I only went for a fish. V Loving concerned responsibleWhen he returns from war, he goes to look for Grusha at the Northern Mountains. He asks her How are things here? Was the winter bearable? When the Governor is toppled and killed he comes to look for Grusha: Grusha! There you are at last! What are you going to do? Pg 21 When he is delegated to accompany Natella by the Adjutant and Grusha complains. He answers That woman has nothing to do with me. I have my orders and I go pg 22 He cares about the welfare of Grusha when he acquires about the parents, whether she is healthy and if she is impatient. He gives Grusha a silver chain to cement their relationship. He is always there for her. VI Impatient Hot temperedHe does not take time to listen to Grusha s explanation that she has been faithful to him. To him she is married and has a son. He tells her, Give me back the cross I gave you. Better still throw it in the stream. Pg 61 VII Wise PrudentHe makes use of several proverbs in answer to Azdak A fine day, lets go fishing said the angler to the warm pg 94 A well can t be filled with dew, they say pg 90 VIII AppreciativeWhen he realizes that Azdak has granted Grusha divorce, he is so grateful that he tells the judge that forty piasters are cheap when one considers what he has gained. Cheap at your price, your honour. And many thanks. LAVRENTI VASHNADZEHe is Grusha s brother and husband to Aniko. When Grusha flees to the mountains, he accommodates her and makes arrangement for her to get married to the dying man -Jussup. He is potrayed as;a Fearful cowardly timidThe manner in which he quietly and quickly inquires from Grusha whether there is a father to the child indicates that he is fearful. He is intimidated by his wife. Due to this Lavrenti anxiously says that they must think something up.


He is potrayed as;a Fearful cowardly timidThe manner in which he quietly and quickly inquires from Grusha whether there is a father to the child indicates that he is fearful. He is intimidated by his wife. Due to this Lavrenti anxiously says that they must think something up. He fears that the priest had questioned Grusha about the child and only gets relieved to hear that Grusha did not tell him anything. He is fearful of the people who are already gossiping about the illegitimate child. Due to the fear of his wife and people he organizes for a fake marriage for Grusha so that people won t talk. So people won t talk pg 49 The singer comments, The cowardly brother.......giver of shelter pg47 b Hospital welcomingWhen Grusha flees to the mountains and finally lands at his home, he welcomes her cordially despite the initial fears he has on how his wife will react. C Deceitful dishonest untrustworthy untruthfulHe lies to Aniko that Grusha is on her way to her husband and Grusha says she got married to a man on the other side of the mountain. He plans to steal Aniko s milk money to use it for Grusha s wedding. To cover up his wife s weaknesses, he purports she is sensitive and religious. D Crafty cunning schemingIn order to get rid of Grusha, he plans for her marriage with a dying man. He does this secretly without informing his wife. He wants to ensure that they do not suffer shame so he makes people believe that Grusha actually had a husband on the other side of the mountain. People mustn t know anything pg 47 . He organizes the marriage without consulting Grusha initially, only to inform her later about the arrangement. He hides the baby from the monk and only brings out the baby when the ceremony is over for he knows very well that the vows cannot be reversed. ANIKOShe is Lavrenti s wife and a sister-in-law to Grusha. She is portrayed as;a Hypocritical pretentiousShe is portrayed as being religious but lacks religious qualities. Grusha arrives at their home worn out and tires, all she is concerned is about Grusha s single status.


ANIKOShe is Lavrenti s wife and a sister-in-law to Grusha. She is portrayed as;a Hypocritical pretentiousShe is portrayed as being religious but lacks religious qualities. Grusha arrives at their home worn out and tires, all she is concerned is about Grusha s single status. If your husband s not in the city, where is he....has your husband got a farm...but when will he come back if the war s broken out again as people say? Pg 46 Lavrenti explains to Grusha that she cannot stay for long with them because Aniko is religious. ... But you can t stay here long with child. She s religious; you see pg46 b Arrogant proudWhen Grusha faints she says, Heavens she s ill what are we going to do....as long....as its not scarlet fever.......if it s consumption we ll get it pg 45-46 She keeps on shouting to the servants Sosso! Where on earth are you? Sosso! Pg 46 c Cold UnwelcomingWhen she is introduced to Grusha instead of welcoming her, she asks I thought you were in service in Nuka....wasn t it a good job? We are told it was. Lavrenti has to defend her to Grusha She has a good heart. But wait till after supper pg 46 Grusha even has to tell Michael, Michael we must be clever, if we make ourselves as small as cockroaches. The sister-in-law will forget we re in the house and then we can stay till the snow melts pg 47 MOTHER-IN-LAWShe is the mother to Jussup. She makes arrangement with Lavrenti to have his sister married to her son Jussup on his deathbed She is portrayed as;a Materialistic greedyShe is to be paid by Lavrenti 400 piasters for having Grusha marry Jussup. When she discovers that there is a child, Lavrenti has to offer 200 piasters more and she readily agrees to have the marriagetake place My Jussup doesn t have to marry a girl with a child...all right make it another 200 piasters. Pg 50 .


She makes arrangement with Lavrenti to have his sister married to her son Jussup on his deathbed She is portrayed as;a Materialistic greedyShe is to be paid by Lavrenti 400 piasters for having Grusha marry Jussup. When she discovers that there is a child, Lavrenti has to offer 200 piasters more and she readily agrees to have the marriagetake place My Jussup doesn t have to marry a girl with a child...all right make it another 200 piasters. Pg 50 . She hires a cheap monk to perform the wedding in order to save. She saved on the priest the wretch. Hired a cheap monk pg 50 b OpportunisticTakes advantage of her son s illness to make money by marrying him off on his deathbed. The son of this peasant woman is going to die.... How much does the peasant want? Four hundred piasters pg 49 she also gets a chance to add more money when she discovers that the bride has a child Lavrenti has to add two hundred piasters more. C Hypocritical dishonestWhen she sees Grusha with the child, she weeps, saying that her people are honest and she does not want to live with the shame. She makes the monk accept that Jussup has accepted the marriage: Of course he is! Didn t you hear him say yes? Pg 51 d PretentiousWhen she arrives with the monk, she tells the guests I hope you won t mind waiting a few moments? My son s bride has just arrived from the city. An emergency wedding is about to becelebrated pg 51 . Grusha has not arrived from the city nor is she her sons beloved. When the monk and she enter the bedroom, she tells him, I might have known you couldn t keep your trap shut pg 51 . This means she is not amused by the arrival of the guests. When the monk inquires about the child, she tells him, Is there a child? I don t see a child...you understand? Pg 52 ARSEN KAZBEKIHe is referred to as the Fat Prince. He is a brother to the Governor. He plots and stages a coup, with the help of ironshirts that leads to the killing of his brother-The Governor.


Pg 52 ARSEN KAZBEKIHe is referred to as the Fat Prince. He is a brother to the Governor. He plots and stages a coup, with the help of ironshirts that leads to the killing of his brother-The Governor. When the Grand Duke returns after two years he is deposed and beheaded. He is portrayed as;a Hypocritical insincereHe pretends to be so much pleased with the governor s family that he bows and remarks sarcastically that Michael is a governor from head to foot. He hypocritically terms George s intention of bringing down slums to pave room for the garden, good news. Good news after so much bad pg 5 He has instigated war against the Grand Duke and the Governor; He intends to overthrow the government. He then claims that the universally loved judge has been hanged. My friends, we need peace, peace in Grusinia! And justice! So I ve brought along my dear nephew Bizergan Kazbeki pg 71 He pretends that he wants the ironshirts to confer and democratically decide who should be judge yet at the same time informs his nephew, Don t worry my little fox. The job s yours pg 71 . More so he intends to ignore the Ironshirts once the Grand Duke is arrested. He tells his nephew and when we catch the Grand Duke, we won t have to please this rabble any longer. Pg 71 b Sadistic callous inhumanHe schemes for the murder of the Governor and once he is executed, he orders the drunken soldiers to fasten his head on the wall using nails. He desperately looks for Michael so that he can kill him. He comments, It s a pity they took the brat along though, I need him, urgently pg 28 c Crafty scheming cunningHe schemes to install his nephew as judge by influencing the Iron shirts but they stage a rehearsal with the nephew acting as judge. He tells the nephew. It isn t customary....who got there first. Pg 72 d CorruptHe fights for his nephew to be installed as judge. The iron shirts outwit him in his own game and the position goes to Azdak. E GreedyHis plan to overthrow the system run by the Grand Duke is motivated by greed for power.


It isn t customary....who got there first. Pg 72 d CorruptHe fights for his nephew to be installed as judge. The iron shirts outwit him in his own game and the position goes to Azdak. E GreedyHis plan to overthrow the system run by the Grand Duke is motivated by greed for power. He evenkills the Governor, his brother, and act that shows the extent hunger for control and power can push one to. Since evil begets evil, he is executed the same way he killed his brother. LANGUAGE AND STYLEStyle in literature can be described as how the author uses literary elements such as words, sentence structure and figurative language to describe events, ideas and objects in their work. Stylistic devices refer to a variety of techniques used by writers. PLAY WITHIN A PLAYPlay within a play involves having another play within the main play. It is important as it helps in plot development, bringing out various themes and character traits. The play The Caucasian ChalkCircle is three stories presented in one; The story of the Goat Herders and Fruit farmers,The story of Grusha and Michael and The story of Azdak as the judge.these are thus presented as plays within the main play. The story of The Caucasian Chalk Circle , borrowed from a Chinese tale is presented as a play within a play. There is a meeting of the delegates who are trying to resolve the puzzle of who owns the piece of land between the fruit farmers and the goat keepers. When an agreement is reached, the peasant woman on the left invites Arkadi Tscheidse, the singer, to entertain them. There is also a play within a play when Michael and other children enact the beheading of the Governor. It is used to show the extent of evil in society as the children who are so innocent clearly portray it. Michael refusing to be the one to be beheaded shows he is the chip off the old block-the Governor s son. It is also a satire of criticism of the senseless and cruel behaviour in the society. The play within a play is used to bring out the self sacrificing nature of Grusha. As seen when she takes care of Michael as he own son, through it various stylistic techniques such as use of song, Irony and flash back are evident. Various themes such as hypocrisy, negligence of duty among others are also brought out.


The play within a play is used to bring out the self sacrificing nature of Grusha. As seen when she takes care of Michael as he own son, through it various stylistic techniques such as use of song, Irony and flash back are evident. Various themes such as hypocrisy, negligence of duty among others are also brought out. The story of Azdak the judge is also a play within a play. It begins when Azdak helps the old beggar who late turns out to be the Grand Duke. It ends with Azdak judging Grusha s and Natella s case using The Caucassian Chalk Circle. This play within a play exemplifies the themes of justice, abuse of power and greed. Another play within a play is when the Fat Prince wishes to appoint his nephew Bizergan Kazbeki, as the judge. He requests the drunken Iron shirts to vet him. They perform a mock trial which involves Azdak who poses as the Grand Duke and the nephew poses as the judge. The Iron shirts takes up the roles of the people who have come to listen to the proceedings of the case. Azdak is blames of running the war badly but he instead blames the princes rather than himself. He is able to make several successful attacks on the prince s corruption. Here, we learn how the princes mismanaged the war and blamed it on the Grand Duke. The nephew fails to make a judgement sincehe is out-witted by Azdak and the ironshirts unanimously settle on Azdak as the judge. The first ironshirt tells him, Go to the judge s seat! Now sit in It! Pg 74 JUXTAPOSITION CONTRASTThis is a stylistic feature used by writers to put people or things side by side in order to show the contrast or their differences. This style has been used to enhance dramatic effect. The act of Governor George Abashwili entering the church is juxtaposed with the image of the soldiers pushing the common people out of the way. This contrast undermines the religious significance of going to church. This is exemplified when the soldier says, Get back! Clear the church door. Pg 14 Grusha buys milk for Michael and pays two piasters. This is her week s salary. This amount of money used is a sacrifice for Michael. This contrasts the 100,000 piasters offered to Azdak by the Duke for one night lodging ....persuasion!


This is her week s salary. This amount of money used is a sacrifice for Michael. This contrasts the 100,000 piasters offered to Azdak by the Duke for one night lodging ....persuasion! Pay hundred thousand piasters one night, I tell you...where are they? Pg 64 . This contrast is meant to bring to fore the glaring gap between the rich and the poor. This satirises the society that puts more value on money to show the difference in the levels of wealth in social classes. Consequently, Azdak uses his position to take from the rich and give the poor. Thus, he fines the rich invalid, The Blackmailer, the innkeeper, and the farmers all of whom are wealthy. During the wedding of Jussup and Grusha, the monk says, Dear wedding and funeral guests! Pg 53 . This depicts two contrasting life eventualities, one representing continuity and the other- end. There is also an instance of juxtaposition where the goat and fruit farmers are placed side by side to establish the deserving owners of the valley. Natella and Grusha are juxtaposed to establish the difference in level of love: true motherly love for a child and love for material wealth out of the peril of the child. Other characters that have been contrasted are Lavrenti with his wife Aniko, Simon and Grusha, Grusha and other peasants working for the Governor, among others. HUMOURDespite the occurrence of serious issues explored within the play, there are humorous incidents. We are presented with doctors; Mika Loladze and Mishiko Oboladze. They are in charge of Michael and quarrel over trivial issues. May I remind you...that I was against the lukewarm bath ....more likely a sight draft during the night. Your Grace...no cause for concern, your Grace. Pg 15-16 It is humorous that these two doctors described as dignified would quarrel over Michael s coughing. In another comic episode, the two argue over whom will take charge of Natellla now that she has fainted after chaos and death erupt in the palace. Niko Mikadze, it is your duty as a doctor to attend Natella Abashwili....you neglect your duty........ pg 21 It is humorous to find the two going to an extent of fighting in the middle of a catastrophe.


Your Grace...no cause for concern, your Grace. Pg 15-16 It is humorous that these two doctors described as dignified would quarrel over Michael s coughing. In another comic episode, the two argue over whom will take charge of Natellla now that she has fainted after chaos and death erupt in the palace. Niko Mikadze, it is your duty as a doctor to attend Natella Abashwili....you neglect your duty........ pg 21 It is humorous to find the two going to an extent of fighting in the middle of a catastrophe. This humour serves to lessen the tension that is created when George is assassinated. It also brings out the character of the two doctors as incompetent and irresponsible characters. When Simon encounters Grusha, there is humour when he says he watches over her as she washes linen by the willows, There s more. Your toes and more....your foot and a little more.... pg 18 There is humour when a drunken peasant sings, There was a young woman who said: I thought I d be happier, wed but my husband is old and remarkably cold so I sleep with a candle instead pg 54 When Shauwa knocks at the door, Azdak says that he is not in. Azdak explains himself to Shauwa possibly to escape the arrest. .... Shauwa don t talk about things you don t understand. The rabbit is dangerous and destructive beast. It feeds on plants especially on the species of plants known as weeds. It must therefore be exterminated, he adds, I...man is made in God s image. Not so a rabbit...I m a rabbit-eater, but you re a man eater...go home and repent. Pg 65 SATIRESatire refers to the way a writer ridicules an individual or the society in a humorous way, with an aim of bringing desirable change. The playwright exposes weakness of leaders who have been entrusted with power and fail to do what is expected of them. People are oppressed and live in misery. The beggars and petitioners are crying that they do not have enough to eat and they feel neglected. The policing administration is criticized for the inhuman treatment of the suffering lot. They lash them with whips to keep them away from the Governor and his family instead of sympathizing with their plight.


The beggars and petitioners are crying that they do not have enough to eat and they feel neglected. The policing administration is criticized for the inhuman treatment of the suffering lot. They lash them with whips to keep them away from the Governor and his family instead of sympathizing with their plight. The governor and his wife pretend to be religious yet they display their contempt for the lowly class. The governor is a political leader but surprisingly, lacks interest in political matters. He ignores the rider who has confidential papers from the capital in preference to personal matters. Instead, he meets the architects to discuss building plans. The governor is ignorant of serious issues such as a meeting held by princes in the capital in which a coup was planned, ironically, one of the architects is fully aware of the plan to overthrow the Grand Duke and his Governors. Pg 15 . His political nature is being ridiculed because being in political position means he ought to accord political matters serious consideration. The police administration s brutality is criticized for the inhuman treatment of the suffering lot. They lash them with whips to keep them away from the Governor and his family instead of sympathizing with their plight. The Fat prince pretends to be so much pleased with the governor s family that he even bows and remarks sarcastically that Michael is a governor from head to foot and yet he had plan ned to kill the Governor that very day. When he tells the Governor he loves a gay sky, he is not sincere. Aniko, wife to Lavrenti and sister-in-law to Grusha claims to be religious, However, she is presented as mean, egocentric, selfish and inhospitable. She bullies around her husband and tries to throwGrusha out of the house as she fears what the neighbours will say for hosting an unmarried woman with a child. The monk s religious hypocrisy is also satirized. He is expected to be religiously inclined but he has many weaknesses. He oversees Grusha s marriage to Jussup while drank. He is actually paid to perform the ceremony but as a monk, he is expected to devote his life and time to religious matters, which he does not. The Governor s wife is satirized through her vain behaviour. She does not have time for the poor beggars and her servants and only identifies herself with people of class. After the coup her main concern is the clothes she is going to carry, only essential!.......the green one!


The Governor s wife is satirized through her vain behaviour. She does not have time for the poor beggars and her servants and only identifies herself with people of class. After the coup her main concern is the clothes she is going to carry, only essential!.......the green one! And of course, the one with far trimming..... pg 24 On the same page she adds, ........get my little saffron-coloured boots..... I need them for green dress. In haste to save her dresses, she leaves her son Michael as she flees. When Michael coughs Natella s attention is drawn to him and she wants to know what is up. She even asks her husband whether he had heard the baby cough. She then givens a stern warning and advises the two doctors in charge of the child to be more careful. When he sees Michael after he is brought in by the ironshirts, she remarks that He s in rags pg 97 Natella has very low regard for the underprivileged. Pg 18 , she says, It s impossible to live in such a slum,,,, When she enters the court, she is relieved that there are no common people: I can t stand their smell. It always gives me migraine. Pg 88 From the onset, she dislikes Azdak and pg 89 she says, I disliked that man from the moment I first saw him. This foreshadows the fact that she may not get a fair judgement from him. IRONYIrony refers to an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs or is. It is also the use of words that convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal meaning. There are different types of irony for example verbal irony where the speaker says direct opposite of what is meant. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows facts in a text which a character in the text is ignorant of. Other types of irony are situational, comic and tragic irony. The playwright has used this style in several areas in The Caucasian Chalk Circle. The irony of situation is that George Abashwili, the Governor plans to remodel and enlarge his palace. ... In the afternoon his Excellency will confer with prominent architects. Pg 19 He even proposes to pull down the peasant shacks on the estate.


Other types of irony are situational, comic and tragic irony. The playwright has used this style in several areas in The Caucasian Chalk Circle. The irony of situation is that George Abashwili, the Governor plans to remodel and enlarge his palace. ... In the afternoon his Excellency will confer with prominent architects. Pg 19 He even proposes to pull down the peasant shacks on the estate. Natella says, All those wretched slums are to be torn down to make room for a garden. Pg 15 . This is ironical in that this will be a garden for the privileged at the expense of the poor majority. Irony is further seen when this same estate is confiscated for the state at the court when Azdak declares it would be given to the people and made into a play ground for children. He says, ....your estates fall to the city...Azdak s gardens. Pg 98 Also the Governor s plans do not pull through because he is executed that afternoon. The Play Wright uses the noble child Michael, to bring out irony. Being the only son to the Governor, he has two doctors for his medical care. It is ironical when the coup takes place, the doctors Niko Mikadze and Nika Loladze abandon the child. Mika says, ...Do you really think ...little brat s account? Pg 21 . The situational irony is that the child has two doctors while the common people are suffering. The Governor s wife, who thinks that the Governor pays more attention to Michael than to her, is more concerned with her elegant dresses and forgets her baby. Ironically, Grusha a servant girl saves the child from being killed by the Fat Prince. She is more willing to be a guardian to the infant than her wealthy mistress. The biological mother of the child. The incident when Grusha plans to abandon Michael at the doorstep of a peasant woman s house has been developed through use of irony. Grusha s plans are well intentioned since she thinks the peasant will be kind enough to give Michael milk and she assumes that are far enough from the city. This is exemplified when she says, now you have wet yourself again...you can t ask that can you? Pg 34 . Irony is brought to the fore when her thoughts are displayed in the chorus, because I am single....someone who s newly poor. Pg 35 .


Grusha s plans are well intentioned since she thinks the peasant will be kind enough to give Michael milk and she assumes that are far enough from the city. This is exemplified when she says, now you have wet yourself again...you can t ask that can you? Pg 34 . Irony is brought to the fore when her thoughts are displayed in the chorus, because I am single....someone who s newly poor. Pg 35 . When she meets the ironshirts she runs back to save Michael. Ironically, her plan with the peasant woman betrays Grusha, who hits the corporal over the head with a log of wood just to save Michael. When Grusha manages to cross the rotten bridge, she laughs her way to freedom and shows the Ironshirts the child. Ironically, this freedom does not last for long as she suffers in her brother s house because of Michael. She is too weak to walk and her sister-in-law who is portrayed to be religious ironically does not apply the religious principles but uses religion as an excuse to kickGrusha out of her home. Lavrenti only allows Grusha to live in his house over winter. Due to the same reasons he has given to his religious wife over Grusha s marital status, Lavrenti forces Grusha to marry a dying man from the other side of the mountains. This is especially because of the presence of the illegitimate child. The irony of the situation is that the brotherly love that Grusha had expected from Lavrenti is not forthcoming; he ends up complicating Grusha s live when he organizes for the fake wedding. Jussup, Grusha s dying husband, illness is developed in an ironic manner. The peasants comment on Jussup s health status. They initially thought Jussup was faking illness in order to avoid being drafted in to war. They regret having felt that way because Jussup really appears about to die. When the guests continue to talk and eat, one of them remarks that the army can no longer draft anyone as the war is over. Jussup suddenly sits up in bed; the most ironic possible scenario of his death is no more. He is alive and kicking. Azdak s judgement at the court is presented in an ironic manner.


Jussup suddenly sits up in bed; the most ironic possible scenario of his death is no more. He is alive and kicking. Azdak s judgement at the court is presented in an ironic manner. Brecht has used this style to point out that Azdak is a disappointed man and would not cause disappointment to others. The judgment pronounced on the cases in ironical. The doctor who operates a patient on the wrong leg is acquitted for perpetrating an unpardonable error on his practice. The farmer who accuses the old man for receiving his stolen animal is fined five hundred piasters and ironically the suspect is made to sit the same table with the judge ....you granny and you....and Azdak! Pg 82 Natella, the Governor s wife, is using the child Michael as a means of acquiring inheritance. Her claim that she is the mother of Michael is not due to her motherly love. The Chalk Circle brings out an ironic twist when Grusha does not pull Michael. Ironically, Natella the real mother rushes to pull the child but Grusha says, I brought him up! Shall I also tear him into bits? I can t! Pg 98 This determined the deserving mother as the one who is motherly. USE OF IMAGERYImagery refers to the use of figurative language to represent ideas, objects or actions. It can also be defined as the use of descriptive language that appeals to our senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. This is mainly done through metaphors and similes. A MetaphorsA metaphor is a figure of speech in which an expression word or phrase which ordinarily refers to one thing is used to denote another in order to suggest a similarity. It suggests the likeness between the two. The girls Tractorist says, I started the fire myself, This means she started the onslaught herself against the Nazis. Pg 97 There is also reference to a bloody time pg 13 . This denotes time of war characterized by violence and death. In the chorus pg 32 , the ironshirts pursuing Grusha are likened to bloodhounds , dogs that are known for their powerful sense of smell.


Pg 97 There is also reference to a bloody time pg 13 . This denotes time of war characterized by violence and death. In the chorus pg 32 , the ironshirts pursuing Grusha are likened to bloodhounds , dogs that are known for their powerful sense of smell. On page 65, Azdak likens the old man grand prince to a bedbug to suggest he is a pest Azdak thinks it is Ludovika who assaults the stable man with a dangerous weapon which means she is provocative. The Fat prince refers to his nephew my little fox pg 71 to hint at his traits and to show how confident he is that he will be made the judge. B SimilesThis is a figure of speech that directly compares two things that are related using connective words such as like , as or resembles The Governor Georgi Abashwili is described thus: He was rich as Croesus, pg 7 this compares him to the king of Lydia who was defeated by Persians and was known for his immense wealth, his name is synonymous with wealth. The singer castigates the insensitive leaders thus: O blindness of the great! They go their way like gods..... pg 20 After the coup, the servants say among themselves, we ll be slaughtered like chickens, as always pg 21 . This suggests they are not safe. Simon asks Grusha, Is the lady as healthy as a fish in water? Pg 22 . Grusha is compared to a thief; probably for the reader to pass judgement on whether she is justifies to take Michael, we are told: As if she was a thief she crept away! Pg 29 When Grusha is sheltered at her brother s house, she tells Michael that they should make themselves as small as cockroaches pg 47 to escape the wrath of her sister-in-law.


Simon asks Grusha, Is the lady as healthy as a fish in water? Pg 22 . Grusha is compared to a thief; probably for the reader to pass judgement on whether she is justifies to take Michael, we are told: As if she was a thief she crept away! Pg 29 When Grusha is sheltered at her brother s house, she tells Michael that they should make themselves as small as cockroaches pg 47 to escape the wrath of her sister-in-law. Indeed, Lavrenti remarks, why are you sitting there muffled up like coachmen.... pg 48 To suggest that she cannot run away from Michael, Grusha tells him, I came by you as the peat trees comes by sparrows pg 49 Azdak says law is a sensitive organ, .....like the spleen, in delivering justice, we are told by the singer he, Broke law like bread he gave them. Pg 82 SONGSMany songs have been sung by Arkadi and other characters in the play. Some are at the beginning of the scene, others within the scene and at the end of the scene. The governor is introduced through a song. Before we meet him, we are told about what king of a person he is as follows:- He was rich as CroesusHe had a beautiful wifeHe had a healthy baby pg 13 We learn that he has many beggars and petitioners whom he ignores. This song juxtaposes the rich governor with the majority poor folks who wait for hand outs in form of coins which are distributed by a servant. Simon Shashava, the soldier, and Grusha, a kitchen maid are also introduced to us before we meet them. We learn of their relationship. The song on pg 18 is summative. It summarizes the action. The Governor s palace foreshadows restlessness. The palace is said to be a fortress but is surrounded by soldiers. We anticipate the death of the Governor. ..... Noon was the hour to die. These words are followed by the appearance of the Fat Prince. The stage is set for the execution of the Governor by the Fat Prince. The tension surrounding the Governor s execution is found in the song on pg 20 , in the song, stage directions are given e.g.


For instance it says, ...who had no bread at all have full granaries... pg 84PROVERBS AND WISE SAYINGSMany proverbs have been used by the playwright. The capability to use proverbs in one s conversation is interpreted as a sign of wisdom. It also shows masterly of one s own language sinceproverbs and wise sayings require comprehension of metaphors, similes and symbols in one s community. When Grusha points out to Simon that it must be dangerous for him to accompany Natella Abashwilias her guard on her flight, he replies with a wise saying- in Tiflis, they say: Isn t the stabbing dangerous for the knife? Pg 21 means as the knife stabs what it is supposed to, it is also in danger of breaking or bending but it still stabs anyway. Likewise, a soldier protects others despite the danger he exposes himself. When they meet in the courtyard and Grusha is rushing to collect her personal effects, She accepts Simon s proposal long before he even proposes. Simon feels embarrassed and responds, haste, theysay is the wind that blows down the scaffold a temporary building built for workers round a building that is being constructed, If they are blown away then the builders will not be able to buildthe permanent structure as they will have no where to stay just like Grusha and Simon will not have a marriage if she is not patient enough to listen to the information that will cement that relationship. When Michael and other boys are playing the game of cutting off the Governor s head, the other children want Michael to play the Governor s role of just bending and his head is cut off but Michael adamantly refuses and says he wants to be the person to cut off. The other children disagree but Michael is adamant so when they shout to Grusha that Michael won t play his part, Grusha laughsand says, Even the little duck is a swimmer, they say. Pg 58 Meaning even though Michael is young, you cannot command him since he is the son of a Governor and so others do what he demands and not vice versa. When Azdak discovers that the fleeing duke is not a peasant but a land owner he orders him out but the Duke make him a proposition.


By Azdak replying that, I m my own master, said the servant; and cut off his foot, means one does not have to do outrageous activities to prove that one is independent minded. Simon replies by showing that, people are able to see through their tormentors hypocrisy when the latter professes to love the farmer and therefore still give them their due. This is proved when he says, I love you as a father said the Czar to the peasants, and had the Czarevitch s head chopped off. Azdak knows that despite the appearance, he is still on the poor people s side yet Simon does not realize this, so that is why he concludes the discussion by saying, A fool s worst enemy is himself. Pg 94 From all the above, it is important to note that, the cook, Grusha, Azdak and Simon are the only people who portray positive traits in the society. They portray a sense of wisom as seen when they are highlighted as the only characters that employ proverbs and wise sayings. ALLUSIONAllusion refers to a passing reference or indirect mention of something or someone the reader is expected to know. The playwright alludes to the king of Lydia 560 BC-547BC who was defeated by Persians and was known for his immense wealth on pg 7. We are told that the Governor Georgi Abashwili was, rich as Croesus. The girls tractorist also quotes the poet Vladimir Mayakovsy, pg 10, a Georgian born in 1883. He wrote the poems, The Cloud and I which are among the most popular during his time. Singer alludes to Jesus when he remarks, And now you don t need an architect, a carpenter will do, pg 20 . The Governor needs Jesus to save him from his predicament. The play infers from both a Chinese play Circle of chalk written in 1300 AD and a biblical story The judgement of Solomon- 1 Kings 3: 16-28 In the Chinese story, a young girl, Hai-tang, bears a child as the second wife of a wealthy man. His first wife claims the child is her own. However, the second wife is judged the true mother when she refuses to pull the child apart in the test of the Chalk Circle.


The play infers from both a Chinese play Circle of chalk written in 1300 AD and a biblical story The judgement of Solomon- 1 Kings 3: 16-28 In the Chinese story, a young girl, Hai-tang, bears a child as the second wife of a wealthy man. His first wife claims the child is her own. However, the second wife is judged the true mother when she refuses to pull the child apart in the test of the Chalk Circle. In the biblical story, two women live in the same house and both bear a chil d. One baby dies in the night and its mother swaps him for the living baby. Both claim the living child is their own. Solomon orders that the child be cut in two and each half be given to each mother. The real mother of the child gives up the child rather than see him harmed and is judged to be the true mother. SARCASMThis is the use of humorous language to ridicule or to convey scorn, especially saying one thing but implying the opposite. The Fat Prince is sarcastic when he says, and little Michael is a governor from head to foot! Tititi! Pg 15 . Simon is sarcastic when he tells Grusha: Why shouldn t I wash the linen by the willows! That s good, really good! Pg 17 . On pg 18, the singer says, And the goose was plucked and roasted But the goose was not eaten this time. This refers to the killing of the Governor and draws an analogy to the goose Grusha kills for the Governor s family. When the singer says, And now you don t need an architect, a carpenter will do, pg 20 , the playwright is sarcastic towards religion as this alludes to the fact that the Governor needs Jesus, who was a carpenter to intervene on this Easter Sunday. This will of course not happen. The dying man refers to Grusha as, A nice thing you ve saddled me with! A simpleton for a wife! Pg 57 When Grusha is fined ten pisters for using indecent language in court, she sarcastically lambasts Azdak and his corrupt ways by saying, A fine kind of Justice!


The Christian church has been used as a tool to support the upper class and keep the lower classes in their places. The historical church subverts the original teaching of Christ who treated all humans with respect. The garden that Governor Abashwili want to establish for his son by knocking down slums for thepoor symbolises oppression and insensitivity of the rich towards the poor. Ironically, Azdak later rules that the Governor s estate should revert to the poorFORESHADOWINGForeshadowing is a situation where a writer gives a sign of something that will come later on a work of art, that which is important or appalling. When the Fat Prince greets his brother Governor Georgi Abashwili, this is quite unusual until the Governor remarks, .....But did you hear Brother Kazbeki wish me a happy Easter? Which is all very well, but I don t believe it did rain last night. Pg 16 . The relationship between the brothers is thus foreshadowed by the Governor s comment, in which he expresses surprise at being greeted by his brother. The brother later executes him. Natella, the governor s wife, seems to have an unstable mind and poses, I hardly know if my head s still on. Where is Michael? .......... Pg 24 . Later she forgets to carry his as she flees. Another important moment is when Natella, the governor s wife, tells, her adjutant how jealous of Michael she really is, She is desperate for attention from her husband. But Georgi, of course, will only build for his little Michael, Never for me! Michael is all! All for Michael! This jealousy of her child is important since she abandons him later in the act. Shortly before Azdak makes the ruling on who should take Michael between Natella and Grusha, the boy smiles at the latter. This foreshadows the ruling made by the judge as Grusha is finally given child. Azdak tells the old man Grand Duke to encircle the cheese on the plate like it might be snatched from him pg 65 This foreshadows the chalk circle that is drawn to choose a mother for the child,Michael. Pg 97 REVISION QUESTIONS AND EXPECTED POINTSQuestion 1Justice is an important institution in any well governed community.


This foreshadows the ruling made by the judge as Grusha is finally given child. Azdak tells the old man Grand Duke to encircle the cheese on the plate like it might be snatched from him pg 65 This foreshadows the chalk circle that is drawn to choose a mother for the child,Michael. Pg 97 REVISION QUESTIONS AND EXPECTED POINTSQuestion 1Justice is an important institution in any well governed community. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Bertolt Brecht s The Caucasian Chalk Circle 20mks i In the prologue there is the dispute over the ownership of the valley, presided over by the delegate from the capital, Tiflis. -. Emphasis is laid on fairness in order to avoid the reoccurrence of future disputes. -. The fruit farmers and the goat herders amicably discuss a resolution to the dispute. -. It is decided that the land goes to the fruit and vine growers amicably as they would make better use of the land. -. The agreement is followed by a party to seal the deal ii Justice is also portrayed by the test of the chalk circle- In the old story, the real mother is revealed by the test. -. Her feelings for the child are too deep to allow her to gain it by force that injures the child- The child is taken from the natural mother, Natella Abashwili who is only after the inheritance and given to the false mother Grusha Vashnadze who has the greatest feelings of love for the boy Michael Abashwili iii Justice is also shown in the way Azdak s good turn in protecting and giving shelter to the Grand Duke. -. Eventually he is rewarded when the Grand Duke appoints Judge just in time to save him from the hangman s noose- Azdak then proceeds to dispense justice to the poor and down trodden in a manner never witnessed before in the land. Iv Adzak s two year reign as Judge is treated as an era of rough justice especially for the poor and vulnerable in society. -. The singer says he broke the rules to save them- At long last the poor and the lowly had someone who was not too holy to be bribed by empty hands. QUESTION 2Human weaknesses affect characters negatively.


Iv Adzak s two year reign as Judge is treated as an era of rough justice especially for the poor and vulnerable in society. -. The singer says he broke the rules to save them- At long last the poor and the lowly had someone who was not too holy to be bribed by empty hands. QUESTION 2Human weaknesses affect characters negatively. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Bertolt Brecht s The Caucasian Chalk Circle 20mks Points of interpretationThe following must come out clearly;- Weakness of a character- Details of that weakness- How it affects that character negativelyW1. Natela Abashwili s weakness on adoring things. -. She forgets her child at the time of war and takes clothes and boots instead, pg 25 - The maid escapes with the child to save his life but Natela later goes for the child because she wants to inherit the governor s estate. -. She loses both the child and the estate. WII The fat prince greed and hunger for power- Eliminates his brother to get his power,WIII The governor s lack of concern for his subjects. -. He oppresses his subjects forcing people to go to war, charging high taxation. -. He loses his life and power. WIV- Lavrenti and his wife undermines family values. -. Fails to give Grusha a warm welcome though she comes from town where war has broken out tired and sickWV The self righteous nature of Aniko shown through her hypocritical actionsWVI- Natela s hatred for the poor. She undermines Grusha during the court case feeling thatGrusha is too poor to keep the child. -. She finally loses the child to the poor Grusha due to her arrogance. Question 3Discuss the consequences of Fighting and war in any society with evidence from Bertolt Brecht s The Caucasian Chalk Circle. IntroductionFighting and war in any society has far reaching consequences. During war people s normal lifestyle way of living is disrupted and there is a lot of destruction of property and lives. Bertolt Bretch has shown how war affects people in his play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle. Body- During war, the innocent and the vulnerable suffer the most from the effects of war and fighting.


During war people s normal lifestyle way of living is disrupted and there is a lot of destruction of property and lives. Bertolt Bretch has shown how war affects people in his play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle. Body- During war, the innocent and the vulnerable suffer the most from the effects of war and fighting. The servants say this about their employer, the Governor s family: They even have to have their weeping done for them p 26 . Michael is being hunted down to be killed yet he is not aware of the war, being only an infant. -. There is disruption of people s normal lifestyles as farms and homes are abandoned. Resettlement has to be negotiated afresh after the war. See p7 prologue . As a result of war, there are ruins of a war ravaged Caucasian village, the people orchard is already destroyed and the once beautiful dairy farm is a ruin. -. People s livelihoods are destroyed as the goat herders complain of the low quality of cheese they now produce from their new settlement. The old man whom Grusha requests to sell her some milk retorts: Go to the soldiers if you want milk. The soldiers of the Grand Duke burn the houses of innocent people and kill them making it difficult for them to live peacefully. -. War creates internal refugees. The farmers and the goat herders have been displaced from their homes having been uprooted by the Germans. Grusha and her fellow workers flee into the Northern Mountains as a result of fighting in the city. -. Fighting and war breeds civil wars and counter coups as warring groups fight for supremacy. The grand Duke is overthrown by the princes who murder his governor but they are in turn rounded up and killed when the Grand Duke takes back powers. -. There is rampant landlessness during the war and fighting as seen in the cases presented before Azkak. He has been a thief as Shauwa says. The soldiers and policemen also break the law they are meant to uphold. The two farming groups goat herders and the fruit growers are landless. -. War results in exploitation and oppression. For instance, in The song of injustice in Persia. It is stated that the kings are driven by greed in their quest to acquire new territories by impoverishing peasants. Their sense of imperialism drives them into unrealistic adventures that Azdak refers to as the roof of the world ironically, as the soldiers kill each other, the marshals assault each other.


For instance, in The song of injustice in Persia. It is stated that the kings are driven by greed in their quest to acquire new territories by impoverishing peasants. Their sense of imperialism drives them into unrealistic adventures that Azdak refers to as the roof of the world ironically, as the soldiers kill each other, the marshals assault each other. -. There is fear and apprehensions which are direct effects of this war. Jussup feigns illness and lies in bed for a long time for fear of being drafted into the war. He only recovers when he hears that the war has ended. The song of the centre clearly portrays the fear among the soldiers at the front line. It says that if one wants to survive the war and come back home one has to remain at the center p47. The peasant woman at whose door Grusha leaves Michael shows extreme fear and apprehension at the sight of the soldiers. She disowns Grusha s agreement with her to claims that the child is hers and instead falls down on her knees begging for mercy. Grusha has to flee again with Michael. Accept any other relevant point. Expect 4 well developed illustrated points. Question 4. The society depicted in The Caucasian Chalk Circle is one that ignores important issues and gives priority to less serious ones leading often with disastrous consequences. Discuss the validity of the statement with illustrations from the play. Introduction: May be General or SpecificMany people ignore the important things that matter in their lives and instead pay attention to useless things that don t add value to their lives often leading to dire consequences. This is true of characters in the play like Natella Abashwili, the governor and others as discussed below. The governor- Immensely rich yet has many beggars, petitioners etc at his door. -. Refuses to hear the message from the wounded rider before the mass and ever after leading to his tragic death. Page 16 -19Natella Abashwili- Concerned about the dresses to pack leading to her abandoning her baby. -. In the court she is interested in getting Michael back only because of the estates left by her husband. -. She ends up losing the baby to GrushaAniko and Lavrenti- Can t stand Grusha with her baby . Aniko is so religious to accept Grusha- Lavrenti forces Grusha to marry a dying man whom she does not love.


- In the court she is interested in getting Michael back only because of the estates left by her husband. -. She ends up losing the baby to GrushaAniko and Lavrenti- Can t stand Grusha with her baby . Aniko is so religious to accept Grusha- Lavrenti forces Grusha to marry a dying man whom she does not love. He pays the mother of the man a huge sum and later the marriage is dissolved by Azdak. Jussup s mother- Interested in marrying her son before he dies and no attempts to treat him- She has to feed the guests at the wedding, hiring a monk and later her son is divorced. Black Mailer. -. Interested in knowing whether a certain land owner raped his niece or not and not the plight of the niece. -. Heavily fined. Invalid- Gets a stroke when he hears the doctor he paid fees to train is treating free- Heavily fined. Prince Kazbeki- One of the princes who ran down the war- Wants his unqualified nephew appointed the judge- Embarrassed by Azdak in the mock trial and later killed on the return of the dukeQuestion 5Bertolt Bretch; The Caucasian Chalk Circle What there is shall go to those who are good for it . With illustrations from the play the caucasian chalk circle, write an essay in support of this statement.


In the Caucasian Chalk circle, such a person is Grusha. Grusha goes through many challenges in order to save and adopt Michael. Some of these challenges are discusses belowAccept any other relevant introductionCONTENT i She sacrifices the little she has in order to sustain Michael. She buys milk exorbitantly ii She is forced to come up with ingenuinenes way of eluding the red shirts who are after him. She knocks one of them down with a piece of wood, enduring her life in the process. Iii She crosses of dangerous bridge, endangering her life and Michael s iv She has to contend with a society that frowns upon single motherhood. She is forced to accept marriage to an invalid called Jussup in order to normalize her status vi Her relationship with her fianc e, Simon , is endangered. Vi She is force to go through a court processes in order to gain custody of MichaelQuestion 7 True mother hood is not necessarily biological Write an essay illustrating this statement using Bertolt Brecht s , The Caucasian chalk Circle . NatellaAbashiwili, the biological mother of Michael abandons the child as she feels the city .She is more interested in her fine linen and shoes as well as horse carriages- It takes the motherly instinct of the kitchen maid Grusha to retrieve the baby and fend for it offering protection and nourishment- Grusha adopts the body and risks being captured by the soldiers and crosses the dangerous and rotten bridge to save the life of Michael from the iron shirts- The mockery of Grusha s sister-in-law concerning the illegitimate child, Michael does not affect her affection for the young boy- Vashnadze endures an arranged and difficult marriage on paper to a dying man, Jussup: for the sake of the child- A mere kitchen help Grusha fights for the custody of Michael in court and does not pull him to her side in the test of the chalk circle so as not to tear him up. She fears to destroy the boy she has nurtured and brought up expensively as a real mother.


This is seen as she was the best student in Thompson Falls High School; she then went to Alliance high school and later earned a degree in medicine from the University of Nairobi in 1984 and later a master s degree in pediatrics in the year 1990. In addition to her writing career she worked at the Kenyatta National Hospital until 19994 before she ventured into private sector. As a woman of high position she held various prestigious positions. This is seen as she was the medical director of Cottolengo Hospice for orphans with AIDS. She also held the position of the Executive director of the Family Life Counseling Association of Kenya. She was also the director of the institute of HEALTH Care Management at Strathmore Business School. Apart from The River and the Source she has authored; I swear by Apollo, A Place of Destiny, Mandate of the People, she also co-authored Educating in Human Love with her husband Dr. George OgollaOf her first novel Ogolla says The inspiration for this book came from my mother who handed down to me the wisdom and lives of her own mother and grandmother. This strength and support that is found in the African family is the most important part of our culture and should be preserved and nurtured at all costs. INTRODUCTIONThe River and the Source follows four generations of Kenyan women in a rapidly changing society. It belongs to a growing body of literary works that follows the feminist literary criticism of literature. They address themselves to issues pertaining to the welfare of women in African societies that are seemingly so patriarchal male dominated . It captures the Kenyan soul of the future and the need to bring freedom, equality and gender consciousness across ethnic, religious and racial lines. The River and the Source is a presentation of women seeking liberation from the oppressive male dominated society. Just like a river which originates from a spring; a source of an underground water, the birth of Akoko daughter to chief Gogni of Yimbo signifies thebeginning of the river. The river is threatened to drying up by hardships after hardship but the river flows on. The novel won the Kenyatta prize for fiction in 1995 and also the Commonwealth Writers Prize for best first book in Africa in 1995. THE TITLET he title The River and the Source suggests the flow of a river from some point to the sea.


The river is threatened to drying up by hardships after hardship but the river flows on. The novel won the Kenyatta prize for fiction in 1995 and also the Commonwealth Writers Prize for best first book in Africa in 1995. THE TITLET he title The River and the Source suggests the flow of a river from some point to the sea. The novel traces the symbolic journey of women from patriarchal invisibility where women are ignored and in the background to autonomous existence where women chart their own destiny . The river starts as a spring which is Obanda Akoko-the girl child. Akoko is the source of this river. The river refers to the efforts that Akoko establishes of trying to liberate women from a patriarchal society that looks down upon them. Akoko faces challenges as a woman in a male dominated society. She overcomes them and the river continues to flow through Nyabera. Akoko is the source of the liberating force that flows from this oppressive and demeaning social system. In literature, the river symbolically refers to continuity hence life is a continuum and the struggle for liberation is therefore a continuous process. Therefore, from Akoko the river gains momentum at every stage through capable and competent women like Nyabera, Awiti, and finally Wandia. The river and the source therefore refers to the journey of women empowerment that was begun or whose source is Akoko and the continued efforts of other women like Nyabera, Awiti and Wandia in ensuring that women remain empowered hence the river s continued flow. The novel is thus a message of empowerment and hope for women who must rise up and take up their rightful equal position in society. This is summarized by Chief Odero Gogni s statement, A home without daughters is like a spring without a source. SETTINGSetting refers to the historical moment in time or the geographical location in which the story takes place i.e. the location and time in which a narrative takes place. The story begins 30 years before the Kenya-Uganda railway reached Kisumu. The story ends in the 1990s at the advent of multiparty politics in Kenya. The plot covers a number of generations that oscillates betweenYimbo and Sakwa Akoko s birthplace and marital home respectively in today s Nyanza Province in Kenya. It later spread to Gem, Kisumu,Nakuru and Nairobi in succeeding generations of Akoko s family tree.


The story ends in the 1990s at the advent of multiparty politics in Kenya. The plot covers a number of generations that oscillates betweenYimbo and Sakwa Akoko s birthplace and marital home respectively in today s Nyanza Province in Kenya. It later spread to Gem, Kisumu,Nakuru and Nairobi in succeeding generations of Akoko s family tree. PLOT SUMMARYPART 1: THE GIRL CHILDThis part of the novel introduces us to a vibrant Akoko who is vibrant, beautiful and hardworking. This part focus on the Luo cultural practices. The naming traditions, the duties expected to be performed by the different genders, and the preference of the boy child to the girl child. Her father s expectation that a boy will be born and the view that girls ill be married to go and cook in another mans house are evidence of this. The writer uses this partto highlight the importance of the girl child as we not that Akoko manages to gain her father s love and attention, something that was not usual among the luo. Tradition is further highlighted in the Nak ceremony, that is performed before Akoko s suitor are welcomed to present their suits. Her father s love for her is shown when Akoko s father turns down 12 suitors. He purposely did so because, in the men who flocked his compound, none reached the standards he had set. He wants the best for his daughter thus wants her to get married to a chief as a mikai. It is for this reason he readily accept Owuor Kembo s proposal. The Girl Child surprises us with the immense strength of a woman. Akoko Obanda is an epitome of wealth. She works hard to set a pedestal that was previously unimagined. ,. Akoko provided for herself and built her own family wealth. She encouraged and trained her children to be hardworking and disciplined. She promoted self reliance and mutual relationships with her subjects. CHAPTER 1 AKOKO'S BIRTHThe chapter begins with the birth of Akoko Adoyo Akelo Obanda. Her father, Chief Odero Goggin expected a son because of the value placed by society in boys over girls. The naming of Akoko is done according to tradition and she ends up having four names. Adoyo born during the weeding season. Obanda- according to dreams by the father and grandmother. Akelo after a step grandmother who had died.


Adoyo born during the weeding season. Obanda- according to dreams by the father and grandmother. Akelo after a step grandmother who had died. Akoko is given to her as she is noisy. The traditional values of the community like polygamy and preference for the male children are also brought out in the fathers desire to have a son. There is insight in to the naming rituals of the community as Akoko is given several names. The belief in superstition is also reflected on in the way Akoko's illness is dealt with and results in Akoko s final name, Akello. Akoko proves to be uniquely determined as she is able to compete with her numerous brothers. This earns her the admiration of both her father and elder brother, Oloo. By the end of the chapter Akoko is grown and of marriageable age and known for her diligence and hard work. CHAPTER 2: BETROTHAL OF AKOKOThis chapter focuses on the betrothal and marriage of Akoko. We are introduced to the young chief Owuor Kembo, a man of Nyadhi or style, who arrives at Yimbo with his delegation from Sakwa. They are warmly received and all the ways of chik are observed. Chief odero is quite pleased as the daughter is going to be the first wife to chief owuor. According to chik one cannot be chief unless he is married hence necessitating the arrival of the delegation from Sakwa to ask for Akoko's hand in marriage. Negotiations for the bride price are carried out through their spokes people. Chief odero asks for a high bride price out of jealousy for the number of daughter to sons his daughter's suitors had compared to him. Chief owuor Kembo described as a man of style agrees to pay the bride price without bargaining, much to the protest of his brother and delegation. The negotiations are concluded by the presentation of Akoko to her future husband. CHAPTER 3; AKOKO S MOVE TO SAKWAA group of young warriors drive the cattle that had being agreed on as the bride price during the negotiations. They are warmly welcome and well fed according to chik. On the morning of the next day the warriors take off with Akoko after having engaged in mock battles with her brothers before they ran off with Akoko. Akoko herself is also meant to resist so that it may not be said that she went willingly.


They are warmly welcome and well fed according to chik. On the morning of the next day the warriors take off with Akoko after having engaged in mock battles with her brothers before they ran off with Akoko. Akoko herself is also meant to resist so that it may not be said that she went willingly. They rest for a short while before Akoko is delivered to Sakwa. The people of Sakwa admire her and agree that she was worth the thirty head of cattle. Akoko settles in to marriage life and is well accepted by the community. She soon becomes pregnant with her first child. The community is highly superstitious and do not say anything about it. Though the pregnancy is uneventful but the delivery is harrowing. The child is named Obura. However Akoko is under pressure to bear more children as the society expects her to bear as many children as her bride price. Her mother in law even urges Owuor to marry another wife. Later Akoko gets pregnant with Nyabera and then has difficulty during the birth. CHAPTER 4 AKOKO'S CONFLICT WITH NYAR ASEMBOAs a result of Owuor''s refusal to marry another with and Akoko s low birth rate, conflict arises between Akoko and her mother in law. Her mother in law is also offended by the monogamous state of her son and his refusal to take a second wife. They compare him to his younger brother who already had two wives and many more children. One day as she is in the fields, she hears that her mother in law Nyar Asembo accused her of bewitching owuor Kembo so that he would not marry another wife. Akoko who is deeply offended by the accusations stays the night and on the morning of the next day calls for the people s attention to state her case. She defends herself by emphasizing that she has always been hard -working and a good wife. After this she leaves for Yimbo. Owuor returns and is angered by the events that took place when he was away. He throttles his brother and almost hits his mother. He then starts a reconciliatory mission. CHAPTER 5 RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICTThe delegation from Sakwa arrives in Yimbo and is coolly received. Being accused of witchcraft was no light matter and the people of Yimbo were not pleased. The elders are gathered and Akoko is asked to give her version of events.


CHAPTER 5 RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICTThe delegation from Sakwa arrives in Yimbo and is coolly received. Being accused of witchcraft was no light matter and the people of Yimbo were not pleased. The elders are gathered and Akoko is asked to give her version of events. She presents the accusations made against her that include witchcraft, standing in the way of her husband s marriage to other women, and having given birth at a slow rate. After the presentation of her case, Owuordefends himself stating that he had not been around when theunfortunate event happened and had dealt with those responsible. The Jodongo agree to resolve the issue and warn Akoko against making rush decisions in future. An appeasement of a goat was to be given to the maro. CHAPTER 6 FAMILY LIFEAfter Akoko s return to Sakwa she is soon pregnant again with a son, the delivery of the child is difficult. The child is named Owang Sino. Owang Sino is drawn to his father and they are quite fond of each other. There is a contrast between owuor and Otieno. Owuor who is monogamous has a happy wife who he treats like a queen. Otieno on the other hand has four wives who he treated like sluts and they obliged him. There are rumours of white men jorochere and the establishment of a colonial government. Obura gets intrigued andsuggests that his mother allow him to tour the world. She reprimands for the thought and advises him to seek a wife. She also reminds him of his role as the first born son Both his father and mother are alarmed at this new development. Chief Owuor forbids Obura from seeing Nyaroche and Ambere and has the later sent away. CHAPTER 7 OBURA'S DISAPPEARANCEObura disappears from his hut, and Akoko is disturbed by the disappearance. Chief owuor sends out scouts to try and track them. They return and inform the chief that he had left in the company of Nyaroche and Ambere. Akoko prays earnestly that no harm should come to her son. The chief organises for search parties to follow them. Unfortunately they return two days later and report that the three were picked up by white men and could not be traced farther.


Akoko prays earnestly that no harm should come to her son. The chief organises for search parties to follow them. Unfortunately they return two days later and report that the three were picked up by white men and could not be traced farther. Akoko who was devastated by her son s disappearance has a sense of foreboding and believes Obura might as well be dead. CHAPTER 8 DEATH OF OBURAIt has been a while since Obura disappeared. News of the white man and the colonial government continue. One day two strangely dressed men come to deliver news about Obura. They draw the attention of the entire community as they make their way to chief Owuor's compound. They inform the chief of the war between jo-ingreza and jojerman. They inform the chief of the death of Obura and Ambere as they inform him that Nyaroche is crippled. The chief is furious and throws away the bracelet that he was given. Nyabera picks it up as the community begins to mourn. A mock funeral is performed and a banana trunk is buried in place of Obura's body. CHAPTER 9 DEATHS OF OWUOR AND OWANGAkoko then goes about helping Nyabera overcome her grief and continue with her life. She takes to wearing the bracelet she had picked when the white men came. Akoko works hard and instils the same value in Nyabera. Thus her herd grows so large that she has to get her own watering hole. Nyabera is now a girl of marriageable age. Suitors come in large numbers and Akoko helps her husband pick an appropriate suitor for their daughter. Okumu Angolo is picked as he comes from a neighbouring village. Their first three children live for a short time and then die. Owang Sino also comes of age and jowangyo are dispatched to look for a suitable wife for him. A suitable girl was found from Uyoma. However, Chief owuor who had been ailing for a long time dies and the marriage negotiations are postpone for the burial. Akoko takes her husband s spear and shield and mourns him in great song and style. Owang Sino who had done his best to make his mother happy dies son after the birth of his son, owuor Sino. Alando does not stay to defend her son but chooses to get inherited soon after.


Akoko takes her husband s spear and shield and mourns him in great song and style. Owang Sino who had done his best to make his mother happy dies son after the birth of his son, owuor Sino. Alando does not stay to defend her son but chooses to get inherited soon after. The chief stool is passed to Otieno Kembo as the young owuor Sino is still a toddler and cannot rule until he is married. Akoko is devastated and Nyabera comes to her side to aid her. CHAPTER 10 OTIENO BECOMES CHIEFOtieno takes over the chief stool with greed and arrogance. He squanders the wealth left behind by owuor and even attempts to usurp Akoko's personal wealth. Akoko feels greatly disadvantaged, as she has no male sons or relatives who are of age and would come to her aid. Otieno is unwilling to relinquish the seat. He dispenses with the council of Jodongo and snatches Akoko's wealth. Akoko perceives the challenge and decides to seek help from thejorochere. She takes her grandchild, owuor, to her brother, Oloo. She then visits her daughter, Nyabera who had lost a number of children before she goes on her journey to Kisumu. She reveals her plans to her daughter. CHAPTER 11 AKOKO'S JOURNEY TO KISUMAHer nephews Opiyo and Odongo accompany her. Akoko had earlier tried to send them away but to no avail. They start the journey early in the morning and Akoko takes the opportunity to educate them on the history of the community through stories. They finally arrive in thetown of kisuma and are struck by the difference in structures and dressing of the people. There, they meet Otuoma, who helps them in by hosting them for the night as it was a Sunday and the court was closed. He also informs them that citizens were no longer allowed to carry weapons. They finally present their case to the .DO. And the tribunal. CHAPTER 12 AKOKO'S JUSTICE AND DEPATURE FROM SAKWAAkoko present her case to the D.O. and the tribunal. The D.O. Ask s that the case be postpone for three months so that the claims may be investigated. The twins embellish the story that they tell to the future generations.


The D.O. Ask s that the case be postpone for three months so that the claims may be investigated. The twins embellish the story that they tell to the future generations. Akoko returns to Sakwa to find Otieno's greed having grown a great deal and her wealth significantly reduced. Investigators come to Sakwa, and the disgruntled people are only too willing to help. Akoko is summoned soon after and the case is reopened before the D.C. The D.C. Rules that Otieno Kembo be forcefully removed from the chief stool and he council of Jodongo rule. Otieno was also made to pay all that he had grabbed. Akoko then returned to Sakwa and took the reminder of her wealth. She returned to Yimbo to live as a migogo in her brother Oloo's house. PART TWO: THE ART OF GIVINGThe Art of Giving is Self sacrifice. It is putting away all you believed in and embracing the others needs. Akoko in this chapter gives more than she receives. The part I ends when she has lost all that she could have held to in her matrimonial home. She forsakes her happy life as a married woman and goes home to lead a desolate life as a migogo. A migogo meant that, she will be looked down upon by her brothers wife. She would be ridiculed and if we remember well; Akoko did not take lightly ridicule or sneer. There was a time she shouted down her mother-in-law maro for accusing her of being a witch juok . Akoko knew very well what she was getting into when she settled down in her brother Oloo s house. She was ready to live with them as long as her grandson Owuor Sino found comfort other than being molested in Otieno s household. She left the wealth she had built in years in Sakwa to live among her paternal household. Giving involves denial of one s comfort for the sake of others. Nyabera tries in earnest to get and raise children for her and her husband Okumu. When Okumu dies, she tries it with Ogoma Kwach but all fails. In despair and with only one child, she joins Christianity. Sheleaves her mother, daughter and nephew in Aluor to satisfy her quest but returns having failed. She learns the hard way that, it s better to be content than trying to find happiness where there is none.


In despair and with only one child, she joins Christianity. Sheleaves her mother, daughter and nephew in Aluor to satisfy her quest but returns having failed. She learns the hard way that, it s better to be content than trying to find happiness where there is none. The biggest sacrifice ever in part II however is when Akoko blesses her grandson Petro Owuor Sino Peter Owuor Kembo to take on his vocation. In accepting to this outrageous decision, Akoko loses her right to reclaim her matrimonial home and the continuity of her and her husband s lineage- given that most African communities were patrilineal. In letting Peter become a vicar, she made him and those of her keen lose the chief stool to the younger family in Sakwa. Therefore Giving is an art since few people are ready to go to such extremes as Akoko, Nyabera and those around her, to let those they love enjoy their life to the fullestCHAPTER 1 OKUMU'S DEATHNyabera suffers the deaths of her children. She gets pregnant and gives birth to a baby girl. A ritual is performed to aid in the survival of the child. She is left by the entrance to the homestead and an old lady passing by picked her up and brought her to them. She is therefore named Awiti. Okumu falls ill and dies when Awiti is three years old. Nyabera is inherited by a close relative, Ogoma Kwach. He is drawn to Nyabera's wealth and hard work and foregoes his duty to his first wife. As a result he is reported to e council of Jodongo and reprimanded. Nyabera is hurt by their decision and seeks an alternate source of comfort. She has heard a lot about Christianity and seeks out Pillipo to give her more information. Nyabera gives out her wealth then travels to Yimbo to inform her mother of her decision. She leaves Awiti with Akoko then departs for Gem to start her new life. CHPTER 2. NYABERA IS BAPTISEDNyabera travels from Yimbo to gem and arrives very late. She spends the night in the catechist s house. She explains herself to the catechist on the morning of the next day. He takes her to the chapel and she is inducted in to Christianity. She learns the ways of the new religion quickly and thirstily.


She explains herself to the catechist on the morning of the next day. He takes her to the chapel and she is inducted in to Christianity. She learns the ways of the new religion quickly and thirstily. She is then baptised Maria. CHAPTER 3 NYABERA'S RETURNNyabera returns from Gem and goes to her mother in Yimbo. Though Akoko can tell that she is pleased with the new religion and her new name, she is able to tell that her daughter is uneasy. Nyabera opens up and admits that she felt that something was lacking as she was alone in Aluor. She asks her mother to accompany her to gem. Akoko agrees and together with her grandchildren travel to Gem. CHAPTER 4 LIFE IN GEMOn arrival in Aluor the children are enrolled in catechism classes and reading classes where they show determination and zeal in their study. They are baptised into Christianity and they receive new names. Owuor is renamed Peter, Awiti is named Elizabeth and Akoko is named veronica. Soon after, news reaches Maria that Ogoma Kwach's wife had died. The desire to have children drives her to return to her matrimonial home without an explanation to her mother. Meanwhile peter develops an interest in priesthood and confides in Awiti. He is afraid to tell Akoko as he does not want to disappoint her. The two decide to wait for Nyabera to return so that they seek her assistance. CHAPTER 5 THE VOCATIONAfter a few years, Nyabera returns to Aluor, dejected and beaten by life. She confesses to her mother Akoko, before proceeding to spend the night in church. Owuor proves to be quite helpful to her and she loves him like a son. Owuor takes to reading bible verses to Nyaberawhich she finds quite comforting. He then informs her about his desire to take up the vocation. They then proceed to talk to Akoko. Akoko agrees on the condition that he changes his name to peter owuor Kembo. Owuor is able to pursue priesthood. CHAPTER 6 AWITI'S EDUCATIONOwuor joins the seminary and his cousin is enrolled into primary school. There are very few girls as the society does not value the education of the girl child. Also a lot of girls get married at a young age. Elizabeth proves to be diligent and tops the class all through.


There are very few girls as the society does not value the education of the girl child. Also a lot of girls get married at a young age. Elizabeth proves to be diligent and tops the class all through. By the time she sits for the final exam she is the only girl in the class. She excels and is invited to a teachers' training college. Nyabera fears that she might lose her and is unwilling to accept the news. Akoko reprimands Nyabera for her behaviour and urges her to allow her daughter to pursue her dreams. Akoko misses her husband and wishes he were present to helm with the decision. CHAPTER 7 LIFE IN COLLEGEAwiti work hard in college and unlike the other students, she does not engage in relationships like the other students. She turns down overtures from several men and is therefore feared. This is made worse when it is learnt that herb brother is in the seminary and both her mother and grandmother live at the mission. She finally meets Mark Antony Oloo Sigu during an exeat. Mark inquires about her and informs her about himself. He mentions that he was in the army and has been called to work in Nakuru. They part when she agrees to reply to his letters when he writes. CHAPTER 8 AWITI'S BETROTHALAwiti and mark interact through the letters they send each other. They talk about their lives, families and each other. After a few months of the engagements, mark states that he would like to meet her parents. Awiti goes to Aluor to deliver the exciting piece of news. Her mother, Maria is a bit opposed but Akoko wins her over and preparations are made. Male relatives are sent for from Yimbo and Sakwa. Peter owuor Kembo is also sent for from the seminary. They make preparations for the day and kong is brewed and several delicacies made. The day arrives and mark Antony arrives with his delegation. He is dressed in military fatigues a monkey head dress and bears a shield. They are warmly welcome and introductions done. To the surprise of mark and his delegation, the bride price is set at a token bull, two cows and six goats. There is much celebration after the negotiations are completed. Akoko is hard laughing with her grandson in law.


To the surprise of mark and his delegation, the bride price is set at a token bull, two cows and six goats. There is much celebration after the negotiations are completed. Akoko is hard laughing with her grandson in law. She dies peacefully in her sleep later in the nightCHAPTER 9 AKOKO IS LAID TO RESTAkoko is buried in Aluor in where she had spent most of life. Peter owuor Kembo is among the deacons who conduct the mass. Her death is hard to accept as she seemed to be full of life. Awiti is so devastated that she almost calls of the wedding. Nyabera comforts her by telling the life story of Akoko. She finally calms down and apologises to Mark, who had been with peter owuor. CHAPTER 10 AWITI'S MARRIAGEAfter the mourning period, peter goes to Rome to complete his studies. He is later ordained a priest and his first duty was to preside over the wedding between Elizabeth and mark. The newly wedded couple moves from Aluor to live in Nakuru. Shortly afterwards, Elizabeth becomes pregnant. Unfortunately she and mark misdiagnose the symptoms for malaria thus leading to the loss of the twins. It takes a long time before she can conceive again. Her mother in law start to complain about the lack of grandchildren but mark stops her from prying. Elizabeth gets pregnant again and this time the couple are happy and cautious to ensure nothing goes wrong. PART 3 LOVE AND LIFELove and Life yanks us from the painful oppression of death into a new realm of love and understanding. Mark Sigu, we can now imagine what they talked about with Akoko, steers his family away from tradition into the new sphere of the evolving world. He is blessed with 7 children 4 boys and three girls. Each child has different personality. We see Mark and Elizabeth as capable parents who administer discipline and love to their children. The two parents provide education food and shelter to their new life and work best to establish family unity. Despite her love for her children, Elizabeth keeps a straight head and clear vision not to spoil her kids. She stands behind when Aoro is punished by his father, though she knew the punishment was punitive and way above discipline, she took a back step until it was time for her intervention.


The two parents provide education food and shelter to their new life and work best to establish family unity. Despite her love for her children, Elizabeth keeps a straight head and clear vision not to spoil her kids. She stands behind when Aoro is punished by his father, though she knew the punishment was punitive and way above discipline, she took a back step until it was time for her intervention. She also steps back when Mark pours his love over their last born Mary but does her best to reign him in so that Mary does not end up too spoilt. On the other hand, we silently follow the children as they grow into adulthood. From the brave and confident Vera to her timid and self possessed twin sister. The relationship of the two girls sours as they take on different personalities in life. Aoro and Antony also come outstrongly shaping their destinies different ways though the show unrivalled level of competence. Aoro takes medicine while Anthoy joins the seminary. The twins Opiyo and Odongo also manifest differently. CHAPTER 1 THE YOUNG COUPLEElizabeth delivers twins, veronica and Rebecca. The two girls have varying personalities. Vera is independent, intelligent and protective of her sister. Rebecca on the other hand, is quite attractive and self -centred. When they are two years old, Elizabeth gave birth to another child, a boy Aoro. Due to the state of emergency, mark opts to move his family back to Aluor. His mother is quite unhappy about this but he does not change his stand. Mark gets lonely while Elizabeth is away and engages in extramarital affairs. A certain girl stays with him for some time and later claims that she is pregnant. This brings mark back to his sense and he sends her away. He then goes to Aluor to get his family. Elizabeth hears rumours of the infidelity but says nothing about it. CHAPTER 2: VERA AND BECKY S EDUCATION. Kenya gains independence and the citizens celebrate. The country is faced with numerous challenges but equally numerous opportunities. Mark gets promoted and moves to a bigger house as his family has grown. He now has seven children that include Vera, Becky, Aoro, Antony, Opiyo Odongo and Mary. Vera is an excellent student in school. Becky on the other hand does not give her studies much effort.


He now has seven children that include Vera, Becky, Aoro, Antony, Opiyo Odongo and Mary. Vera is an excellent student in school. Becky on the other hand does not give her studies much effort. Vera excels in her primary level exam and is called to a national school which she declines as she wanted that to go to her sister s school. Her parents are concerned but later agree to let her go to a school of her choice. CHAPTER 3 AORO'S ADVENTURESAoro is compared to Obura who was swift bright confident and curious. The company of his younger brothers makes him more adventurous than usual. One day they go fishing at a nearby river. As he and tony are busy one of the twins, Odongo, almost drowns. Opiyo screams alerting the older brothers who come to his rescue. They go back home wet, and shaken. The younger boys blame the older ones for the event and Aoro and tony are punished. The older boys decide to never take their smaller brothers anywhere after the incident. Tony later develops acute appendicitis and is rushed to hospital in the night. Aoro is worried and informs his older sisters. The later receive news that their brother will be well after the operation. CHAPTER 4: AORO'S EPIPHANYAoro is fascinated by Tony s stitches and gains an interest in medicine. He operates on a frog successfully. Uncle peter comes to visit them and though every child warms u to hi, tony is particularly curious about priesthood and has a lot of questions. Mark is a bit apprehensive as he notices that tony is eyeing priesthood. Most parents are not comfortable with their children joining priesthood. Peter is getting a promotion to bishop. He stays a while then visits his aunt Maria in Aluor. It is later on decided that Opiyo and Odongo should go to Aluor to keep their grandmother company and attend the school their mother went to. Aoro excels in his studies and is called to the best school in the country. This inspires tony to work hard so that he can join him. Aoro has difficulty in school and is suspended for indiscipline. Mark deals with him by telling to seek his own food and shelter. Aoro is remorseful and fears his father. He returns to school and does his best.


Mark deals with him by telling to seek his own food and shelter. Aoro is remorseful and fears his father. He returns to school and does his best. CHAPTER 5 MARY'S BIRTHThe chapter takes us back to the birth the pregnancy was difficult for Elizabeth. She developed high blood pressure and threatened miscarriage on several occasion. The doctors feared for both mother and child and they have to be admitted. Mary's birth had to be induced and she is named after her grandmother. Mark loves Mary deeply and gives her all the best. He sends her to private school and makes an effort to personally pick and drop her. This draws envy Becky who was used to being the centre of attention. Becky tries to complain and gets a scathing response from her sister Vera. This results is an argument that leads the sisters to drift apart. CHAPTER 6 MARIA'S DEATHExamination results are announced and Vera has done exceptionally well. Becky attains a second division which she is well pleased with. Antony gets 36 points in his primary certificate examinations and is delighted as he had earned a spot in Aoro's school. Beckysuggests that she would like to get a job but Mark insists that she must continue with her education. A telegram is sent from Aluor informing them that Maria is unwell. Elizabeth is picked from the school by Mark as she is beside herself. Mark does his best to leave everything in order before they leave for Aluor. Elizabeth is beside Maria when he dies in hospital later on that day. CHAPTER 7 BECKY RUNS AWAYOpiyo and Odongo return to Nakuru after the burial of Maria. Education is of importance to the Sigu family as examinations approach and everyone is tense as there are 5 candidates in the house. Aoro was sitting for his O- level, Vera and Becky are sitting for their A-level andOpiyo and Odongo for the certificate of primary education. Vera and Becky are now are in their prime and boys begin to pay a lot of attention to them. Vera meets Tommy Muhambe who is particularly persistent. She brings up the question on whether she can go to a movie with Tommy to her father during dinner. When the results are announced, Aoro excels with 6 distinctions, Vera got two A's and a B, Becky flunked.


Vera meets Tommy Muhambe who is particularly persistent. She brings up the question on whether she can go to a movie with Tommy to her father during dinner. When the results are announced, Aoro excels with 6 distinctions, Vera got two A's and a B, Becky flunked. After the result Becky runs away from home and leaves a note stating that she had gone to try to be an air hostess. Vera tries to explain to her parents that they should let her be. CHAPTER 8 CAMPUS LIFEVera goes to campus and is struck by the new found freedom. Most campus girls are dating rich affluent men or other campus students. Vera maintains her relationship with Tommy butwhen he proposes to her she declines ending their 3 year relationship. Vera leaves with a heavy heart and decide to try and find her sister Becky. She accidentally bumps into her at the airport and leave for Becky apartments. CHAPTER 9 BECKY'S RELATIONSHIP WITH JOHNBecky takes Vera to an affluent block of apartments. She introduces Vera to her fianc , John Courtney, a Canadian national who was a pilot. She tells Vera about her plans to get married, but Vera insists that he must first meet their parents. Vera tries to convince Becky to go back home. On john's persistence she finally agrees to visit her parents. CHAPTER 10 VERA JOINS OPUS DEIVera goes back to her room on campus and tells the day s events to her roommate MaryAnne Ngugi. Vera mentions the heartbreak with Tommy and about her twin sister. The conversation extends to the larger family. Mary Anne then invites her to attend a recollection at Parkview college, which she readily agrees. After mass on Sunday Vera begins to question her religious beliefs. She watches a lay, and goes on with her studies as exams are approaching. When the day comes, Mary -Anne and Vera board a matatu and head for the recollection. Vera is introduced to the members of Opus Dei who had different views about the church, and work challenges. She got out of the church puzzled and Mary-Anne offered to give her books which will help her understand better. PART 4: VARIABLE WINDSVariable winds suggest the changing course of the lives that the family experiences. There are the ups and downs that characterize their lives.


She got out of the church puzzled and Mary-Anne offered to give her books which will help her understand better. PART 4: VARIABLE WINDSVariable winds suggest the changing course of the lives that the family experiences. There are the ups and downs that characterize their lives. Their lives diverge on different paths thatbring with them sweet victories like Aoro s marriage, Wandia s doctorate, happy families among other events. There are also the difficulties like Daniel s down syndrome, Becky s death among other challenges that they encounter. There I also the frosting in the relationship between Becky and the rest of her family. The change in the way her children relate to her and the marked improvement they make under the care of Aoro and Wandia. CHAPTER ONE: AORO TAKES MEDICINEAoro starts medicine at the university. The study of Anatomy Biochemistry and Psychology among other subjects. Anatomy happens to be the most of the competitive subjects. In the laboratory, the students are told to the group themselves into groups of six. Group s ix had Aoro, Wandia, Makau Kithinji, Jeremy Kizingo, Paul Omondi Rakula, and Simon Onyancha. The competition is narrowed to two members of group six. After exams, Wandia beat Aoro with a single point. Aoro takes it in good grace and invites her to have a drink. This signifies the start of a long relationship. CHAPTER 2: AORO'S INTERNSHIPThe internship is hard for Aoro. He has to work around the clock while at the mercy of the residents and doctors. His rounds include the theatre, round in the wards and filling patient information as well as taking laboratory sample. He rarely gets enough sleep. Wandia is also an intern at Machakos general hospital. They are unable to meet for long periods of time as the rarely have time to meet. Aoro is taking a break to rest when Wandia visits him. They talk about marriage and Wandia proposes to Aoro. Wandia informs Aoro thatshe was on her wayto visit her mother who was sick. CHAPTER 3 WANDIAS FAMILYWandia had been raised by a single mother after her father had died while she was young. Her mother had raised money to educate them by working on her coffee farm. Her siblings were all grown up and engaged in different professions.


CHAPTER 3 WANDIAS FAMILYWandia had been raised by a single mother after her father had died while she was young. Her mother had raised money to educate them by working on her coffee farm. Her siblings were all grown up and engaged in different professions. Her sister Esther is a teacher who is married to the headmaster, Michael. Her brother Michael was a business man in Nairobi, Wandia is a doctor and timothy is described as being a good time boy. Wandia's mother suffers from diabetes and has an ulcer on her leg. Wandia's mother is still worried about her farm even though Wandia tells her that she does not need to work so hard. She spends time with her mother and even talks about Aoro. She then goes to spend the night with her sister Esther. She enjoys the company of her nieces and nephews. Later that evening they get time to talk and the topic of Aoro is brought up again. The rest of her family is concern about the different tribes but Wandia is not bothered. CHAPTER 4 WANDIA'S INTRODUCTIONAoro takes Wandia to his parent s farm in Njoro. After the visit to Wandia's family, Aoro wrote his parent a letter informing them that he would be bringing his bride to be home. Elizabeth is eager to meet them and is the one who receives them when they arrive. After the introductions, Elizabeth asks Wandia to help herb in the kitchen, giving mark and Aoro sometime to talk. Mark is concern that Aoro might have made a wrong decision by choosing to marry a kikuyu. Elizabeth and Wandia get along well and become good friends. They return with tea after they feel that the men had enough time to sort out their differences. CHAPTER 5 AORO WEDS WANDIAAoro and Wandia's wedding pulls the family together as that try to make it a success. Becky provides a car and Vera helps them get one of the company houses in Malindi. For the honeymoon. Vera and Wandia grow very close to each other. Becky is separated from john Courtney after he discovered that she was cheating on him. She had custody of their two children, Johnny, and Alicia. Becky lived a promiscuous life and insults Vera when she was confronted about it. Wandia is pregnant with twins and had been asked to stay home due to a cough.


She had custody of their two children, Johnny, and Alicia. Becky lived a promiscuous life and insults Vera when she was confronted about it. Wandia is pregnant with twins and had been asked to stay home due to a cough. Vera visits Wandia and voices her concerns about her sister. They discuss Becky s health which seemed to be on the decline and her children's welfare. Wandia goes into labour. CHAPTER 6 DANIEL'S DOWN S SYNDROMEWandia gets twins, Lisa and Daniel. Daniel has Down syndrome and grows at a slow rate. Lisa grows rapidly and makes the contrast between her and her twin brother so much more glaring. Wandia is devastated by his condition while Aoro feel like he had failed. Daniel is a loving child despite his condition and draws love from all around him. Becky dies of AIDSand Wandia and Aoro take in Alicia and Johnny since Vera, who had been appointed their guardian, cannot as her calling does not allow her to have a home. Becky lives behind a sizeable estate to ensure that they are well provided for. Daniel develops leukaemia as children with Down s syndrome are prone to it. Wandia is shocked by the turn of events. Daniel is taken to hospital and the doctor set about treating him as it is not one of the aggressive forms. Wandia visits church and asks God to save her son and promises to visit church more frequently. CHAPTER 7 FAMILY REUNIONWandia pursues her passion in haematology after the recovery of her son Daniel. She receives a scholarship to study in John Hopkins hospital in Baltimore, USA. She is however worried of living Aoro with the task of looking after their now large family. Alicia andJohnny loved them like their biological parents. At the end of the term all the children wanted to show how well they were doing in school, even Daniel who had Down s Syndrome was doing pretty well. The Aoro's take measure to ensure that the family is well tended whileWandia is away. The plan was to call Mary, Aoro s sister, to stay with the children besides hiring another house help. The family goes to Njoro to visit mark and Elizabeth. Odongo is the farm manager while his twin brother Opiyo is a manager at marks former farm. Opiyo visits with his family too, Edna his wife and their two children. Father tony also drops in.