The voter is a short story written by Chinua Achebe where he highlights the ++entire election scenario and how a person, considered to be knowledgeable tries to go against the existing norms.
Roof (Rufus Okeke) is an educated person who returns to his village in order to help the illiterate people in his own way. It was at the time of the elections that he involved himself completely both to meet his selfish needs and a bit of social concern. Roof was the perfect adviser for Marcus during the elections as he required a person of Roof's nature to act as the Campaign manager. His trust in Roof had started bearing fruit when Roof tells him that people were unhappy with the way in which they were treated soon after the elections and the coming elections they may not cast their vote free of cost. So Marcus had drawn five months worth of salary in advance so that he could meet the expenditures.
Roof had other campaign boys who did their job well. Marcus had bought a huge house for himself and named it 'Umuofia mansion' as though he was dedicating it to the village people. On that day, all the village folk was invited for an ozo meal anticipating that their hesitation would come down. But the people, after having the sumptuous meal, doubted the attitude of Marcus
The hectic day right before the voting day was when Roof met five elders from the village and gave them 4 shillings each hoping that it would make them canvass for Marcus.
On that same night, another incident took place which literally shook Marcus. A few of the POP campaign boys entered Roof's house and tempted him with a Pound note which Roof could not easily turn down. he was confronted with a huge dilemma when they asked them to swear by the local deity "Iyi". He was left with no other alternative but to obey.
On the day of the election, Roof watched the reaction of Marcus quite often because he did not want Marcus to suspect him. Everything went as per plan. But when Roof was asked to cast his vote, he did not know what to do. All of a sudden, a grand idea struck him. Without a second thought, he tore the ballot paper into two halves and put the first half into Maduka's box and verbally proclaimed that he has first voted for POP.
Roof (Rufus Okeke) is an educated person who returns to his village in order to help the illiterate people in his own way. It was at the time of the elections that he involved himself completely both to meet his selfish needs and a bit of social concern. Roof was the perfect adviser for Marcus during the elections as he required a person of Roof's nature to act as the Campaign manager. His trust in Roof had started bearing fruit when Roof tells him that people were unhappy with the way in which they were treated soon after the elections and the coming elections they may not cast their vote free of cost. So Marcus had drawn five months worth of salary in advance so that he could meet the expenditures.
Roof had other campaign boys who did their job well. Marcus had bought a huge house for himself and named it 'Umuofia mansion' as though he was dedicating it to the village people. On that day, all the village folk was invited for an ozo meal anticipating that their hesitation would come down. But the people, after having the sumptuous meal, doubted the attitude of Marcus
The hectic day right before the voting day was when Roof met five elders from the village and gave them 4 shillings each hoping that it would make them canvass for Marcus.
On that same night, another incident took place which literally shook Marcus. A few of the POP campaign boys entered Roof's house and tempted him with a Pound note which Roof could not easily turn down. he was confronted with a huge dilemma when they asked them to swear by the local deity "Iyi". He was left with no other alternative but to obey.
On the day of the election, Roof watched the reaction of Marcus quite often because he did not want Marcus to suspect him. Everything went as per plan. But when Roof was asked to cast his vote, he did not know what to do. All of a sudden, a grand idea struck him. Without a second thought, he tore the ballot paper into two halves and put the first half into Maduka's box and verbally proclaimed that he has first voted for POP.
Wonderful analysis of the satire in the voter!
ReplyDeleteThe analysis was okay; hitting the nail by its head.
ReplyDelete'The Voter' by Chinua Achebe portrays the political situation in Uganda where politicians embezzle public funds and use that money to buy votes during campaigns and when they get into power, they do nothing for the well being of the common people.
ReplyDeleteIs there any chance to get this as a book anywhere?
ReplyDeleteSir complete the dialogue in grammar q no 28 please explain sir
ReplyDelete