Question

A. (i) Distinguish between character and characterization

(ii) Select two (2) of the following characters and show their significant roles in the novel Weep not, Child. (a) Njoroje (b) Ngotho (c) Jacobo

B. To what extent can the drama Edufa be described as an African Tragedy? ( Guidelines: briefly summarize what Edufa drama is about, briefly explain Tragedy by Aristotle, analyze the drama using Aristotle's elements of tragedy and explain the elements using the passage in the story as reference thus examples)

Answer 1

A. Character is the presentation of person or animals that appear in novel or drama or any other literary forms. On the other hand, characterization means the development of character and the significance of their role.

Njoroge is the central figure of the novel Weep not Child. At the beginning of the novel, Njoroge appears to be the hope of the family as he is the first member of the family to take education at school. His family members think that he will bring fame and respect to the family.

But he is unable to continue his education. He reflects the helplessness of the thousands of young boys of conventional Kenya in the imperialism of white settlers. His quest for education fails and he is disillusioned. His love also fails and he decides to commit suicide. But he gets power from his mother's calling and he is now searching the way to get new path to live.

Ngotho is the father of the protagonist Njoroge, who has two wives. He lost his native land for the white colonists during the First World War. He is a real rebel who fights for the freedom of the land. He kills Jacobo who would supports the white colonizers. He is blammed by his son Boro for failing to provide security to the family. His dream reflects the dream of the Kenyan people to free the country from the white settlers. But his dream remains unfulfilled.