OBSERVATION

The use of flashback is indeed an integral part of the novel’s structure. The novel narrative starts in the middle of the plot. It is in media res. The flashback includes the Palm Sunday incident, Jaja’s rebellious attitude towards his father. The title of the Chapters: “Speaking with our spirits”, “The pieces of Gods”, and “A Different Silence” etc. are all part of the flashback. The use of flashback also creates suspense and the impression that the story emanates from the consciousness of the narrator as she recalls the events; characterisation is delineated through events presented in flashback. The children’s visit to Aunty Ifeoma and Papa Nwukwu’s death are also presented through flashback.
Few candidates attempted the question and their performance was poor.