The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind Quiz: Multiple Choice Questions

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Questions and Answers

What is the earliest memory of the narrator as a boy?

Playing under the mango tree and talking to a trader

Playing in the road and receiving bubble gum from herd boys (correct)

Witnessing a magic show in the village

Helping his father on the farm

Where did the narrator's family live?

The city of Kasungu

Masitala village near Kasungu (correct)

A city near the farm

Near a market

What did the trader on a bicycle tell the narrator's father?

He had dropped one of his bags on his way to the market (correct)

He needed help with fixing his bicycle

He wanted to buy mangoes from the farm

He was looking for a lost cow

What did the herd boys find in a giant sack in the road?

Bubble gum Signup and view all the answers

What is the protective measure against witches and wizards mentioned in the text?

Praying to clean one's soul Signup and view all the answers

What causes witches and wizards to revert to human form if they come into contact with it?

Money Signup and view all the answers

What is used as a disguise for witch planes to travel great distances?

Everyday objects Signup and view all the answers

What leads to eternal control by the wizard responsible?

Consuming human flesh disguised as food Signup and view all the answers

What leads to the use of children as soldiers according to the text?

Witches engaging in battles amongst themselves Signup and view all the answers

What causes confusion and casualties among witches according to the text?

Mysterious soccer matches with human head balls Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the ritual where the leader of the hunt wasn't allowed to sleep with his wife the night before the hunt?

To keep the man's focus and attention sharp Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of distributing red maize mixed with certain roots and medicines to each hunter before the hunt?

It was believed to protect them from danger Signup and view all the answers

What did people believe would happen if their wives stayed indoors and slept during the hunt?

It would cause the animals to sleep as well, allowing easier hunting Signup and view all the answers

What were the Gule Wamkulu believed to be?

The spirits of dead ancestors resurrected from the afterworld Signup and view all the answers

Why were people afraid to doubt or speak about the Gule Wamkulu?

Because speaking about them could result in being bewitched Signup and view all the answers

What is said about donkeys in relation to Gule Wamkulu?

Donkeys are not afraid of Gule Wamkulu and can chase them away Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker believe had been placed on him after consuming the gum?

A curse by the witch doctor Signup and view all the answers

Why did the speaker run home to his father?

To confess about eating the stolen gum Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker's father do to prevent further trouble?

Paid for the entire bag of gum Signup and view all the answers

Who was summoned to help deal with the ferocious black rhino?

Mwase Chiphaudzu, a magic hunter Signup and view all the answers

What was Mwase Chiphaudzu able to disguise himself as?

A cluster of reeds Signup and view all the answers

What did Mwase Chiphaudzu use to ambush and kill the ferocious black rhino?

Ambush using his magic Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker experience after consuming the gum?

Fear, sweating, and a racing heart Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker believe would happen to him at night?

The witches would come for him and take him to magic battlefields where he would be left for dead Signup and view all the answers

What did Mwase do after killing a black rhino?

Celebrated for three days and was granted land and power by the chief Signup and view all the answers

What did the Ngoni people plan to capture?

The 'Rock of the Edible Flies' Signup and view all the answers

What did Mwase's warriors disguise themselves as to ambush the Ngoni?

Grass Signup and view all the answers

What was the hill renamed to after defeating Chief Nawambe?

'Nguru ya Nawambe' (The Deadly Defeat of Nawambe) Signup and view all the answers

What did the British authorities do in response to a lion killing a woman?

Sent soldiers to kill the lion and display its body in the village square Signup and view all the answers

What did Mwase come across while hunting alone?

A lion attacking a woman Signup and view all the answers

What did Mwase do after killing a black rhino?

Celebrated for three days and was granted land and power by the chief Signup and view all the answers

What did the Ngoni plan to capture?

The 'Rock of the Edible Flies' Signup and view all the answers

What did Mwase's warriors disguise themselves as to ambush the Ngoni?

Grass Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the forest in the past according to the text?

It became a dense forest with many wild animals including lions and hyenas Signup and view all the answers

What did the British authorities do after a lion killed a woman in the forest?

Sent soldiers to kill the lion and display its body in the village square Signup and view all the answers

What did Mwase do when he came across a man bitten by a cobra?

Alerted the nearby village and brought their witch doctor to perform a ritual Signup and view all the answers

What was Mwase granted after killing a black rhino?

Land and power by the chief Signup and view all the answers

What did Mwase's warriors disguise themselves as when ambushing the Ngoni?

Grass Signup and view all the answers

What did Mwase establish upon returning to Lilongwe?

A thriving empire with abundant farmland and strong people Signup and view all the answers

What did Mwase do after coming across a man bitten by a cobra?

Alerted nearby villagers who brought their witch doctor to perform a ritual to save him Signup and view all the answers

What was the secret to Mister Phiri's superhuman strength?

Mangolomera, a magical potion made from burned and ground bones of leopards and lions, mixed with roots and herbs Signup and view all the answers

How was mangolomera administered to achieve superhuman strength?

Rubbed into small incisions made on each knuckle by a magic razor Signup and view all the answers

What did Mister Phiri do when a black mamba snake slithered over his foot?

Took a simple blade of grass and whipped the snake on the back, leaving it paralyzed Signup and view all the answers

What did people believe about Mister Phiri's ability to handle snakes?

He carried another mamba in his pocket as a charm, which made other snakes too afraid to bite him Signup and view all the answers

What magical power did Phiri possess?

Mangolomera Signup and view all the answers

How did Phiri's magical ability affect him during a fight with James?

It caused him to become enraged and overpower James Signup and view all the answers

What did the father use to neutralize Phiri's mangolomera during the fight?

Green vines from a sweet potato plant Signup and view all the answers

Who claimed to possess mangolomera and offered it to the narrator?

Shabani, Phiri's nephew Signup and view all the answers

What was involved in the ritual performed by Shabani to transfer the magic to the narrator?

Cutting the narrator's knuckles and applying a potion made from rare oceanic materials Signup and view all the answers

Why did the narrator agree to go through with the painful ritual despite its cost?

Believing it would give strength to defend against bullies Signup and view all the answers

What did Mister Ngwata advise the brothers to ensure for the deceased's children?

Education and financial stability Signup and view all the answers

What did the gravediggers use to protect the deceased from falling dirt?

A hidden compartment in the grave Signup and view all the answers

What caused the narrator to feel ashamed?

Inability to wail and cry as expected Signup and view all the answers

Who spoke on behalf of the deceased's other family members, requesting care and support for his wife and children?

Mister Jonesi Signup and view all the answers

What was used to cover Uncle John's body while it lay in the house?

A mat Signup and view all the answers

How was Uncle John's body placed into the ground?

Using a hidden compartment in the grave Signup and view all the answers

What was discussed by the village headmen regarding funeral arrangements?

Caring for the deceased's children Signup and view all the answers

What did Father do upon learning of his brother's passing?

Collapsed, requiring assistance Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's initial reaction upon witnessing his parents' grief?

Frightened by the sight of their grief Signup and view all the answers

What did Mister Ngwata advise the brothers regarding their responsibility towards Uncle John's children?

Ensure their education and financial stability Signup and view all the answers

What was mangolomera made from to deliver superhuman strength?

Burned and ground bones of leopards and lions, mixed with roots and herbs Signup and view all the answers

How was mangolomera administered to achieve superhuman strength?

Rubbed into small incisions made on each knuckle by a magic razor Signup and view all the answers

What did people believe about Mister Phiri's ability to handle snakes?

He carried another mamba in his pocket as a charm, which made snakes afraid to bite Signup and view all the answers

What was the ultimate self-defense against weakness according to the text?

Mangolomera, a form of magic that delivered superhuman strength Signup and view all the answers

What does the man warn the narrator not to eat or tell anyone about?

Okra and sweet potato leaves Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator plan to do during the summer holiday to test his newfound powers?

Go to Dowa Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the narrator crushes a boy's feet with his sandal during a soccer game?

The boy defends himself, leaving the narrator with a sore eye and bruised hands Signup and view all the answers

What does the man who gave the narrator the powder admit to lying about?

The effects of the powder Signup and view all the answers

Where does the narrator's father place Uncle John's bed mat before leaving to borrow a car?

Under an acacia tree Signup and view all the answers

Who stays by Uncle John's side after his bed mat is placed under an acacia tree?

Uncle John's wife, Enifa Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator witness Enifa doing after hearing a commotion?

Pushing through the crowd, gasping for breath Signup and view all the answers

What do the villagers begin to do when Enifa pushes through the crowd?

Wail and cry Signup and view all the answers

Who scolds the narrator for fighting after Uncle John's death?

The narrator's uncle Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the narrator waits for three days for the powder to take effect?

He feels a rush of confidence Signup and view all the answers

What does the man rub on the narrator's injured hands?

A powder to make them swell and feel tough. Signup and view all the answers

What led to Jeremiah losing control of the family business?

Excessive drinking and mismanagement Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of President Muluzi's policy change on small farmers?

It became difficult for them to make a profit due to low tobacco prices Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for Socrates losing his job and moving back to the village?

The collapse of the business he worked for Signup and view all the answers

What did President Muluzi's policy change lead to?

A decline in tobacco prices Signup and view all the answers

What did Jeremiah do that led to his loss of control over the family business?

He lost the maize mill and half the cows due to excessive drinking. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of President Banda's death on government subsidies?

They were stopped by President Muluzi. Signup and view all the answers

What caused a decline in tobacco prices according to the text?

The free market led to mass-produced tobacco flooding the auction floors. Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason for Socrates' return to the village?

He lost his job due to policy changes by President Muluzi. Signup and view all the answers

What did the man warn the narrator not to do after giving him the powder?

Eat okra or sweet potato leaves Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator plan to do during the summer holiday?

Go to Dowa to test his newfound powers Signup and view all the answers

What happened when the narrator crushed a boy's feet with his sandal during a soccer game?

The boy defended himself, leaving the narrator with a sore eye and bruised hands Signup and view all the answers

What did the man who gave the narrator the powder admit about its effects?

He lied about its effects and that the narrator should not have bathed after receiving it Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator's father do after taking Uncle John to the hospital?

Placed Uncle John's bed mat under an acacia tree for him to rest before leaving to borrow a car Signup and view all the answers

What did Enifa do when she was by Uncle John's side?

Stayed by Uncle John's side and was soon joined by other members of the village Signup and view all the answers

What did the villagers do when they saw Enifa pushing through the crowd?

Began wailing and crying, causing a commotion Signup and view all the answers

What did the villagers do when they saw Enifa gasping for breath?

Began wailing and crying, causing a commotion Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for the narrator's feeling of shame?

Not being able to wail and cry as expected Signup and view all the answers

Who advises the brothers to ensure the deceased's children's education and financial stability?

Mister Ngwata Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a hidden compartment in the grave?

To protect the deceased from falling dirt Signup and view all the answers

Who speaks on behalf of the deceased's other family members, requesting care and support for his wife and children?

Mister Jonesi Signup and view all the answers

What causes the narrator to feel a sense of loneliness and sadness following the funeral?

The death of Uncle John and witnessing his burial Signup and view all the answers

What is covered by a cloth in the house?

Uncle John's body Signup and view all the answers

What is used to lower Uncle John's body into the ground?

A simple wooden coffin Signup and view all the answers

Who explains the gravediggers' practice of using a hidden compartment to protect the deceased from falling dirt?

Narrator, a young boy Signup and view all the answers

What causes Father to require assistance after learning of his brother's passing?

Collapses due to grief Signup and view all the answers

Who discusses funeral arrangements and caring for the deceased's children?

Village headmen Signup and view all the answers

What is advised by Chief's messenger, Mister Ngwata, regarding education and financial stability?

Ensuring children’s education and financial stability Signup and view all the answers

What warning does the man give the narrator after applying the powder to his hands?

Not to eat okra or sweet potato leaves Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the narrator experience during the three-day wait for the powder to take effect?

A rush of confidence Signup and view all the answers

Where does the narrator plan to go during the summer holiday to test his newfound powers?

Dowa Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator intend to do by crushing a boy's feet with his sandal during a soccer game?

Test his powers Signup and view all the answers

What revelation does the man who gave the narrator the powder make about its effects?

He lied about its effects and application Signup and view all the answers

Who takes the narrator home and scolds him for fighting after the failed attempt at testing his powers?

The narrator's uncle Signup and view all the answers

What action does the narrator's father take after Uncle John's tuberculosis diagnosis?

Takes Uncle John to the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Uncle John is being taken to the hospital by the narrator's father?

Uncle John dies before reaching the hospital Signup and view all the answers

Who stays by Uncle John's side under an acacia tree after he passes away?

Enifa, Uncle John's wife Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator do after picking up the birds from the trap?

Twisted their necks to kill them Signup and view all the answers

Where did the narrator and Khamba set off to after giving up on resetting the trap?

Mphala, a home for unmarried boys Signup and view all the answers

Who had taken over the clubhouse on the narrator's property?

Charity and his friend Mizeck Signup and view all the answers

What was the clubhouse made of in the corner?

Blue gum poles and maize sacks stuffed with grass Signup and view all the answers

Who was supposed to inherit the family business?

Jeremiah, the firstborn son Signup and view all the answers

What led to the collapse of the family business?

Jeremiah's excessive drinking and mismanagement Signup and view all the answers

What factor made it difficult for small farmers to make a profit?

Mass-produced tobacco flooding the auction floors Signup and view all the answers

Who moved back to the village with his family after losing his job?

Uncle Socrates Signup and view all the answers

What did Jeremiah lose due to his excessive drinking?

Two maize mills and half the cows Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred after President Banda's death in 1994?

New president Bakili Muluzi stopped government subsidies for fertilizer and seed Signup and view all the answers

What did Uncle Socrates bring along when he moved back to the village?

A large dog named Khamba Signup and view all the answers

What did Bakili Muluzi do after coming to power?

Stopped government subsidies for fertilizer and seed Signup and view all the answers

What caused prices to drop and made it difficult for small farmers?

Mass-produced tobacco flooding the auction floors Signup and view all the answers

What did Jeremiah have a history of spending money on?

Drinking alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What did Uncle Socrates lose after President Banda's death?

His position as firstborn son in line for inheritance Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker do to gain entry into the clubhouse?

Hunted and brought birds as payment Signup and view all the answers

What was the speaker's reaction when Khamba followed him during the mating season?

He always sent Khamba away Signup and view all the answers

What did the clubhouse smell like?

The air smelled bad Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker often do to avoid being noticed in the clubhouse?

Was grateful when not noticed Signup and view all the answers

What game did the speaker play more often during his thirteenth year?

'Bawo' Signup and view all the answers

How did the speaker react when Khamba followed him to the trading center?

Scared him away Signup and view all the answers

What was used for ventilation and light in the clubhouse?

Both a small window and a fireplace Signup and view all the answers

What did MTL Wanderers have in their clubhouse?

Posters Signup and view all the answers

What was disliked intensely by the speaker?

Big Bullets Signup and view all the answers

What did Khamba receive as a reward for the heads of birds brought by the speaker?

The heads of birds Signup and view all the answers

Where did the speaker grow up during his thirteenth year?

In a trading center Signup and view all the answers

Who was expected to inherit the family business?

Jeremiah, the firstborn son Signup and view all the answers

What led to the collapse of the family business?

Jeremiah's excessive drinking and mismanagement Signup and view all the answers

What economic change impacted small farmers?

The free market and mass-produced tobacco Signup and view all the answers

Who lost their job and moved back to the village with their family?

Socrates, after inheriting control of the business Signup and view all the answers

What did Jeremiah lose within two years of taking control of the business?

Maize mill and half of the cows Signup and view all the answers

What change in government policy affected agriculture?

Stoppage of government subsidies for fertilizer and seed Signup and view all the answers

Who was known for excessive drinking and lack of interest in hard work?

Jeremiah Signup and view all the answers

What was handed over to Jeremiah when he took control of the business?

Two maize mills and eight head of cattle Signup and view all the answers

Who moved back to the village with their family after losing their job?

Socrates, after inheriting control of the business Signup and view all the answers

What fascinates the young boy Geoffrey in Malawi?

Mechanics and electronics Signup and view all the answers

What is a communal family activity in Malawi related to food production?

Farming maize (nsima) Signup and view all the answers

What does the boy collect and roast as a snack?

Grasshoppers Signup and view all the answers

What is mentioned to be often overlooked in Malawian society?

Women's contributions Signup and view all the answers

What does the boy dream of becoming in the future?

A scientist Signup and view all the answers

What does the boy use dead batteries for?

Powering radios Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the radio in Malawi, as described in the text?

It is considered a family member by Malawians Signup and view all the answers

What role did President Banda play in relation to agriculture programs, as mentioned in the text?

He encouraged agricultural activities through radio programs Signup and view all the answers

What components are responsible for the white noise and power control in radios, as explained in the text?

Integrated circuit board and transistors Signup and view all the answers

What type of waves require an external antenna for reception in radios, according to the text?

FM waves Signup and view all the answers

What activity did the narrator and his friend, Geoffrey, start as a business, as mentioned in the text?

Repairing radios Signup and view all the answers

What did the old man coming to their repair shop highlight about radios in Malawian communities?

The importance of radios as a means of communication and entertainment Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's emotional response when MTL Nomads lost against Big Bullets?

Devastation Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about television in Malawi during the time described in the text?

It was not widespread Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator and his friend use to understand how radios functioned?

They took apart old radios Signup and view all the answers

What did Malawians consider their radios to be like, according to the text?

Family members Signup and view all the answers

What did President Banda encourage Malawians to do through radio programs?

He encouraged agricultural activities through radio programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge faced by farmers during the dry season in Malawi?

Breaking apart hard soil Signup and view all the answers

When does the planting season start in Malawi?

December Signup and view all the answers

What is the staple crop mentioned in the text?

Maize Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the harsh conditions faced by farmers during farming in Malawi?

Long working hours and presence of pests Signup and view all the answers

What is a common risk faced by farmers during the clearing and planting season?

Accidents such as cutting one's foot with a hoe Signup and view all the answers

What do farmers do at the start of the planting season?

Make planting stations and sow seeds quickly after the first rains Signup and view all the answers

What is described as requiring significant effort during the dry season in Malawi?

Breaking apart hard soil Signup and view all the answers

What is highlighted as a common occurrence during the clearing and planting season?

Accidents such as cutting one's foot with a hoe Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as an important aspect of farming in Malawi?

Communal work and joy of harvest Signup and view all the answers

When do farmers wake up early to prepare for work in Malawi?

In the morning before walking to the fields with their tools. Signup and view all the answers

What led to Jeremiah losing control of the family business?

Excessive drinking and mismanagement Signup and view all the answers

What caused the collapse of the family business?

Jeremiah's excessive drinking and mismanagement Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the new president's policies on small farmers?

It made it difficult for small farmers to make a profit Signup and view all the answers

Why did Uncle Socrates move back to the village with his family?

He lost his job due to policy changes in the country Signup and view all the answers

What did President Muluzi's policy change lead to in the market?

Mass-produced tobacco flooding the auction floors Signup and view all the answers

What did Jeremiah lose within two years due to his excessive drinking?

His control over the family business Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for Jeremiah's loss of control over the family business?

Excessive drinking and mismanagement Signup and view all the answers

What led to the difficulty for small farmers to make a profit?

Government's stoppage of subsidies for fertilizer and seed Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of President Banda's death in 1994?

New president stopped government subsidies for fertilizer and seed Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jeremiah not inherit the family business as per tradition?

History of spending money on drinking and lack of interest in hard work Signup and view all the answers

What did Bakili Muluzi's policies lead to?

Flooding of auction floors with mass-produced tobacco Signup and view all the answers

What happened after Uncle Socrates lost his job?

He moved back to the village with his family Signup and view all the answers

What caused the collapse of the family business?

Jeremiah's excessive drinking and mismanagement Signup and view all the answers

What was customary regarding inheritance of the family business?

Firstborn son, Jeremiah, was expected to inherit it Signup and view all the answers

What did Bakili Muluzi's presidency bring about?

End of government subsidies for fertilizer and seed Signup and view all the answers

What happened after Jeremiah was handed control of the business and cattle?

He lost control due to excessive drinking within two years Signup and view all the answers

What was President Banda known for regarding agriculture?

Providing government subsidies for agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What was traditional inheritance law related to the family business based on?

Firstborn son, Jeremiah, was expected to inherit it Signup and view all the answers

What does the man warn the narrator not to eat or tell anyone about?

Okra and sweet potato leaves Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator plan to do during the summer holiday?

Go to Dowa to test his newfound powers Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the narrator crushes a boy's feet with his sandal during a soccer game?

The boy defends himself, leaving the narrator with a sore eye and bruised hands Signup and view all the answers

Why does the narrator feel a rush of confidence after waiting for three days for the powder to take effect?

Because of the placebo effect Signup and view all the answers

What revelation does the man who gave the narrator the powder make about its effects?

He lied about its effects and admits that the narrator should not have bathed after receiving it Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the narrator's father takes Uncle John to the hospital due to a tuberculosis diagnosis?

Uncle John dies before they can reach the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What does Uncle John's wife, Enifa, do after Uncle John's bed mat is placed under an acacia tree?

She stays by Uncle John's side and is soon joined by other members of the village Signup and view all the answers

What do villagers begin to do when Enifa pushes through the crowd?

They begin to wail and cry Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's uncle do upon learning of his brother's passing?

He takes him home and scolds him for fighting Signup and view all the answers

What does President Muluzi's policy change lead to?

Economic hardships for small farmers Signup and view all the answers

What causes the narrator to feel a sense of loneliness and sadness following the funeral?

The collapse of his family business Signup and view all the answers

What did the ritual to transfer mangolomera to the narrator involve?

Applying a potion made from rare oceanic materials Signup and view all the answers

What did Phiri's magical ability cause him to do during the fight with James?

Become enraged Signup and view all the answers

What did the father use to neutralize Phiri's mangolomera during the fight?

Green vines from a sweet potato plant Signup and view all the answers

Why did the narrator agree to go through with the painful ritual despite its cost?

Believing it would give him the strength to defend himself against bullies Signup and view all the answers

What did Shabani claim to possess and offer to help the narrator deal with bullies?

Mangolomera Signup and view all the answers

What did Shabani use in the ritual to transfer mangolomera to the narrator?

A potion made from rare oceanic materials Signup and view all the answers

What did Phiri's magical power make him constantly want to do?

Battle Signup and view all the answers

What did Mwase use as a disguise when ambushing and killing the ferocious black rhino?

A cloak made of leaves and twigs Signup and view all the answers

What did Shabani do after claiming to possess mangolomera and offering it to help the narrator deal with bullies?

Took the narrator to perform a ritual in the forest Signup and view all the answers

What was used by Mwase's warriors as a disguise when ambushing the Ngoni?

Covered themselves in mud and leaves as camouflage Signup and view all the answers

What magical power did Phiri possess?

Mangolomera Signup and view all the answers

How did Phiri's magical ability affect his behavior during a fight?

It caused him to become enraged Signup and view all the answers

What did Phiri's nephew, Shabani, claim to possess?

Mangolomera Signup and view all the answers

What did Shabani use in the ritual to transfer the magic to the narrator?

Rare oceanic materials Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator feel about undergoing the painful ritual?

Believed it would give strength to defend against bullies Signup and view all the answers

What did the father use to neutralize Phiri's mangolomera during a fight?

Green vines from a sweet potato plant Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the gathering in Gilbert's yard?

To ask for handouts or day labor due to food shortage Signup and view all the answers

What did the term 'ganyu' refer to?

Piecework or day labor Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's responsibility during the planting season?

Water the young tobacco plants in the nursery beds Signup and view all the answers

What did 'mpangos' refer to in the text?

Bright-colored head wraps worn by women Signup and view all the answers

What has become a popular food source due to the lack of maize in the region?

Cassava Signup and view all the answers

Who is traveling the country to give out small handouts of money and food?

President Muluzi Signup and view all the answers

Why is Geoffrey not able to return to school?

He has anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition of Khamba, the narrator's dog?

He is getting older and slower Signup and view all the answers

What are people traveling from far away to look for in exchange for food or flour?

Work Signup and view all the answers

Where are people gathering to receive food handouts?

The homes of the wealthy Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrator's family running out of, leading them to sell their livestock to buy maize?

Grain Signup and view all the answers

How long will the narrator's remaining two bags of grain last for?

60 meals for 24 days Signup and view all the answers

Why does the narrator start waking up early and skipping breakfast?

To help his cousin with farming Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's father do with their goats to buy maize?

Sells them Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator offer to help his cousin with in exchange for assistance with ridges?

Digging wells Signup and view all the answers

What position did President Muluzi hold in the Southern African Development Community (SADC)?

Chairman Signup and view all the answers

What did Chief Wimbe request President Muluzi to allocate funds for instead of wells and toilets?

Buying grain Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Chief Wimbe after he spoke on behalf of the people to President Muluzi about the crisis?

He was beaten by government officials Signup and view all the answers

What did President Muluzi promise to give every person in Malawi if he won the election?

New shoes Signup and view all the answers

Who did President Muluzi attempt to broker peace between?

Leaders of Congo and Rwanda Signup and view all the answers

What was the response of the government to the anger about a missing maize surplus and looming hunger?

No solutions were offered Signup and view all the answers

What did December bring, despite which many farmers were too busy looking for food to plant their fields?

Heavy rains Signup and view all the answers

What did Waganyu do as seen moving slowly down the road, often soaked with rain and covered in mud?

People looking for piecework Signup and view all the answers

What did President Muluzi prioritize over buying new desks for schools?

Cutting down trees in a blue gum grove to build desks Signup and view all the answers

What did the school building receive instead of new homes for teachers?

A fresh coat of paint and a new iron sheet for the roof Signup and view all the answers

What caused many farmers to be too busy looking for food instead of planting their fields?

Looming hunger due to missing maize surplus Signup and view all the answers

What was used as a substitute for maize when the price of maize rose significantly?

Unripe mangoes Signup and view all the answers

Who informed the protagonist that he had been unable to buy maize from the usual villages for the upcoming hungry season?

Mister Banda, a trader Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for selling surplus grain but was reported to be empty?

Agriculture Development Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) Signup and view all the answers

What did the surplus grain get sold for, leaving the community without a safety net?

Profit to Kenya and other countries Signup and view all the answers

What did people start looking for when the price of maize began to rise significantly?

Alternative sources of food Signup and view all the answers

Who felt obligated to feed the hungry people in their community?

Gilbert's father, as the chief Signup and view all the answers

What were market women selling as a last resort for food?

Gaga, the clear-colored husks removed from maize Signup and view all the answers

Who had nothing extra to offer during the food crisis despite usually helping during lean times?

Local estates Signup and view all the answers

What caused the harvests in outer villages to be unsuccessful?

Floods and drought Signup and view all the answers

Who reported that Press Agriculture estate was empty?

Mister Banda, a trader Signup and view all the answers

What did people start doing when unripe mangoes were used as a substitute for maize?

Digging up mango trees to find any source of sustenance. Signup and view all the answers

'Gaga' referred to in the text is:

The clear-colored husks removed from maize Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason behind Gilbert's concern about tending his fields?

He is too busy with other responsibilities like finding food and dealing with visitors Signup and view all the answers

What change in the atmosphere of the village is observed by the narrator on Christmas day?

People walking slowly with heads down and not interacting with each other Signup and view all the answers

What does Gilbert express disappointment about when talking to the narrator?

The limited supply of food, resulting in only nsima and beans being available Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator notice about the people's behavior towards using the latrine?

They have stopped bothering with using the latrine altogether Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator and Charity consume large amounts of to bring back a wounded animal during Christmas?

Hide Signup and view all the answers

Why did the narrator not ask for a share of the hide for his family after consuming it?

It was a rule to keep what happens in mphala within mphala Signup and view all the answers

What news did the narrator receive the following week after the Christmas incident?

His exam results were ready Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's reaction upon finding out he had been assigned to Kachokolo Secondary School?

Disappointed and planned to become the best student at Kachokolo Signup and view all the answers

What did the arrival of rains bring, along with life to the land?

Insects and misery to the people Signup and view all the answers

What were people mostly eating due to the high cost of maize?

'Gaga' Signup and view all the answers

What were the narrator's grades below average in?

Mathematics, Primary Science, and English Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator plan after taking his Junior Certificate Exam at Kachokolo Secondary School?

To transfer to a better school Signup and view all the answers

What did several pieces of hide remain in after being consumed by the narrator and Charity?

The pot Signup and view all the answers

Who made an exception and allowed the narrator and the animal inside the clubhouse?

Charity Signup and view all the answers

What did consuming large amounts of hide cause for the narrator?

Tiredness and sore jaws Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator's father use the withdrawn money for?

To buy maize for the family Signup and view all the answers

Why was the narrator reprimanded by the headmaster on the first day of school?

For not being in proper uniform Signup and view all the answers

Why were students studying outside under trees at the narrator's previous primary school?

Due to overcrowding Signup and view all the answers

What happened to one of the narrator's classmates, Angela?

She fell through the floor of the latrines due to termite damage Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator's mother send him to buy at the trading center?

A white shirt for school Signup and view all the answers

What led to protests at the market in Malawi?

The discovery of sawdust mixed in maize porridge Signup and view all the answers

What did the woman named 'my mother' do to earn money for flour?

Spent hours baking cakes to sell Signup and view all the answers

What did families have to do as the price of maize continued to rise?

Cut back on their food portions Signup and view all the answers

What became a target during chaotic mobs in Malawi?

My mother's cakes Signup and view all the answers

What did people fear as the situation worsened in Malawi?

Their safety and the collapse of the government Signup and view all the answers

What did people rush to banks for in Malawi?

To withdraw their savings Signup and view all the answers

What did traders resort to when supplies ran low in Malawi?

Mixing gaga (maize porridge) with sawdust Signup and view all the answers

What was a common practice during chaotic scenes in Malawi?

Mobbing merchants and taking what they could Signup and view all the answers

How did people react upon discovering deception in Malawi?

Protested at the market Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of people's desperation in Malawi?

Paranoia and anxiety becoming prevalent Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of the rising price of maize in Malawi?

Families had to cut back on their food portions due to hunger and stress Signup and view all the answers

What was a common reaction among people regarding government silence on the crisis in Malawi?

Feared for their safety and the collapse of the government Signup and view all the answers

What specific Christmas meal does Charity long for?

Mang'ina Signup and view all the answers

What did William and Charity receive from James to prepare a meal?

Goat skin Signup and view all the answers

What did William and Charity add to the boiled skin for flavor?

Soda Signup and view all the answers

Who did William and Charity share the meal with?

Their dog, Khamba Signup and view all the answers

Who was not feeling well according to the text?

Geoffrey Signup and view all the answers

What did William and Charity express frustration with?

Scarcity of food and wealth disparity between traders and villagers Signup and view all the answers

What did traders in Malawi start mixing with maize porridge when supplies ran low?

Sawdust Signup and view all the answers

Why did the narrator's mother hide the amount earned from selling cakes?

To keep it from her family Signup and view all the answers

What became a target during chaotic scenes of people mobbing merchants?

The narrator's mother's cakes Signup and view all the answers

What did families have to do as the price of maize continued to rise?

Cut back on their food portions Signup and view all the answers

What did people rush to the banks to do as rumors spread about the government selling the country's resources?

Withdraw their savings Signup and view all the answers

What was prevalent as the situation worsened?

Paranoia and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What did people do when supplies ran low?

Mix gaga with sawdust Signup and view all the answers

Why did families have to cut back on their food portions?

Due to rising maize prices Signup and view all the answers

What did people believe would happen if they stayed indoors and slept during the hunt?

They would bring bad luck to the hunters Signup and view all the answers

What did many people do when they saw Enifa pushing through the crowd?

Mob merchants for supplies Signup and view all the answers

What was President Banda known for regarding agriculture?

Encouraging self-sufficiency through agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What did people discover when consuming gaga mixed with sawdust?

The deception when it soured their stomachs Signup and view all the answers

What caused the white smoke that filled the room and burned the narrator's eyes?

The burning dowe husks Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the narrator's sisters when the dowe was ready?

They crowded into the tiny kitchen, fighting for space Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator do with the steaming food after eating one side of it?

Tossed it back on the fire and moved to the next one Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator feel while eating the dowe?

Chewed slowly and with great satisfaction, feeling like each swallow was returning something lost Signup and view all the answers

What led to protests at the market in Malawi?

Mixing gaga with sawdust Signup and view all the answers

Why did the narrator's mother hide the amount earned from selling cakes?

To check the amount earned Signup and view all the answers

What did people resort to due to desperation in Malawi?

Mobbing merchants Signup and view all the answers

What caused paranoia and anxiety among people as the situation worsened?

Rumors about government selling resources Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the price of maize continuing to rise?

Families had to cut back on their food portions Signup and view all the answers

What did people rush to do as rumors spread about the government selling the country's resources?

Withdraw their savings from banks Signup and view all the answers

What did families have to do due to the rising price of maize?

Cut back on their food portions Signup and view all the answers

Why did people become increasingly desperate in Malawi?

Because of high interest rates on loans from traders Signup and view all the answers

What was a common practice among traders when supplies ran low?

Mixing gaga with sawdust Signup and view all the answers

What did people discover when consuming deceptive porridge in Malawi?

It soured their stomachs, leading to protests at markets Signup and view all the answers

What initially intrigued the person about windmills?

The cover image of windmills Signup and view all the answers

How do windmills generate electricity according to the textbook?

By rotating magnets in a dynamo through wind power Signup and view all the answers

What is a historical use of windmills mentioned in the text?

Pumping water Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential electricity generation capacity of wind farms mentioned in the text?

Comparable to a power plant Signup and view all the answers

What is the person's motivation for building a windmill in Malawi?

To provide electricity and water to their community, specifically their family Signup and view all the answers

What material did the person use to make blades for the small model windmill?

Plastic jar with blades made from its sides Signup and view all the answers

Why was the small model windmill ineffective initially?

Short blades Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of building a full-sized windmill according to the person?

To generate electricity and power a pump for water irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What did the person use as an extension for the small model's blades?

PVC pipe heated over fire Signup and view all the answers

What would be the impact of a successful full-sized windmill according to the text?

Year-round crop growth and improved quality of life for the community Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator and his father consume around thirty of on a particular day?

Maize (dowe) Signup and view all the answers

What did people begin to regain as the dowe and pumpkins became ready for consumption?

Strength Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the abundance of dowe and pumpkins on farmers who didn't have their own fields?

They experienced increased theft Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator's father urge despite the occurrence of theft in their fields and other areas?

Forgiveness and moving on Signup and view all the answers

Why was the narrator forced to stay home during the famine and miss out on school?

Due to financial problems Signup and view all the answers

What occurred as the harvest season approached despite the hardships?

Students began returning to school Signup and view all the answers

What happens when electricity passes through a wire?

Creation of an electromagnet Signup and view all the answers

What type of current is produced through electromagnetic induction?

Alternating current (AC) Signup and view all the answers

What strengthens the magnetic field of an electromagnet?

Wrapping the wire around a good conductor Signup and view all the answers

What does an AC generator convert motion energy into?

Electricity Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Earth in relation to magnets?

Acts as a large magnet with magnetic poles Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of bringing opposite poles of magnets close to each other?

They attract each other Signup and view all the answers

What type of books did the protagonist find in the library at Wimbe Primary School?

American textbooks, secondary texts, and novels Signup and view all the answers

Which subjects did the protagonist focus on while catching up on his studies at the library?

Geography, social studies, and spelling Signup and view all the answers

What book helped the protagonist clarify concepts such as weathering and electricity generation?

Malawi Junior Integrated Science Signup and view all the answers

What challenged the protagonist's understanding of the more complex words and phrases in 'Explaining Physics'?

His poor English and the complexity of some texts Signup and view all the answers

What fascinated the protagonist in 'Explaining Physics'?

The chapter on magnets Signup and view all the answers

Who operated the library at Wimbe Primary School?

Mrs. Edith Sikelo Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the types of books found in the library at Wimbe Primary School?

American textbooks, secondary texts, and novels Signup and view all the answers

What subjects did the protagonist focus on while studying at the library?

Geography, social studies, and spelling Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker decide to do when someone shouted at him from the schoolyard?

Smile and say he was playing Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker's mother worry about regarding his future?

His ability to find a wife and provide for a family Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker realize he needed more of for his project?

PVC pipe Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker have to do to obtain additional PVC pipe for his project?

Scrape slime from the drainage pipe Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator and Gilbert initially ask the guy with the dynamo?

If they could buy it Signup and view all the answers

Why was Gilbert not farming much during the famine?

His father had given away all their food Signup and view all the answers

Where did the narrator start assembling the windmill?

Near the kitchen Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator use as makeshift washers during the assembly process?

Bottle caps Signup and view all the answers

What did the assembly process involve?

Attaching the bicycle frame to the blades and securing the dynamo to the frame Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator use as the base for his windmill?

An old pipe found in a nearby river Signup and view all the answers

How long were the blades the narrator made for the windmill?

Four feet long Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator have trouble finding to attach the blades to the tractor fan?

Nuts and bolts Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator earn money to pay a welder to complete the windmill?

Helping to load wood into a truck Signup and view all the answers

What hindered the narrator's search for a generator or generator parts in the scrapyard?

Other boys searching for materials for toy trucks Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator long to use to power his windmill?

Dynamos he saw on bikes Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator fear would never come true?

His dream of completing his windmill Signup and view all the answers

Who offered to help the narrator find a generator?

His friend while walking home from the trading center Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator spend several weeks searching for in the scrapyard?

A generator or generator parts Signup and view all the answers

What did the welder call the narrator when he took the windmill pieces to him?

A madman Signup and view all the answers

What did the windmill generate too much of, causing the radio to explode?

Voltage Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator build to lift a heavy machine onto a tall tower?

Makeshift handle Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator's brother tell people he was working on in the trading center?

A project to make power with metals Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator realize needed to be done after the windmill generated too much power for the radio?

Reduce the voltage from the dynamo Signup and view all the answers

What did they do to prevent termites and children from climbing after building a tower out of trees?

Attach reinforcements to the poles Signup and view all the answers

What did they use black plastic for after digging holes?

Wrap the bottoms of the holes Signup and view all the answers

What caused the machine attached to the tower to nearly tip over?

Force of the wind Signup and view all the answers

How long did they spend building a tower out of trees and carrying them home?

Two days Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's initial response after waking up early following an exhausting day?

To move a heavy machine onto a tall tower Signup and view all the answers

What happened when they tried to attach the machine to the tower?

It nearly tipped over due to force of wind Signup and view all the answers

What was causing people in the trading center to ask about the narrator's brother?

He was a busy man Signup and view all the answers

What was used to build the tower?

Wooden rungs and an ax as a hammer Signup and view all the answers

How was the windmill raised up the tower?

Using a clothesline wire with each member taking turns guiding and pulling Signup and view all the answers

What secured the windmill at the top of the tower?

Bolts drilled into the wooden poles and the frame Signup and view all the answers

Why did the windmill attract a crowd of people?

Due to its unusual appearance and promise of electricity generation Signup and view all the answers

What was used to connect the windmill to electricity generation?

A dynamo Signup and view all the answers

How much did the windmill's frame weigh?

Around ninety pounds Signup and view all the answers

What was used instead of a strong rope to raise the windmill?

A clothesline wire Signup and view all the answers

What did each team member do when raising the windmill?

Took turns guiding and pulling with the clothesline wire Signup and view all the answers

What surprised and excited the crowd after connecting the windmill to electricity?

The bulb lighting up Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator's brother tell the people in the trading center he was working on?

Creating power with metals Signup and view all the answers

What caused the windmill to generate too much power for the radio?

The radio's inability to handle power spikes Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator realize he needed to do after the radio exploded?

Find a way to reduce the voltage from the dynamo Signup and view all the answers

What did they do with the trees they spent two days carrying home?

Used them to build a tower Signup and view all the answers

What did they do to prevent termites and children from climbing after digging holes and wrapping tree bottoms in black plastic?

Attached reinforcements to prevent termites and children from climbing Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator do to move a heavy machine onto a tall tower?

Built a makeshift handle and tried to lift it onto the tower Signup and view all the answers

What nearly happened when they attached the machine to the tower?

It nearly tipped over due to wind force Signup and view all the answers

What did they build out of trees and carry home?

A tower for their windmill Signup and view all the answers

What did they do after digging holes and wrapping tree bottoms in black plastic?

Attached reinforcements to prevent termites and children from climbing Signup and view all the answers

What caused the windmill's explosion according to the text?

The radio's inability to handle power spikes Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator use to boil water in an experiment?

A coil of wire connected to a twelve-volt battery Signup and view all the answers

What did the Integrated Science book mention as an alternative fuel?

Biogas made from converting animal waste into liquid fuel Signup and view all the answers

How was the coil of wire designed for boiling water different from existing coils with handles?

It was powered by a twelve-volt battery instead of ESCOM electricity Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator believe about using biogas as an alternative fuel source?

He didn't need to wait for months for the gas production Signup and view all the answers

What was used to lift the windmill up the tower?

A clothesline wire Signup and view all the answers

How was the windmill secured at the top of the tower?

With bolts drilled into the wooden poles and the frame Signup and view all the answers

What attracted a crowd of people to the windmill?

Its unusual appearance and promise of electricity generation Signup and view all the answers

What was used as a hammer to build the tower?

An ax Signup and view all the answers

What surprised and excited the crowd?

The bulb lighting up after connecting the windmill to a dynamo Signup and view all the answers

What was used to raise the windmill?

A rope and pulley Signup and view all the answers

How much did the windmill's frame weigh?

Around ninety pounds Signup and view all the answers

What did each member do when lifting the windmill up?

Pull the rope Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator use as a valve in the biogas setup?

Plastic jumbos Signup and view all the answers

What caused the failure of the biogas ignition?

The narrator's mother discovered the goat poop in the pot Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms did the narrator's mother experience before falling into a coma?

Fever and dizziness Signup and view all the answers

Why was the narrator's mother initially sent home from the hospital?

No free beds were available Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue faced by the narrator's family in relation to medical care?

Lack of access to proper medical care Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa?

It can be fatal, especially in children Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator use as makeshift washers during the assembly process?

Bottle caps Signup and view all the answers

Where was the funeral ceremony held?

In the yard of a primary school under large blue gums trees Signup and view all the answers

Who performed at the funeral with mystical dancers wearing black masks in the shape of cows' heads?

The Gule Walmkulu Signup and view all the answers

What did President Bingu wa Mutharika's government do to support farmers?

Subsidized fertilizer for farmers Signup and view all the answers

What caused chaos and violence among farmers during the distribution of subsidized fertilizer?

Local leaders hoarding and selling the fertilizer coupons to the wealthy Signup and view all the answers

What happened when the narrator tried to obtain fertilizer after waiting all day in line?

Corrupt officials had given most of the bags away Signup and view all the answers

Why was the narrator beaten by government security thugs?

When he tried to look inside the shop window for fertilizer Signup and view all the answers

What caused the crops to wither and crouch after sprouting?

The rains stopped shortly after the seedlings had sprouted Signup and view all the answers

What did people begin to blame for the poor harvest during the famine?

Magic and the narrator Signup and view all the answers

Who promised intervention during the famine?

The government Signup and view all the answers

What did people rush to do as rumors spread about government corruption in selling resources?

Rush to banks to withdraw money Signup and view all the answers

What did traders in Malawi start mixing with maize porridge when supplies ran low?

Cassava flour Signup and view all the answers

What disease was mother diagnosed with upon arrival at Mtunthama Hospital?

Malaria Signup and view all the answers

Who stayed by mother's side at the hospital?

Father Signup and view all the answers

What diseases did other patients in the hospital room suffer from?

AIDS, tuberculosis, and gonorrhea Signup and view all the answers

Who did the narrator stay home to take care of while father stayed by mother's side?

Sisters Signup and view all the answers

What was the color of the walls in the hospital room where mother was admitted?

Pink Signup and view all the answers

Who passed away a few months later, causing the entire village to mourn?

Chief Wimbe Signup and view all the answers

Who arrived at the scene of the funeral and saw the family among the mourners?

The narrator and Geoffrey Signup and view all the answers

What was the mood of the funeral event?

Solemn Signup and view all the answers

Who kept calling for her daughter Tiyamike while slipping in and out of consciousness?

Mother Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for staying by mother's side at the hospital?

Father Signup and view all the answers

What type of dancers performed at the funeral ceremony?

Gule Walmkulu with black masks in the shape of cows' heads Signup and view all the answers

Where was the funeral procession headed after the ceremony?

To the graveyard near the Catholic church Signup and view all the answers

Who subsidized fertilizer for farmers after President Bingu wa Mutharika was elected?

President Bingu wa Mutharika's government Signup and view all the answers

What caused chaos and violence related to the distribution of fertilizer coupons?

Local leaders hoarding and selling the coupons to people with the most cash Signup and view all the answers

What happened when it was the narrator's turn to receive fertilizer?

Corrupt officials had given most of the bags away Signup and view all the answers

What happened when the rains stopped shortly after the seedlings had sprouted?

The crops withered and crouched Signup and view all the answers

Why did the family travel to Mtunthama Hospital?

To seek treatment for mother's bad malaria Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of mother upon arrival at the hospital?

Critical, not responding to treatment Signup and view all the answers

Who stayed by mother's side at the hospital?

Father Signup and view all the answers

What diseases did other patients in the hospital room suffer from?

AIDS, tuberculosis, and gonorrhea Signup and view all the answers

Who passed away a few months later, causing mourning in the entire village?

Chief Wimbe Signup and view all the answers

Who arrived at the scene of the funeral and saw the family among the mourners?

The narrator and his friend Geoffrey Signup and view all the answers

What was the atmosphere at the funeral described as?

Solemn event with grieving villagers Signup and view all the answers

Who kept calling for her daughter Tiyamike?

Mother Signup and view all the answers

What was mother diagnosed with at the hospital?

Malaria that had spread to her brain Signup and view all the answers

What color were the walls of the hospital room?

Pink Signup and view all the answers

What powered the lights in the hospital room?

ESCOM Signup and view all the answers

Who stayed home to take care of sisters while father stayed by mother's side?

The narrator Signup and view all the answers

What led to widespread violence and fear in Malawi?

Reports of the government collaborating with vampires Signup and view all the answers

What was the cause of panic and mass exodus in villages in Dowa?

An attack by a strange beast Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the fear and belief in evil powers being heightened?

Old man killed during a witch soccer game using human meat for a trophy cup Signup and view all the answers

What did people believe was happening in Wimbe related to children and witches?

Witches were believed to be using children for their magic Signup and view all the answers

Why are authorities limited in their investigations related to witchcraft?

The difficulty of proving witchcraft Signup and view all the answers

What led to the stoning death of an old man and the beating of three Catholic priests?

Vampire rumors Signup and view all the answers

What caused panic and thousands fleeing from villages in Dowa?

An attack by a strange beast Signup and view all the answers

What led to the fear and belief in evil powers being heightened?

Old man killed during a witch soccer game using human meat for a trophy cup Signup and view all the answers

What did people believe was happening in Wimbe related to children and witches?

Witches were believed to be using children for their magic Signup and view all the answers

Why are authorities limited in their investigations related to witchcraft?

The difficulty of proving witchcraft Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The speaker had been searching for herd boys who were distributing bubble gum in the village area for the past two days.
He was angered by this act and had threatened that anyone who had consumed the gum would be cursed by the witch doctor (sing'anga).
The speaker had eaten the gum and was now convinced that the witch doctor had placed a curse on him.
He began to experience fear, sweating, and a racing heart. He tried to rid himself of the curse but was unable to do so.
He believed that the witches would come for him at night and take him to magic battlefields where he would be left for dead.
The speaker ran home to his father and confessed to having eaten the stolen gum.
His father paid the trader for the entire bag of gum to prevent any further trouble.
The speaker's father believed in magic and had told stories of magic being a powerful force in their world.
In their community, there was a belief in a powerful magic hunter named Mwase Chiphaudzu who was able to disguise himself as a cluster of reeds and ambush his prey.
This magic hunter was summoned to help deal with a ferocious black rhino that had been terrorizing the village.
The rhino had killed over a hundred people by attacking at the watering hole, and a young girl from the royal family was the latest victim.
Mwase arrived at the watering hole early one morning and used his magic to ambush and kill the rhino, saving the village.
Mwase, a hunter, stands at the shore and performs a ritual to make his body and rifle disappear, turning into music in the breeze.
After killing a black rhino and celebrating for three days, Mwase is granted land and power by the chief.
Mwase returns to Lilongwe and establishes a thriving empire, with abundant farmland and strong people.
The Ngoni people, fleeing from the Zulu kingdom's chaos, come to Chewa territory and ask for food.
The Ngoni plan to capture the "Rock of the Edible Flies" and the land visible from its peak.
Mwase's warriors disguise themselves as grass and ambush the Ngoni, defeating and killing their leader, Chief Nawambe.
The hill is then renamed as "Nguru ya Nawambe," meaning "The Deadly Defeat of Nawambe."
In the past, forests were dense, and people lost their sense of time and direction, with many wild animals living in them, including dangerous ones like lions and hyenas.
A lion in the forest kills a woman, and the villagers are unable to retrieve her body.
The British authorities are notified, and they send soldiers to kill the lion and display its body in the village square.
One day, while hunting alone, Mwase comes across a man bitten by a cobra and alerts the nearby village, who bring their witch doctor to perform a ritual to save him.
Phiri, a worker on the Kamkwamba farm, had a potent and growing magical power called mangolomera that made him constantly want to battle.
One day, Phiri got into a fight with another worker named James over a business transaction.
Phiri's magical ability was so strong it caused him to become enraged, and James couldn't defend himself effectively.
My father intervened and used green vines from a sweet potato plant to neutralize Phiri's mangolomera, allowing him to calm down and collapse from exhaustion.
Phiri's nephew, Shabani, also claimed to possess mangolomera and offered it to me to help me deal with bullies.
Shabani took me to the forest and performed a ritual to transfer the magic to me, involving cutting my knuckles and applying a potion made from rare oceanic materials.
The ritual was painful and costly, but I agreed to go through with it, believing it would give me the strength to defend myself against bullies.
My father took over the family business after his brother's death, as it was the start of the growing season.
It was customary for the firstborn son, Jeremiah, to inherit the business, but he had a history of spending money on drinking and was not interested in hard work.
Jeremiah was handed control of the business, two maize mills, and eight head of cattle.
Within two years, Jeremiah had lost the maize mill and half the cows due to his excessive drinking.
The family was left to survive on its own after the business collapsed.
After the death of President Banda in 1994, a new president, Bakili Muluzi, came to power and stopped government subsidies for fertilizer and seed.
The free market led to mass-produced tobacco flooding the auction floors, driving prices down and making it difficult for small farmers to make a profit.
My uncle Socrates lost his job and moved back to the village with his family, bringing along a large dog named Khamba.
My father took over the family business after his brother's death, as it was the start of the growing season.
It was customary for the firstborn son, Jeremiah, to inherit the business, but he had a history of spending money on drinking and was not interested in hard work.
Jeremiah was handed control of the business, two maize mills, and eight head of cattle.
Within two years, Jeremiah had lost the maize mill and half the cows due to his excessive drinking.
The family was left to survive on its own after the business collapsed.
After the death of President Banda in 1994, a new president, Bakili Muluzi, came to power and stopped government subsidies for fertilizer and seed.
The free market led to mass-produced tobacco flooding the auction floors, driving prices down and making it difficult for small farmers to make a profit.
My uncle Socrates lost his job and moved back to the village with his family, bringing along a large dog named Khamba.
Phiri, a worker on the Kamkwamba farm, had a potent and growing magical power called mangolomera that made him constantly want to battle.
One day, Phiri got into a fight with another worker named James over a business transaction.
Phiri's magical ability was so strong it caused him to become enraged, and James couldn't defend himself effectively.
My father intervened and used green vines from a sweet potato plant to neutralize Phiri's mangolomera, allowing him to calm down and collapse from exhaustion.
Phiri's nephew, Shabani, also claimed to possess mangolomera and offered it to me to help me deal with bullies.
Shabani took me to the forest and performed a ritual to transfer the magic to me, involving cutting my knuckles and applying a potion made from rare oceanic materials.
The ritual was painful and costly, but I agreed to go through with it, believing it would give me the strength to defend myself against bullies.
The text describes a food crisis in a rural area of Malawi where the harvests in the outer villages had not been successful due to floods and drought.
People in the area were used to getting by with the help of local estates during lean times but this year, even they had nothing extra to offer.
Gилbert explained that his father, as the chief, felt obligated to feed the hungry people in their community.
Mister Banda, a trader, informed the protagonist of the text that he had been unable to buy maize from the usual villages for the upcoming hungry season.
Press Agriculture estate, a large farm nearby, was also reported to be empty.
The Agriculture Development Marketing Corporation (ADMARC), a government agency responsible for selling surplus grain, was also reported to be empty.
It was revealed at a political rally that the surplus grain had been sold for profit to Kenya and other countries, leaving the community without a safety net.
The price of maize began to rise significantly and people started looking for alternative sources of food.
Unripe mangoes were being used as a substitute for maize, and people were even digging up mango trees to find any source of sustenance.
Market women were selling gaga, the clear-colored husks removed from the maize, as a last resort for food.
Around a hundred men, including the narrator's father, waited all day in the rain for their turn to withdraw savings from the bank.
The farmers threatened to riot due to long wait times and the bank's inability to distribute the money quickly.
The narrator's father was able to withdraw about a thousand kwacha and used it to buy maize and keep the family fed for a week.
The narrator was excited to start classes at Kachokolo Secondary School in mid-January and was focused on the prospect of wearing a uniform and attending school.
The narrator's mother sent him to buy a white shirt for school at the used clothing stalls in the trading center, but he was unable to find a clean one.
On the first day of school, the narrator was reprimanded by the headmaster for not being in proper uniform, specifically for wearing sandals instead of shoes.
The narrator's parents were unable to afford schoolbooks for the narrator, and they relied on his classmate Gilbert to share his books.
The conditions at the narrator's previous primary school were poor, with students studying outside under trees due to overcrowding and classrooms with leaking roofs and missing walls.
One of the narrator's classmates, Angela, fell through the floor of the latrines due to termite damage. She was never seen at school again.
Traders in Malawi started mixing gaga (maize porridge) with sawdust when supplies ran low.
People discovered the deception when the porridge soured their stomachs, leading to protests at the market.
Many people were already in dire straits, having sold their possessions or taken loans with high interest rates from traders.
At home, a woman named my mother spent hours baking cakes to sell for flour, which she hid from her family to check the amount earned.
People's lives became increasingly desperate; they would mob merchants and take what they could, leading to chaotic scenes.
My mother's cakes became a target during these mobs, leaving her with little to sell and even less for her family to eat.
As the price of maize continued to rise, families had to cut back on their food portions, leading to hunger and stress.
Paranoia and anxiety became prevalent as the situation worsened, with many fearing for their safety and the collapse of the government.
People rushed to the banks to withdraw their savings as rumors spread about the government selling the country's resources.
The government remained silent on the situation, leaving people to deal with the crisis on their own, with little hope of a solution.
A small library was opened in Wimbe Primary School by the Malawi Teacher Training Activity, funded by the American government
Mrs. Edith Sikelo, a teacher at Wimbe, operated the library and explained the borrowing rules to the protagonist
The protagonist was surprised to find a variety of books including American textbooks, secondary texts, and novels
The protagonist spent his days visiting the library and reading to catch up on his studies, particularly in geography, social studies, and spelling
The protagonist struggled to understand the material due to his poor English and the complexity of some texts
The protagonist discovered a Malawi Junior Integrated Science book, which helped clarify some concepts such as weathering and electricity generation
The protagonist found another book, Explaining Physics, which helped clarify more complex concepts such as engine functioning and brake operation
The protagonist faced challenges in understanding the more complex words and phrases in Explaining Physics, requiring him to ask Mrs. Sikelo for help
The protagonist was fascinated by the chapter on magnets in Explaining Physics, as he was already familiar with magnets from radios and toys.
A tower was built using wooden rungs and an ax as a hammer, reaching a height of sixteen feet.
The next day, the team aimed to raise the windmill using a rope and pulley.
The windmill's frame weighed around ninety pounds, and a clothesline wire was used instead of a strong rope.
The team used the clothesline to lift the windmill up the tower, with each member taking a turn guiding and pulling.
Once the windmill reached the top, it was secured with bolts drilled into the wooden poles and the frame.
The windmill attracted a crowd of people due to its unusual appearance and the promise of electricity generation.
The windmill was successfully connected to a dynamo, and the bulb lit up, surprising and exciting the crowd.
The narrator devises a plan to make biogas using a clay pot, goat poop, and fire.
He sneaks into Aunt Chrissy's pen to collect the goat poop.
He fills a sugar bag with the poop and brings it to his mother's kitchen.
He adds the poop to the pot, covers it with plastic jumbos, and creates a valve using a radio antenna.
He lights a fire under the pot and waits for the biogas to accumulate.
However, his mother returns home unexpectedly and discovers the foul smell of the goat poop in the pot.
The narrator tries to ignite the biogas but it fails. His mother is furious and accuses him of ruining her best cooking pot.
In late 2003, the narrator's mother contracts malaria while visiting her parents in Salima.
The symptoms start with fever and dizziness, but soon she becomes unable to walk.
The family takes her to the hospital, but there are no free beds, so she is sent home.
Two days later, she falls into a coma and the family struggles to transport her to the hospital on a bicycle.
They finally get a pickup to take her to the hospital in Mtunthama.
In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is common and can be fatal, especially in children.
The narrator's family does not have bed nets to protect against mosquitoes.
Every year in Africa, over a million people die from malaria.
The family's lack of access to proper medical care is a common issue in Africa.
Superstitions remained strong in Malawi despite the government's denial of involvement in vampire reports.
Previous rumors of the government collaborating with vampires led to widespread violence and fear.
Old man was stoned to death and three Catholic priests were beaten due to vampire rumors.
Strange beast attacked villages in Dowa, causing panic and thousands to flee.
Beast was later identified as a magical creature, sent by a trader's enemy due to unpaid debt.
People reported having their private parts stolen and sold to witches, Satan worshippers, and business tycoons.
This wave of fear spread to Wimbe, where witches were believed to be using children for their magic.
Old man was killed during a witch soccer game, where human meat was used to make a trophy cup.
Witches demanded that the boy kill his grandfather for their meat or they would eat him.
The boy's confession led to the arrest of three witches, but the constitution does not protect against witchcraft.
Authorities are limited in their investigations due to the difficulty of proving witchcraft.
Fear and belief in evil powers heightened due to these incidents.

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Questions and Answers

What is the earliest memory of the narrator as a boy?

Where did the narrator's family live?

What did the trader on a bicycle tell the narrator's father?

What did the herd boys find in a giant sack in the road?

What is the protective measure against witches and wizards mentioned in the text?

What causes witches and wizards to revert to human form if they come into contact with it?

What is used as a disguise for witch planes to travel great distances?

What leads to eternal control by the wizard responsible?

What leads to the use of children as soldiers according to the text?

What causes confusion and casualties among witches according to the text?

What was the purpose of the ritual where the leader of the hunt wasn't allowed to sleep with his wife the night before the hunt?

What was the significance of distributing red maize mixed with certain roots and medicines to each hunter before the hunt?

What did people believe would happen if their wives stayed indoors and slept during the hunt?

What were the Gule Wamkulu believed to be?

Why were people afraid to doubt or speak about the Gule Wamkulu?

What is said about donkeys in relation to Gule Wamkulu?

What did the speaker believe had been placed on him after consuming the gum?

Why did the speaker run home to his father?

What did the speaker's father do to prevent further trouble?

Who was summoned to help deal with the ferocious black rhino?

What was Mwase Chiphaudzu able to disguise himself as?

What did Mwase Chiphaudzu use to ambush and kill the ferocious black rhino?

What did the speaker experience after consuming the gum?

What did the speaker believe would happen to him at night?

What did Mwase do after killing a black rhino?

What did the Ngoni people plan to capture?

What did Mwase's warriors disguise themselves as to ambush the Ngoni?

What was the hill renamed to after defeating Chief Nawambe?

What did the British authorities do in response to a lion killing a woman?

What did Mwase come across while hunting alone?

What did Mwase do after killing a black rhino?

What did the Ngoni plan to capture?

What did Mwase's warriors disguise themselves as to ambush the Ngoni?

What happened to the forest in the past according to the text?

What did the British authorities do after a lion killed a woman in the forest?

What did Mwase do when he came across a man bitten by a cobra?

What was Mwase granted after killing a black rhino?

What did Mwase's warriors disguise themselves as when ambushing the Ngoni?

What did Mwase establish upon returning to Lilongwe?

What did Mwase do after coming across a man bitten by a cobra?

What was the secret to Mister Phiri's superhuman strength?

How was mangolomera administered to achieve superhuman strength?

What did Mister Phiri do when a black mamba snake slithered over his foot?

What did people believe about Mister Phiri's ability to handle snakes?

What magical power did Phiri possess?

How did Phiri's magical ability affect him during a fight with James?

What did the father use to neutralize Phiri's mangolomera during the fight?

Who claimed to possess mangolomera and offered it to the narrator?

What was involved in the ritual performed by Shabani to transfer the magic to the narrator?

Why did the narrator agree to go through with the painful ritual despite its cost?

What did Mister Ngwata advise the brothers to ensure for the deceased's children?

What did the gravediggers use to protect the deceased from falling dirt?

What caused the narrator to feel ashamed?

Who spoke on behalf of the deceased's other family members, requesting care and support for his wife and children?

What was used to cover Uncle John's body while it lay in the house?

How was Uncle John's body placed into the ground?

What was discussed by the village headmen regarding funeral arrangements?

What did Father do upon learning of his brother's passing?

What was the narrator's initial reaction upon witnessing his parents' grief?

What did Mister Ngwata advise the brothers regarding their responsibility towards Uncle John's children?

What was mangolomera made from to deliver superhuman strength?

How was mangolomera administered to achieve superhuman strength?

What did people believe about Mister Phiri's ability to handle snakes?

What was the ultimate self-defense against weakness according to the text?

What does the man warn the narrator not to eat or tell anyone about?

What does the narrator plan to do during the summer holiday to test his newfound powers?

What happens when the narrator crushes a boy's feet with his sandal during a soccer game?

What does the man who gave the narrator the powder admit to lying about?

Where does the narrator's father place Uncle John's bed mat before leaving to borrow a car?

Who stays by Uncle John's side after his bed mat is placed under an acacia tree?

What does the narrator witness Enifa doing after hearing a commotion?

What do the villagers begin to do when Enifa pushes through the crowd?

Who scolds the narrator for fighting after Uncle John's death?

What happens when the narrator waits for three days for the powder to take effect?

What does the man rub on the narrator's injured hands?

What led to Jeremiah losing control of the family business?