Use Of English 2021 Jamb Examination

The story of Talle, known as 'the quiet one,' is a cautionary tale about appearance versus reality. Lessons like 'Never judge a book by its cover' and 'Not all that glitters is gold' are central because Talle appeared to be a saintly, quiet man while actually being involved in a kidnapping. 'Learn to trust sparingly' is also applicable as his community's absolute trust in him was betrayed. However, 'Justice is not fair' is not a lesson derived from this story; on the contrary, the story concludes with Talle and his accomplice being caught and punished, suggesting that justice was indeed served and the rule of law prevailed.

In the town of Lafayette, as described in the novel, there was a long-standing tradition or community rule that required residents to inform the Hakimi (the local district head or traditional ruler) whenever they were hosting a stranger. This tradition was meant to ensure the security and harmony of the community. It was the breach of this tradition—when Talle began hosting Zaki and a kidnapped boy without informing the Hakimi—that eventually led to the suspicion and the uncovering of Talle's criminal activities.

Boka is referred to in the novel as a traditional medicine man or a local herbalist. In the context of the story, Talle's parents had consulted such traditional healers in their quest for a child before Talle was born. The mention of Boka highlights the traditional beliefs and practices present in the rural setting of Lafayette. His character represents the traditional medical system that exists alongside or in place of modern medicine in some community contexts described by the author.

The novel provides a backstory for Talle to explain his lonely and quiet disposition. It is revealed that Talle's mother died during childbirth while bringing him into the world. This tragic event meant that Talle grew up without maternal care, and later losing his father and stepmother only furthered his isolation. This history of loss is used by the author to build a sense of empathy for Talle, making his eventual descent into crime even more poignant and surprising to the readers and the characters in the book.

Reticent means being reserved or not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily. Talle is the character who most embodies this trait, so much so that he is nicknamed 'the quiet one' in Lafayette. He rarely spoke to others, spent most of his time alone, and was considered by the villagers to be a person of exceptional piety and silence. This reticent nature was precisely what made the discovery of his involvement in a kidnapping so shocking to everyone in the town.

Talle worked as a driver at the local government office. Despite his quiet and unassuming personality, he held this steady job which contributed to his image as a responsible and ordinary member of the community. His employment at a government establishment further shielded him from suspicion, as he was seen as a productive citizen until his secret criminal life with Zaki was exposed by the sudden change in his grocery shopping habits.

Talle did not necessarily start talking more, but his 'quiet' or inconspicuous life was interrupted when his food consumption habits changed. Specifically, he drew attention to himself when his usual demand for food items like bread and milk doubled or tripled at the local grocery store. Since Talle lived alone and was known for his frugal and solitary lifestyle, the grocer and the townspeople found this sudden increase in food purchases highly suspicious, leading them to investigate and eventually discover the kidnapped boy he was feeding.

Talle was found guilty of being an accomplice in a kidnapping and extortion plot. Along with Zaki, he participated in the abduction of a young boy and the subsequent demand for a ransom from the boy's father. While Talle was not the mastermind—that was Zaki—his role in housing the victim and facilitating the demand for money made him legally and morally responsible for both the kidnapping (taking the person) and the extortion (trying to obtain money through force or threats).

The IPO (Investigating Police Officer) who came to Lafayette to arrest Talle showed a distinct lack of respect for the Hakimi. In the traditional setting, the Hakimi is a highly revered authority figure, and visitors are expected to follow certain protocols. However, the IPO was blunt, aggressive, and disregarded the traditional process of the Hakimi's court. This clash between modern law enforcement and traditional authority is a key moment in the chapter, highlighting the tension that can exist between state law and local custom.

Zaki was the mastermind who suggested the abduction. He was the one who approached Talle and used his influence to draw him into the criminal scheme. Zaki is portrayed as a more worldly and devious character who recognized Talle's vulnerability and his 'quiet' reputation as a perfect cover for a kidnapping operation. It was Zaki's greed and criminal planning that initiated the events leading to the downfall of 'the quiet one'.