The Return by Ngugi wa Thiong'o

What does this description from “The Return” foreshadow about Kamau’s return home? He walked on, however, unmindful of the dust and ground under his feet. Yet with every step he seemed more and more conscious of the hardness and apparent animosity of the road.

• It will require complete concentration.

• It will be over quickly.

• It may never entirely end.

• It may not be friendly and pleasant.

How does Kamau’s meeting with the women drawing water in “The Return” most clearly present an example of situational irony?

• He recognizes Wanjiku, but then he remembers the death of her son.

• He expects to be greeted warmly, but instead he is ignored and rejected

• He remembers only a few of the women from his village.

• He remembers Wanjiku’s sweet smile and hopes that she will offer him food.

Which of these events from “The Return” is the best example of situational irony?

• Kamau’s exhilaration at realizing that the Honia River still flows

• Kamau’s first view of his father and recognition that he has aged

• Kamau’s loss of his bundle as he tries to remove his coat by the river

• Kamau’s hopes of seeing Muthoni and his discovery that she has left

Determine a theme or central idea of a text.

"The Return" includes many aspects of human life: trust, loyalty, and betrayal; life and death; the passage of time; and the effects of political actions on day-to-day life. What is one possible theme, or central message, of the story.

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What does this passage from mainly tell you about Kamau’s time in prison? He had suffered many humiliations, and he had not resisted. Was there any need? But his soul and all the vigor of his manhood had rebelled and bled with rage and bitterness

• He tried unsuccessfully to escape and was beaten for it

• He was treated with respect except when he showed his anger.

• He worked at getting along despite the hardships, and he hid his resentment

• He was ashamed to be in prison and disguised that shame with heated words

Why does Kamau’s father “stare with unbelieving eyes” when he first sees Kamau?

• He fears Kamau’s sympathy.

• He expects Kamau to take his house.

• He thought that his son was no longer alive

• He believed that his son had left Kenya.

Define situational irony and provide an example from 'The Return'.

• Situational irony is when the outcome of a situation is what everyone predicted.

• Situational irony is when the outcome of a situation is exactly as expected.

• Situational irony is when the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what was expected. An example from 'The Return' is when the protagonist returns home, only to find that his home has changed and he no longer feels a sense of belonging there.

• An example from 'The Return' is when the protagonist returns home and everything is exactly the same as he left it.

What is the primary theme explored in 'The Return' by Ngugi wa Thiong'o?

• A) The struggle for personal identity

• B) The impact of colonialism

• C) The journey of self-discovery

• D) The effects of war

In 'The Return', how does Ngugi wa Thiong'o use the setting to enhance the story's themes?

• A) By depicting a vibrant and lively village

• B) By illustrating the desolation and change in Kamau's village

• C) By showing the technological advancements in the village

• D) By highlighting the unchanged nature of the village

Which literary device is predominantly used in 'The Return' to convey Kamau's internal conflict?

• A) Metaphor

• B) Irony

• C) Symbolism

• D) Foreshadowing