Summary, Literary Devices & Questions on “Tell My Son to Hold on to His Gun” by Kaakyire Nyantakyi
“Tell My Son to Hold on to His Gun” is a compelling short story about courage, sacrifice, and the power of dreams. The narrative follows Kwame, who embarks on a quest to find his father, only to discover that his journey is fraught with dangers, including a fearsome beast. Throughout the story, Kwame is guided by the words of his father, urging him to be courageous and to “hold on to his gun,” a metaphor for maintaining courage in the face of adversity. In a surprising twist, Kwame wakes up to realize that the entire adventure was a dream, reinforcing the idea that facing one’s fears, even in dreams, can build reallife courage.
Literary Devices: Tell My Son to Hold on to His Gun” by Kaakyire Nyantakyi
- Alliteration and Repetition: The story uses repetitive phrases and alliteration to emphasize key messages. Phrases like “be courageous” and “father, father” make these words memorable.
- Simile: Comparisons using “like” or “as,” such as “anger struck me like thunder,” help to vividly convey Kwame’s emotions.
- Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds, like “Boom!” enhance the story’s immersive experience by making readers feel like they are hearing the sounds themselves.
- Hyperbole: Exaggerated expressions such as “my heart was burning with wild desire” heighten the emotional intensity of the narrative.
- Symbolism: The gun symbolizes courage and the ability to face one’s fears.
- Irony: The story’s twist ending is an example of situational irony, where Kwame’s harrowing adventure turns out to be a dream.
- Foreshadowing: The father’s repeated emphasis on courage foreshadows the challenges Kwame will face and the internal strength he must muster.
Themes: Tell My Son to Hold on to His Gun” by Kaakyire Nyantakyi
Courage: The story underscores the importance of bravery in overcoming challenges.
Persistence: It illustrates how perseverance leads to success, even when the journey seems daunting.
Reality vs. Dream: The twist ending blurs the line between dream and reality, suggesting that our fears and strengths are often intertwined in both realms.
Meaning of Words/Expressions
“Hold on to his gun“: This phrase symbolizes maintaining one’s courage and determination.
“Killer beast”: Represents the formidable challenges and fears one must face and conquer.
Tell My Son to Hold on to His Gun” by Kaakyire Nyantakyi
Questions and Answers
Highlevel Thinking BECE Questions and Answers on Career Technology (LIKELY)
- What does it mean to own a large cocoa farm in the story?
It signifies wealth and prosperity.
- How did Kwame’s father die?
He was killed by palace executioners as a spiritual sacrifice.
- Where did Kwame kill the killer beast?
Near the river Sabinom.
- Why is this story considered one of courage?
Kwame’s father’s encouragement transforms him from being fearful to courageous enough to defeat the killer beast.
- Why did the killer beast beat his chest?
To demonstrate its dominance over the forest.
- What words encouraged Kwame during his search for his father?
“Be courageous.”
- What is the theme of the story?
Courage and persistence lead to success.
- Describe the killer beast.
It was hairy, seven feet tall, with ovalshaped ears, a pointed nose, and eyes that extended beyond their normal place.
- What does crying or mourning represent in the passage?
It signifies fear.
- What is the setting of the story?
The village of Dawohoso.
- What is the point of view of the story?
First person narrative.
- What was Kwame’s initial reaction to the challenges he faced?
Kwame was initially fearful and hesitant, but his father’s words encouraged him to be brave.
- What is the significance of the dream in the story?
The dream serves as a metaphor for the internal struggles and the journey of selfdiscovery Kwame undergoes, emphasizing that courage can be found within oneself.
- How does Kwame’s character develop throughout the story?
Kwame evolves from being fearful to becoming courageous and determined, demonstrating significant character growth influenced by his father’s guidance.
- Why did Kwame’s father stress the importance of courage?
Kwame’s father understood that courage was essential for overcoming life’s inevitable challenges and wanted to instill this value in his son.
- What role does the setting play in the story?
The setting of Dawohoso, with its dense forests and the presence of the killer beast, creates a backdrop that highlights the themes of fear and bravery.
- How does the story reflect on the concept of legacy?
The story illustrates how values and wisdom, such as courage and perseverance, can be passed down from one generation to the next, forming a legacy that guides future actions.
- What emotional responses does the story evoke in readers?
The story evokes a range of emotions, from fear and suspense to relief and inspiration, as readers follow Kwame’s journey.
- What is the climax of the story?
The climax occurs when Kwame confronts and defeats the killer beast, symbolizing his triumph over fear and his attainment of courage.
- How does the twist ending impact the story’s message?
The twist ending, revealing that the adventure was a dream, reinforces the idea that personal growth and bravery can be nurtured within one’s subconscious and brought into real life.
- What moral lessons can be derived from the story?
The story teaches that bravery, persistence, and inner strength are crucial for overcoming obstacles, and that the lessons learned in dreams can have real-world applications.
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