Theory question 201
Other Set Texts: African ProseLiterature 3, Section A: African Prose. Ayi Kwei Armah: The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born
Discuss the significance of the timber contractor's visits to the man's office.
Show the model answer
Model answer
Amankwa, a timber contractor, comes to the railway office and asks the man to book wagons for his timber.
He offers the man a bribe, which the man refuses; Amankwa cannot believe it and thinks he wants more.
He gets his booking through another clerk.
Significance: shows that bribery is normal in society and honesty looks foolish.
Shows the man's integrity and his isolation.
Leads to the pressure at home: his wife Oyo blames him for refusing what others accept.
Develops the theme of corruption and the 'gleam' of money.
Explanation
Describe the visit(s) and explain the significance.