Last Notes - The Voter

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Chinua Achebe is a renowned Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. His works highlight the clash of Western and traditional African values. Here in the story “The Voter” we see how democratic exercise of the west corrupts the innocent lgbo folks. Marcus Ibe was a Mission school teacher. He plunged into politics and won the election. People of Umuofia elected him without any monetary demands. He became the Minister of Culture in the PAP government. Politics had changed his life phenomenally: he gained wealth, titles and honours. On the opening ceremony of his new house, he had arranged a great feast for his villagers. The people realised the magic of politics. They did not want to vote him in the next election for free. Roof was a loyal follower of Marcus Ibe and very popular in his village. He understood the pulse of the people very well. He vehemently campaigned for Marcus even striking a bargain of 4 pence with the villagers. However, on the night of the election, the leader of the POP campaign team met Roof and offered him 5 pounds to vote for Maduka. He accepted the offer swearing on Iyi hoping that his one vote would not make any difference. On the voting day, he was in a dilemma. He came up with an idea. He tore the ballet paper into two pieces and put one half in each box and came out as jauntily as ever.  

Comprehension I

1.       Roof was a popular young man because he

Ans: (a) Had not abandoned his village.

2.       Why was Marcus considered rich and powerful?

Ans: He was Minister of Culture.

3.       Marcus Ibe had earlier been

Ans: (b) school teacher.

4.       The fact that Marcus Ibe left the good things of the capital and returned to his village whenever he could, shows,

Ans: (a) his devotion to his people and love for the place.

5.       After the feasting was over the villagers

Ans: (b) intended to demand more for their votes.

6.       The ‘whispering campaign’ is

Ans: (c) clandestine distribution of money

7.       The village elder Ezenwa, tilted the lamp a little because

Ans: (c) he wanted to confirm the amount paid to each.

8.       “Fire wood” refers to

Ans: (b) the advantages of being a voter.

9.       Roof and the leader of the POP campaign team were

Ans: (a) friends.

10.   Roof was mesmerized by

Ans: (b) the picture of the Cocoa farmer.

11.   Roof’s act of inserting the torn ballot papers in two boxes signifies

Ans: (c) absolving himself of his guilt.

Comprehension II

1.       Trace the change in the attitude of the villagers before the second election. Give reasons.

Ans: Chinua Achebe is a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor and critic. In his “The Voter” he unravels the lapses of newly introduced Western democratic system in Africa where the native people are innocent and do not understand the intricacies leading to corruption and manipulation. The central theme of the story revolves around the second election scenario. When the first election was held, the villagers had elected Marcus Ibe based on Rufus Okeke’s words without any expectation. After Ibe became Minister of Culture, there was a dramatic change in his lifestyle and social status. He owned two cars and had just built himself the biggest house. All these developments made the villagers change their attitude. This time they were sure, they would vote only by taking their share of the opportunity.     

2.       What was the justification for the formation of the POP?

Ans: Chinua Achebe is a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor and critic. In his “The Voter” he unravels the lapses of newly introduced Western democratic system in Africa where the native people are innocent and do not understand the intricacies leading to corruption and manipulation. The POP had been formed by the tribes down the coast to save themselves from “total political, cultural, social and religious annihilation.” Though it was sure to lose, yet it wanted to make an impact. It took on PAP straight by providing cars and loudspeakers to a few rascals to make a lot of noise.

3.       Roof is an intelligent manipulator. Justify with reference to the story.

Ans: “The Voter” is a story by Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor and critic. In this he unravels the lapses of newly introduced Western democratic system in Africa where the native people are innocent and do not understand the intricacies leading to corruption and manipulation. No doubt, Roof is shrewd and a manipulator. Throughout the story there are many instances where he proves his skills. He stayed back in Umuofia to guide people thus winning their confidence. When politics made its entry in his village he capitalized his strength by supporting Marcus Ibe. After Marcus became the minister, he took advantage of the situation. He got many favours through Ibe’s influence. When it was time for the second election, he had already read the mood and mind of his villagers. He negotiated with them over four shillings in return for their votes to Marcus Ibe. He made most of the situation when an offer came from Maduka for five pounds. His attitude suits exactly how people and money operate under the influence of politics. He is a quick decision maker and didn’t hesitate to tear his ballot paper into two to strike a balance. This proves that he is an intelligent manipulator.

Comprehension III

1.       What comment on electoral system does the story offer? Is it relevant?

OR

‘Democracy is more than holding elections regularly.’ Do you think the story supports this statement?

Ans: “The Voter” is a story by Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor and critic. In this he unravels the lapses of newly introduced Western democratic system in Africa where the native people are innocent and do not understand the intricacies leading to corruption and manipulation. The background of Umuofia, its gullible people sets the tone for the story.  No doubt, Roof forms the perfect manipulator. Throughout the story there are many instances where he proves his skills. He stayed back in Umuofia to guide people thus winning their confidence. When politics made its entry in his village he capitalized his strength by supporting Marcus Ibe. After Marcus became the minister, he took advantage of the situation. He got many favours through Ibe’s influence. When it was time for the second election, he had already read the mood and mind of his villagers. He negotiated with them over four shillings in return for their votes to Marcus Ibe. He made most of the situation when an offer came from Maduka for five pounds. His attitude suits exactly how people and money operate under the influence of politics. He is a quick decision maker and didn’t hesitate to tear his ballot paper into two to strike a balance. Here the colonizers’ shadows still play spoilsport with their modern systems of politics on the innocence of indigenous people.

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