Observation

This question demands that candidates present a portrayal of western education as presented in the novel. Most responses were mere narration of the plot of the story.

Candidates were expected to mention the following points among others:

• The theme of patriarchy, racial discrimination and western education, all of which impose hurdles on women and black people’s quest for social mobility.
• A description of western education and it being synonymous with school.

• Western education considered as the African male child’s preserve; however, Adah is sent to school by her mother after the Police station incident.
• Positive aspects of western education as portrayed in Lawyer Nweze’s special welcome.
• Adah’s social status is enhanced by her western education: she works as a librarian at the American embassy, she is able to finance her husband’s trip to further his education in the United Kingdom, her bride price increases.
• Negative aspects of western education as seen in the possibility of abandoning one’s native culture.

Most answers touched on the above points and the candidates performed well.