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Life Is Sweet at Kumansenu



Abioseh Nicol (Davidson Nicol)

Literal Comprehension
Abioseh Nicol was born in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, a smjall West- African country. Into the normal village life the author introduces the magic realism. Bola, a widow, lived with her seven-year-old granddaughter Asi in Kumansenu, a small African village. Asi was the daughter of her only survived son named Meji (7 th son). He was thirty and worked as a clerk in a government office in a town. Unexpectedly, one Friday afternoon, Meji appeared in Bola’s house at Kumansenu. She was surprised to find him inside because the front door was locked. Meji’s skin was grayish brown and he had a large red handkerchief tied round his neck. His voice was hoarse.He told Bola not to inform any  villagers about his arrival. He sought to rest quietly and comfortably. He slept till evening.
The next day, which was Saturday, Bola went to market whereas Meji took Asi for a long walk to the hills. Asi enjoyed the day with her father. In the evening, all three of them went to Meji’s father’s grave. There Bola spoke to the dead man softly and caressingly. Then they returned home.
That night it rained heavily. Bola woke up around midnight and thought she could hear knocking. She went to Meji’s room to ask him to open the door, but he was not there. She opened the door quickly and saw her son standing on the veranda but did not wet. She asked him to come in, but he refused. He thanked his mother for giving him life and went away.
On Sunday afternoon, Mr. Addai came to meet Bola and informed her that her son died on Friday. But Bola did not believe him because Meji had come to her house on Friday afternoon and stayed there till the Saturday night. But Bola had to believe it when Asi’s mother came with the news. She said her husband died at noon on Friday when window glass cut his throat and had been buried on Saturday evening. Asi’s mother gave her a golden locket which she easily opened.


Interpretation
The story talks about the power of love. It is written in the literary tradition of magic realism, which combines magical or illogical elements in a realistic narration. Because of his love towards his mother, Meji comes to visit her even after his death. Besides, the story beautifully captures the gratitude of children towards their parents. 

Critical thinking
The story has been woven by the supernatural beliefs. So, we failed to believe every details of the story. We can raise many questions: Is it possible for the human soul to be reborn? Can we see a dead man in the guise alive? Is it possible to enter into the house from the locked door?

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