Theory question 202
Other Set Texts: African ProseLiterature 3, Section A. Chinua Achebe: Anthills of the Savannah
Compare and contrast the characters of Beatrice and Elewa in the novel.
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Model answer
Similarities: both are women loved by main characters (Beatrice by Chris, Elewa by Ikem); both loyal and strong; both survive at the end.
Beatrice: highly educated (England), senior civil servant, sophisticated, articulate, reflective; associated with the goddess Idemili.
Elewa: uneducated shop girl, speaks Pidgin, simple, earthy, honest and lively.
Beatrice supports Elewa when Ikem is killed; Elewa gives birth to Ikem's daughter.
Beatrice leads the naming ceremony of the baby, uniting them both in hope.
Together they show women of different classes standing together.
Explanation
Give both likenesses and differences.