| Question (1): |
What were the things they could not do in Kruger Park and why?
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| Answer: They could not light a fire because it would show the police their presence. They could not rest for too long for fear of being caught. They had to sleep huddled together so that wild animals couldn't grab them. |
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| Question (2): |
Why do you think the grandmother does not want to return home to Mozambique?
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| Answer: The grandmother has lost her home and her loved ones - her daughter, son-in-law and husband in Mozambique. She has no hope left in her heart and does not want to return home to Mozambique. |
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| Question (3): |
Who were the 'bandits'? Give an account of the narrator's life before their arrival.
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Answer: - There was civil war in Mozambique. The bandits were the revolutionaries or the outlaws.
- The narrator led a normal, happy life before the arrival of the bandits.
There were loving parents, a school, the church and two brothers to care about.
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| Question (4): |
How did the grandmother find Kruger Park?
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| Answer: The grandmother had failed to bring water. This was a blessing in disguise. When they went to a nearby village in search of water, they met the group that was going to the Kruger Park. |
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| Question (5): |
How was their treatment of elephants different from that of lions?
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| Answer: With the elephants, they were silent and with the lions, they made loud noises to frighten them away. |
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| Question (6): |
Give the characteristic features of the narrator.
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| Answer: She is young, strong (carries the brother) and optimistic (wants to go back).
Note: While answering justify each feature with examples.
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| Question (7): |
The grandmother was a strong decision maker. Do you agree?
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Answer: Yes. The grandmother was a strong decision maker. She decided to take the family away to South Africa.
She decided, very sadly, to leave the grandfather in the Kruger Park for the sake of the future of the children. She took up a job and sent the children to school.
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| Question (8): |
Give a character sketch of the grandmother.
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| Answer: The grandmother is a lady of great strength - both physical and mental. A decisive person, she leaves Mozambique with her husband and two children and undertakes the arduous journey through Kruger Park to a haven of peace. An epitome of sacrifice, she exchanges her clothes and her only pair of shoes to get some dried meals and a can of water. During the journey, she takes the toughest decision of giving up the search for her husband and carries on with the rest of the group, thinking only of her grandchildren's safety. Her physical strength is revealed in being able to withstand the journey through Kruger Park barefoot, carrying heavy load and staying without much food and drink. Even after reaching South Africa, she thinks only of her grandchildren. Working at a construction site, she sends them to a school and dreams of their future. A woman of great character, she displays rare courage and determination |
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| Question (9): |
Imagine you are the narrator now aged fifteen. Write a letter to your friend recounting your experiences through the Kruger Park.
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Answer:
Nene
S. Africa
6.7. 2000
Dear Sheela,
You know, I want to tell you something very exciting. I have got my Board results. I have topped the school!
Do you know whom I am most grateful to? Yes, my grandmother. Do you know how much she has struggled to educate us? Always encouraging us even while disciplining us.
Even today, I vividly remember our journey through the Kruger Park. Days of walking through the tall grass, evading the wild animals and the white people. We have experienced a dull ache, which never seems to vanish. We used to sleep huddled together with fear in our hearts that we might fall prey to wild animals! I still remember my arms hurting while carrying my second brother. When I looked at my grandmother, I drew strength from her. Her fierce look of determination, her uncomplaining nature and her sacrifice both frightened and filled me with courage. A truly great lady!
I am eternally grateful to her for all my success. I don't know how I can ever repay her.
With love
Nene
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| Question (10): |
Imagine you are grandmother and make a diary entry the day the journalist comes to interview you.
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Answer: 6.7.2000
Today the journalist's question triggered off some emotions, which were lying dormant in me. I have long suppressed my emotions. I don't feel sad or happy. I have seen great tragedy and devastation. I have lost my children to the war. Mozambique holds nothing for me. It was most painful giving up the search for my husband and coming here. Yet, I thought only of my grandchildren. Even now, I think only of them. They should be educated and achieve all their goals. I have no dreams, no hopes. I certainly will never go back to Mozambique. It was once my home, but now it is only a graveyard for my loved ones. I am okay and shall continue to breathe until the children are capable of being independent. Once I feel they can look after themselves, I shall breathe my last.
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| Question (11): |
Who is the narrator?
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| Answer: The narrator is a nine-year old girl who is one of the refugees of the Mozambique civil war. |
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| Question (12): |
What do you thing think happened to the mother?
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| Answer: The mother was probably caught by the dacoits and killed. |
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| Question (13): |
What do you think happened to the grandfather?
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| Answer: The grandfather probably fell prey to a wild animal in Kruger Park. |
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| Question (14): |
You are the narrator, now grown up. Write a letter to your grandmother, expressing your sense of gratitude.
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Answer: Nene
South Africa
8.3.2002
Dear Granny,
Hope your health is at it's best. I am fine here, though a little busy with my work.
Granny, I wish to express my gratitude for all you have done. I have not been able to express my feelings earlier, but today for some strange reason, I wish to do so. Granny, I can never forget the war and our journey through the Kruger Park. I still remember clearly how you gave away your clothes and shoes to buy us meals and water. How you walked barefoot through the Kruger Park never complaining once. How difficult it must have been not to wait for Grandpa and proceed with the rest of the group thinking only of our safety. Even in South Africa, you toiled for us and insisted on our studying.
Today, the rewards are for you to see. We are well settled in life, while the other refugees are still struggling. We can never repay you. You are the goddess we worship in our hearts. Let me tell you today granny, how much I love and respect you.
Do reply.
With Love
Nene
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| Question (15): |
Justify the title `Ultimate Safari'.
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Answer: The title 'Ultimate Safari' is very apt for the story. The word 'ultimate' means the extreme or the most unpleasant example of a particular thing and 'Safari' means an expedition. For the refugees of Mozambique, this journey was an ultimate suffering. They were both the hunters and the hunted. They moved about like animals among animals. They moved stealthily, avoiding white people and wild animals, living on wild fruits and berries. They walk for miles with fear in their hearts and pain in their bodies. Filled with suffering, it is a journey of a lifetime whose destination is peace. This title is most suitable for the story.
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