GCE A/L English Literature - Made Easy - Novel - The Waiting Earth

by Punyakante Wijenaike

Chapter Twenty:

The whole episode reaching a climax the importance and significance of Sellohamy's words proved. Isabellahamy handing over the school master's letter to Sellohamy her mother. Lacking experience and proper education, Isabellahamy develops signs of insanity.

In her eccentric mood she jumps into the well not with the idea of committing suicide but symbolising her misfortune. Troubles come by the number Rapiel Appu employing Podisingho's son to brew kasippu, but fortunately running away before the arrival of the police officers.

Isabella's body is taken out of the well and all the gossiping women folk expressing their sympathy, speaking words of comfort to Sellohamy "No tears fell from her eyes no screams of anguish came from her mouth," Sellohamy - the symbol of the Waiting Earth suffering silently.

But the girl's father is shaken- Isabellahamy, the symbol of tenderness - the green mango fruit, tender and not yet matured. Podisingho's wild attempt to commit suicide - saved by Sellohamy, his wife, whom he suspected, whom he ill-treated and in her could he take refuge.

Chapter Twenty one

This chapter has some significant events. Burning the ashes of Isabellahamy under the same mango tree where her brother lay. The mango tree becoming an obsession and the strong attachment of Podisingho and his wife Sellohamy. Imagination begins to rule Podisingho.

He presumed that he could see his pretty daughter's face on every fruit. His visit to the Headman proves vague and the woman from the adjoining village comes to remove the charm creating the Fairy Tale element to bring justice and peace.

Sellohamy's intelligent view of certain aspects in life is clearly brought out when she says "However hungry a lion may be he will not be made to eat grass." Rapiel Appu leaves the village to live in town and at last Podisingho sees the real image of Rapiel Appu.

Podisingho's family hoping to get a piece of land to call their own and tenderness reign the whole family, the two sons and the father and mother unite as one family - a family with love and understanding. Podisingho's character is victorious. In spite of his illiteracy he is able to solve the problems and his wife symbolises the Waiting Earth.

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