Fathers of Nations Excerpt 19 Answers
Comrade Melusi is at the checkpoint to the summit,
where a young security officer inspects his briefcase to clear him to proceed
to the summit. Melusi recalls how he discovered his diabetic condition during a
medical checkup that Agency for Governance and Development in Africa (AGDA) had
insisted he take.
After
Melusi and the security officer are still in a
push-and-pull conversation regarding a needle the officer has discovered in his
briefcase. The security officer wants Melusi to leave the needle at the
checkpoint, but Melusi maintains he cannot leave behind the only object that
keeps him alive.
b) Insecurity
The Gambian security has erected a checkpoint at the
Seamount Hotel in Banjul, Gambia. Insecurity is an issue in the country, and
Comrade Melusi undergoes a search at one of the checkpoints where a young
security officer handles him for carrying a needle that he uses to take a shot
of his medicine.
Knowledge versus ignorance
The argument between Melusi and the young security
officer shows the reader that Melusi has made his point well enough to convince
the officer to realise that the needle is just not the kind of weapon he thinks
it is. Melusi showed up to the officer, and with knowledge, he is able to prove
his point which puts him with more power over the offcer. Afterwards, the
officer allows Melusi in with the needle.
c) Stubborn
He refuses to leave the checkpoint for the summit
until the security officer clears him to keep the needle he uses to administer
his drugs.
Sensitive
Melusi understands his medical condition and will not
go against the doctor's directives. He insists he must keep the needle with him
wherever he goes and hints to the security officer about the dire consequences
of a diabetic patient not taking the jab as prescribed.
d) Would 1?
e) i) Personification
When Melusi is asked by the security officer to leave
behind his needle, he says he will do no such thing until the cows come home.
The cows are given the qualities of human beings.
Hyperbole
The author uses hyperbole to add a comic effect to the
text. When Melusi says, "This needle is my life, officer," the
statement carries a great significance as it presents something familiar in an
intense manner.
f) i) To open the mouth wide and allow the lungs to
take in a lot of air, often when a person is exhausted or hungry.
ii) Waved or flourished (something, especially a
weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement.
iii) Causing delay in a queue or line.
iv) Showing no care or concern in attitude or action.