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Question

Difficulty: MediumAnalysis of Prescribed African Prose Texts

In Alex Agyei-Agyiri's prescribed novel *Unexpected Joy at Dawn*, what primary physical feature causes Nii Tackie to be continually identified and targeted as a foreigner in Ghana?

  1. The facial tribal marks that betray his Nigerian heritageAnswer
  2. B
    The distinct Nigerian accent he speaks with during public encounters
  3. C
    The official foreign identity card issued by the immigration ministry
  4. D
    The traditional Yoruba attire he habitually wears to his bank job

Answer

The correct answer is the facial tribal marks that betray his Nigerian heritage.
In *Unexpected Joy at Dawn*, Nii Tackie's facial tribal marks function as a permanent visual marker of his Nigerian origins. Even though he has lived in Ghana almost all his life and speaks local Ghanaian languages, security officials and hostility from anti-alien measures repeatedly target him because of these indelible marks.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the central character and context in the novel
Nii Tackie is a bank employee living in Ghana during a period of intense anti-alien sentiment and government deportations.
Understanding character context in Alex Agyei-Agyiri's *Unexpected Joy at Dawn* is essential for resolving conflict motifs.
2
Analyze the plot detail regarding Nii Tackie's alien identity
Despite considering himself Ghanaian, his facial tribal marks (Ibolo marks) serve as undeniable bodily proof of his Nigerian roots to security agents and xenophobic mobs.
The author uses physical tribal marks as a major literary motif exploring tragic alienation and identity crisis.

Key Concept

Analysis of character alienation, identity motifs, and plot events in prescribed African novels
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Analysis of Prescribed African Prose Texts

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