Mwananchi – POETRY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

​Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow. (20 marks)

You embarrass me…
Mwananchi
Why do you embarrass me with your questions
About the new Mercedes I bought
The large farm I own
The houses, the wives,
An inflated stomach!

Mwananchi
Why do you threaten me with your threats
The threats in your bloodshot eyes
Fixedly pointed at me wherever I go
Like if you are ready
To release the arrow that will deflate me
Into nothingness;
Even the watchmen, the dogs, the police
Are all not enough to protect me
From your increasing shouts to protest
Against my good judgement;

Mwananchi
Have you forgotten how you loved me
And gave me your vote
That I may be your man in parliament?

Now that I have the power
I will mend your confused senses
And keep you in prison
Until you see me as your leader again
And keep those bloodshot eyes away from me

I will charge like an angry lion
And scare you out of your wits
Until like a frightened dog,
You keep your head forever…
 ~Everett M. Standa 

questions

1. Identify the persona in the poem.  (2 marks)
2. What is the message of the poem?  (4 marks)
3. Identify and comment on any two aspects of style in the poem. (6 marks)
4. Describe the tone of the poem.   (2 marks)
5. Identify and illustrate two character traits of Mwananchi.   (4 marks)
6. Explain the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in the poem.  (2 marks)
   1. Inflated stomach
   2. Scare you out of your wits.