house shall move me to stand. I will take the wall of
any man or maid of Montague’s.’” (1.1.12). He is saying that he would attack
any of the Montague. Sampson sees a Montague servant approaching, and he
decides to bite his thumb at him, which is an offensive gesture. Though

66
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 towards Tybalt after Tybalt assassinates Romeo’s good friend Mercutio.
Romeo’s temper gets the best of him and he accidentally ends up killing
Tybalt. Not only did hatred take place between the Montague and Capulet
families, but it led to violence which took the lives of many people in the play.

Juliet’s passionate love for Romeo is announced the second time she sees him
in Shakespeare’s famous balcony scene. Juliet expresses her love for Romeo
while saying to herself, “’O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse they name; or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my
love, and I’ll no longer be a Capulet.’” (Act 2 Scene II). Juliet’s love for
Romeo is so strong that she is willing to surrender her family name so that she
can forever be with Romeo. Romeo’s devotion to Juliet is proven while asking
Friar Lawrence to marry them. Romeo demonstrates his love for Juliet when
speaking to Friar Laurence in his cell by saying, “’Do thou but close our hands
with holy words, Then love-devouring Death do what he dare; It is enough I
may but call her mine.’” (Act 3 Scene VI ). After the Friar agrees to marry
them, Romeo is delighted and is forever longing to see Juliet. Then, Juliet’s
love is tested when she takes a sleeping potion in order to see her true love
Romeo again. Just before she swallows the sleeping potion Juliet speaks a few
words, “’Romeo, I come! This do I drink to thee.” (Act 3 Scene III). Juliet
sacrifices her fears if the potion would not work and drinks the potion in
honour of Romeo so that they soon can be together again. Therefore, Romeo
and Juliet’s love for one another is a true passionate love which is affected by
the feud between their families

68
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 behaving strangely and avoiding his friends. In contrast, Juliet does not hide
her feelings to the nurse when she discovers that she is in love with Romeo.

The magnetism between Romeo and Juliet is instant and irresistible, and
neither of the young lovers remarks on or imagines understanding its cause.
Each mentions the other’s beauty, but it seems that destiny, rather than any
particular character trait, has drawn them together. Their love for one another
is so undisputable that neither they nor the audience feels the need to question
or explain it.

Romeo meets Juliet at Capulet’s party and they instantly fall in love not
knowing each other are a part of their family’s rival. This presents both Romeo
and Juliet’s’ character as impulsive. After meeting Juliet for about a few
minutes they start violently kissing each other. Romeo cannot stand to be
without Juliet so he hides in the woods just behind her bedroom window where
he overhears that Juliet is a Capulet they start talking on Juliet’s balcony when
Juliet reveals that she was also madly in love with Romeo.

Both Romeo and Juliet prove to be immature and suicidal at the end of the
play. This is evidenced by the fact that both Romeo and Juliet decide to end
their lives just so they could be together.

By looking at specific parts in the play, both Romeo and Juliet are not very
close with their parents. For Juliet’s side of the family, the parents don't seem
as if they are her actual parents. She is instead closer to her nurse, who used
to and still does everything for Juliet and her mother since she was a baby. The
nurse clearly says “For I had then laid wormwood to my dug when it did taste
the wormwood on the nipple” [1.3.28-34], which tells us that she had breastfed
Juliet after eleven years since the earthquake had occurred. Lady Capulet was
supposed to talk to Juliet alone, but she instead invited the nurse along and this

70
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 6. COMMENT ON THE WAY SHAKESPEARE JUXTAPOSES LOVE
AND HATRED IN THE PLAY ROMEO AND JULIET. [25]

Answer
In Romeo and Juliet, the emotions of love and hate are the lifeblood of the
play. Everything that happens seems to be caused by one, or both, of these two
forces. Shakespeare frequently puts them side by side: ‘Here’s much to do
with love but more with hate. ‘My only love sprung from my only hate’ such
juxtaposition of conflicting ideas is used several times in the play Romeo and
Juliet. In every one of his plays, this clash of opposing ideas of love and hate
is what provides the dramatic spark in the play Romeo and Juliet.

The type of love and hate that Shakespeare is depicting in this play belongs to
young people, and oxymoron is the way to show it. Of course, some of the
older characters feel their version of these emotions (Lord Capulet and Lord
Montague join the brawl in the first scene), but Shakespeare’s focus is on the
younger generation. For example, Romeo describes the hate he feels when
Tybalt kills his friend Mercutio as a fire raging inside him. ‘Fire-eyed fury is
my conduct now’ he says. The Prince is similar, ordering the families to
‘quench the fire of your pernicious rage’.

But Romeo uses similar imagery when burning with passion for Juliet. ‘She
doth teach the torches to burn bright’, he says. ‘Juliet is the sun’, a ‘bright
angel’. Juliet also expresses her love in the same way: Romeo is her day in
night’.

Throughout the play Romeo and Juliet there are two very strong emotions
which threaten their relationship. These two emotions are love and hate. The
love that Romeo and Juliet have is threatened by their families full of hate

72
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 rather than Paris.”(3.5.125-127) Juliet prefers to marry Romeo, her enemy
than marrying Paris.

Romeo and Juliet are inclined by the feud that has lasted before their days that
controls their separate families and as a result their love is marked by hatred.
Therefore, love and hatred are entwined throughout the play with terrible
penalties. Whereas Shakespeare shows that hatred fuels the action and
determines their destinies, love has the capacity to bring about the
understanding of the two families.

In the end, it is inevitable that love conquers all. The two families were able
to reconcile over a shared loss, rather than moral or societal pressure. The love
that Romeo and Juliet had for each other is endless and strong, this was
demonstrated when they both killed themselves to be with each other, in death.
Therefore, it is undeniable that due to the events within the play, that Romeo
and Juliet is more about love, than it is about hate.

“If you ever disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the
peace” (1.1.90-91) these lines clearly state a warning given by the Price to all
members of both families. They were given this warning because of a battle
that took place between the two families in the market. This warning is an
important part of this play because it leads to Romeo’s banishment and his
death later into the story. Another part in the story shows that the violence
leads to Romeo’s and Juliet’s death. This shows the hatred between the
families and how Tybalt is blinded by his hatred and doesn’t really fully
understand what is going on. This important part also shows how the violence
leads to Romeo and Juliet’s death, Tybalt kills Mercutio and Romeo kills
Tybalt in a fit of rage; which gets Romeo banished and separated from Juliet.
“And fire-ey’d fury be my conduct now! Now, Tybalt, take the ‘Villain’ back

74
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 GOLDINGS WILLIAM: LORD OF THE FLIES
1. DISCUSS THE SYMBOLISM IN THE NOVEL, LORD OF THE
FLIES. (25)
Throughout the story the author hides powerful messages in symbols like the
conch, the fire, spectacles, the beast, the island and the characters.
One of the most important symbols in the novel is, the conch shell. It is a
symbol of democracy, law and order, authority and civilized behavior. It
brings order in that when it is blown, the boys gather for a meeting and he who
is holding the conch has the turn to speak. Finally, the conch shatters to
thousands of pieces when Roger releases the rock from above killing Piggy.
The destruction of the conch symbolizes the end of civilized behavior and the
beginning of autocracy and barbarism. Jack paints his face and leads the group
of hunters in the dance that results in the killing of Simon. He orders the
hunters to hunt down Ralph.
Piggy’s glasses also carry symbolic significance. They symbolize logic,
science and intellect. Without them the boys would have never been able to
make a fire and they would not be rescued. The spectacles are also lens or
window through which goodness and evilness could be scanned. Piggy,
according to Ralph, could think. After finding the conch, it is Piggy who came
up with its fundamental role of being blown. He knocks sense into Jack on the
need to abide by the rules- he who has the conch speaks and that they were not
giving Ralph- the chosen chief ample time to reason. When Piggy loses his
specs at the end he also loses his clear vision and power of discernment.
Fire also symbolizes survival and destruction, life and death. Fire is first used
by the boys to try and attract a passing ship which would take the boys back
to civilization. The flame also symbolizes hope by the boys to be rescued. On
the other hand, the fire is destructive since it burnt down the whole island and
the fruits which were their main source of food was roasted. When the fire
grows dim the boys’ hope and morale wans. Ralph regrets that a ship had
passed by and because the fire had died they could not be rescued.
The beast devised by the boys is imaginary symbolizing the savage instinct
within the hearts of all people. Percival is the first one to claim he had seen
the snake thing which never existed. The twins also testified to have seen the
beast. Simon eventually has hallucinations of the Pig Head on stick talking to
him and telling him that there was no beast but the beast was within the boys.
The beast or The Lord of the flies represents the devil, the source of all evil
that makes the boys kill Simon and Roger to kill Piggy.

76
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 2. OUTLINE THE CONFLICTS BETWEEN JACK AND RALPH IN
THE NOVEL LORD OF THE FLIES. (25)
Conflict between Jack and Ralph emanates from the quest for leadership- who
was supposed to be the chief. Jack thinks he should be chief because he led
the choir, was head boy and could sing the alto sharp. On the other hand Ralph
thinks he deserves to be the chief because he has called the meeting and people
have voted for him. This conflict late degenerates into rivalry until Jack
decides to break away from Ralph’s group with his group of hunters.
The two antagonists also argue over the existence of the beastie. It all started
with the little lun called Percival who claimed that he had seen a snake thing.
According to Ralph, there is nothing like a beastie or snake thing as this was
a small island. Beasts were found I large continents like Africa and South
America. Jack insists that the beast would be hunted down by his hunters and
be killed. His team of hunters would confirm the existence of the beast when
they went hunting.
Jack also defies the rule that he who had the conch had the right to speak when
he often interrupted Piggy by ordering him to shut up all the time. This did not
go down well with Ralph who believed in order. At one point Jack boasts that
the conch did not count on his side of the island. Ralph in most cases would
end up affirming that he had been voted the chief by the people but Jack would
not listen to that.
There was also conflict of priorities between the two boys. According to Ralph
what was pertinent at the moment was building shelters in case of bad weather.
There was also need for the boys to keep the fire burning so that they could be
rescued. However, Jack prioritized meat and wanted to go out hunting pigs.
Even if they had not caught any Jack hoped they would kill one. Even after
the hunters returned from hunting, they would not join Ralph’s group to build
the shelters, instead they would go swimming which annoyed Ralph.
Another area of antagonism was the keeping of the fire. Jack’s hunters got
carried away by hunting and abandoned the fire until it went out. This
infuriated Ralph who wanted to keep the fire alive so that they could be
rescued. Jack does not care and he says they can always relight the fire.
Meanwhile Ralph is sad because a ship had passed by and they had missed the
so much need rescue.
Due to the incessant arguments, Jack finally breaks away with his hunters.
After killing a pig they discover they cannot make a fire. Due to the conflict
Jack orders three of his hunters to raid Ralph’s group for fire and the also steal

78
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 3. TRACE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE IDEA OF THE BEAST
AMONG THE BOYS IN LORD OF THE FLIES. (25)
The little boy with a mulberry mark on his face was the first one to ask what
the boys would do about the snake thing. He said it was a beastie- a snake
thing ever so big and he claimed he had seen it in the woods. Ralph was totally
against the beast saying the beastie could not stay on a small island like this
one but in bigger continents like Africa and South America. The little boy
insisted that the beastie came in the dark at night. It had come and gone and
come back again wanting to eat him. So he was afraid it would come back
again that night. Jack said that if there was any beast thing he would hunt it
down and kill it.
The hunters took up the idea of the beastie. They talked about a thing, a dark
thing, a beast, some sort of animal but Jack dismissed it saying that there were
only pigs on the island, lions and tigers were found in big continents like
Africa and India. He claimed that as a hunter he had traversed the whole island
and had not come across any beast.
Phil, the little one who had started the idea of the beastie talked about dreaming
fighting things, the twisty things in the trees. He claimed he had woken up
alone in the dark and started calling out Ralph and he saw something moving
among the trees- it was horrid and big. Ralph dismissed it as a nightmare.
Percival, another little lun claimed that the beast came from the sea. Simon
suggested that maybe there was a beast in themselves. Someone suggested that
it could be a ghost. Piggy disputed the idea of ghosts. The debate degenerates
into a heated argument between Jack and Ralph.
Later on, the twins Sam and Eric claimed they had seen the beastie and woke
Ralph up. They claimed it was furry and had something moving its head, wings
and it moved too. It kind of sat up. It had eyes and teeth and claws. It followed
them as they ran away and it slank behind the trees and nearly touched one of
them. The boys then decided to hunt down the beastie on areas of the island
where Jack had not gone.
In fear, Jack and Ralph confirm that they had seen the beastie. It had feet and
teeth and it came from the sea. Jack then breaks away from Ralph and after
killing a pig, they ram the head of it into a sharpened stick and claim the head
was food for the beast. In a nightmare, the pig head speaks to Simon and claims
that it was the beast and the boys could not hunt and kill it. In fact according
to the Lord of the Flies that beast was part of the boys. Simon eventually
discovers that the said beast was nothing but the dead body of a parachutist

80
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 4. WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE A BETTER LEADER BETWEEN
RALPH AND JACK? GIVE EVIDENCE FROM THE TEXT TO
SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER. (25)
Ralph strikes as a better leader. From the first meeting, it is him who calls the
meeting by blowing the conch. He organizes the boys and Jack thought there
was an adult who had blown the trumpet thing. It is also him who decides that
they must have a chief and he is voted into chief. He thus becomes a
democratic leader. The writer says that there was a stillness about Ralph as he
sat, that marked him out. There was his size and attractive appearance, and
most obscurely yet most powerfully there was the conch which he held. The
being that had blown the conch had sat waiting for the boys on the platform
with the delicate thing balanced on his knees. The boys recognize Ralph as a
natural leader and they associate him with civilization as he who had the conch
would speak.
Ralph is a better leader because he has a sense of responsibility. While the
boys are busy swimming and hunting down pigs he is busy making shelters.
He foresaw the rains pounding again on the island and hence they needed
shelters. He leads by example as chief as he toils to build the three shelters.
Ralph’s optimism makes him a better leader. He hopes that one day they
should be rescued and so they needed to make a fire so that they would be
visible. He also suggested that the fire had to be continuously kept alive and
Jack’s hunters had to be responsible. However, the hunters got carried away
in their hunting business and they forgot the fire. When a ship comes and
passes by without recognizing the boys Ralph is hurt and blames Jack for being
irresponsible.
His orderly nature makes Ralph a better leader. He suggests that they would
not talk haphazardly but they would raise hands like at school and he who had
the turn to speak would hold the conch and no one was supposed to interrupt
him except the chief.
Ralph is concerned about the welfare of the boys. He wants tasks Piggy to take
down all the names of the boys for accountability. He also reminds the boys
about hygiene when he decides they used only the place behind the stones as
the lavatory and not everywhere else as there, the tide could clean the place.
He also decided that they fetched their water and store it in shells under the
trees.
Ralph gives the little luns reassurance that there was no beast on the island.
Beasts were found in large continents like Africa and India.

82
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 5. READ THE PASSAGE BELOW AND ANSWER QUESTIONS
WHICH FOLLOW.
A naval officer stood on the sand, looking down at Ralph in wary
astonishment. On the beach behind him was a cutter, her bows hauled up and
held by two ratings. In the stern-sheets another rating held a sub machine gun.
The ululation faltered and died away. The officer looked at Ralph doubtfully
for a moment, then took his hand away from the butt of the revolver.
‘Hullo.’
Squirming a little, conscious of his filthy appearance, Ralph answered shyly.
‘Hullo.’
The officer nodded, as if a question had been answered.
‘Are there any adults- any grown-ups with you?’
Dumbly, Ralph shook his head. He turned a half pace on the sand. A semicircle
of boys, their bodies streaked with coloured clay, sharp sticks in their hands,
were standing on the beach making no noise at all.
‘Fun and games,’ said the officer. The fire reached the coco-nut palms by the
beach and swallowed them noisily. A flame seemingly detached, swung like
an acrobat and licked up the palm heads on the platform. The sky was black.
The officer grinned cheerfully at Ralph. ‘We saw your smoke. What have you
been doing? Having a war or something?’
Ralph nodded.
The officer inspected the little scarecrow in front of him. The kid needed a
bath, a hair-cut, a noise-wipe and a good deal of ointment.
‘Nobody killed, I hope? Any dead bodies?’
‘Only two. And they have gone.’
The officer leaned down and looked closely at Ralph.
‘Two? Killed?’
Ralph nodded again. Behind him the whole island was shuddering with flame.
The officer knew as a rule, when people were telling the truth. He whistled
softly.

84
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 A) WHAT FEELINGS ARE EVOKED IN YOU WHEN YOU READ
THE ABOVE PASSAGE? (10)
I am curious to know where the naval officer had come from when he
encounters the group of boys.
The sight of little boys with bodies streaked with coloured clay is amusing.
I feel sorrowful to hear those two boys had been killed and gone.
I am relieved to hear that the naval officer has come to take the dirty looking
boys off to another place.
I feel disgusted at the sight of Ralph’s appearance. According to the officer he
needed a bath, a hair-cut, a nose-wipe and a good deal of ointment.
I admire the naval officer’s friendly nature. He grinned cheerfully at Ralph
and reassures the boys that he was going to take them off.

A) DESCRIBE IN DETAIL THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO

THE KILLING OF THE TWO BOYS MENTIONED BY RALPH. (15)
The hunters had just finished feasting on a pig they had killed when Simon is
killed. Jack had ordered the boys to do their dance. Roger mimed the terror of
the pig as he grunted and charged at Jack who side-stepped. The hunters took
their spears, and the cooks took spits and the rest clubs of firewood.
They chanted ‘Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!’ Their movement
became regular while the chant lost its first superficial excitement and began
to beat like a steady pulse. Roger ceased to be the pig and the centre became
empty. Some of the little luns started a ring on their own. The dark sky was
shattered by a blue white scar. An instant later the noise was on them like the
blow of a gigantic whip. The chant rose a tone in agony. ‘Kill the beast! Cut
his throat! Spill his blood!’
The little luns screamed and blundered about fleeing from the edge of the
forest, and one of them broke the ring of begins in his terror. A thing was
crawling out of the forest. It came darkly, uncertainly. The beast stumbled into
the horse shoe the boys had formed. They chanted their slogan ‘Kill the beast
again and again. Simon was crying about a dead man on the hill The boys
mistake Simon for the beast and they attack him with sticks. He kept crying
about the dead body on the hill but amidst the noise no one heard him. He
struggled to the edge of the rock where there was sand by the water. At once

86
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 6. Read the passage below and answer the questions which follow.
‘You shut up, you fat slug!’
There was a moment’s struggle and the glimmering conch jigged up and down.
Ralph leapt to his feet.
‘Jack! Jack! You haven’t got the conch! Let him speak.’ Jack’s face swam
near him.
‘And you shut! Who are you, anyway? Sitting there- telling people what to do.
You can’t hunt, you can’t sing-‘
‘I am Chief, I was chosen.’
‘Why should choosing make any difference? Just giving orders that do not
make any sense-‘
‘Piggy’s got the conch.’
‘That’s right- favour Piggy as you always do-‘
‘Jack!’
Jack’s voice sounded in bitter mimicry.
‘Jack! Jack!’
‘The rules! You are breaking the rules!’
‘Who cares?’
Ralph summoned his wits.
‘Because the rules are the only thing which we have got!’
But Jack was shouting against him.
‘Bollocks to the rules! We are strong- we hunt if there is a beast we will hunt
it down! We will close in and beat and beat and beat-!’
He gave a wild woop and leapt down to the pale sand. At once the platform
was full of noise and excitement, scramblings, screams and laughter. The
assembly shredded away and became a discursive and random scatter from the
palms to the water and away along the beach, beyond night sight. Ralph found
his cheek touching the conch and took it from Piggy.

88
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 ANIMAL FARM

The following questions with answers are derived from the SparkNotes
website.
N.B The following essays are designed for revision purposes only not for
examination.

Why is Animal Farm an allegory?

An allegory is a story in which the events and characters stand for something
besides themselves. The characters and events of Animal Farm represent the
real people and events of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. Orwell
wrote Animal Farm because he wanted to tell the true story of the Russian
Revolution in a way anyone could understand, even if they didn’t know all the
historical details. However, Animal Farm is not only an allegory of Russian
history. The novella also makes a broader argument about political power and
oppression in general.

Why does Napoleon blame Snowball for everything that goes wrong on
the farm?
Napoleon, aided by Squealer, uses Snowball as a scapegoat, which means that
when something goes wrong, he blames Snowball. As Snowball is not present,
Snowball can’t defend himself and reveal falsehoods in the accusations,
essentially creating a situation in which all of Napoleon’s statements regarding
Snowball are simply accepted as truth. This tactic means that Napoleon does
not need to take responsibility for mistakes and misdeeds, and it also allows
him to continue to receive the animals’ support and respect even when
calamity occurs, as when the windmill collapses. Further, by casting Snowball
in the role of the enemy, Napoleon ensures that his rival will never be able to
return to the farm and challenge his leadership.

Why does Napoleon change the Seven Commandments?

Over time, Napoleon changes all of the Seven Commandments, which were
created to keep the animals humble and on equal footing, to allow the pigs to
enjoy prohibited privileges and comforts. For instance, when the pigs move
into the farmhouse, Napoleon amends the commandment about not sleeping
in a bed to read, “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.” Napoleon
changes other commandments as well so the pigs can wear clothes, drink
alcohol, and even kill other animals. By the end of the book, the original
commandments have been reduced to one statement that encapsulates the
authoritarian nature of the farm: “ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL BUT SOME
ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS.”

91
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 On the other hand, Animal Farm shows that the pigs’ intelligence doesn’t
necessarily make them more capable or productive than the other animals. The
pigs’ intelligence rarely produces anything good. Snowball’s biggest idea—
copied by Napoleon—is the windmill, which merely wastes years of the
animals’ time. The pigs’ intelligence is mainly used to manipulate the lower
animals. Squealer uses his skill with words to give cunning explanations for
Napoleon’s lies. Similarly, the only time Napoleon demonstrates intelligence
is in training his dog police force.

At the same time, Benjamin and Muriel are as literate as the pigs but never
achieve any power at all. Benjamin and Muriel’s lack of political power
suggests that it is not the pigs’ intelligence alone which puts them at the top of
the hierarchy, but their intelligence combined with their willingness to abuse
others. Animal Farm also suggests that the true source of power on Animal
Farm may be Boxer. He defeats the human farmers, does most of the work,
produces most of the wealth, and in Chapter 7 demonstrates that he could
easily destroy Napoleon’s dogs.

Compare and contrast Napoleon and Snowball. What techniques do they

use in their struggle for power? Does Snowball represent a morally
legitimate political alternative to the corrupt leadership of Napoleon?

93
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 The following questions with answers are derived from the SparkNotes
website.

N.B The following essays are designed for revision purposes only not for
examination.
Essay Topic 1

Examine Wright's writing style. How would you describe the prose style?
What kind of vocabulary does he use? Does he use any specific writing
techniques? What meaning does Wright's style give to his story?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the connotations of the word "nigger."

1) What is its original meaning and what has it come to mean?

2) Why is it now considered so wrong to use?

3) Do you think the word has become too powerful?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the differences between how Wright represents white characters and
how he represents black characters.

1) In what way are Wright's representations of white characters

unsympathetic? Are his representations too unsympathetic?

2) In what way does Wright suggest that the way a white person treats a black
person directly influences some of the black people's illegal behaviour? Is this
an accurate representation?

95
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 Why does Richard’s family treat him so harshly? How does this treatment
affect our impression of the family?
In part, Richard’s family treats him harshly simply because he truly offends
them. Most of his family members ascribe to rigid and arbitrary sets of
principles of one sort of another. When they demand that Richard adhere to
these principles, he often refuses to submit, leaving him to face the
consequences. Another reason for the family’s harsh treatment of Richard is
that his actions sometimes pose a genuine threat to them. In the novel’s
environment, the Jim Crow South, many whites have no qualms about
punishing black insubordination with severe violence or even death.
Moreover, many whites have no qualms about extending such violence to
relatives and other blacks close to the offending party. We see the genuine
nature of this threat of punishment-by-association when Richard and his
family flee after the murder of Uncle Hoskins. They have to flee because the
whites who murdered Hoskins have also threatened to kill his family. Given
such dire threats, an insubordinate boy such as Richard, who could easily
provoke the whites’ hostility, is indeed a grave liability.

These two possible explanations for the family’s harsh treatment of Richard
evoke markedly different sympathies in us as readers. The idea that Richard’s
family is merely forcing him to conform to their personal beliefs evokes
sympathy for Richard only, as it depicts him as a hapless victim of dictatorial
whims. The second explanation—that Richard poses a threat to the family’s
safety—is quite tragic, as the threat of violence from outside drives the family
to do violence to itself. This explanation evokes sympathy for the entire
family—indeed, for the entire black community. Whether Wright himself
wishes to sympathize with his family is, of course, a matter of interpretation,
but he implicitly criticizes the black community for failing to strengthen itself
so that it can nurture its more undisciplined members rather than beat them.
This is not to say that Wright fails to recognize that it is the insidious effect of
racism that breeds violence in his family—indeed, he recognizes this
relationship undeniably. However, Wright also implies that all people,
including the black community, must face the difficult task of overcoming
such injustice, rather than succumbing to it by resorting to weakness.

97
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 OTHELLO BY SHAKESPEARE
N.B The following essays are designed for revision purposes only not for
examination.

Othello's suffering is of an exceptional nature

His suffering like that of any other Shakespearean hero, is of an exceptional
kind. He does not suffer like lesser mortals; neither is he prey to the mundane,
everyday vexations of life. He suffers on a heroic scale. His suffering is. even
more alarming when it is contrasted with his prosperity prior to his painful
suffering. Moreover, his suffering begins early in the play, in the temptation.
scene in Act I, scene i and continues right. Up to the very end, when we moan
along with him. At the tragic ending of Desdemona, the average reader.is filled
with enormous pity and awe at the capacity of the hero to take and give pain.
pain. His tragedy does not end there, for other deaths follow -- that of Emilia
and Othello himself.

Othello's downfall is absolute

The consequent downfall and degradation of Othello is not only terrible; it is
also absolute as it turns him into a veritable brute. He hits Desdemona in public
and he even eavesdrops on her. It is pathetic to see one of the most noble
mortals turn into a common murderer, as he arranges to murder Cassio and
later murders his own wife in cold blood. The tragedy becomes all three more
terrible because of the undeserved suffering of Desdemona. She has a child-
like innocence, this makes her vulnerable and defenseless, and all she can do
is to suffer silently and wait for the doom to come to her, not a single word is
spoken in her defense and she is unable to convince her husband of her loyalty
and love.

The extraordinary sympathy that the play incites in us “Othello" excites our
sympathy to such an extraordinary degree because of the moral it conveys.
This moral is closer to our own lives than any other of Shakespeare's plays.
Lear's tragedy may have been more dreadful, but it does not occur every day,
and we cannot feel the same degree of sympathy. In 'Macbeth', we fluctuate
between alternate feelings, along the vacillation of the hero, between emotions
and pangs of consciousness. In 'Othello? we are never in such doubt, for it
deals with the tortures of jealousy and madness of hatred. Despite Othello's
nobility, his blood is infuriatingly inflammable. Shakespeare manages the

99
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 rapidly and unmistakably. It is all the more Indelible in our minds because it
is formed after certain pre-suppositions. Made by us are erased.

It is more a story of private life

Apart from the element of intrigue. what grips us the most about this play is
that Othello* is less unlike the story of the private life than any other of the
great tragedies UI the other great tragedies, the action is placed in a distant
period. Its significance is, thus. perceived by the reader through a thin veil
which separates the persons from the real world. Moreover, 'Othello' is a
drama of modern life. The characters come closer to us than can be possible
in any of Shakespeare's great tragedies with the exception of Timon, the
fortunes of the characters of the play affect us as those of private individuals,
more than is possible in any other Shakespearean tragedy, despite the presence
of the senator and the exalted position of Othello.

Is the play a domestic tragedy?

Othello is termed as domestic tragedy because it deals with the private married
of common people. Some critics have regarded 'Othello* as 22 domestic
tragedies, because it deals with the domestic life of Othello and Desdemona
which falls into ruin due to the wicked machinations of a villain. There are
other critics who believe that the play has only Superficial resemblance- to
domestic tragedy Firstly, we must remember that Othello is not a private
individual, since he comes from royal lineage Moreover, he is a soldier and C
military general of tremendous ability and fame He is considered
indispensable for the defence of Cyprus and is appointed by the government
of Venice as the general in charge of the defence of the fort of Cyprus. Thus,
Othello is not a private individual, which is vital for the hero of a domestic
tragedy.

Why does Iago hate Othello?

The main reason Iago gives for plotting to destroy Othello is a suspicion that
Othello may have had an affair with Emilia. However, Iago himself admits
that he doesn’t know whether these rumours are true or not, explaining that “I
know not if’t be true / But I, for mere suspicion in that kind / Will do as if for
surety” (1.3.). Iago also mentions that he is attracted to Desdemona himself:
“I do love her too” (2.1.). Neither of these reasons seem totally sufficient for
just how much Iago hates Othello, and notably, he declines to answer when
Othello asks him his motivation at the end of the play, saying only “Demand

101
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 How does Iago manipulate Desdemona?
After Cassio falls from Othello’s favour, Iago exploits Desdemona’s eagerness
to bring the two men back together: “So will I turn her virtue into pitch / And
out of her own goodness make the net” (2.3.). Iago plants the idea to Othello
that something inappropriate may be happening between Cassio and
Desdemona, and encourages Othello to pay attention to whether “your lady
strain his entertainment / With any strong or vehement importunity” (3.3.). As
a result, when Desdemona does intercede on Cassio’s behalf, Othello becomes
very jealous and suspicious. Her innocent hopes that “let Cassio be received
again” (3.4.) combine with other fears Iago has planted, and drive Othello
almost mad with jealousy.

How does Iago use Bianca to trick Othello?

Iago tricks Cassio into speaking about Bianca, a woman he is having an affair
with, while leading Othello to believe Cassio is describing Desdemona. As a
result, Cassio’s comments, such as “She is persuaded I will marry her / Out of
her own love and flattery, not out of my promise” (4.1.) sound to Othello like
Cassio is admitting to sleeping with Desdemona. The confusion between
Desdemona and Bianca is significant because Bianca’s status as a prostitute
means Cassio does not respect her. Iago points out that “He, when he hears of
her, cannot restrain / From the excess of laughter” (4.1.). Othello is enraged
because he believes he is hearing his wife being joked about and described
like a prostitute, but he also can’t help seeing her in that light. Othello goes on
to refer to Desdemona as a whore a number of times, presumably because of
the way he believes she has been treated by other men.

Why does Iago hate Cassio?

Lago resents Cassio for being promoted by Othello to the rank of lieutenant, a
position Iago wanted for himself. Adding insult to injury is the fact that Iago
believes Cassio isn’t qualified for the job—he points out to Roderigo that
Cassio knows as much about commanding men in battle as a “spinster.” Iago
feels that he proved his battle skills at Rhodes and Cyprus, and yet he has been
passed over for Cassio, a man of “[m]ere prattle without practice.”

103
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 failed to murder Cassio, he sneaks up behind Cassio and slashes his legs,
hoping to kill his rival himself. But Cassio receives medical attention and
survives both attacks.

How does Roderigo die?

After Roderigo fails to murder Cassio, Iago arrives on the scene, pretending
to be concerned for Cassio. Iago plays the role of devoted comrade so well
that he angrily curses the man who hurt Cassio and calls out to others for aid.
When Cassio identifies Roderigo as his attacker, Iago—pretending to be
honourable—calls Roderigo a “murd’rous slave” and stabs him to death.

Does Othello kill Desdemona?

Act 5, scene 2 opens with Othello entering his bedroom to wake a sleeping
Desdemona. He tells her to pray to ensure she leaves no “crime unreconciled
as yet to heaven and grace,” and then he confronts her about her giving her
handkerchief to Cassio, accusing her of having an affair with Cassio. Despite
her passionate denials and her declarations of love for and loyalty to him,
Othello smothers her in their bed.

Why does Emilia die?

When Emilia learns that Othello murdered Desdemona because he believed
she was unfaithful to him with Cassio, a claim he supports by the fact that Iago
told him of the affair and that Cassio had Desdemona’s handkerchief—Emilia
becomes enraged. She courageously confronts Othello, and informs him that
Desdemona didn’t give the handkerchief to Cassio, but that Iago ordered her
to steal it, and that Desdemona was faithful to Othello until the very end. While
Emilia reveals the truth, Iago repeatedly orders her to remain silent, but she
refuses. In an act of guilt and rage, Iago then stabs and murders Emilia.

Does Othello die?

Upon realizing that he murdered an innocent Desdemona, Othello admits he
killed the most precious thing in his life. He asks his men to remember him as
“[n]nothing extenuate, / Nor set down ought in malice.” And as “one that loved
not wisely, but too well. / Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought, /
Perplexed in the extreme.” He then uses a weapon he had previously hidden
in his bedroom to stab himself.

105
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 (III.iii.209). There is also notable repetition, as in “Not a jot, not a jot”
(III.iii.219), “O, monstrous, monstrous!” (III.iii.431), “O, blood, blood,
blood!” (III.iii.455), and “Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her!”
(III.iii.478).

Such moments, when Othello shifts from his typical seemingly effortless verse
to near inarticulateness, demonstrate the extent to which Othello’s passion has
broken down his self-control. In Act III, scene iii, he is still speaking in mostly
coherent sentences or phrases; but this is no longer the case in Act IV, scene
i. This scene begins with Iago saying, “Will you think so?” and Othello can
only helplessly and automatically echo, “Think so, Iago?” (IV.i.1–2). Iago
then introduces the word “lie” into the conversation, which sends Othello into
a frenzy as he attempts to sort out the semantic differences between Cassio
“lying on” (that is, lying about) Desdemona and “lying with” (that is, having
sex with) her (IV.i.33–35).

The various words and images Iago has planted in Othello’s mind over the
course of the play are transformed into impressionistic, sporadic eruptions out
of Othello’s mouth: “Lie with her? ’Swounds, that’s fulsome! Handkerchief—
confessions—handkerchief” (IV.i.35–36). These eruptions culminate in the
nonsense of “Pish! Noses, ears, and lips!” (IV.i.40). Ultimately, Othello’s
inability to articulate seems to overcome him physically, as he collapses “in a
trance” (IV.i.41, stage direction).

107
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo
 confidante, Desdemona does not speak ill of her husband, even as she shows
the strain of his terrible abuse.

109
DINGANI PUBLISHERS +263 777 896 159

103 Robert Mugabe Way 10th & 11th Ave, Shop N0 5 C. Gauche Complex, Bulawayo