FATHERS OF NATIONS – Paul B. Vitta
Chapter 10: Excerpt, Questions and Answers
Excerpt
“Ms McKenzie!” he said. “What a pleasant surprise!” He ushered her in. “Please come in.”
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” she said. He closed the door then steered her towards a chair.
“Feel at home,” he said.
“And I will.” She sat. “Mother has a question for her boy. How was your day, young one?”
“It was only so-so, Mother,” he said. “Or, as we say back home, ‘Only small-small.’ Mother thinks that’s big-big enough. Are you ready for tomorrow?”
“As ready as I never will be, I guess, Mother.” He went and sat beside her.
“And do you still think the summit will adopt Way Omega?”
“Only twelve hours. We can wait.”
“By the way, guess who I ran into downstairs? Someone by the name Longway. I was tracking down a man they call their guide and thought this fellow might be him. Do you know him?”
Dr Afolabi did not answer.
“Well, do you know Mr Longway or not?”
“Yes, Ms McKenzie, I do. You might as well know this now: I am their guide.”
“What?”
“Promise you will keep that to yourself, okay?”
“I promise.”
“Apart from Mr Longway, whom you now know, there are four other people I’m working with on the periphery of the summit as their guide. Instead of adopting Way Omega, this group wants the summit to adopt Path Alpha.”
Questions and Answers
1. What happens before this excerpt? 4mks
- Ms McKenzie has been investigating people linked to the summit.
- She is at the hotel where she calls and meets Tad Longway and they end up having a drink together.
- Dr Afolabi is involved in summit planning as a guide wants to go over his notes when Ms Mc Kenzie knocks on his door.
2. Comment on any three styles in the excerpt. 6mks
Dialogue: The story is driven by conversation between Dr. Afolabi and Ms Mc Kenzie which helps to reveal character and advances the plot.
Colloquialism/Code-switching: The phrase “small-small” reflects natural African speech.
Suspense: Secrecy about Longway and the guide role builds tension.
3. Change to reported speech: 1mk
“Feel at home,” he said.
He told her to feel at home.
4. What is to happen tomorrow? 3mks
- The summit meeting will take place.
- Leaders will debate Way Omega and Path Alpha.
- A key decision will be made.
5. Character Traits 4mks
Ms Fiona McKenzie
- Inquisitive: She investigates and asks many questions.
- Persistent: She pushes for answers.
Dr Afolabi
- Secretive: He withholds sensitive information.
- Influential: He plays a guiding role in the summit.
6. What is “this group” and why Path Alpha? 4mks
- The group refers to four people working with Dr Afolabi.
- They support a different development ideology.
- They believe Path Alpha serves their interests better.
7. Give the meanings of these words 3mks
- Steered: Directed or guided.
- Periphery: Outer edge or margins.
- Summit: A high-level meeting of leaders.
Total: 25 Marks
