The Silent Song Essay Questions (KCSE): Thematic, Story-Based & Comparative Essays

Essay Questions Based on The Silent Song Short Story Anthology

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GENERAL / THEMATIC ESSAYS

1. “Greed and selfishness destroy human relationships.”
   Using two or more stories from The Silent Song, illustrate the truth of this statement.
2. Using relevant illustrations from the anthology, write an essay showing how poverty shapes people’s choices and behaviour.
3. Write an essay on the abuse of power as portrayed in The Silent Song.
4. With reference to at least two stories, discuss how justice is eventually achieved despite suffering and oppression.
5. Drawing examples from the anthology, write an essay on family conflicts and their consequences.
6. Using illustrations from different stories, show how women struggle against societal expectations and limitations.
7. Write an essay explaining how betrayal affects individuals and communities in The Silent Song.
8. Using relevant stories, discuss how hope emerges even in difficult circumstances.

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STORY–SPECIFIC ESSAYS

A Man of Awesome Power – Naguib Mahfouz

1. Write an essay showing how fear controls people’s lives.
2. Illustrate how the author exposes dictatorship and blind loyalty.
3. Discuss the character of the ruler and show how he symbolizes abuse of authority.
4. Write an essay on how silence and submission enable oppression.

Incident in the Park – Meja Mwangi

1. Write an essay on class differences and social injustice.
2. Show how irony is used to communicate the writer’s message.
3. Discuss the role of setting in revealing societal inequality.
4. Write an essay showing how appearance versus reality is explored.

Ninema – Vrenika Pathir

1. Write an essay explaining how the hardships of informal trade and market life are presented.
2. Discuss how Ninema’s determination and resilience help her overcome daily struggles.
3. Write an essay showing how focus and self-discipline contribute to success.
4. Using illustrations, discuss how Ninema stands up to sexual harassment and defends her dignity.
5. “Hope for a better future motivates people to keep striving.”
   Using Ninema, validate this statement.
6. Examine how courage and self-respect are portrayed through Ninema’s actions.

A Silent Song – Leonard Kibera

1. “Silence can sometimes speak louder than words.” Justify.
2. Write an essay showing how emotional suffering is portrayed.
3. Discuss the significance of the title A Silent Song.
4. Write an essay on parent–child relationships.

Ivory Bangles – Eric Ng’maryo

1. Write an essay on the exploitation of women.
2. Discuss the role of cultural beliefs.
3. Write an essay on female resilience despite oppression.
4. Show how symbolism is used through the ivory bangles.

The Sins of the Fathers – Charles Mungoshi

1. Write an essay showing how children suffer because of their parents’ mistakes.
2. Discuss generational consequences of immoral behaviour.
3. Write an essay on parental responsibility.

The Truly Married Woman – Abioseh Nicol

1. Write an essay on marriage and societal expectations.
2. Discuss how the writer portrays female independence.
3. Write an essay showing how education empowers women.

Talking Money – Stanley Gazemba

1. Write an essay illustrating how money influences human relationships.
2. Discuss the use of humour and satire in exposing corruption.
3. Write an essay on materialism versus integrity.
4. Show how characterization reveals moral decay.

Ghosts – Chimamanda Adichie

1. Write an essay showing how war leaves lasting scars.
2. Illustrate how memory and trauma are presented.
3. Write an essay on displacement and loss of identity.
4. Discuss the significance of the ghosts.

God Sees the Truth, but Waits – Leo Tolstoy

1. Write an essay on patience and faith.
2. Show how forgiveness leads to inner peace.
3. Discuss how false accusation destroys lives.
4. Write an essay on moral growth through suffering.

The Neighbourhood Watch – Remy Ngamije

1. Write an essay on mob justice and its dangers.
2. Discuss how fear and suspicion destroy community trust.
3. Write an essay showing how rumour escalates violence.
4. Discuss the role of the narrator.

December – Filemon Liyambo

1. Write an essay showing how family tensions emerge during festive seasons.
2. Discuss how economic hardship affects family harmony.
3. Write an essay on disappointment and unmet expectations.

Boyi – Gloria Mwaniga

1. Write an essay on forced recruitment of children into armed groups.
2. Discuss the impact of political violence on innocent children.
3. Write an essay on loss of childhood through conflict.

Cheque Mate – Kevin Baldeosingh

1. Write an essay illustrating how dishonesty eventually exposes itself.
2. Discuss how irony conveys the main message.
3. Write an essay on greed and its consequences.
4. Discuss how suspense builds to the climax.

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COMPARATIVE ESSAYS

1. Compare corruption in Talking Money and The Neighbourhood Watch.
2. Compare innocent suffering in God Sees the Truth, but Waits and Ghosts.
3. Using Ivory Bangles and Ninema, discuss women versus tradition.
4. Compare how money affects relationships in Talking Money and Cheque Mate.