Unit 30. Text Connection 12. The Pig: An Individual Dilemma Part II. Take Note. Use the Clues: Vocabulary Strategies

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1 Text Connection 12 The Pig: An Individual Dilemma Part II Take Note Look for the event that solves Kibuka s problem. Then label it climax in the right margin. by Barbara Kimenye 1 5 How long this state of affairs would have continued is anybody s guess. There were occasions when Kibuka actually entertained the notion of parting with his pet at the first good offer from a reputable farmer or butcher. And yet, one trusting glance or look of affection from that waddling hunk of pork was enough for him to feel ashamed of what he regarded as his own treachery 1. Use the Clues: Vocabulary Strategies Read lines 1 7. Reread the underlined words and phrases: state of affairs, notion, parting, reputable, and hunk of pork. Think about the meaning of each. Use context clues in the story to help you. Match each word or phrase with its definition listed below. Use a dictionary for help if needed. a) state of affairs separating b) notion idea c) parting situation d) reputable pig e) hunk of pork trustworthy Reread the paragraph, substituting the definitions for the underlined words. 1 treachery: betrayal; disloyalty Text Connection 12 C91

2 Text Connection 12 Comprehend It How does Kibuka feel right after the pig s death? The end came at last in the most unlikely manner. One minute there was Kibuka contemplating the sunset, and, incidentally, giving his feet a rest by one of the obscure paths leading to the Sacred Tree, while the pig scratched happily at the root of a clump of shrubs, its head hidden by foliage 2, while its carcass, broadside on, barricaded the path, and then, seconds later, there was the snarl of a motorcycle engine, the horrible grinding of brakes, followed by a whirling kaleidoscope of disaster. Kibuka, pig, bike and rider seemed to explode in all directions. Each had a momentary vision of the others sailing through the air. When Kibuka eventually dared to open his eyes and cautiously move each limb, he was relieved to find he was still in one piece, although one shoulder felt painfully bruised and there was blood on both his hands. The rider, whom he now recognized as a certain Nathaniel Kiggundu, did not appear to have fared very badly either. He was staggering out of a tangled mass of weeds, wiping mud off his face, and fingering a long tear in the knee of his trousers. Somewhere from behind the hedge came the raucous cries of a pig in distress, and it was in this direction that both men headed, once they had regained their bearings. They were only just in time to see the injured animal give up the ghost and join its ancestors in that heavenly piggery which surely must exist somewhere above. There was scarcely a mark on it, but its head lay at a strange and awkward angle, so it can be safely assumed that it died of a broken neck. 1 Old Kibuka was terribly upset, and the accident had left him in a generally shaky condition. He sat down beside the dead animal and wondered what would happen next. Nathaniel Kiggundu, however, seeing Kibuka was comparatively unhurt, showed more concern over his motorcycle, which lay grotesquely twisted in a ditch. The inevitable 3 crowd collected almost as soon as the pig C92 Text Connection 12 2 foliage: leaves of plants and trees 3 inevitable: certain; predictable

3 Text Connection expired, so there was much coming and going, first to stare at the fatal casualty, then to stare at the motorbike. Nantondo kept up a running commentary, her version of how the accident happened, although nobody believed she had seen it, and by the time Musisi the Ggombolola Chief arrived on the scene, she had fully adopted the role of Mistress of Ceremonies. After taking a statement from Kiggundu, Musisi approached Kibuka and insisted upon taking him home in the Landrover. 2 You don t look at all well, Sir. Come. 3 You can make your statement in the morning, when you have had a rest. But I can t leave my pig here. 4 Kibuka refused to budge from the spot. 5 Well, I can put it in the back of the Landrover, if you like. Only it would be better to have the butcher cut it up, because I don t think pork will keep for long in this weather. Take Note Underline the sentences that explain what happens to the pig after the accident. In the margin, label this resolution. Identify It: Simple, Compound, or Complex Sentences Reread sentence 1. Determine whether it is a simple, a compound, or a complex sentence. Put an X in the correct column. Complete sentences 2 5 in a similar manner. Simple Compound Complex The idea of eating the pig had never entered Kibuka s mind. While sitting beside the body, he had been seriously Text Connection 12 C93

4 Text Connection 12 Comprehend It How does Kibuka sleep the night after the accident? Why is Musisi going to Yosefu s house? Why does Kibuka go along with him? considering just whereabouts in the shamba he could bury it. Now he opened his mouth to tell Musisi in no uncertain terms that eating one s good friends was a practice reserved for barbarians; and then, he suddenly had a clear picture of himself struggling to dig a grave. He was sure no Kalasandans would want to help him do it. Then came the realization of the effect a perpetual 4 reminder of his porking friend in his shamba would have on him. He did not think he could stand it. Far better, indeed, to let the past bury itself and, besides, why deprive his fellow villagers of a tasty treat? They were, after all, the people who had nourished the creature on their leftovers. Very well. Get somebody to carve it up and share it out among the people who eat pork, and do be sure to send a whole back leg up to the Mukasas, he said at last, suddenly feeling too weary 5 to care. Musa the butcher won t do it, Nantondo piped. He s a Muslim. Well, I ll take it along to the Ggombolola Headquarters and ask one of the askaris a to carve it up. Anybody who wants pork must go there at about seven o clock tonight, declared Musisi, and ordered two of the onlookers to help him lift the carcass into the back of his vehicle. Back at his cottage, Kibuka rubbed his injured shoulder with a concoction he used to cure most of his ailments, be they loose bowels or a sore throat, and then sat brooding over a cup of tea. He went to bed very early and awoke the next day to find the sun well risen. He decided he had had the best night s sleep he had enjoyed for many a month. Musisi arrived as Kibuka was leaving home to see if the leg of pork had been safely delivered to Yosefu and Miriamu. C94 Text Connection 12 4 perpetual: continuing forever; constant 5 weary: tired; fatigued a askaris: police officers

5 Text Connection No, I m taking the meat there now, Sir, Musisi said. Would you care to come with me? Kibuka gladly accepted the lift, although he declined the lump of pork Musisi had brought for him, personally. You have it, son. I m not a great lover of pork. Miriamu went into raptures over the leg of pork, and Yosefu showed the keenest interest in the details of the accident. They pressed both Kibuka and Musisi to stay to lunch, but Musisi had to leave to attend a committee meeting in Mmengo, so only Kibuka remained. He and Yosefu, who lately had not seen as much of each other as usual, had plenty to discuss, and lunch was an exhilarating meal. I must say, you really are a wonderful cook! Kibuka told Miriamu, helping himself to more food. Miriamu preened herself, shyly. Well, that pork was as tender as a chicken, and very tasty, too! There was a moment of dismay 6 when Kibuka realized he was eating and thoroughly enjoying the succulence of his late friend, but it quickly passed, and he continued piling his plate with meat, smiling to himself at the knowledge that there would be no need to take a walk in the late afternoon; he could have a good nap instead. Reprinted by permission from Barbara Kimenye Take Note Write conclusion in the margin next to the last part of the story. Underline the sentence that describes Kibuka s reaction to the news that he has been eating pork for lunch. Comprehend It Identify this form of writing. What is the author s purpose? 6 dismay: shock; disappointment Text Connection 12 C95

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