AN AFRICAN THUNDERSTORM

By David Rubadiri

1. Discuss the effect of comparing the approaching storm to ‘a plague of locusts’ (line 6).
Ans: Locust are pests which cause huge devastation and where they go and
are feared. The storm has a threatening feeling to it (out of control) ready to
cause destruction. These people came and just like locusts, sucked the contents
dry of its resources, the people, etc.

2. Discuss the purpose of the description of the wind in line 9 ‘like a madman chasing
nothing.’
Ans: The wind is unpredictable/out of control and dangerous, bringing with it
chaos and disruption. This could mean that they seem not to want anything in
particular, but everything and to conquer all.

3.Discuss the writer’s attitude towards the impending storm. Refer to lines 16 -23 ‘In the village
… In and out’ and say how the structure of these lines might indicate this
Ans:

 Suggest how the word ‘sinister’ (line 13) contributes to the mood of the poem.
Ans: 'Sinister' has an undertone of something that is evil, frightening and
destructive.The mood is oppressive (harsh), threatening and foreboding
(prediction or anticipation).