Reading Log!

READING LOG!

Chapter 1 Characters: The Creator, Plot: Vocabulary: Forlorn- pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely Matted- tangled into a thick mass Kloof- a steep-sided, wooded ravine or valley Unshod- not wearing shoes Coarse- rough or loose in texture or grain TitihoyaDesolate- deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness

Chapter 2 Characters: The small child, the umfundisi, Kumalo, John, Gertrude, Absalom, Stephen, Stephen wife, Theophilus Msimangu, Plot: The little child come with a letter to give it to Stephen, the child was hungry so Stephen gave her food, Stephen and his wife were scared to read the letter, so they opened and read it. It was about that his sister Gertrude is sick. So they were kinda talking and then he decided to give money and the next morning Vocabulary: Timidly- showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened UmfundisiReluctant- unwilling and hesitant; disinclined Mustered- assemble(troops), esp., for inspection or in preparation for battle Expenditure- the action of spending funds Delicately- very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or quatily Accusation- a charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong Laboriously-(esp. of a task, process, or journey) requiring considerable effort and time

Chapter 3 Characters: Stephen Kumalo, Sibeko, Sibeko Daugther, people on the train

Plot: Stepnhen does not care about what would cost him to get to his sister. He was now out to Johannesburg. A frien of Sibeko(I think) asked him to get information Sibeko daughter cuz she got married and then had no word about her since a year. He goes onto the train. The journey has began and there was fear cuz it was just a dangerous place. He began to read his sacred book Vocabulary: Cripple- dated offensive a person who is unable to walk or move properly because of disability or injury to their back or legs Gloomy- dark or poorly lit, esp. so as to appear depressing or frightening Prelude- an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important Agapanthus- a South African plant of the lily family, with funnel-shaped bluish flowers that grows in rounded clusters Dell- a small valley, usually among trees Lorry- a large, heavy motor vehicle for transporting goods and troops; a truck Inquire- ask for information from someone Clerical- concerned with or relating to work in an office, esp. routine documentation and administrative tasks

Chapter 4: Characters: Stephen, a young man, a man in the train, the driver, the man from the line for the bus, Mr. Msimangu, Mr. Mafolo Plot: There the train is here to Johannesburg. Stephen asks the man about the rock and he said that they came out the mines. And Stephen kinda asked him how it was doing for him. Stephen shows him this wheel thing. He arrives by Johannesburg, he explains what the city is like, the tall buildings and everything he goes in this tunnel where it is crowded and he is scared and then he begs Tixo to watch over him. A man helped him to get to Sophiatown. The young man offered him to buy his ticket for the bus while he hold his spot in line, he gave him a pound then he is waiting and almost at the bus, he asked a man where the ticket office is and the man said that there is no ticket office and that you buy it on the bus and Stephen told him the story and the man said that he have been cheated. He got to the mission house stuff. The journey to Johannesburg was over and he was happy about that Vocabulary: Slums- a squalid and overcrowded urban street or district inhabited by very poor people Kraals- a traditional African village of huts, typically enclosed by a fence Dusk- the darker stage of twilight

Immense- extremely large or great, esp. in scale or degree Falter- start to lose strength or momentum Endurance- the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way Boast- talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities Sympathy- feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune

Chapter 5 Characters: Stephen, Mrs. Lithebe, Msimangu Plot: He never like seen or use these things like forks, plates , knives, shower. Etc. He was telling them about his home, everything about it because a black priest was from there and they asked him how is it there. Even the bad things there, they told him its dangerous in Johannesburg, his home is not the only place that is in destruction. Then Stephen and Msimangu goes into his room and they start to talk about Stephen sister. Msimangu tells Stephen that where she lives is one of the worst part of Johannesburg. He said that when you go there, there is so many liquor spilling and all you can smell that. They drink, gamble and stab and that Stephen sister have been in prison more than once and that a man was killed in her place. Stephen finds out that his brother is now a politics and that’s why he doesn’t have time to write to him. Msimangu is a Christian. Vocbulary: Maize- technical or chiefly British term for corn Idle- (esp. of a machine or factory) not active or in use Liquor- alcoholic drink, esp. distilled spirits Mended- repair(something that is broken or damaged) Brow- a person’s forehead

Chapter 6 Characters: Msimangu, Stephen, Gertrude, Gertrude child, Mrs. Litebe, Gertrude neighbors Plot: They arrive in Claremont where his sister lives. He was shocked. He asked why these children are not in school, Msimangu said that some do not care, some parents do not care but many its because the school is full. Stephen finally goes to Gertrude house, they both were nervous when they saw each another. He got mad at her and was disappointed at her and was telling her stuff and she started to cry but no shame. He said that he had come to take her back home, Asks her if she wanted to and need to want to come home with her heart. She said that she does not like Johannesburg and wants to come home. Now Gertrude is gonna live with him when he is staying now Vocubulary: Shabby: in poor condition though long or hard use or lack of care

Loafer- a person who idles time away

Chapter 7 Characters: Stephen, Gertrude, the small boy, Mrs. Mithebe, Msimangu, John, Esther, Dubula, Tomlinson, Absalom, Mrs. Ndlela, Mrs. Mkize Plot: Stephen bought the Gertrude and child clothes. In this chapter was the search for their son. They went to John’s shop(Stephen’s brother). He goes in and he seems to be nice. They have some tea. John is telling Stephen that its very different in Johannesburg from Ndotsheni. John is saying that he was nobody before but now he is some important guy in Johannesburg. He was saying that he doesn’t have that much more freedom is Johannesburg but he was saying that we need to follow the law and be meek to do this. He said something about their hospital. People think its really important to find gold. He said that all of the building, threaters, and everything else they made it themselves. Stephen was silent after he stopped talking. This was a new brother to him. John wife left him 10 years ago because she did not understand his experience. They get angry. He tells him that he is taking Gertrude back home. Then asks him where is his son is. He grew discomfort in his eyes. He said that they were working at some factory. John goes and call and get the address where they might be and gives it to Stephen. They got info about Absalom ftom Mrs. Mkize and her husband Vocabulary: Turban- a man’s headdress, consisting of long length of cotton or silk wound around a cap or the head, worn esp. by Muslims and Sikhs Parson- a beneficed member of the clergy; a rector or a vicar Salute-a gesture of respect, homage, or polite recognition or acknowledgement, esp. one made to or by a person when arriving or departing Sway- move or cause to move slowly rhythmically backwards and forward or side by side Cunning-having or showing skill in achievement one’s end by deceit or evasion Meek- quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on Fidelity- faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support Intervene- come between so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events Gratify- give(someone) pleasure or satisfaction Lust- very strong sexual desire

Chapter 8

Characters: Msimngu, Stephen, The man, The police, dubula, Tomlinson, white man, mrs. Mkize, hlabeni Plot: They were about to take the bus but then a man asked him if he was going to Alexandra. They said that the police are here to prevent that from them going on the bus because they will weakening the cause of the black people. They walk for 11 miles because they did not take the bus. Then a white man in the car asked them where they are going and they said Alexandra and then gave them a lift. He tells them stories of how people attack white people. Potchefstroom road is a dangerous road. They arrive. They ask where Absolm is and she said she doesn’t know and there was fear in her eyes and they ask her do you know wahta’s wrong an d she said there was nothing wrong and then they asked her why is is tremble and she said because she is cold. They left. Then Msimngu came back to talk to her trying to get it out of her. He asked them what kind of life did they lead, she said they brought many thing at night like clothes, watches, money and food in bottles. He asked if there was any blood on it, she said she never seen blood on it. He talks to the taxi driver, Hlabeni, asking him if he knew where Abolm is and he said he is probably off at Orlando. Vocabulary: Persuasion- the action or fact of persuading someone or being persuaded to do or believe something Boycott- withdraw from commercial or social relations with (a country, organization, or person) as a punishment or protest Crippled- a person who is unable to walk or movel properly because of disability or injury to their back or legs Accommodation- an action of sccommodating or the process of being accommodated Kaffir- either of two South African plants with straplike leaves and stems bearing a number of red, pink, or orange flowers Yonder- at some distance in the direction indicated Reluctance- unwillingness or disinclination to do something Tremble- shake involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety, excitement, or frailty Sullenly- bad –tempered and sulky; gloomy Squatters- a person who is unlawfully occupies an uninhabited building or unused land Immersed- a dip or submerge in a liquid

Chapter 9 Characters: Siyafa, Mrs. Seme, Mr. Dubula, Plot: they are kind of renting a room with a house fill with people. And that she was saying that she does not like this people and not she needs to move out but he begs for one more week and then she said he may have one more week. They are trying to get a house, There

have been people who have waited for 5 years for a house on the list. They are like #6,000 on the list. There is a dying child in the book. Who is trying to get a doctor but said they have to wait til morning. The child is buring hot worst than fire, it burns the mother hand. This chapter was quite confusing…… Vocabulary: Ailing- in poor health Quarrelled- an angry argument or disagreement, typically between people who are usually on good terms

Chapter 10 Characters: Stephen, Gertrude, Gertrude’s child, Msmingu, Mrs. Lithebe, Shanty Town, a Nurse, young white man, Plot: They will still continue the search. They asked the nurse if she have meant Absalom Kumalo. She did and gave them direction where the house is and they had no problem finding Hlatshwayo house cuz he might be there. They went to the house, the woman answers the door and said that he was there but he was taken to the reformatory so they went there. They go there and the people have meant him but he left like a month ago mostly because there was a girl that was pregnanted because of him and he was fond of her and anxious about the baby. But he is not marry. He said that he will take them to Pimville where they are living now. They went to the their house but Absalom was not there, The girl said that he went to the springs but have not heard from him since and doesn’t know if he will come back or not. Msmingu was bitter about this. He was like are we gonna look for him day to day, hour to hour, and will it ever end. Vocabulary: Intimacy- close familiarity or friendship; closeness Perplexed-(of something complicated or inaccountable) cause (someone) to feel completely baffled Parson-a beneficed member of the clergy; a rector or vicar Obscure- not discovered or known about; uncertain Shrouded-a length of cloth or an enveloping garment in which a dead person is wrapped in burial Solemnly- formal and dignified Melodious- of, producing, or having a pleasant tune Enriched- improve or enchance the quality or value of Desolate-(of a place) deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness Pitiless- showing no pity; cruel Muse-be absorbed in thought Contemplated- look thoughtfully for a long time at

Magistrate- a civil officer or lay judge who administers the law, esp. one who conducts a court that deals with minor offenses and holds preliminary hearings for more serious ones

Chapter 11 Characters- Stephen, Msimangu, Father Vincent, Arthur Jarvis, Richard Mpiring, Michael Clarke, Mrs. Lithebe, Plot- They talk about Arthur Jarvis death VocabularySuperintendent- a person who manages or superintends an organization or activity Exhaustive-examining, including, or considering all elements or aspects; fully comprehensive

Chapter 12 Characters- Mr. McLaren, Mr. de Villiers, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Scott, Jackson, John, Penelope, Mr. Msimangu, Plot- They are talking about the native crime, Schooling, Protection, and Laws. They are saying that we should be building homes and free buses for them but some are saying its impossible. There are thousands of voices crying out even churches. Talks about fear and needs to knock it off?? Fear of unknown. They are asking for more police for protection. There is great fear. Pg 112 VocabularySeclusion- the state of being private and away from other people Vacillate- alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive Juvenile- of, for, or relating to young people Delinquency-minor crime, esp. committed by young people Racquet- variant spelling of racket Endured- suffer(something painful or difficult) patiently Inheritor- receive(money, property, or a title) as an heir at the death of the previous holder Veld- open, uncultivated country or grassland in southern Africa. It is conventionally classified by altitude into Highveld, middleveld, and lowveld.

Chapter 13 Character: Stephen, Msimangu, Plot: They went Ezenzeleni. Kumalo mediates and think about everything, his grandson that will be born soon, his son’s thievery, and the murder. And about despair but Msimangu reminds him that despair is a sin, But then he was comforted by the help given to the blind. He tells him that God will not forsake humankind. People blamed

him for Msimangu using his preaching gift to teach patience that many of his people die Vocabulary: Astray- away from the correct path or direction Probable- likely to be the case or to happen Vagabond- a person who wanders from place to place without home or job Smote- past of smite Osiers-a small Eurasian willow that grow mostly in wet habitats and is a major source of the long flexible shoots (withies) used in basketwork Covenant-an agreement Folly-lack of good sense; foolishness Despair- the complete loss or absence of hope

Chapter 14 Character-stephen, Mrs. Lithebe, Gertrude’s son, Msimangu, mens, John, the two men that were with John, Father Vincent, Absalom (for real this time) Plot- It turns about that Absalom is the one that killed Arthur Jarvis and that he was put in to prison and John was there when the crime happened. Stephen goes and tells John the sad news. Stephen and Absalom finally meet in prison. They talk but Absalom is feeling guility and won’t quiet answer all of his questions. He tells him that he done these terrible things because of the devil. He said that he did shot Jarvis because he was afraid and he did it for protection but didn’t know. He still wants to marry his girlfriend. Later on, they say that they want a lawyer. VocabularyHalted- bring or come to an abrupt stop Prodigal- spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant Fidelity- faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support Revolver-a pistol with revolving chambers enabling several shots to be fired without reloading Jest-a thing said or done for amusement Magistrates-a civil officer or lay judge who administers the law, esp. one who conducts a court that deal with minor offenses and holds preliminary hearings or more serious ones Bereft-deprived of or lacking something, esp. a nonmaterial asset Irresolute- showing or feeling hesitancy; uncertain

Chapter 15 Character- Stephen, Mrs. Lithebe, Gertrude’s son, young white man, Father Vincent

Plot- A young white man comes and tell Stephen that he needs a lawyer because John is untrustworthy. Stephen and the young man goes to Father Vincent and he has a lawyer in mind and that he will help Absalom’s marriage. The young man leaves. Then Stephen talks about his sorrow and Vincent said that sorrow is better than fear. Tells him to pray and not to pray for this and to pray for what. VocabularyUnendurable- not able to be tolerated or endured Impoverishes-make (a person or area) poor Bereaved-be deprived of a loved one through a profound absence, esp. due to the loved one’s death Repent- feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin

Chapter 16 Characters- Msimangu, Absalom girlfriend, Stephen Plot- Stephen goes to Absalom girlfriend to tell the the news that Absalom is in prison and why. She gets upset. Stephen asks her if she still wished to marry him. Her father left her family because her mother was drunk a lot and she has two brothers. She ran away from home. And she had three husbands since she ran away . They all have been caught. The girl does nor know exactly how old she is but thinks she is 16 years old. Stephen asks her to move near him and she said yes. He says things that hurt her so he got ashamed and comfort her. VocabularyPerplexednessQuarreled- and angry argument or disagreement, typically between people who are usually on good terms Yielded- produce or provide (a natural agricultural, or industrial product) Compliance-the action or fact or complying with a wish or command Forlorn-pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely Astonished- surprise or impress (someone) greatly Simplicity- the quality or condition of being easy to understand or do Repent-feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin

Chapter 17 Characters- Mrs. Lithebe, PlotVocabulary-