Commands and Responses
What does the leader demand when he shouts, “Bring the money quick!”?
The leader demands twenty pounds.
What does Jonathan strap to his bicycle carrier at dawn?
A five-gallon demijohn.
Who prepares akara balls over an open fire?
Jonathan’s wife.
What do neighbors do at dawn?
They assemble to commiserate with Jonathan.
What does the egg-rasher symbolize in the story?
Material loss and the impermanence of possessions.
What do the chorus suggest doing instead of taking twenty pounds?
They suggest going inside to search properly for more money.
How does Jonathan describe the loss of his egg-rasher money?
He counts it as nothing and lets it go like other things lost to the war.
What task does Jonathan’s eldest son perform in the morning?
He rinses out yesterday’s palm-wine dregs from old beer bottles.
How do neighbors react to Jonathan’s situation?
They express sympathy for his loss.
What does Jonathan’s phrase, “Nothing puzzles God,” reflect?
His unwavering faith and acceptance of life’s challenges.
What silences the murmuring chorus?
The leader’s sharp command, “Shurrup!”
What phrase reflects Jonathan’s faith in the face of loss?
“Nothing puzzles God.”
What role does Jonathan take on at the first sign of light?
He prepares for work by strapping the demijohn to his bicycle.
What do the neighbors’ presence signify?
The community’s support and concern.
What is the significance of the demijohn Jonathan straps to his bicycle?
It represents his determination to rebuild and provide for his family.
How does Jonathan respond to the demand for money?
He fumbles in the darkness to open his wooden box.
What does Jonathan emphasize he did not depend on before?
Egg-rasher.
What is the family’s collective response to adversity?
They continue working and focus on rebuilding their lives.
What time of day do the neighbors arrive to console Jonathan?
At the first sign of light.
How does the boiling oil for akara balls reflect the family’s resilience?
It shows their effort to sustain themselves through hard work.
What phrase does the leader use to indicate it’s time to act?
“Ok. Time de go. Make you open dis window and bring the twenty pound.”
What does Jonathan say about the egg-rasher in comparison to the war's losses?
He says it is no greater than other things lost to the war.
What shared effort reflects the family’s resilience and unity?
Each family member contributes to their small business despite challenges.
What quality of Jonathan surprises his sympathizers?
His positive attitude and focus on moving forward.
What overarching theme does Jonathan’s attitude towards loss convey?
The triumph of faith and perseverance over adversity.