African Short Story + Questions Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

African Short Story + Questions - Coursework ExampleAt the end of the story, the young boy walks to the bend of the river and forces himself to vomit the smattering of grapes he has consumed. This is symbolic of his loss of innocence with regard to the grandfather whom he has hitherto idolized and loved wholeheartedly. The dates, which the boy considers to rightfully belong to Masood, have been addicted to the boy by his grandfather. They have come to signify the payment of a debt. This leaves a bad taste in the sensitive boys mouth. He vomits the dates to distance himself from his grandfathers actions.The boy, in the innocence of his youth, takes things at face value. He obviously adores and idolizes his grandfather, considering him to be a giant among men. His sense of identity is relate round the mosque and in relation to his grandfather the approval of the imam and that of his grandfather are equally important to him. He is a lover of nature, and empathizes with Masoods caut ion for the date trees. He is sympathetic to the poor worlds plight.The grandfather is an avaricious, ruthless man, whose rise in social position has been at the cost of his humanity. He is obviously a powerful man in the community. His hypocrisy is evident in his reciting of his prayers and his approval of his grandsons knowledge of the Koran, while simultaneously holding Masood in the vice of debt. He considers land to be the symbol of power and determinedly covets the little Masood still owns. He is jealous of Masoods inherited wealth.Masood is a man who loves the land which he has inherited. His concern for nature is evident in his admonition to the boy, Be careful you dont cut the heart of the palm. Despite being helpless to overmaster the debt and poverty, he sings and laughs and takes delight in life. His attachment to his ancestral land is deep, and is not just in terms of material