Theory question 201
Other Set Texts: African ProseLiterature 3, Section B, Part A: African Prose. Camara Laye: The African Child
Either (a) Describe Laye's experience at school in Kouroussa
Or (b) Discuss the supernatural elements in The African Child
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(a) Pleasant side: friendships, his close friend Fanta; good learning.
Hard side: strict discipline and caning; senior boys bully juniors, make them do work and take their food.
The bullying by Himourana; Laye's father and Kouyate's father protest; the headmaster is dismissed.
Ends with Laye's success and move to Conakry.
(b) The little black snake, guiding spirit of his father's family.
His father's magic in gold-smithing (praise-singer, prayers).
His mother's powers: totem crocodile, making a stubborn horse obey, knowing things in advance.
Konden Diara, the 'lion' of the initiation; charms and spells; the harvest rituals.
Answer one option only; give concrete episodes.