Anthills of the Savannah

1) Where, when?

The story takes places in Bassa, which is the capital of the fictitious state of Kanga in Nigeria. Africa.

The story takes place at night, outside the Harmoney Hotel and at the police station at Monday. The story was written in 1987 by Chinua Achebe.

2) Who, what?

The story is about Ikem Osodi who is a well-known editor of a newspaper. We do also meet a police man, in the story. The police man tells Ikem to show up at the police station on Monday. We do also meet Mr. Lawyer, who writes down, the numbers for Ikem.

3) Describe the relationship between the 3 main characters.

Ikem and the Superintendent represent the black population of Bassa, while the policeman represents the corrupt part of the system. It seems that the Superintendent are reacting the way he is, because Ikem is a well-known person. (p. 81 l. 20)

4) What is the importance of the various forms of English used in the text (exemplify)

The various forms of English, used in the text are important because it shows that the text is taking place in a local place. The Superintendent are talking standard English, when he is talking with Ikem, because it’s important for him to show that Ikem is well educated.

“I never meet you before in person sir, said the Superintendent springing out from behin his massive desk. Very pleased to meet you sir, I was expecting a huge fellow like this, and he made a sign sideways and upwards”

The various forms of English in the text are also representing the class distinguish.