Theory question 203
Other Set Texts: African ProseLiterature 3, Section A. Ayi Kwei Armah: The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born
Give an account of the man's encounter with the bus conductor, bringing out its significance.
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In the opening scene the man rides a bus to work early in the morning.
The conductor counts and sniffs the money he has collected, enjoying its smell.
He thinks the man, who seems asleep, has seen him cheating with the money and is frightened, then angry.
At the end of the ride he insults the man.
Significance: introduces the theme of corruption and the worship of money ('the gleam'); shows how even ordinary people are corrupt.
Shows the man as a silent, honest observer, isolated and misunderstood.
Sets the tone of decay and disgust for the whole novel.
Describe the incident, then its significance.