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The Voter - Questions & Answers

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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 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: (c) acquaintances.

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 does the story offer on electoral system ? Is it relevant?
OR
‘Democracy is more than holding elections regularly.’ Do you think the story highlights 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.

Comments

  1. Unknown12 April 2021 at 14:47

    Why has Rufu Okeke returned to his village?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Suresh B.T.14 April 2021 at 01:13

    Hi!
    To guide his people in the difficult times.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous21 March 2023 at 10:53

    amazing explanation sir...thank you so much

    ReplyDelete

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