WAEC Literature in English 1998 Theory question 102

Theory question 102

Set Text: The Gods Are Not to Blame

Literature 2, Section A. Ola Rotimi: The Gods Are Not to Blame
Write short notes on any two of the following:
(a) Baba Fakunle (b) Alaka (c) Gbonka

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a) Baba Fakunle: the blind seer and Ifa priest; predicted the baby would kill his father and marry his mother; brought by a boy; reveals that the murderer is Odewale ('bedsharer'); stands firm and truthful though insulted; represents the voice of the gods/fate.
(b) Alaka: Odewale's old friend from Ijekun Yemoja; arrives with news that Odewale's 'parents' in Ijekun (Ogundele and Mobike) were not his real parents; his disclosures help to reveal Odewale's true identity; loyal and cheerful.
(c) Gbonka: King Adetusa's former bodyguard/messenger; was ordered to kill baby Odewale but gave him to a hunter (Ogundele); later witness to Adetusa's death; his testimony confirms that Odewale is Adetusa's son and killer.
For each: who the character is, what he does in the plot, and his importance.

Explanation

Pick two and cover identity, actions and importance for each.