Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

And that, I think, is a very serious problem. Because it is always difficult to decide whether to keep quite and not say any of the things that come into my head, or say them and get laughed at.

1. Which serious problem is the narrator talking about? (Understanding and Analysis)
2. What is the narrator’s dilemma? (Analysis)
3. What is the general attitude of the elders to the problems of the youngsters? (Evaluate)
4. Has it been easy for Adjoa to deal with Nana? How do you know? (Understanding and Analysis)
5. Which weakness of Adjoa is pointed out by Nana? (Understanding)

Answer 1

1. The narrator is talking about the difficulty of expressing her thoughts and feelings freely. She fears that if she says what comes into her mind, the adults may laugh at her or make fun of her.
2. Adjoa is confused about whether she should remain silent or speak her mind. She wants to express her thoughts about her legs and the disagreement between Nana and Maami, but she is afraid of being laughed at.
3. The elders often do not take the feelings and problems of youngsters seriously. They may dismiss their opinions or laugh at what they say. This can make young people hesitant to express themselves openly.
4. No, it has not been easy for Adjoa to deal with Nana. Nana is authoritative and repeatedly criticises Adjoa’s long, thin legs. Adjoa has to be careful about what she says because she fears being laughed at or upsetting Nana.
5. Nana points out Adjoa’s long, thin legs as a weakness. She believes that Adjoa’s legs are not strong or normal enough for a girl and worries about their effect on her future.