QUESTIONS Use the table to compare the characters of Linda and Aisha. Put the descriptions below under the right headings. Aisha 1. 2. 4. Linda 3. Why did the girls love swimming? Quote a sentence from the story that explains why the stream was so precious to them. 5. cautious, obedient, a leader, a follower, confident, trusting, dedicated, takes risks, decisive, independent, respects authority, wants more from life, indecisive, (7) loves freedom Re-read the paragraph where Linda's mother says she is like the khope bird. Is there truth in this comparison? Give reasons. Why do the girls have to leave school and work in the maize fields? When Alsha asks Linda to join her and go to the city, Linda is afraid of taking a plunge into the city? Explain the significance of the idiom taking a plunge in the context of the story. 6. Do you think Linda's life as a married woman in the village is happy? Give reasons. 8. (1) (2) (2) For how long does Aisha stay away from the village before returning? (1) (1) 7. a) b) Why does she return? When she takes Aisha into her house at the end of the story, Linda says, It was a decision I had no difficulty in making. Why do you think the author uses these particular words? (1) 9. In the last paragraph of the story Linda and Aisha exchange roles. Linda takes on the role of the stronger sister. But is she really stronger now than Aisha? Explain your answer.
