Summary

• Description:

  The PDF document comprises Questions and Answers for The Last Laugh by Robinson Ocharo. It is designed to equip learners with a comprehensive understanding of the text through carefully curated questions and precise answers. The document is neatly formatted and print-ready.

  What’s Inside:

  This guide is divided into two core sections:

  1. Short Answer Questions (1 Mark Each) — 50 Questions

  These questions test understanding across the following categories:

  • Context and Setting (Q1–Q6)

  • Plot Development (Q7–Q19)

  • Themes (Q20–Q27)

  • Character and Character Traits (Q28–Q42)

  • Language and Style (Q43–Q50)

  Each question is followed by a direct, concise answer — perfect for quick revision or class discussion.

  2. Excerpt-Based Questions and Answers

  This section focuses on key scenes across all four Acts:

  • Act I – Scenes I & II

  • Act II – Scenes I & II

  • Act III – Scenes I, II & III

  • Act IV – Scenes I & II

  Each excerpt is followed by 3 sets of focused questions (e.g., 1.a, 1.b, 2.a...), testing comprehension, interpretation, and stylistic awareness. Each question carries 1–4 marks.

  Key Areas Covered:

  Setting and Atmosphere

  • Highlights the contrast between poverty-stricken settings (e.g., the "old rusty trailer") and Orwa’s well-resourced household.

  • Reveals neglect in public services and the socioeconomic divide.

  Plot and Key Events

  • Mariko’s confrontation with the Doctor.

  • The misdiagnosis and malnutrition case.

  • Orwa’s resistance to change, Oka’s rebellion, and the farm workers' liberation.

  • Orwa’s eventual psychological unraveling.

  Themes

  • Poverty and Exploitation

  • Social Injustice

  • Indifference of Authority

  • Moral Awakening

  • Freedom and Rebellion

  • Symbolism of “The Last Laugh” — exploring who truly triumphs.

  Character Analysis

  • Mariko – outspoken, fearless advocate for workers.

  • Orwa – authoritarian, resistant to change.

  • Ami – arrogant, entitled heir.

  • Oka – empathetic and principled.

  • Kolla – conflicted but evolving.

  • Tai – cautious mediator.

  • Doctor – complicit in systemic neglect.

  Language and Stylistic Features

  • Use of metaphors, rhetorical questions, and symbolism (e.g., broken flower vessels).

  • Contrast in diction between oppressors and the oppressed.

  • Dramatic irony, asides, and the role of songs as protest tools.

  Sample Excerpt Analysis

  Excerpt: Act I, Scene I (full excerpt is provided in the document) — Old rusty trailer health facility.

  • Q1.a: Describe the setting. (1 mark)
    A: The scene is set early morning in a neglected trailer used as a health facility, with patients lining up.

  • Q1.b: What does the setting reveal? (2 marks)
    A: It highlights poverty, neglect, and lack of proper healthcare, reflecting the community’s struggles.

  • Q2.a: Identify one trait of Mariko and provide evidence. (2 marks)
    A: Mariko is outspoken. He confronts the Doctor saying, "Why don’t you just help this child?"

  Sample Short Answer Questions

  • Q: In what type of facility is Act I, Scene I set?
    A: An old rusty trailer used as a makeshift health facility.

  • Q: What does Mariko attempt at the beginning of the scene?
    A: He tries to cut the queue to see the Doctor.

  • Q: Name one theme introduced early in the play.
    A: Poverty and its Effects / Social Injustice.

  • Q: Who is the self-proclaimed leader of the workers?
    A: Mariko.

  Ready to Download?
  Master The Last Laugh with confidence. Use this resource to sharpen your exam skills and deepen your literary understanding.

• File Size:

  240.14 KB
• Length:

  32 pages
• Category:

  Set Book Guides
• Level:

  Grade 9
• Subject:

  ENGLISH LITERATURE
• Posted By:

  Caleb_Peter

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