blossoms of the savannah essays and answers quiz

More than 20 Blossoms of Savannah Essay Questions & Answers

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Blossoms of Savannah Essay Questions & Answers

Here are 20 questions and answers about the novel “ Blossoms of the Savannah “:

1. Q: Who is the author of “Blossoms of the Savannah”?

A: The author of “Blossoms of the Savannah” is Meja Mwangi.

2. Q: Where is the story of “Blossoms of the Savannah” set?

A: The story is set in Ilmorog, a Maasai village in Kenya.

3. Q: Who are the two main characters in the novel?

A: The two main characters are Resian and Taiyo.

4. Q: How do Resian and Taiyo challenge gender inequality in the novel?

A: They challenge gender inequality by pursuing education and fighting against oppressive traditions.

5. Q: What external influences impact the Maasai community in the novel?

A: External influences include urbanization, education, and political changes.

6. Q: What is the role of tradition in the novel?

A: Tradition is portrayed as both a source of identity and a barrier to progress.

7. Q: What is the significance of the title, “Blossoms of the Savannah”?

A: The title symbolizes the potential for growth and transformation in the Maasai community.

8. Q: How does Resian escape an arranged marriage?

A: Resian escapes by eloping with her lover, Oloisudori.

9. Q: What is the scandal that Resian and Taiyo uncover in the novel?

A: They uncovered a scandal involving corruption within the local council.

10. Q: How does the Maasai culture change throughout the story?

A: The Maasai culture faces challenges and undergoes transformation due to external influences.

11. Q: What role does education play in the novel?

A: Education is presented as a tool for empowerment and liberation.

12. Q: How do Resian and Taiyo’s parents contribute to their growth and transformation?

A: Their parents provide support and guidance as the girls navigate societal expectations.

13. Q: Does “Blossoms of the Savannah” have a happy ending?

A: The ending offers some resolution but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the characters.

14. Q: Do Resian and Taiyo ultimately embrace their Maasai identity?

A: Yes, they come to realize the importance of embracing their roots and heritage.

15. Q: What cultural clashes occur in the novel?

A: There are clashes between tradition and modernity, as well as between different generations.

16. Q: How do Resian and Taiyo challenge the status quo in their community?

A: They challenge the status quo by resisting oppressive traditions and pursuing their own paths.

17. Q: How does “Blossoms of the Savannah” address issues of power and corruption?

A: The novel exposes the abuse of power within the local council and the consequences it has on the community.

18. Q: What symbols or motifs are prevalent in the novel?

A: Symbols such as the blossoms, the city, and the Maasai culture itself recur throughout the story.

19. Q: What is the significance of the character’s names in the novel?

A: The names often carry meaning and reflect aspects of the characters’ identities or roles.

20. Q: What themes does “Blossoms of the Savannah” explore?

A: The novel explores themes such as change, tradition, gender inequality, education, and corruption. Feel free to expand on these questions and answers in your essay or discussion of the novel.

Blossoms of the Savannah FAQs With Answers

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Blossoms of the Savannah Guide - Easy Elimu (6)

Get the Blossoms of the Savannah guide pdf here on EasyElimu.

Blossoms of the Savannah is a great novel written by Henry R. ole Kulet.

This EasyElimu Blossoms of the Savannah guide consists of the following sections:  

• Synopsis and summaries of all the chapters in Blossoms of the savannah full story

Characters and characterization in Blossoms of the Savannah 

• Themes in Blossoms 
• Language and style in Blossoms of the Savannah Notes
• Sample excerpts from Blossoms of the Savannah questions and answers set 1
• Sample and practice excerpts and extracts from Blossoms of Savannah with answers set 2
• General essay questions and sample essays set 1
• General essay questions and sample essays set 2

You can read these notes for free by downloading and registering on the EasyElimu Study App . 

About the book 

Blossoms of the Savannah is a book that is being tested in high schools under English paper 3- 101/3. It is the compulsory book for Kenyan Secondary Schools under English Literature. This book provides a thorough examination of the dynamics of the modern African male-controlled household. Blossoms of the Savannah, by Kulet, depicts a cultural melting pot where modern and traditional cultures assimilate and where social changes take place over time, albeit slowly. Where culture can never be static. 

The author realizes that blaming colonial systems and changing times is futile and that we must accept responsibility for our own shortcomings and choices. Where some will be incapacitated by the crippling cultural obstacles that they face, others will blossom, just as certain plant species thrive in the harsh, hot Savannah region despite the extreme conditions that make it difficult for large plants to grow there. 

Many students may find the set book difficult. However, this guide helps simplify the book and makes it easier for students to understand it so that they can pass their exams. 

Sections of the Guide - Blossoms of the Savannah 

Blossoms of the  savannah summary notes chapter by chapter   .

The novel Blossoms of the Savannah has 19 chapters in total plus the synopsis. This guide offers a summary of all the chapters in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah. 

• Synopsis of blossoms of the savannah
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 1: The journey
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 2: Nasila
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 3: Strange visitors
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 4: Home coming ceremony
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 5: Depressed one
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 6: Olarinkoi
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 7: Shadowy oloisudori
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 8: Troubled couple
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 9: Love
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 10: Olarinkoi versus the rapists
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 11: Change of environment
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 12: Retaliation
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 13: Oloisudori’s grand visit
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 14: The wealthy oloisudori
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 15: The real olarinkoi
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 16: Help
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 17: The promise
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 18: Sisters’ reunion
• Blossoms of the Savannah summary notes chapter 19: Dream fulfilled

This guide provides an in-depth analysis of all the characters in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah. If you do not know the characters in the novel or their characterization, you will not be able to get a good grade on any question regarding this book. All the characters in Blossoms of the Savannah are:

Themes in Blossoms of the Savannah 

Themes are issues that are consistent in a creative work. They are sub categories or sub topics of the subject matter or the main idea in a work of art. They constitute the entire message the writer wishes to put across to his or her readers. Therefore, themes are the messages put across by a writer in a work of art.

There are major and minor themes. Major themes cut across the text and are the main ideas the writer intends to pass to the readers. Minor themes are minor ideas which are still important in the text.

The novel addresses a number of issues including;

Language and style

The language used in literature is different from that used in other disciplines. Language in literature goes a notch higher because it is not only used originally but also innovatively. This contributes to aesthetics or beauty in literary texts hence appealing to the readers.

Style on the other hand can simply be defined as the unique manner of doing something. Just like everybody has a walking style and hair cutting style, playwrights have unique ways which they use to pass their messages to the audience.

There are a number of stylistic devices in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah. This guidebook will enumerate some of these devices inclusing;

Sample and practice excerpts and extracts with answers

With 19 chapters, Blossoms of the Savannah could have very many excerpts. With this guide, you can get Blossoms of the Savannah excerpts and answers in pdf format. All Blossoms of the Savannah excerpts included in this guide are aggregated from all KCSE and mock past papers. There are 2 sets of sample excerpts from blossoms questions and answers:

• Sample and practice excerpts and extracts from Blossoms of the Savannah with answers set 2

General essay questions and sample essays.    

This section contains general Q&As for Blossoms of the Savannah, which you can use to test yourself or get ideas for an essay. There are two sets of general essay questions and sample essays with answers:

Hone your essay writing skills with these awesome Blossoms of the Savannah essays.Each set has over 60 essay questions with answers.

Conclusion  

This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of the novel Blossoms of the Savannah which will surely help students get a good grade when it comes to exam questions related to the novel. Additionally, this guide provides essay questions and answers about all aspects of the novel as shown above and can be downloaded in PDF format from our website .

Moreover, you can access this Blossoms of the savannah guide pdf free on the EasyElimu Study App . 

Get it now!

Frequently asked Questions

What is the main theme in blossoms of the savannah.

There are various themes in the book Blossoms of the Savannah.

The major themes include:

• Positive nasilian culture/traditions
• Negative culture/traditions

Read up on this major and minor themes from Blossoms of the Savannah here .

Who are the antagonist in blossoms of Savannah?

 The main antagonist in blossoms of the savannah setbook is Parsimei Ole Kaelo .

Note: An antagonist is a character who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something. In most cases the antagonist opposes and is hostile to the protagonist. Whether the protagonists character or ideologies.

Who was the mother of Olarinkoi in Blossoms of the Savannah?

Olarinkoi's mother is named simply  Olarinkoi's mother in Blossoms of the Savannah. No other name exists for her in the setbook. 

She is the old woman prophetess/ enkoiboni

Read more on the charactirization of Olarinkoi's mother here .

Why is Ole kaelo hesitant to say who he has made contact with explain your answer?

 He is not sure his friend ole Supeyo will accept his plans to do business with Oloisudori. He feels that it is his guarded secret.

What is the guide of the Blossoms of the Savannah?

 The guide of the Blossoms of the Savannah is a collection of summary notes chapter by chapters of the novel.

In the guide you get summary of the synopsis and chapters in the novel, traits (character and characterization, themes in the novel - chapter by chapter, language and style, excerpt questions with answers and general essay questions with answers from the actual novel.

What is the summary of the blossoms of the savanna?

 This here is the summary of the novel by Henry R. ole Kulet written and distributed by EasyElimu.

What is the theme of the change in the blossom of the Savannah?

 Change refers to transition or transformation of characters or situations.

Most of the changes in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah are caused by the erosion of the Maa culture as a result of its coming into contact with modern culture or civilization.

This causes alienation in characters and as a result they change. 

Read more on the theme of Change on the EasyElimu Guide here .

What is the irony in the Blossoms of the Savannah?

Irony is a stylistic device that entails a writer depicting what is contrary to what is expected by the reader.

For instance, Mama Milanoi optimistically thinks that it would be easy for the couple to marry off their two girls at Nasila than Nakuru town (p.8).

However, this proves to be difficult later in the novel.

The two girls put up a spirited fight against their marriage to Oloisudori.

Resian escapes from her prophesied marriage to Olarinkoi while Taiyo escape shortly after undergoing FGM.

Read more on the sylistic device irony on the EasyElimu Guide here .

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SYNOPSIS AND SUMMARIES OF CHAPTERS - Blossoms of the Savannah

Characters and characterisation - blossoms of the savannah, themes - blossoms of the savannah, language and style - blossoms of the savannah, sample and practice excerpts and extracts with answers - blossoms of the savannah, general essay questions and sample essays with answers - blossoms of the savannah.

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BLOSSOMS OF THE SAVANNAH

7th - 8th grade, other, english.

30 questions

Introducing new   Paper mode

No student devices needed.   Know more

Who is the author of Blossoms of Savannah?

Who was to attend the Music Extravaganza at Mombasa but was denied the opportunity by the father?

Yeiyoo Botorr

Give the name of Taiyo's boyfriend in Nakuru.

Joseph Parmuat

Give the name of the course that Resian wanted to take at the University.

Electrical Engineering

Veterinary Science

Power Mechanics

For how many years had Ole Kaelo worked at Agribix Limited?

Which clan did Ole kaelo belong to?

Ole kaelo rose from a clerk to the coveted position of a...

Sales Manager

Commercial Manager

Where did Ole Kaelo first see her wife to be Mama Jane Milanoi?

In a school compound

At a church service

Along the road

How many wives and children did Uncle Simiren have?

4 wives & 20 children

1 wife & 3 children

8 wives & 16 children

4 wives & 16 children

Intoiye nemengalana is a name given to;

An Uncircumcised girl

A brave Maasai girl

An Old woman

Ole Kaelo's favorite daughter was ....

Ole Kaelo's child preference after Taiyo was..

A baby girl

None of the above

Ole Supeyo, Ole Kaelo's mentor, was a respected elder from which age-set?

According to Ole Supeyo, who was referred to as a wasp and a great threat to the Maa culture?

Mama Milanoi

Where did Resian say, 'I want to be Dr. Resian Kaelo'

Ntaru-Naaju

Their house in Nakuru

Resian called Oloisudori...

An ugly old man

Toothless old man

Hunchback old man

Mannerless old man

"I will help you go or do whatever you want" was said by?

Give the name of the type of love where a young man or woman was allowed to have another girl not related to him besides his betrothed.

Conventional

What's Mama Milanoi's first name?

The Ilmollelian clan was said to be made up of

Miserly stingy people

Very angry people

Ludicrously generous people

Annoyingly generous people

Mama Milanoi belonged to_____________clan

Ilmollelian

She turned to the lorry driver."----------------bring this girl to the station." Name the lorry driver.

Give the names that describe the dancers attires at the homecoming ceremony?

Bright red lesos, kangas and glittering bedecked necks

Tee shirt, shapeless skirt

Black shukas

Brown vitenges

Which of the following is not a clan in Nasila? Ilkumae, Ilmolelian, Ntare Naju, Ilmakesen.

Mention the man who was faced with a legendary dilemma in the text?

Lonkiya Edward Oloisudori

Ole Nkipida

What does intoiye nemengalana mean?

Husband to be

Elder women

Uncut girls

Entaapai is a name given to whom?

The owner of a homestead

A girl who gets pregnant before being circumsiced

An uncut girl

Intaare -Naaju was ?

A serene atmosphere in Nasila

A beautiful homestead built for Mama Milanoi

A farm Ole Kaelo bought

A sheep ranch owned by Minik Ene Nkoitoi

"Let's pray that the good Lord gives us journey mercies" was said by?

Simiren would go to sell the cows at---------------------market

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Blossoms of the Savannah

By h. r. ole kulet, blossoms of the savannah summary and analysis of chapters 1-3.

Blossoms of the Savannah tells the story of the Ole Kaelo family as they relocate from the urban city of Nakuru to the rural town of Nasila in Kenya. The family of four consists of Jane “Mama” Milanoi, Parsimei Ole Kaelo, and their two daughters Taiyo and Resian , the youngest. For Ole Kaelo and Mama Milanoi , the move is a return to their hometown, where they met 20 years ago.

For Taiyo and Resian, the move means leaving the only home they know for life in a rural town. The Kaelo family moves to Nasila because Ole Kaelo is fired from his job as the commercial manager at an agricultural company called Agribix Ltd. Now unemployed, Kaelo moves back to his hometown to open his own business and provide for his family.

The novel opens with Taiyo watching laborers load her family’s belongings into moving trucks. She watches her father scream at the movers and laments the loss of her life in Nakuru. Overlooking her city for the last time, Taiyo considers what the future will hold. (Her dreams of a career in music are stalled after Kaelo forbids her from pursuing an opportunity in Mombasa.) After some brief trouble with one of the moving trucks, the family arrives safely in Nasila. There, they reunite with the other members of the Ilmolelian clan to which the Kaelo family belongs. The extended family includes Kaelo’s younger brother, Simiren, who has acted as head of the family in Kaelo’s absence, as well as Simiren’s four wives and sixteen children.

In stark contrast to the urban soundscape of Nakuru, Taiyo and Resian awaken to the sounds of birds, cattle, and bleating sheep. One of their uncle’s wives invites Taiyo and Resian to breakfast. While walking through the property, the sisters notice that there are four houses. Taiyo infers that the homes probably belong to each of their uncle’s four wives. One of the women introduces herself as “Yeiyoo-botor” (the eldest wife) and proceeds to introduce the girls to their sixteen adolescent cousins.

After a breakfast of tea and bread, Mama Milanoi permits her daughters to explore the neighborhood, but warns them to be careful of strangers. On their way back, the girls are approached by a tall, heavyset man holding a club. The stranger grabs Taiyo’s arm and asks the girls if they are the “intoiye nemengalana” (uncircumcised women) from Nakuru. He intimidates the girls and tells them they have no place in the town. Taiyo and Resian return to their uncle's home but decide not to tell their parents about the encounter, fearing that Kaelo would blame them for traveling into town alone.

Ole Kaelo meets with an old friend, Ole Supeyo , who is now a successful entrepreneur and the largest cattle rancher in Nasila. Before Kaelo moved to Nakuru, he served as Supeyo’s bookkeeper (although he was a shrewd businessman, Supeyo was illiterate and unable to count). Kaelo tells Supeyo that he arranged a large government contract to provide industrial agricultural supplies through a man named Oloisudori. Supeyo warns Kaelo to be wary of Oloisudori and asks if Kaelo is corrupt; Kaelo unconvincingly denies the accusation.

The family moves into their new home in Nasila. Taiyo and Resian begin to unpack the many boxes of their belongings and are surprised to discover that their new home resembles their old flat in Nakuru.

Moving back to Nasila reveals both similarities and differences between the Kaelos and their relatives in Nasila. Unlike Kaelo's brother Simiren, Ole Kaelo and Mama Milanoi break with tradition by moving away and by choosing a monogamous marriage. Yet despite their differences, Kaelo and Simiren’s relationship is one defined by its strength and mutual respect.

The lifestyle choices of the Kaelo family and their decision not to circumcise their daughters, however, become an issue when Resian and Taiyo encounter the stranger while exploring Nasila. The stranger’s remark reflects the town’s rigid expectations for women. Namely, the expectation that women be chaste, deferential, circumcised, and that they become homemakers.

It is also important to note that Kaelo’s relationship with his daughters is asymmetrical. He loves his firstborn daughter, Taiyo, unconditionally, but rejects Resian for being born a girl and robbing him of a male heir and successor. The tense relationship between Resian and her father is largely defined by Resian’s identity and the expectations for how Nasila men and women ought to behave.

Yet, in other ways, the Kaelo family seems to reflect the attitudes of Nasila. Ole Kaelo and Mama Milanoi do not appear to be equal partners in their relationship. Taiyo and Resian (at 20 and 19 years old respectively) are expected to defer to their father in all matters. Ole Kaelo is the patriarch of the family. He makes financial decisions (e.g. the government contract), and he is the architect of his daughters' futures. Kaelo decides whether they will be allowed to follow their passions for music and education, or follow a traditional path of becoming wives and homemakers.

When Taiyo is forbidden from pursuing the musical opportunity at the radio station it raises issues about gender, familial responsibility, and Taiyo and Resian's desire for autonomy and self-determination. These themes, and their impact on Resian and Taiyo’s lives, will inform and motivate the story.

Blossoms of the Savannah Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Blossoms of the Savannah is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Why does Kaelo agree to his daughter's marriage to Oloisudori?

Oloisudori is a powerful man, and he is so feared by everyone that the people believe he will never be brought to justice. When he makes known his intent to marry Resian, he knows that her father will not say no because to do so would mean the end...

Why does Ole Kaelo enter into business deals with Oloisudori yet he knows he is a criminal?

Kaelo needs the money to procure bank loans for his business, as well as the fact that Oloisudori is responsible for having gotten him some of his contracts. Kaelo puts business first and aligns himself with a criminal.

Who is Resian?

Resian emerges as the hero of the novel. She opposes circumcision (FGM) despite pushback from her mother and aunts. From the beginning of the novel, she wants to attend Egerton University to pursue her education. Resian is stubborn, strong-willed,...

Study Guide for Blossoms of the Savannah

Blossoms of the Savannah study guide contains a biography of H. R. Ole Kulet, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Blossoms of the Savannah
• Blossoms of the Savannah Summary
• Character List

Essays for Blossoms of the Savannah

Blossoms of the Savannah essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Blossoms of the Savannah by H. R. Ole Kulet.

• Relevance of the Title "Blossoms of the Savannah"
• The Role of Women in Blossoms of the Savannah
• Alienation in Henry Ole Kulet’s Blossoms of the Savannah

Lesson Plan for Blossoms of the Savannah

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Blossoms of the Savannah
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Blossoms of the Savannah Bibliography