Essay Questions

Why does Okenwa regularly visit his elderly parents in their home?

Okenwa knows that he has the responsibility to visit his parents twice a month to listen to them and give them the support they might need. Okenwa's parents have grown old and shrunk in size. According to Okenwa, his parents look alike in their old age. While listening to his parents, Okenwa discovers that their perception of the world has changed, and they now value telling him stories about their past. However, despite all these changes, Okenwa knows he will continue visiting his parents until they die.

What is worrying Okenwa’s parents the most?

One day when Okenwa visits his parents as he regularly does, he listens to his parents' stories keenly and realizes that they are worried about their safety. According to Okenwa's mother, the number of robberies has increased in their area. Making matters worse, Okenwa's mother reveals that Raphael, who was once their houseboy, is the gang's ringleader. Therefore, Okenwa's parents are worried about their safety and property, and they ask Okenwa to do everything within his power to ensure their safety.

Why did Okenwa feel isolated while he was growing up?

Okenwa’s childhood was characterized by solitude because he spent most of his time alone. Okenwa's parents were professors in different learning institutions, forcing them to be away from home most of the time. Okenwa remembers that his parents were rivals because each wanted to read more books and do extra research to maintain their intellectual capacities. Therefore, Okenwa's parents had little time to bond with him.