Key Words:
- Roof (Rufus Okeke) – The central character, a campaigner in the village.
- Marcus Ibe – Chief, Honourable, Minister of Culture, and candidate of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP).
- Umuofia – The village where the story is set.
- PAP (People’s Alliance Party) – The ruling political party.
- POP (Progressive Organization Party) – The opposition party.
- Election – The event around which the story revolves.
- Ballot Paper – A symbol of voting and democratic power.
- Bribery – The exchange of money for votes.
- lyi – A fearsome ritual symbol used to make Roof swear loyalty.
- Two Shillings – The amount given as a bribe to the voters.
- Five Pounds – A larger bribe Roof received from the opposition.
Major Themes:
- Corruption in Politics – The story illustrates how bribery and corruption permeate the electoral process, with both political parties using money to buy votes.
- Moral Dilemma – Roof faces a moral conflict between his loyalty to Marcus Ibe and the bribe he received from the opposition. He resolves this by splitting his vote between the two candidates.
- Power of the Vote – Though the villagers initially feel they underestimated the power of the ballot paper, they realize their vote has the ability to influence politics and demand rewards for it.
- Manipulation of the Poor – The story shows how the poor are manipulated during elections by the rich and powerful through bribes and promises of future benefits.
- Traditional vs. Modern Politics – The introduction of democratic elections and political parties in a traditional village society highlights the tension between old ways and new systems of governance.
- Loyalty and Self-Interest – Roof’s internal struggle reflects how personal gain and loyalty clash, showing the complexities of human nature in situations of political pressure.
- Fear of Superstition – The use of the “iyi” introduces the theme of superstition, demonstrating how traditional beliefs continue to exert influence, even in modern political matters.
II. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.
(2 Marks Questions)
- Why was Roof popular in his village?
Answer: Roof was popular because he chose to stay in his village to help his people instead of moving to the city like many others.
- Who is Chief Marcus Ibe and what position does he hold?
Answer: Chief Marcus Ibe is the Minister of Culture and a candidate for re-election in the village.
- Why did the villagers decide to ask for money during the election?
Answer: The villagers realized that politics brings wealth, and they believed that they should benefit from their votes this time.
- What role did Roof play in Marcus Ibe’s election campaign?
Answer: Roof was a trusted campaigner for Marcus Ibe, helping to gather support from the villagers.
- Why did Roof accept money from the opposition party?
Answer: Roof accepted money from the opposition because he believed his single vote would not affect Marcus’s certain victory.
- What dilemma did Roof face on Election Day?
Answer: Roof faced a dilemma between voting for Marcus, whom he supported, and keeping his promise to the opposition after accepting their bribe.
- How did Roof resolve his problem in the voting booth?
Answer: Roof tore his ballot paper in two and placed half in each candidate’s box to keep his promise to both sides.
- Why did the villagers admire Chief Marcus I be despite asking for money?
Answer: The villagers admired Marcus because he remained devoted to them and returned to the village often, even though he had become wealthy.
- What is the significance of the “iyi” in the story?
Answer: The “iyi” is a symbol of superstition and fear, which Roof was forced to swear upon when he accepted the bribe from the opposition.
- Why did Roof feel conflicted after swearing on the “iyi”?
Answer: Roof felt conflicted because the “iyi” made his promise to vote for the opposition seem dangerous, but he still did not want to betray Marcus.
- What job did Roof have before returning to the village?
Answer: Roof was a bicycle repairer’s apprentice in Port Harcourt before returning to the village.
- How did Marcus Ibe become wealthy?
Answer: Marcus Ibe became wealthy after joining politics and becoming the Minister of Culture.
- What did the villagers expect in return for their votes this time?
Answer: The villagers expected money or rewards in exchange for their votes.
- What did Marcus Ibe do to gain the support of the villagers?
Answer: Marcus Ibe gave money and gifts to the villagers to secure their support.
- Why did Roof give the elders more money during the meeting?
Answer: Roof gave the elders more money because they complained that the initial two shillings was too little.
- What did the opposition party offer Roof for his vote?
Answer: The opposition party offered Roof five pounds to vote for their candidate, Maduka.
- What was Roof’s reaction when he saw the “iyi”?
Answer: Roof was afraid when he saw the “iyi” because it was a powerful symbol of superstition from Mbanta.
- What message did Roof shout to the women about the election symbol?
Answer: Roof shouted that the villagers should vote for the symbol of the car, which represented Marcus Ibe.
- How did Marcus Ibe ensure his voters would recognize his party’s symbol?
Answer: Marcus Ibe’s campaign team told voters to look for the car symbol on the ballot paper.
- What did Roof do after voting for both candidates?
Answer: Roof left the voting booth confidently, pretending everything was fine after voting for both candidates.
- How does Roof’s decision to split his vote show his understanding of political pressure?
Answer: Roof’s decision to split his vote shows he was trying to please both sides without losing favor, showing his ability to navigate political challenges.
- How does Roof’s behavior reflect the impact of money in politics?
Answer: Roof’s behavior reflects how money can influence decisions and corrupt the democratic process by making people vote for personal gain.
- What strategies did the political parties use to gain votes, and were they ethical?
Answer: The parties used bribery and promises to gain votes, which were unethical because they manipulated voters rather than respecting their free choice.
- Answer the following questions in about 60 words each
- Why did Roof play an important role in Chief Marcus Ibe’s campaign? How did he influence the villagers? Answer: Roof was highly respected and trusted by the villagers, which made him a key figure in Marcus Ibe’s campaign. He understood the people’s needs and used this knowledge to influence them. His charisma and influence over the village made him crucial in convincing the villagers to support Marcus Ibe during the elections.
- What challenges did Chief Marcus Ibe face in securing votes, despite his wealth and popularity?
Answer: Despite being wealthy and popular, Chief Marcus Ibe had to deal with the growing expectation among the villagers for monetary rewards in exchange for votes. Villagers had learned that politics brought wealth and wanted to benefit from it. This demand for money put pressure on Marcus to bribe the people to secure his victory, highlighting the challenge of balancing popularity and material expectations.
- Why did Roof feel conflicted after accepting the bribe from the opposition party?
Answer: Roof felt conflicted after accepting the bribe because he had always been loyal to Marcus Ibe, who had trusted him deeply. However, the offer of five pounds from the opposition was tempting, and swearing on the “iyi” made the situation even more complicated. Roof knew that breaking the oath could have serious consequences, leaving him in a difficult moral dilemma.
- How did the villagers’ attitude towards voting change, and what were their expectations from the candidates?
Answer: The villagers’ attitude towards voting changed as they began to view elections as opportunities to gain wealth. They had learned that political candidates were willing to offer money or gifts in exchange for votes, and they expected both parties to bribe them. This shift in attitude reflected a growing sense of entitlement among the villagers, who no longer saw voting as a civic duty but rather as a business transaction.
- How did Roof use his knowledge of the villagers to help Marcus Ibe win their support?
Answer: Roof was aware of the villagers’ expectations and how to influence them. He knew they were motivated by financial gain and used Marcus Ibe’s money and gifts to secure their votes. Roof’s deep understanding of the villagers’ mindset, coupled with his ability to communicate effectively, made him a valuable asset in Marcus Ibe’s campaign, ensuring that the villagers would vote for him.
- Why did Roof choose to tear his ballot paper instead of voting for one candidate?
Answer: Roof tore his ballot paper to fulfill his promises to both sides. He was loyal to Marcus Ibe and wanted to vote for him, but he had also accepted a bribe from the opposition and sworn on the “iyi” to vote for their candidate. By tearing the ballot in two, Roof avoided breaking his oath while maintaining his loyalty to Marcus, finding a way to satisfy both parties.
- What role did superstitions play in Roof’s decision-making, and how did the ‘iyi’ affect him?
Answer: Superstitions played a significant role in Roof’s decision-making process. The “iyi,” a symbol of spiritual power and fear, made Roof feel pressured to keep his promise to the opposition after accepting their bribe. The fear of the consequences of breaking the oath weighed heavily on him, influencing his actions. This fear of supernatural retribution added complexity to his dilemma, as he struggled to balance superstition with his political loyalties.
- How did Marcus Ibe’s relationship with the villagers help him in his campaign?
Answer: Marcus Ibe maintained a strong connection with the villagers by regularly visiting the village and attending to their needs, even after becoming wealthy. This close relationship made the villagers feel loyal to him, as they respected his dedication to the community. His personal interactions, combined with financial incentives, helped him secure their votes and ensured that they continued to support him despite the influence of the opposition.
- Why did Roof believe that taking the opposition’s bribe wouldn’t affect Marcus Ibe’s chances of winning? Answer: Roof believed that Marcus Ibe was certain to win because of his strong popularity and influence in the village. He thought that one vote wouldn’t make a difference, especially since the majority of the villagers were loyal to Marcus. This overconfidence led Roof to take the opposition’s bribe without feeling guilty, as he assumed that his actions wouldn’t impact the final election outcome.
- What does the story tell us about Roof’s personality and his approach to solving difficult situations?
Answer: Roof’s personality is shown as resourceful and clever, but also conflicted. He tries to find a middle ground in difficult situations, like when he tears his ballot paper to please both parties. He is practical, willing to bend rules if necessary, and seeks to avoid conflict. However, his actions also reveal his inner turmoil, as he struggles to balance loyalty, superstition, and personal gain, showing the complexities of human decision-making.
- What job did Roof have before becoming a political campaigner for Marcus Ibe, and how did this affect his reputation in the village?
Answer: Roof worked as a bicycle repairer’s apprentice in Port Harcourt before returning to the village. This humble job made him relatable to the villagers, who saw him as one of their own. His return to the village, instead of seeking wealth in the city, further elevated his reputation as someone loyal and committed to helping his community.
- Why did the villagers feel entitled to receive money during elections, and how did this influence their voting behavior?
Answer: The villagers felt entitled to money during elections because they had learned that politicians often used wealth to gain support. Over time, this became an expectation, and they saw elections as an opportunity to profit.
This influenced their voting behavior by making them more interested in the financial benefits of voting rather than the policies or merits of the candidates themselves.
- What tactics did Marcus I be use to secure votes, and how did Roof assist him in this process?
Answer: Marcus Ibe used money and gifts to secure the villagers’ votes. He relied on Roof to distribute these gifts and persuade the villagers. Roof’s influence and ability to communicate with the villagers were crucial in ensuring that Marcus’s gifts were well received, and his promises taken seriously. Roof’s role as the mediator between Marcus and the villagers made him an essential part of the campaign strategy.
- What was the significance of the opposition party offering Roof five pounds, and why was this amount important?
Answer: The five pounds offered by the opposition was significant because it was a much larger sum than what Marcus Ibe’s team had given the villagers. This showed how desperate the opposition was to gain votes. The amount was important because it tempted Roof to betray Marcus, highlighting how money could sway people’s loyalty and decisions, especially in a village where wealth was limited.
- How did Roof convince the women to vote for Marcus Ibe, and what symbol did he ask them to look for on the ballot paper?
Answer: Roof convinced the women to vote for Marcus Ibe by explaining that the car symbol on the ballot paper represented Marcus. He used simple and direct language to make sure the women understood, knowing that many villagers were illiterate and could only recognize symbols. His clear communication ensured that the women would vote correctly, securing additional support for Marcus.
- Why did the opposition ask Roof to swear on the ‘iyi,’ and how did this impact his actions during the election?
Answer: The opposition asked Roof to swear on the “iyi” to ensure his loyalty after giving him the bribe. The “iyi” was a powerful symbol of superstition, and swearing on it carried serious consequences if broken. This act of swearing placed immense pressure on Roof, as he feared supernatural punishment. It ultimately affected his decision in the voting booth, making him tear his ballot to avoid choosing one side.
- What does Roof’s decision to tear his ballot paper tell us about his understanding of the political situation?
Answer: Roof’s decision to tear his ballot paper shows that he understood the political situation well. He knew that breaking his promise to either side could lead to negative consequences. By tearing the paper, he found a way to satisfy both parties, showing his cleverness and ability to navigate tricky situations. This decision highlights his understanding of the political pressures surrounding him and his desire to avoid conflict.
- How did the villagers react when they realized they could benefit from the election, and what impact did this have on the candidates?
Answer: The villagers were excited when they realized they could benefit financially from the election. This led them to demand money from both Marcus Ibe and the opposition, seeing the election as a chance to profit. This pressure forced the candidates to compete by offering larger bribes, turning the election into a contest of wealth rather than policy. It also put the candidates under strain to outbid each other for votes.
- What role did Roof’s reputation play in the election, and how did the villagers view him?
Answer: Roof’s reputation as a trustworthy and loyal member of the community made him a key figure in the election. The villagers viewed him with respect because he stayed in the village to help them rather than seeking wealth elsewhere. His strong influence over the villagers made him a valuable asset to Marcus Ibe, as Roof’s endorsement carried significant weight in swaying the villagers’ votes.
- Why did Roof feel confident that Marcus Ibe would win, and how did this affect his decision to accept the bribe?
Answer: Roof felt confident that Marcus Ibe would win because of his strong influence, wealth, and popularity among the villagers. He believed that even if he accepted the bribe from the opposition, Marcus’s victory was certain, and his single
vote wouldn’t change the outcome. This overconfidence made Roof feel justified in taking the bribe, as he didn’t think it would harm Marcus’s chances.
- What does Roof’s decision to tear his ballot tell us about the importance of decision-making in difficult situations?
Answer: Roof’s decision to tear his ballot highlights how decision-making in difficult situations requires careful thought and creativity. He was caught between loyalty to Marcus and a promise to the opposition, and he found a compromise that avoided conflict. This teaches that sometimes, creative solutions are necessary when facing moral dilemmas, even if they don’t follow traditional rules.
(FROM QUESTION BANK)
- Who was supposed to be very popular in his village in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Chief Marcus Ibe was supposed to be very popular in his village.
- Who was addressed as Roof, for short in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Rufus Okeke was addressed as Roof, for short.
- Where had Roof spent two years as a bicycle repairer’s apprentice in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Roof had spent two years in Port Harcourt as a bicycle repairer’s apprentice.
- How long had Roof been a bicycle repairer’s assistant in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Roof had been a bicycle repairer’s assistant for two years.
- To which village did Roof belong in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Roof belonged to Umuofia village.
- Who was PAP’s most illustrious son referred to in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: PAP’s most illustrious son referred to was Chief Marcus Ibe.
- Who was Marcus Ibe’s most trusted campaigner in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Roof was Marcus Ibe’s most trusted campaigner.
- Who was the Minister of Culture in the outgoing government in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Chief Marcus Ibe was the Minister of Culture in the outgoing government.
- Mention the promise made by PAP if they were voted to power in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: PAP promised to bring development and modernization to the village if voted to power.
Answer: Chief Marcus Ibe held a high traditional title in Umuofia.
Answer: One of the honours politics had brought Marcus Ibe was his large, modern house.
- a fly trying to move a dunghill.
- the bird challenging his personal spirit.
- a mortar turning its back on the ground.
Answer: a) a fly trying to move a dunghill.
- What was Marcus Ibe before entering politics in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Marcus Ibe was a schoolteacher before entering politics.
- What instance had resulted in the dismissal of Marcus from the mission school in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Marcus was dismissed from the mission school for insubordination and challenging the authority of the school.
- What had Marcus Ibe named his new house?
Answer: Marcus Ibe named his new house “Umuofia Mansions.”
- Who conducted whispering campaign in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: The opposition party conducted a whispering campaign against Marcus Ibe.
- How much had Marcus Ibe drawn in advance for the election in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Marcus Ibe had drawn one hundred pounds in advance for the election.
a) four b) two c) five
Answer: b) two
- How many shillings was finally accepted for the votes by the elders in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: The elders finally accepted four shillings for their votes.
- What does the phrase ‘the enemy’ used by Roof refer to in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: The phrase ‘the enemy’ used by Roof refers to the opposition party, the POP.
- Who had formed POP in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: The opposition group formed the POP.
- What does POP stand for in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: POP stands for the Progressive Organization Party.
- What does PAP stand for in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: PAP stands for the People’s Alliance Party.
- How much did the POP campaign team offer Roof for his vote in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: The POP campaign team offered Roof five pounds for his vote.
- What was Roof asked to swear on by the POP team in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Roof was asked to swear on the “iyi” by the POP team.
- Where does the iyi come from according to the POP campaigner in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: According to the POP campaigner, the “iyi” comes from the local deity.
- Who competed against Marcus in the election in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Marcus’s opponent in the election was the POP candidate.
- What is the symbol of PAP in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: The symbol of PAP is a car.
- What is the symbol of POP in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: The symbol of POP is a man’s head.
- Whose election symbol was ‘man’s head’ in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: The POP’s election symbol was the man’s head.
- Where was Marcus I be seated on the morning of election in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Marcus Ibe was seated in his house on the morning of the election.
- What precaution did Roof take while inserting the ballot paper in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Roof tore the ballot paper in half to avoid breaking his promise to either side, a precaution to not offend either party.
- Answer the following questions in about 100 words each
(4 Marks)
- Account for Roof’s popularity in ‘The Voter’.
Answer: Roof was popular in Umuofia due to his cleverness, reliability, and his role as a trusted campaigner for Marcus Ibe, the local politician. Roof had worked as a bicycle repairer’s apprentice and learned valuable skills that made him resourceful. His role as Marcus’ key campaigner, coupled with his ability to manipulate and sway people during election campaigns, further boosted his standing among the villagers, making him a powerful figure in local politics.
Answer: Marcus Ibe became successful by strategically using money, influence, and his local popularity. He started off as a poor teacher but entered politics after being expelled from a mission school. His wealth grew once he was elected, allowing him to build a large house, which symbolized his newfound status. His generosity towards his constituents, alongside his involvement with the PAP (Progressive Alliance Party), and the loyalty of men like Roof helped him secure his position as a respected and feared politician in Umuofia.
Answer: Umuofia had undergone a significant transformation in its approach to politics. In the past, respect for tradition and elders held more value, but with the introduction of modern political systems, money had begun to play a pivotal role. People’s loyalties could now be swayed by material gain, as shown by how voters expected bribes from politicians in return for their votes. This shift represented a change in values, where personal gain took precedence over traditional honor and community interest.
- What was whispering campaign and how did Roof conduct it in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: A whispering campaign is a tactic where rumors are spread subtly to influence public opinion without direct confrontation. Roof conducted the whispering campaign by discreetly planting doubts in the minds of villagers about Marcus Ibe’s opponent and suggesting that Marcus was the better choice without openly criticizing anyone. This low-key method was effective in persuading people while avoiding any direct accusations or conflicts.
- What reasons are given for the formation of POP in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: The formation of the POP (People’s Organization Party) was a response to the dominance of the PAP (Progressive Alliance Party), led by Marcus Ibe. The opposition felt that the ruling party had grown too powerful and corrupt, relying heavily on bribes and manipulation to win votes. The POP sought to offer an alternative to the people, hoping to restore some integrity and fairness to the political system by challenging the corrupt practices of the PAP.
- How did the POP campaign team trap Roof in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: The POP campaign team trapped Roof by offering him a larger bribe than the one he had received from Marcus Ibe’s PAP. They gave him five pounds to secure his vote and swore him on a traditional sacred object, the “iyi,” which made him feel morally obligated to vote for them. This left Roof in a difficult situation because he had also pledged his loyalty to Marcus and accepted money from him.
Answer: On the morning of the election, the village was lively with people gathering at the polling station, which was located in the marketplace. There was a festive atmosphere with villagers chatting excitedly about the election. Politicians and campaigners made their final appeals for votes, and the polling officers, accompanied by armed guards, prepared the ballot boxes. Roof, along with others, joined the line to cast his vote, while the election atmosphere reflected both tension and celebration.
- How does Roof conceal his betrayal of Marcus in the election?
Answer: Roof concealed his betrayal of Marcus by tearing his ballot paper into two. This symbolic act allowed him to satisfy both his promises—one half of the paper was marked with Marcus’ party symbol, while the other half was left unmarked. By splitting the ballot, Roof avoided having to directly choose between Marcus and the opposition, leaving him guilt-free and concealing his disloyalty to Marcus, who trusted him as his campaigner.
- Why was Roof in a fix when putting in his ballot paper in ‘The Voter’?
Answer: Roof found himself in a fix because he had accepted bribes from both the PAP (Marcus Ibe’s party) and the opposition, POP. He had sworn to support both parties, which put him in a moral and practical dilemma. He did not want to betray Marcus, who trusted him, but he also felt bound by the traditional oath he took on the “iyi.” This left him torn between loyalty and the promises he made for monetary gain.
Answer: Roof can be seen as an intelligent manipulator because he skillfully navigates the complexities of political allegiance. He understands the value of both money and traditional beliefs, using these to his advantage. By conducting a whispering campaign and accepting bribes from multiple parties, Roof positions himself as a key player in the election while keeping his true intentions hidden. His clever decision to tear the ballot paper in half further showcases his ability to manipulate the situation to avoid conflict and maintain his reputation.