GCE A/L English Literature - Made Easy - Novel 

Chapter Five:

Chapter five portrays the usual procedure in a village house when a woman gives birth to a child. Podi Singho's wife giving birth to twins, both being sons and the father realizing the importance of sons in an agricultural society. Rapiel Appu's crafty ways to deceive him and subjecting him to abide by Rapiel Appu's suggestions, by being extra kind to him and his family.

"It is a man's right that he should own a bit of land - -"

Chapter Six:

Naming the two sons Upasena and Piyasena revealing Podi Singho's pride and admiration and his dreams of a land owner's life with his pretty daughter Isabellahamy, a lovely house of his own.

The friendship between Rapiel and Podi Singho growing strong, Sellohamy showing her disgust "Charcoal will never turn white even if it is washed in milk". The school teacher's arrival and Rapiel Appu's comment on the importance of educating children.

Chapter Seven:

Chapter seven opens with Rapiel Appu's promise to help with the school. Sellohamy's disgust and disapproval of Rapiel's scheming is clearly focused in this chapter. Podi Singho considering the importance of learning to read and write.

"His heart was full as he watched the school begin".

Chapter Eight:

Podi Singho expressing his extreme joy listening to the new things his sons had learnt at school and "his little daughter Isabellahamy too going to school ...." "learnt what she was taught with such speed that she soon outstripped her two brothers and went to a higher class". Rapiel Appu's importance is highlighted in this chapter.

"Rapiel Appu sat too close to power for anyone to speak against him. The Headman was his cousin". Podi Singho's pride is emphasised in the words he uttered when he saw his daughter wearing somebody else's frock .. "and am I beggar that my daughter must wear rags that were thrown down to her?"

Chapter Nine:

Podi Singho's determination to wait without talking about the land " .. moving in the matter and it was best left in his capable hands. He was content to wait".

Podi Singho compares and contrasts the two sons and the daughter the beautiful little girl "her body was golden colour all over and smooth as uncurdled milk". Podi Singho's hasty decisions and thinking that harsh punishment could reform a child's behaviour pattern "He has been disobedient and for that he must be beaten".

But to his surprise the boy seems to be going out of hand "Rapiel Appu Mama will give me all the mangoes I want. I do not want your mangoes". Podi Singho's drastic way of treating his son brings disaster and unhappiness to the family.

Mrs. C. Ekanayake, Retd. Specialist Teacher EngLit, St. Anne's College, Kurunegala.