life is sweet at kumansenu essay

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Life Is Sweet At Kumansenu - Four Levels | The Flax-Golden Tales

Abioseh nicol, sierra leone (1924 – 1994), ancient tales, actions and consequences, crosscultural bridges, cultural anthropology, the human condition, natural science, humor and satire, critical and creative thinking, life and death.

Life Is Sweet At Kumansenu

Abioseh Nicol, Sierra Leone (1924 – 1994) Unit: Cultural Anthropology Subject: Flax-Golden Tales

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Literal Comprehension: This story is set in a small African village, Kumansenu. In a small mud house, a widow Bola used to live with her seven years granddaughter Asi. Her son Megi was in government job as a clerk. Bola gave birth to six children but all of them died. Musa, a village magician suggested bola to break a bone of dead child in the grave so an upcoming born child wouldn’t mock her. There was a belief that the dead child’s spirit creeps from the grave and scares the mother sitting in her womb. When Bola was preparing food Asi was skipping outside. Suddenly Bola saw her son inside the house and became so much excited. She wanted to give the party in the happiness of son’s arrival. But Meji made a promise to Bola not to tell about his arrival to anyone. His neck was tied with a red handkerchief and Meji had a hoarse voice. He said he was tired much so wanted to take rest. He slept the whole day to next Saturday morning. Bola doubted in Meji’s condition still he pretended to satisfy her. When Bola went to market Meji took his daughter for a long walk up to hill secretly. Asi asked many questions to father he cunningly answered them. At Bola’s request, all of them went to Meji’s father grave and offered water and wine as culturally did. After the offer to the graveyard, they came back home secretly. Meji didn’t eat any food rather threw outside. Bola asked Meji about the bad smell of a dead body in the room that Meji convinced her telling that it might be a dead rat. At night there was heavy rain. In the locked door, Bola saw Meji out but not wet in the rain. Thanking his mother Bola a lot for giving birth and support, Meji departed telling “Life is sweet.” Mr. Addai told Bola brought Lord gave birth him and he took back. Meji’s wife brought news that Meji was killed on Friday noon and buried on Saturday at sundown. Bola couldn’t believe her eyes. As Meji taught Asi how to open gold locket. Asi could unlock it. They all became surprised about his arrival there. Magician, Musa said Bola that she should have broken his bones 30 years ago so that he wouldn’t have come and scared her. Despite him, Bola felt very happy getting the chance of giving birth to such son and gave him a chance to born again.

Interpretation: This story “Life is sweet at Kumansenu” might be trying to give the power of love in African culture. In that culture, there was a belief that the dead child would creep to come back to the mother’s womb to trouble the parents. As Meji died at the age of 30 and his spirit visited her. The spirit had come to thank for giving birth and a chance to live a short and sweet life. It might be trying to give the superstitious cultural tradition of an African country. Bola loved her child so much that eventually, she didn’t feel sad rather a pride of giving birth to Meji like son.

Critical Thinking: Form the cultural and spiritual aspects the story is heart melting. It figures out about the life-affirming character of African people. Beside cultural exercise, there are many more disagreeable points. How can a person present as a spirit after death? Can’t we identify the person who is already dead? Do present world people have such faith about the spirit? If Meji’s spirit was present how could he visit and take the child up to hill? The spiritual aspect given in the story is unacceptable in this scientific age.

Assimilation: I have a lot from the people about their contact with ghosts, spirit, etc. We have read such supernatural concept in many texts. This story reminded me of my villagers who believe that after death spirit, comes to the house and scares the people much like Nepali superstitious people the people of Africa believe on spirit, rebirth and such thing. The story “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu” can be interpreted about the power of love and the gratitude of children toward their parents. Explain. The story “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu” shows the power of love and love of children to their parents. Mother Bola loved her son, Meji very much who was ready to give a party on Meji’s arrival to the village. For the love and care of an old mother, Meji had also left his seven years lovely daughter, Asi with Bola. He had sacrificed his love for Asi and hope to give children love to Bola. There is a strong bond of love from son to mother and vice-versa. Meji, as a spirit had come not to scare Bola as their culture interpretation. He had come to thank her for giving short still sweet life for him. He was presented there not physically rather spiritually. if spiritual love is there, even the spirit can love and care of the loved one. Form another angle we can easily say that this story has captured the gratitude of children to their parents. When Bola and Meji met they showed a strong spiritual bond of love between them. Even though Bola lost her single son still she was proud of her such ideal son. After the married life and having seven years daughter Meji hadn’t left any percent to love and respect for his ideal mother. He didn’t like to trouble his mother saying he was dead rather thanked a lot for giving birth to his noble life. Thus, in conclusion, we can say that this African-Culture base story is really about the power of love and the gratitude of children to their parents.

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Life is Sweet

Favorite Quote: "David killed Goliah not because he fought well, but because he believed well." -Esther in One Night With the King

Have you ever taken the time to just sit back and enjoy your life for what it is and where it’s at? In the story, “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu,” by Nicol Abioseh, the author illustrates the life of a woman named Bola who receives a visit from her son, Meji, who she thought did not live past childbirth. Later in the story, we find out that Meji is actually dead and visiting his mother as a ghost. The theme of “Life Is Sweet at Kumansenu” is don’t take life for granted, as described through the author’s uses of setting, characterization, symbolism, irony, and imagery. First of all, the theme of “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu” is portrayed through the ways that the author describes the setting of the story. The setting describes the surroundings around the character and the area in which the character lives or spends a lot of time. For instance, on page 147 the setting is described as, “The sea and the wet sand to one side of it; green tropical forest on the other; above it, the slow, tumbling clouds. The clean, round, blinding disk of sun and the blue sky covered and surrounded the small African village, Kumansenu.” These statements fit with the theme, “Don’t take life for granted,” because they speak of the beautiful area that is all around and how sometimes you need to just stop and take a look at the beauty of life. Therefore, the author used a unique setting to describe the theme of the story. Secondly, the theme can be seen in the uses of characterization throughout the story. In “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu,” the author shows characterization through speech and appearance. On page 153, this statement is made: “She clutched Asi to her. ‘I am glad I gave him the opportunity to come back, for life is sweet.’” This form of characterization used was speech in which Bola clutched her granddaughter to herself she spoke of how happy she was that she let Meji come see her because he would be able to enjoy life. This is a form of characterization in that it shows how much Bola cared about her son and wanted him to enjoy the essence of life. Also, on page 149, another form of characterization used is, “He turned around from the window and looked at her with a twisted half-smile of love and sadness.” This form was that of appearance and it demonstrates the theme in that, without the audience knowing it, Meji is dead and he is looking at his living mother. He sees in her a love for life and wishes that he himself could be experiencing that sort of love. So it can be concluded that Abioseh, the author of this story, used characterization through speech and through appearance to interpret the theme that life should not be taken for granted. Thirdly the theme of “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu” is demonstrated through symbolism. In this story symbolism provides foreshadowing and represents the emotions of the characters. An example of symbolism is on page 151, when “She threw the four kola nuts up into the air and they fell on the grave.” In this case, the kola nuts represent death, which adds to the theme because it’s showing that death can come suddenly. Another instance of symbolism is when Asi’s mother tells her, “Your papa had this made last week for your Christmas present. You may as well have it now (152).” She is referring to a gold locket, which symbolizes Meji’s love for his daughter. This contributes to the theme because it shows how love is important and you should appreciate those in your life. Therefore, symbolism is one element which serves to demonstrate the theme of this story. The fourth aspect that illuminates the theme is irony. Irony is defined as the contrast between our expectations and reality. Irony is used a lot in “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu,” because of the fact that the main plot has a highly ironic twist (that a man who appears normal is really dead). One instance of this is when Bola and Meji are standing by the grave of Meji’s father and Meji “...said that he felt nearer his father at that moment than he had ever done before in his life (151).” This is both verbal and situational irony, since at the time, Meji was actually dead, so he really would be closer than ever to his dead father. This proves the theme because it shows how unexpected things, death not least of all, can happen, and that you shouldn’t take things for granted. Because of this, irony is clearly one way in which the author presents the theme. Yet another way the author shows the theme through his use of imagery. He uses imagery to illustrate the fact that life is too short and must not be wasted. One example of this is on page 148 “...Some had swollen up and with weak, plaintive cries had faded away. Others had shuddered in sudden convulsions with burning skins and had rolled up their eyes and died.” This statement describes the theme by using imagery to show the sad death of her babies and to show the fact that life is short. This proves that the theme of “don’t take life for granted” is shown through imagery In conclusion, the message of “Don’t take life for granted” is clearly presented as the theme of “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu.” It is shown through Abioseh’s use of setting to describe the beauty in nature that we shouldn’t forget to notice. It is also made apparent because of the characterization that shows how sweet life is. Another element that shows the theme is the symbols of the story and how they represent death and the love a father has for his daughter. Irony also contributes by showing how things are not always what we expect them to be, and that death may be closer than we realize. Last but not least, the theme is demonstrated by the author’s imagery, which paints a vivid picture of how fleeting life is. This all goes to show that it’s important to not let life pass you by and to enjoy what you have while it lasts. Works Cited Nicol, Abioseh. “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu.” Elements of Literature Fourth Course. Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2000.

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Life is sweet at kumansenu, abiosh nicol, sierra leone (1924 - 1994).

Bola (A Widow)
Asi (Bola's Granddaughter)
Meji (Bola's 7th son who is Bola's 6th son's rebirth) - 30 Years Old. Works in the city 90 miles away from home. He has a BLACK MARK ON HIS LEFT BUTTOCK
Musa (Magician) - Muslim
Mrs Meji (She comes to Kumansenu to deliver the news of her husband's death)
This story based on magic realism shows the power of love and the sweetness of life. It captures the gratitude of the children toward their parents.
Bola is a widow who lives with her granddaughter Asi. She gave birth to six sons, but unfortunately, all of them died. When the last son dies, the village magician Musa advises Bola to break the bones of the dead child and mangle (mutilate) it so that he could not come to torment her (Unbearable physical pain). However, her heart didn't allow her to do so and then makes a black mark on the buttock of her sixth son.
Her seventh son Meji has a black mark on his left buttock.
One-day Meji appear on Friday inside the house although the front door is closed.
On Saturday night it rains heavily. Bola hears knocking at midnight. She goes to Meji's room but he was outside. She requests him to come in but he does not. Meji says that he could not leave without saying GOOD BYE to her.
Bola thinks to call Mr Addai on Sunday but he himself comes and tells her that Meji died on Friday. But Bola and Asi insist that Meji has come there on Friday, so he could not have died on Friday. Villagers think that Bola is out of her mind because of the shock. Musa reminds Bola that she didn't follow his advice as soon as the sixth son died. Hence, he came to mock her. But Bola does not believe in it rather she feels proud of coming with her son and proud of herself to be with him at that moment
First of all, the theme of “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu” is portrayed through the ways that the author describes the setting of the story. The setting describes the surroundings around the character and the area in which the character lives or spends a lot of time. For instance, on page 143 the setting is described as, “ The sea and the wet sand to one side of it; green tropical forest on the other; above it, the slow, tumbling clouds. The clean, round, blinding disk of sun and the blue sky covered and surrounded the small African village, Kumansenu .” These statements fit with the theme, “ Don’t take life for granted ,” because they speak of the beautiful area that is all around and how sometimes you need to just stop and take a look at the beauty of life. Therefore, the author used a unique setting to describe the theme of the story.
Secondly, the theme can be seen in the uses of characterization throughout the story. In “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu,” the author shows characterization through speech and appearance. On page 151, this statement is made: “ She clutched Asi to her. ‘I am glad I gave him the opportunity to come back, for life is sweet .’” This form of characterization used was speech in which Bola clutched her granddaughter to herself she spoke of how happy she was that she let Meji come see her because he would be able to enjoy life. This is a form of characterization in that it shows how much Bola cared about her son and wanted him to enjoy the essence of life. Also, on page 145, another form of characterization used is, “ He turned around from the window and looked at her with a twisted half-smile of love and sadness. ” This form was that of appearance and it demonstrates the theme in that, without the audience knowing it, Meji is dead and he is looking at his living mother. He sees in her a love for life and wishes that he himself could be experiencing that sort of love. So it can be concluded that Abioseh, the author of this story, used characterization through speech and through appearance to interpret the theme that life should not be taken for granted.
Thirdly the theme of “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu” is demonstrated through symbolism. In this story symbolism provides foreshadowing and represents the emotions of the characters. An example of symbolism is on page 148, when “ She threw the four kola nuts up into the air and they fell on the grave. ” In this case, the kola nuts represent death, which adds to the theme because it’s showing that death can come suddenly. Another instance of symbolism is when Asi’s mother tells her, “ Your papa had this made last week for your Christmas present. You may as well have it now (150).” She is referring to a gold locket, which symbolizes Meji’s love for his daughter. This contributes to the theme because it shows how love is important and you should appreciate those in your life. Therefore, symbolism is one element which serves to demonstrate the theme of this story.
The fourth aspect that illuminates the theme is irony. Irony is defined as the contrast between our expectations and reality. Irony is used a lot in “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu,” because of the fact that the main plot has a highly ironic twist (that a man who appears normal is really dead). One instance of this is when Bola and Meji are standing by the grave of Meji’s father and Meji “ ...said that he felt nearer his father at that moment than he had ever done before in his life (148).” This is both verbal and situational irony, since at the time, Meji was actually dead, so he really would be closer than ever to his dead father. This proves the theme because it shows how unexpected things, death not least of all, can happen, and that you shouldn’t take things for granted. Because of this, irony is clearly one way in which the author presents the theme.
Yet another way the author shows the theme through his use of imagery. He uses imagery to illustrate the fact that life is too short and must not be wasted. One example of this is on page 144 “ ...Some had swollen up and with weak, plaintive cries had faded away. Others had shuddered in sudden convulsions with burning skins and had rolled up their eyes and died. ” This statement describes the theme by using imagery to show the sad death of her babies and to show the fact that life is short. This proves that the theme of “ don’t take life for granted ” is shown through imagery.
In conclusion, the message of “Don’t take life for granted” is clearly presented as the theme of “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu.” It is shown through Abioseh’s use of setting to describe the beauty in nature that we shouldn’t forget to notice. It is also made apparent because of the characterization that shows how sweet life is. Another element that shows the theme is the symbols of the story and how they represent death and the love a father has for his daughter. Irony also contributes by showing how things are not always what we expect them to be, and that death may be closer than we realize. Last but not least, the theme is demonstrated by the author’s imagery, which paints a vivid picture of how fleeting life is. This all goes to show that it’s important to not let life pass you by and to enjoy what you have while it lasts.

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Life Is Sweet at Kumansenu: Summary and Analysis

Life is sweet at kumansenu.

- Abioseh Nicol

Literal Comprehension

There was a beautiful village in South Africa named Kumansenu. It was situated in a beautiful landscape. The beauty of the village had been further increased by the lines of thatched roofed houses of the village. In one of those houses, there lived a widow. Her name was Bola with her seven years old granddaughter named Asi. Bola had a story in her youth. She had given birth to five sons but none of them had survived. Hence they had consulted with the magician of the village who had suggested them to break the bones of the dead child's legs so that his evil spirit would not be able to take another birth and trouble them. But, Bola did not allow the people to do so.

Instead, she put a black spot on the buttock of the baby so that she could recognize the baby when the same spirit would come next time when she would beget the next baby. Time passed, she gave birth to another son, Musa. She looked at the buttock. Indeed, there was a black spot in the exact place where she had spotted in her previous baby. Anyway, the child did not die young. He grew up, got married, and gave birth to a daughter. At present, Musa was working as a clerk in the city. He was staying there with his wife.

One day, all of a sudden the son appears in the room in one of the evenings. The old widow asked why he had been there without information. She wanted to call all the villagers to welcome him. But the son stopped her saying that he wanted to share his happiness with his family members only. His daughter went to meet him and saw that her father had covered his neck. The curious girl asked him why he had covered his neck. He replied that there was a wound in his neck and hoped that she would not touch it.

The next day, both of them went to visit, the father takes her far and wide. The girl was surprised because she could not see her father's shadow, he was very transparent and his watch had stopped at twelve o'clock. The father replied that it was twelve o'clock and there would not be any shadow at the time. He also teaches there to open a chain. They return home. The mother suggests he go to the graveyard and meet his father's tomb. Then they reach the graveyard, the mother takes some of the almonds and throws up the graveyard. Three of them turn upwards and three of them turn downwards which means the living and dying souls was communicating with each other.

The mother tells her son that his father was happy with him. The son replies that he had felt very close with his father on that day. Both of them returned home. The mother prepares food but the son would not take it. It was raining outside. The son was standing in the rain. The mother calls him inside but the son replies that he had come there just to thank her because she did not cut his legs in the previous life. Then he disappears.

The next day Musa's wife who had been staying in the city comes. She delivers a message that her husband had died exactly at 12 o'clock when the glass of the window broke down and his head had been severed as he had tried to peep out through it. The daughter could not believe it and begins to cry and the mother lulls her by offering the chain which was her father's last gift. Bola was happy because she had selected not to break the legs of the dead child. And, it was because of her great decision there was her daughter in law and granddaughter supported her old age.

Life is Sweet at Kumansenu (Extensive Reading)

First of all, the theme of “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu” is portrayed through the ways that the author describes the setting of the story. The setting describes the surroundings around the character and the area in which the character lives or spends a lot of time. For instance, the setting is described as, “The sea and the wet sand to one side of it; green tropical forest on the other; above it, the slow, tumbling clouds.

The clean, round, blinding disk of the sun and the blue sky covered and surrounded the small African village, Kumansenu.” These statements fit with the theme, “Don’t take life for granted,” because they speak of the beautiful area that is all around and how sometimes you need to just stop and take a look at the beauty of life. Therefore, the author used a unique setting to describe the theme of the story.

Secondly, the theme can be seen in the use of characterization throughout the story. In “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu,” the author shows characterization through speech and appearance. This statement is made: “She clutched Asi to her. ‘I am glad I gave him the opportunity to come back, for life is sweet.’” This form of characterization used was the speech in which Bola clutched her granddaughter to herself she spoke of how happy she was that she let Meji come see her because he would be able to enjoy life.

This is a form of characterization in that it shows how much Bola cared about her son and wanted him to enjoy the essence of life. Also, another form of characterization used is, “He turned around from the window and looked at her with a twisted half-smile of love and sadness.” This form was that of appearance and it demonstrates the theme in that, without the audience knowing it, Meji is dead and he is looking at his living mother. He sees in her a love for life and wishes that he himself could be experiencing that sort of love. So it can be concluded that Abioseh, the author of this story, used characterization through speech and through appearance to interpret the theme that life should not be taken for granted.

Thirdly the theme of “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu” is demonstrated through symbolism. In this story, symbolism provides foreshadowing and represents the emotions of the characters. An example of symbolism is when “She threw the four kola nuts up into the air and they fell on the grave.” In this case, the kola nuts represent death, which adds to the theme because it’s showing that death can come suddenly.

Another instance of symbolism is when Asi’s mother tells her, “Your papa had this made last week for your Christmas present. You may as well have it now” She is referring to a gold locket, which symbolizes Meji’s love for his daughter. This contributes to the theme because it shows how love is important and you should appreciate those in your life. Therefore, symbolism is one element that serves to demonstrate the theme of this story.

The fourth aspect that illuminates the theme is irony. The irony is defined as the contrast between our expectations and reality. The irony is used a lot in “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu,” because of the fact that the main plot has a highly ironic twist (that a man who appears normal is really dead). One instance of this is when Bola and Meji are standing by the grave of Meji’s father and Meji “...said that he felt nearer his father at that moment than he had ever done before in his life.” This is both verbal and situational irony since, at the time, Meji was actually dead, and so he really would be closer than ever to his dead father.

This proves the theme because it shows how unexpected things, death not least of all, can happen and that you shouldn’t take things for granted. Because of this, the irony is clearly one way in which the author presents the theme.

In conclusion; the message of “Don’t take life for granted” is clearly presented as the theme of “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu.” It is shown through Abioseh’s use of setting to describe the beauty in nature that we shouldn’t forget to notice. It is also made apparent because of the characterization that shows how sweet life is. Another element that shows the theme is the symbols of the story and how they represent death and the love a father has for his daughter.

Irony also contributes by showing how things are not always what we expect them to be, and that death may be closer than we realize. Last but not least, the theme is demonstrated by the author’s imagery, which paints a vivid picture of how fleeting life is. This all goes to show that it’s important to not let life pass you by and to enjoy what you have while it lasts.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Summary of life is sweet at kumansenu ( nicol ).

Unit 7 : Cultural Anthropology Flax-Golden Tales

Life Is Sweet At Kumansenu - Four Levels of Interactions

Abioseh Nicol , Sierra Leone ( 1924 – 1994)

For : BA / BBS First Year ( Business English )

Literal Comprehension : This story is set in a small African village , Kumansenu . In a small mud house a widow Bola used to live with her seven years granddaughter Asi . Her son Megi was in government job as a clerk . Bola gave birth of six children but all of them were died . Musa, a village magician suggested bola to break bone of dead child in the grave so upcoming born child wouldn ’t mock her . There was belief that the dead child’s spirit creeps from grave and scares mother sitting in her womb . When Bola was preparing food Asi was skipping outside . Suddenly Bola saw her son inside the house and became so much excited . She wanted to give party in happiness of son ’s arrival . But Meji made promise to Bola not to tell about his arrival to anyone. His neck was tied with red handkerchief and Meji had hoarse voice. He said he was tired much so wanted to take rest . He slept whole day to next Saturday morning . Bola doubted in Meji ’s condition still he pretended to satisfy her . When Bola went to market Meji took his daughter for a long walk up to hill secretly. Asi asked many questions to father he cunningly answered them. At Bola ’s request all of them went to Meji’s father grave and offered water and wine as culturally did. After the offer to graveyard they came back home secretly . Meji didn ’ t eat any food rather threw outside . Bola asked Meji about bad smell of dead body in the room that Meji convinced her telling that it might be dead rat. At night there was heavy rain. In locked door Bola saw Meji out but not wet in the rain. Thanking his mother Bola a lot for giving birth and support , Meji departed telling “ Life is sweet . ” Mr. Addai told Bola brought Lord gave birth him and he took back . Meji’s wife brought news that Meji was killed on Friday noon and buried on Saturday at sundown. Bola couldn ’t believe her eyes . As Meji taught Asi how to open gold locket. Asi could unlock it. They all became surprised about his arrival there. Magician , Musa said Bola that she should have broken his bones 30 years ago so that he wouldn ’t have come and scared her . Despite of him Bola felt very happy getting chance of giving birth of such son and gave him chance to born again .

Interpretation: This story “ Life is sweet at Kumansenu” might be trying to give the power of love in African culture. In that culture there was belief that the dead child would creep to come back to mother ’s womb to trouble the parents. As Meji died at the age of 30 and his spirit visited her . The spirit had come to thank for giving birth and a chance to live a short and sweet life . It might be trying to give the superstitious cultural tradition of African country . Bola loved her child so much that eventually she didn’ t feel sad rather a pride of giving birth of Meji like son .

Critical Thinking : Form the cultural and spiritual aspects the story is heart melting . It figures out about life -affirming character of African people . Beside cultural exercise there are many more disagreeable points . How can a person present as a spirit after death? Can ’ t we identify the person who is already dead ? Do present world people have such faith about spirit? If Meji’s spirit was present how could he visit and take child up to hill? The spiritual aspect given in the story is unacceptable in this scientific age .

Assimilation : I have a lot from the people about their contact with ghosts , spirit etc . We have read such supernatural concept in many texts . This story reminded me my villagers who believe that after death spirit, comes to house and scares the people much like Nepali superstitious people the people of Africa believe on spirit, rebirth and such thing . The story “ Life is Sweet at Kumansenu” can be interpreted about the power of love and the gratitude of children toward their parents . Explain . The story “ Life is Sweet at Kumansenu ” shows the power of love and love of children to their parents. Mother Bola loved her son, Meji very much who was ready to give party on Meji’s arrival to the village . For the love and care of old mother Meji had also left his seven years lovely daughter, Asi with Bola . He had sacrificed his love to Asi and hopen to give children love to Bola . There is strong bond of love from son to mother and vice-versa . Meji, as a spirit had come not to scare Bola as their culture interpretation . He had come to thank her for giving short still sweet life for him. He was presented there not physically rather spiritually . if spiritual love is there, even the spirit can love and care of loved one. Form another angle we can easily say that this story has captured the gratitude of children to their parents. When Bola and Meji met they showed a strong spiritual bond of love between them . Even though Bola lost her single son still she was proud of her such ideal son. After the married life and having seven years daughter Meji hadn ’t left any percent to love and respect for his ideal mother. He didn ’t like to trouble his mother saying he was dead rather thanked a lot for giving birth of his noble life . Thus , in conclusion we can say that this African -Culture base story is really about the power of love and the gratitude of children to their parents .

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'Life Is Sweet at Kumansenu' by Abioseh Nicol Summary

Everything you need to understand or teach 'Life Is Sweet at Kumansenu' by Abioseh Nicol .

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Four Levels of Life is Sweet at Kumansenu

Life is Sweet at Kumansenu Four Levels

Table of Contents

Four Levels of Life is Sweet at Kumansenu

The following are the four levels of the story “Life is Sweet at Kumansenu”:

Literal Comprehension

“Life is Sweet at Kumansenu” by Abioseh Nicol tells the story of Bola, a widow living in the small African village of Kumansenu with her granddaughter Asi. Bola had six sons who all died in infancy, except for Meji, her seventh son, who survived and worked as a clerk in a town office.

One day, Meji mysteriously appears at Bola’s house despite the door being locked. He spends time with his family, takes Asi for a walk, and visits his father’s grave. That night, during heavy rain, Bola encounters Meji on the veranda, unharmed by the downpour.

The next day, Bola learns from Mr. Addai that Meji died on Friday, but she refuses to believe it until Asi’s mother confirms it. Despite Meji’s death, his presence brings solace and gratitude to Bola.

Interpretation

The story delves into themes of love, family bonds, and the supernatural, employing elements of magic realism. Meji’s inexplicable visitation after death highlights the enduring power of love and the transcendence of familial connections beyond the physical realm.

Through Meji’s actions and Bola’s reactions, Nicol underscores the profound impact of filial piety and the eternal nature of maternal love.

The narrative blends fantastical elements with realistic emotions, inviting readers to contemplate the mysteries of life and death and the complexities of human relationships.

Critical Thinking

While the story captivates with its magical elements, critical questions arise regarding the plausibility of the events depicted. Readers may ponder the significance of Meji’s appearance and its implications for understanding the nature of existence and the afterlife.

Skepticism may arise regarding the feasibility of supernatural occurrences and the reliability of Bola’s perception amidst her grief.

The narrative challenges readers to critically evaluate the boundaries between reality and fantasy, prompting reflection on the subjective nature of human experiences and beliefs.

Assimilation

Drawing from personal experiences and cultural perspectives, readers may find resonance with the themes of loss, love, and the supernatural portrayed in the story.

Cultural beliefs surrounding death and spiritual visitations may influence interpretations of Meji’s presence and its impact on Bola and Asi. Personal reflections on the enduring bonds of family and the mysteries of life and death may deepen readers’ engagement with the narrative.

Ultimately, the story serves as a poignant exploration of human emotions and existential questions, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of the human condition and the enduring power of love amidst life’s uncertainties.

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