Writing Style / Lit Devices
It rained heavily the day Ade Coker died, a strange, furious rain in the middle of the parched harmattan. (206)
personification: the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something non-human, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.
This father, husband, and Papa's editor at the Standard is killed via bomb package. (It is believed that the package was from the Head of State.)
Ade Coker
What do Obiora and Chima help the other children catch for a tasty snack?
The aku, a seasonal flying termite
“I should have made Ade hold that story. I should have protected him. I should have made him stop that story.”
Papa Eugene
Jaja and I stood watching. I thought about Ade Coker’s glasses, I imagined the thick, bluish lenses shattering, the white frames melting into sticky goo. Later, after Mama told us what had happened, how it had happened, Jaja said, “It was God’s will, Papa,” and Papa smiled at Jaja and gently patted his back. (207)
Imagery: visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work.
(will also accept foreshadowing, irony, tone, diction)
plant dead rats and claim unsanitary conditions
When Amaka asks Kambili if it was Papa who hurt her, what is her response?
Yes.
“I have Papa-Nnukwu’s arms. Can you see? I have his arms.”
JaJa
Kicking. Kicking. Kicking. Perhaps it was a belt now because the metal buckle seemed too heavy. Because I could hear a swoosh in the air. (211)
Repetition: the words being used are central enough to be repeated, and lets them know when to pay special attention to the language
(will also accept onomatopoeia, imagery, tone)
What does Papa see Jaja and Kambili holding that causes Papa to go into an abusive fury and break Kambili's ribs?
Amaka's painting of Papa Nnukwu.
Another professor tells Aunty Ifeoma that her name is on a "list." What is this list?
professors who are “disloyal to the university”
“Crush” was mild. It did not come close to what I felt, how I felt, but I said, “Yes.”
Kambili
The woman seated next to Aunty Ifeoma had piercing academic eyes and humorless lips and wore no makeup. (222)
Imagery: visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work.
(will also accept characterization, juxtaposition)
When Kambili wakes up in the hospital, who is there leaning over her?
Father Amadi
Amaka says that Aunty Ifeoma has been considering moving to ___________, where she will at least be paid and have her work recognized. Obiora
America / United States
“Sole administrator must go. He doesn’t wear pant oh! Head of State must go. He doesn’t wear pant oh! Where is running water? Where is light? Where is petrol?”
Rioting students @ the University of Nigeria