Analysis of the novel 'IN DEPENDENCE by Sarah Ladipo Manyika's
Short Summary
In Dependence tells the story of Tayo Ajayi, a Nigerian man who gets a
scholarship to study at Oxford in the 1960s, and Vanessa Richardson, the
daughter of an ex-colonial officer. While it is a story of their love
which spans from 1963 to 1998, it's way more than that. It's also a
story about Nigeria, its independence and the changes that occur in the
country post-independence - the Biafran war, the first coup and the
numerous countercoups, military dictatorships, the brief return to
civilian rule, exile of Nigerians, and towards the end of the book the
eventual return to democracy. There are also issues of race, racism and
cultural differences. We see Tayo, Vanessa, as well as a host of other
characters, live their lives amidst all these issues.
Tayo is an intelligent man but he always seems to do wrong. He tries to
do the right thing, never wants to hurt anyone but in the end he does,
especially the women in his life - and there are quite a number of women
in his life that he hurts.
Vanessa, on the other hand, dreams of being a journalist writing on
African issues, marrying Tayo and moving with him to Nigeria to start a
new life. Unfortunately life gets in the way and a host of things
prevent most of her dreams from coming true. She does end up living one
of her dreams - being a world renowned journalist on African issues.
Tayo and Vanessa end up living their lives independent of each other but
no matter what they did, and where they were, the thoughts and love
they had for each other lingered on (even though the other didn't
necessarily know). I guess love really does stand the test of time.
Summary of Each Chapter Of JAMB Novel For 2017 UTME- In Dependence By Sarah Mayinka
Chapter One
Tayo is the first Nigeria to receive a scholarship to study at Balliol
College, Oxford. He visits his relatives in the village of Ibadan before
travelling the next day to uncle kayode's house, another relative in
Lagos.
On the day he sets to sail, his parents, headmaster, some of his
teachers and other Lagos-based relatives stands at the Lagos port to bid
him goodbye.
Chapter Two
Tayo describes his journey through the seas and the warm reception he
gets at England in a letter to his father. He mentions his new friends
at the college and explains in details his perception of things in his
new environment.
His father replies promptly, giving him precise report on the state of affairs in the family and the country.
Chapter Three
Mr. and Mrs. Barker, Tayo's older friends invites Tayo and Africans for a
drink party in their home. There he formally meet Christine Arinze with
whom he develops a casual relationship.
Chapter Four
Vanessa attends a party with her friends. There, she meets Charlie and
Mehul. She gets drunk and wakes up the next morning with a splitting
headache. Vanessa takes up her pen to write an article for the school
magazine but changes her mind to write to her friend Jane instead.
Chapter Five
In attendance for the West Africa Society meeting is Tayo, his friends
and other college students. After the meeting, he introduce himself to
Vanessa Richardson who is also in attendance.
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Inspite of being a trifle jealous of Tayo and Vanessa's chit, Christine
invites him over to her place. She tells him about how she is struggling
to maintain her academic excellence amongst other things. He console
her and assures her that she will excel like she's always done.
Chapter Six
Tayo and Vanessa goes for a walk in the direction of the meadows. They
talk on various issues ranging from Malcolm X's visit to oxford to
Tayo's father's duties during colonial admission as well as Vanessa's
father and grandfather's involvement in colonial services.
They outrun each other to a country pub where they bought drinks. They
leave early because two men spill their drinks and Vanessa declines
Tayo's offer of another one.
Chapter Seven
Vanessa goes back home for the Christmas holiday. She receive a not so
warm welcome from her family as the atmosphere between her parents is
strangely cold. At dinner, she has a misunderstanding with her father
about his inviting apartheid friend to the Christmas party her African
friends will also attend.
Chapter Eight
Tayo arrives Aberleigh, Vanessa's home in London for the Christmas
party. Aside from being mistaken for a servant by one of mr.
Richardson's friend, everything else goes smoothly.
Vanessa visit Tayo in the room he is spending the night in. They talk
briefly on the demeanor of her parents and Tayo discuss his mother at
Vanessa's prompting.
Chapter Nine
Tayo and Vanessa spend everyday of the week together and on Friday, she
bring him daffodils to brighten up his room. Tayo shares one of his
family photograph with Vanessa and the latter makes assessment of each
member herself.
Vanessa on the other hand shares her worries about being on African
correspondent considering her British lineage. Tayo reassures her that
Africa needs good journalist; British or African can then pull her close
for a dance.
Chapter Ten
Tayo and Vanessa spends Easter in Paris' with Simon and Nima. Tayo gets
his first writing journal from Vanessa where he documents their stay in
Paris from the first day. There, they live the Bohemian life - all four
of them. A day before the completion of their holiday, Tayo gets a
telegram that Christine is dead. While Tayo grieves for her, he also
blames himself for not being sensitive enough to her needs as a friend.
Chapter Eleven
Vanessa and her family visits France to the Bastille holiday. Jane,
Uncle Anthony, Mr and Mrs. Murdoch joins them in France. They engage in
conflicting talks considering Uncle Anthony and Mr. Richardson's ever
opposing views. Later that night, Jane confess to sleeping with Uncle
Tony on their way home from the train station and Venessa also tells
Jane about her relationship with Tayo.
Chapter Twelve
Vanessa writes to Tayo describing the weather in France and expresses
her opinion on the margery Perham's review he is working on. Tayo
replies and fondly relates his experience so far in Bradford with his
cousine Tunde where those who aren't on scholarship like him have to
work long hours to make end meet.
Chapter Thirteen
At Tunde's house in Brandford, London. Tunde and Yusuf decides to hold a
party in honour of Gambia's independence. Yusuf and Tayo discuss the
marriageability of either British or African women. The party is in full
swing when Tayo finds himself pressing a lady to the wall. Suddenly he
takes a punch to his jaw and a fight ensures.
A policeman arrives and takes them to the station for questioning.
Chapter Fourteen
Tayo decides against telling Vanessa the truth about his chpped tooth
which he gets as a result of the fight in Bradford. He attends Yusuf's
wedding with Joy, where Vanessa later joins him. On their way back,
Vanessa accuses Tayo of lying about his relationship with the late
Christone. Tayo tries to cajole her from her outburst but Vanessa
wouldn't have none of it, so he leaves her in the carriage.
Chapter Fifteen
After their fight, Vanessa suggests they spend Christmas apart which
Tayo promptly agrees to. He sets himself on a strict schedule and
manages to survive alone until New Years Eve when he decides to make
chicken stew. Vanessa walks in during his lousy attempt at cooking. They
eventually settle their differences and spend the rest of the holiday
together.
Chapter Sixteen
The New Year brings Tayo's uncle, Kayode to England. Vanessa gets to
meet one of his family members and they get on so well. They discuss
various topics ranging from Tayo's sporting prowess to Annais Nin, a
writer of erotica. Vanessa concludes that she'll love to meet the rest
of Tayo's family with Uncle as loving as that.
Chapter Seventeen
With a first-class degree and a graduate scholarship, Tayo gets a chance
to speak at Bellamy Boy's School where Mr. Richardson works as a
headmaster. His lecture is solely on Nigeria and it makes a big hit in
the school.
Mr. Richardson invites Tayo to his office after his lecture and tells
him on clear terms his views on Tayo's relationship with his daughter.
Tayo returns to college sullen and Vanessa asks him what the matter is.
He tells her father is not in support of their relationship to which
Vanessa asks him to fight for them if he truely loves her.
Chapter Eighteen
Tayo is back in Ibadan, Nigeria due to his father's critical illness. He
tries unsuccessfully to write to Vanessa due to his incessant pleading
for more details of Englad. While ruminating on what to tell Vanessa in
his letter, Tayo is called outside his room to hear the news of
unsuccessful coup to kill Ironsi.
This leads to unrest in some parts of the country but Tayo reassures the people, telling them not to panic.
Chapter Nineteen
Tayo sends Vanessa a letter after a long while apologising for his long
silence. He attributes it to his father's second heart attach, the coup
d' etat and the civil war.
Vanessa leaves for Lagos after her exams, ignoring Tayo's telegram telling her not to visit yet.
After their loving reunion and Vanessa getting familliarized with the
Lagos, Tayo tells Vanessa another woman is carrying his child. Vanessa,
devastated, leaves.
Chapter Twenty
1970 at Dakar, Semegal, Vanessa now works as a correspondent for
Reuters. She makes friend with Salamatou a Senegalese who braids her
hair and teaches her the local language, Wolof.
Salamatou asks her about her love life. She touches briefly on Tayo, explaining to her that she's since move on.
Chapter Twenty One
In 1984, Tayo is a husband to Miriam and a father to Kemi. He is also an
accomplished writer and a professor. One Sunday a month, they have
lunch with friends at Yelwa club. There, they discuss various issues
concerning the country and universities. After Lunch, Yusuf advises Tayo
to limit the way he criticizes the government and Tayo tells him
there's nothing to worry about.
Chapter Twenty Two
Tayo recalls how nhe ends up with Marriam and Flips through Vanessa's
diary that he keeps in his drawer. Kemi, his daughter catches him
unawares and chides him that he works too hard. Eventually, father tells
daughter a story and they are joined by Mariam before they all go to
bed.
Chapter Twenty Three
For the summer holiday, Tayo and his family decides to spend three
weeks, Uncle Kayode's in Lagos his mother and other relatives in Ibadan.
Despite Miriam's objection, Tayo visits an old man who serves Lord
Lugard during his reign in Nigeria, instead of visting his mother in
Ibadan.
On his return, he learns that his mother dies in a fatal accident while coming to Lagos to visit him and his family.
Chapter Twenty Four
Six months after the death of Tayo's mother, the coup to overthrow the
democratic rulers by the millitary takes place successfully. The
people's optimism quickly dies out when the millitary administration
proves to be the as corrupt as the preceding rulers and this leads to
lots of unrest and protests.
Admist the unrest, Miriam advises that they leaves Nigeria for England
but Tayo objects claiming his loyalty to his country and wouldn't let
him.
Chapter Twenty Five
In 1990, Tayo's hopes for improved educational system is dashed when a
foundation that promises to help provides only second-hand books and old
software programmes that can't be used due to lack of computers. Miriam
and Kemi leave for England the previous year.
Chapter Twenty Six
In 1994, Tayo on his way back from his office meets soldiers who has
mount up road blocks in order to inspect citizens or collect bribes.
Tayo is surprised they do not ask him for money but instead they take
him to the barracks for questioning. He is severely beaten and ask to
stop his critical writing against the government.
Chapter Twenty Seven
Tayo meets vanessa for the first time after their break up, during his
tour of England while promoting his new book on Lord Lugard. After the
seminar, they both catch up on each other's lives. At the end of the
evening, Tayo asks if he would kiss her but she politely declines,
saying she would miss her train.
Chapter Twenty Eight
Vanessa sits at Broadwell Park reminiscing on her meeting with Tayo
during his book tour. She revisit the past and dwells mostly on how she
finds herself marrying Edward Barker, Tayo's friend in Oxford. Later
that evening, Vanessa receives Mandelo's 'Long walk To Freedom' as a
wedding present from her husband.
Chapter Twenty Nine
Tayo writes to Vanessa where he expresses himself freely like the old
times. He shares his opinion on the role of artists in his letter.
Vanessa earnestly implores him in her reply to be careful in his fall
prey to the hands of military rulers. Tayo replies to her complaints
about her failures as a mother by reasuring her she is a good mum and
also tells her about his imperfections as a father and a husband.
Chapter Thirty
Vanessa drives Suleiman to the airport where he leaves for Senegal, his
home country. Vanessa is heartbroken with the way they part and worries
about him constantly. She bares her heart in a letter to Tayo,
expressing her sadness and longing for what could have being.
Eventually, she decided not to send it.
Chapter Thirty One
Vanessa visits her father, Mr. Richardson, who is now old and lives in
the Carrington Home for the Elderly. With her father is murdoch and Mrs.
Halliday. After the brief visit, she buys a fitting skirt in
preparation to meet Tayo at the airport the next day. Unfortunately,
Tayo is not on the list of those on the expected plane.
Chapter Thirty Two
On Tayo's way to the airport, his plan to visit Englad for a long while
fails as he is involved in a ghasly accident orchestrated by the
Nigerian military.
Chapter Thirty Three
After Tayo's survival of the accident that lost the life of his driver,
Abdou, he resorts to living at Kemi's apartment in San Francisco. There
she works as a nanny to fund her artistic pursuits.
Kemi sensing her father's depression suggest that he sees a therapist.
Tayo promptly refuses, saying he doesn't need one. This outburst dregs
up the ugly past making father and daughter exchange harsh words. Later
that night, they apologize to one another.
Chapter Thirty Four
Vanessa, after the death of her father, tries to publish his manuscript.
She finds out interesting news on the period of their stay in Nigeria
as a family. She speculates on different twists to what leads to her
mother's early departure from Nigeria. She reconciles with Suleiman, her
son, who on his return to England promptly apologizes and resolves to
start up a business.
Chapter Thirty Five
Tayo gets the opportunity to teach, which he does not appreciate
initially but soon seems to enjoy. His legs heal completely, given to
his long walks. He later recives a letter from the Nigerian president
that states that he has being awarded a honoraby degree from oxford.
Chapter Thirty Six
Family and friends gather for the occasion in the Sheldonian, England.
Tayo, after receiving his award joins his family while Kemi introduces
herself, miriam and some other family members to Vanessa and her son.
Tayo and Vanessa later steals away from the party to have an alone
time.
.
Themes of the novel in dependence by by Sarah Ladipo Manyika
The Theme of Love
Racism
Courage
Betrayal
Culture and Tradition
Idealism
Role of Major Characters of the novel in dependence by by Sarah Ladipo Manyika
1. Tayo
Tayo is the protagonist/main character of the novel. He
is an intelligent man but he always seems to do wrong. He tries to do
the right thing, never wants to hurt anyone but in the end he does,
especially the women in his life - and there are quite a number of women
in his life that he hurts.
2. Vanessa
Vanessa, on the other hand, dreams of being a
journalist writing on African issues, marrying Tayo and moving with him
to Nigeria to start a new life. Unfortunately life gets in the way and a
host of things prevent most of her dreams from coming true. She does
end up achieving one of her dreams - being a world renowned journalist
on African issues.
3. Christine
Christine is the Nigerian woman that first caught
Tayo’s eye. Christine is shown as an opinionated woman that does not shy
away from engaging men in intellectual conversation. However, this
character is killed off too quickly in the novel and the reason for her
death—suicide, was not very convincing. It was hard to picture Christine
as a love struck and defeated woman who would kill herself.
4. Jane
Vanessa’s cousin who is quite outspoken about her sexual encounter.
5. Vanessa’s Father
He was a colonial master in Nigeria before
1960. He is against Tayo marrying his daughter and has refused to accept
Vanessa’s adopted half-cast son. He seemed more racial against
half-casts earlier in the novel confronting Tayo about his fears for a
half-cast grandchild. It was later understood that his hatred for the
blacks was as a result of an affair his wife had with a black man during
the colonial era.
SOME IMPORTANT CHARACTERS OF THE BOOK "IN DEPENDENCE"
. Inspector Adeniyi Ajayi:
Tayo’s father who was once a court servant and an interpreter in the native administration before joining the police.
Mr Jonathan Richardson:
Father of Venessa.
4. Mrs Elizabeth Richardson:
Mother of Venessa.
5. Mr Edward Maximilian Barker:
The one who welcomed Omotayo prior to the letter given to Tayo by Mr Faircliff.
6. Headmaster Faircliff:
Tayo’s Headmaster.
7. Mr Clark:
Tayo's Mathematics Teacher.
8. Mr Blackburn:
British empire history teacher.
9. Bisi and Remi:
Siblings of Tayo.
10. Modupe:
Tayo’s Lover before going to Oxford at age 19.
11. Uncle Bolu also known as Uncle B:
Tayo’s uncle who loved drinking and women. And women also loved him in return.
12. Uncle Oluwakayode Ogundipe:
A Big Man in Lagos, who lived
in a luxurious, a senior army officer before leaving for France to study
Engineering. He was able to meet Venessa.
13. Helen:
Uncle Kayode’s wife.
14. Aunty Bayo:
Former girl friend of Uncle Kayode.
15. Mr Lekan Olajide from Ogbomoso on a voyage.
16. Mr Ibrahim Mohammed from Kaduna on a voyage
17. Mrs Isabella Barker: An attractive young Italian woman who preferred to be called "Isabella".
18. Mr Ike Nwade: A student of History.
19. Mr Bolaji Ladipupo: A Law student.
20. Miss Christine Arinze:
A student of Modern language who
later became Tayo’s girlfriend but had a misunderstanding with Tayo
because he didn’t want a longtime relationship. She later on had Ike has
her boyfriend. She died of drug overdose (Suicide).
21. Christopher Okigbo:
A poet and Omotayo’s teacher.
22. Venessa Richardson"
aka Moremi by Tayo to show her fighting spirit": Tayo’s white Lady lover.
23. Gita from Kenya:
An English student.
24. Pat:
A Physicist.
25. Jane:
A Friend to Venessa a physicist also (whites).
26. Charlie and Mehul:
(whites)
27. Simon:
The president of west African Student.
28. Francis:
From Ghana who was with the idea that independence came far too early for africans
29. Maynes Keynes:
Venessa’s grandpa was in the colonial service Juma and Saratu? Are they cats?
30. Lord Lugard:
was once the governor of Hong kong before coming to Nigeria and he also became our governor in the year 1914
31. Nancy Murdoch and Mr Murdoch.
32. Uncle Tony:
who had s*x with Jane.
33. Madam Pagnole.
34. Chinua Achebe:
things fall apart and No longer at Ease.
35. Nkrumah:
The first president of Ghana and Senghor of Senegal Kenyatt.
36. Tunde:
the cousin of Tayo who works in the bakery.
37. Yusuf Abubakar:
who works in the hospital. HE believed
white women were only meant for friendship but not for marriage with his
genuine reasons.
38. Joyce:
Yusuf’s white girlfriend who said he hasn’t heard
Yusuf speak Nigerian before and then Yusuf replied her: you daft one, no
one speaks Nigerian.
39. Mr and Mrs winter:
across the road at Bradley
40. Joy Williams:
The black WOMAN Yusuf got married to.
41. Anais Nin:
The first British erotic writer.
42. Nigerian coup d’etat and Biafran war.
43. Salamatou:
an hairstylist in Dakar, Senegal who died in a motor accident
44. Jean Luc:
A French who had promised to marry Salamatou but ran away after he got to know she was pregnant.
45. Miriam:
A nurse, whom treated Tayo’s father and got pregnant for Tayo. Got married to Tayo and gave birth to Kemi.
46. Kemi:
Daughter of Tayo and Miriam
47. President Shagari.
48. Mr Akin: A carver.
49. Wole Soyinka:
Okri the Booker.
50. Aureol:
SHIPPING COMPANY.
51. Dogun Dutse Mobile station.
52. Samir:
From Bradford.
53. Suleiman:
Salamatou’s son hence Venessa’s adopted son. A Muslim he became and a drop out from Cambridge.
54. Abdou:
The driver who was taken Tayo to the airport before an accident occur.
55. Laurent:
Kemi’s boyfriend.
56. Danjuma:
The gardener.
57. Professor John
Harris: He is the man whom Kemi introduced to his father from the University.
Likely Questions From Each Chapter Of JAMB Novel For 2017 UTME- In Dependence By Sarah Mayinka
Chapter One Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel In Dependence By Sarah Mayinka
1. For what purpose is Tayo travelling to England?
Ans: To take up a scholarship at Balliol College, Oxford
2. What is the name of Tayo’s school in England?
Ans: Balliol College
3. What is the significance of Tayo’s visit to relatives before
embarking on his journey to England? Ans: It is their tradition
4. Through what means of transportation does Tayo travel to England?
Ans: Water
Chapter Two Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel In Dependence By Sarah Mayinka
5. Why is Tayo surprised that people do not greet each other in passing in England?
Ans: Because in Nigeria, so much value is attached to greetings
6. In what subject did Bisi receive the highest honours?
Ans: Geography
7. In the Ajayi motto, all things are expected to be done with moderation except what?
Ans: Study
Chapter Three Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answer of the novel In Dependence By Sarah Mayinka
8. Who is Mr Barker?
Ans: He His headmaster and Mr Faircliffe’s old colleague
9. What reminds Tayo of his mother in the Barkers’ house?
Ans: Isabella cooks wonderful meals in a way that reminds Tayo of his mother
10. Christine was in her third year of study when?
Ans: Tayo met her for the first Time
Chapter Four Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel In Dependence By Sarah Mayinka
11. What is Vanessa Richardson’s nationality?
Ans; English
12. What is the name of the friend that Vanessa wrote a letter to, concerning the status of women? Ans: Jane
13. The full meaning of JACARI is?
Ans: Joint Action Committee Against Racial Inequality
Chapter Five Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel In Dependence By Sarah Mayinka
14. What are Christine’s reasons for putting an end to her relationship with Tayo?
Ans: Because she was called ‘clingy’ and the fear of her boy being snatched by some woman
15. The language of fun among Tayo’s Nigerian friends is ?
Ans: Pidgin
16. What are the things that made Tayo remember home each time he is at Christine’s place?
Ans: Her cooking which reminds him of mama and the juju and highlife music she plays
Chapter Six Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel In Dependence By Sarah Mayinka
17. What is the trait that Nessa cherises in Tayo and that is absence in Charlie and Mehul?
Ans: Humility
18. What does Nessa mean by saying she has a ‘’small confession’’ to make?
Ans: She has connections to Nigeria as her father is a colonial officer over there
19. What did Tayo name Vanessa as?
Ans; Moremi
Chapter Seven Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answer of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
20. What delicacies did Vanessa’s mother make to welcome her daughter?
Ans: Chicken pie and cake
21. For what occasion did her mother ask her whom she was inviting?
Ans: Christmas party
22. Whom did Vanessa’s father invite for the occasion?
Ans: His South African racist miner friends.
Chapter Eight Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
23. How old was the Richardson’s house when Tayo attended a party there?
Ans: About 200 years
24. “We all get embarrassed by our parents”. Who said this?
Ans: Tayo
25: To whom was it said?
Ans: Vanessa's
Chapter Nine Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers
of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
26. What, according to the narrator, did Nessa admire in Tayo when she
visited him in the room and saw him organizing his records in piles?
Ans: His tidiness
Chapter Ten Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers
of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
27. Where did Simon suggest that they (him, Tayo and their two girlfriends) spend Easter?
Ans: Paris
28. Christine died by------?
Ans: Suicide
29. Why did Tayo feel guilty about Christine’s death?
Ans: His refusal to respond properly to her letters and not giving her attention
Chapter Eleven Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
30. Who is the only family Tayo has in England?
Ans: Tunde
31. Why does Vanessa’s father detest Uncle Tony?
Ans: To him, he is unconventional to him and because he had the
opportunity of achieving a place at Cambridge University which Vanessa’s
father didn’t have
32. What qualities did the narrator ascribe to Nancy?
Ans; She is being described as having a ‘supercilious (arrogantly proud) tone and feigned generosity’
Chapter Twelve Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
33. What made Tayo realise how lucky he was for getting a scholarship at Balliol?
Ans: He witnessed the life of struggle most African students live,
engaging in ridiculous and exhausting jobs such as bakery and hospital
work to make ends meet
34. What do the signs: “No Dogs, No Irish, No Coloureds’’ (Africans and Indians) symbolise in the novel?
Ans: Racism
35. The least strenuous work was reserved for whom?
Ans: The English
Chapter Thirteen Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
36. Where was bathing done since there is no bathroom in Tunde’s house?
Ans; Kitchen (in tins) or public baths.
37. For what purpose(s) did Tunde throw a party in his house?
Ans: For Tayo and to celebrate Gambia’s independence
38. ‘’Nigerian women are the best’’ who said this?
Ans: Yusuf
Chapter Fourteen Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
39. Whose wedding did Tayo and Vanessa attend?
Ans: Yusuf’s
40. Joyce was expected to be the bride, but the bride turned out to be whom?
Ans: Joy
41. ‘’No! Don’t Moremi me’’ Who made this statement?
Ans: Vanessa
Fifteen Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers
of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
42. On New Year’s Eve, what happened to Tayo?
Ans: He woke up homesick
43. Where did he buy his chicken from?
Ans: The Covered Market
Chapter Sixteen Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
44. The finest hotel in Oxford is…?
Ans: Randolph Hotel
45. According to the narrative, who is Tayo’s favourite uncle?
Ans: Uncle Kayode
Chapter Seven Teen Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
46. Who invited Tayo to lead his school assembly with a lecture on Nigeria?
Ans: Mr Richardson
47. ‘’What are your intentions with my daughter?’’ Who made this statement?
Ans: Mr Richardson
48. Who sent Tayo the telegram which reads: ‘’Baba is in hospital, recovering. Return home immediately’’?
Ans: Tayo’s mother
Chapter Eighteen Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
49. What does Tayo despise Mr Richardson for?
Ans: Bigotry
50. Who is Dele?
Ans: The village drunk
Chapter Nineteen Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
51. What circumstance led to the end of Tayo and Vanessa’s relationship?
Ans: Tayo impregnated a woman
Chapter Tweenty Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
52. In this narrative, Nessa’s dreams as portrayed by the writer are…?
Ans: Writing about African art and culture
53. Who is Salamatou?
Ans: A single mother of half-caste Sulaiman
Chapter Tweentyone Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
54. In Tayo’s opinion, what are the root causes of oil corruption and a
broken civil service in Nigeria? Ans: Greed and mismanagement
55. In what university was Tayo offered a job?
Ans: Birmingham University
56. Who is Miriam?
Answer: Tayo’s wife
Chapter Twenty-two Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
57. Whose diary did Tayo discover in his study?
Ans: Vanessa’s
58. Why is Miriam loved by Tayo’s family?
Ans: She nursed Tayo’s father with care when he had stroke
Chapter Twenty-three Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
59. Whose house is described as ‘Beauty in the Heart of Darkness’?
Ans: Uncle Kayode’s house
60, What is the name of the local artiste that took Tayo to the village?
Ans: Akin
Chapter Twenty-Four Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
61. What led to the closure of universities?
Ans: University students protest
62. For what reason is Tayo Opposed to leaving the country?
Ans: He Wanted to wait and help his students
Chapter Twenty FiveLikely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
63. In order of occurrence, what are the challenges Tayo faced that made him reconsider leaving Nigeria?
Ans: The broken pipe, his house boy’s leave of him, his disappointment in the Foundation and threats to his life.
64. What was his purpose of planning to travel to New York, even though
he eventually could not? Ans: To receive an award for his book
65. Why did Simon arrange a meeting for Tayo and whom did he hold it with?
Ans: To help in the possible funding of Tayo’s university
66. What was the outcome of the meeting?
Ans: Disappointment
Chapter Twenty-Six Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
67. Who challenged Tayo on the road on his way home?
Ans: The soldiers
68. What reason did the soldiers give for bringing Tayo home?
Ans: They said Tayo had an accident while driving recklessly
Chapter Twenty-Seven Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
69. What circumstance led to the death of Nessa’s mother?
Ans: Cancer
70. What killed Tayo’s father?
Ans: Stroke
71. By what means did Tayo’s mother die?
Ans: An accident
Chapter Twenty-Eight Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
72. How many years of marriage did Nessa and Edward celebrate at their wedding anniversary?
Ans: 18 years
73. ‘’To the woman I love, and with whom I have walked the best 18 years of my life’’. Who made this statement?
Ans: Edward
74. To whom was the statement made?
Ans: Vanessa
Chapter Twenty-Nine Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
75. What is responsible for the divorce between Tayo and his wife?
Ans: Tayo took priority in his students over his wife and child
76. For what reason was Tayo detained?
Ans: For showing his students Perry Henzel’s film, The Harder They Come.
Chapter Thirty Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
77. What does Vanessa mean by the pick-up-your-stick-and-sandals marriage?
Ans: A kind of love story wherein two lovers who are each other’s first
love do not get to marry each other but meet later in life to re-unite
78. ‘’Ah, fuck you, Mum!’’ Who said this?
Ans: Suleiman
Chapter Thirty-One Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
79. What is the name of the home in which Nessa went to check on her aged father?
Ans: The Carrington Home for the Elderly
80. For what reason did Nessa tell her father when she was going to the airport?
Ans: To meet Tayo
81. What was her father looking for before she came?
Ans: His pen
Chapter Thirty-Two Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
82. What is name of Tayo’s driver?
Ans: Abdou
83. ‘’Marriage is a serious thing’’ who said this?
Ans: Tayo
84. To whom was it said?
Ans: Abdoun
Chapter Thirty-Three Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
85. In what part of the U.S. did Kemi reside?
Ans: San Francisco
86. Whose money was used for Tayo’s treatment after his accident?
Ans: Miriam’s
Chapter Thirty-Four Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
87. Why was Vanessa initially reluctant to publish her father’s manuscript?
Ans: The poor relationship between her and her father
88. Why did Vanessa’s mother return to England with young Vanessa, while her father remained in Nigeria?
Ans: Vanessa’s mother had an affair with their gardener, Danjuma.
Chapter Thirty-Five Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
89. Tayo was employed to teach Oral histories in Northern Nigeria and the political history of West Africa in?
Ans: San Francisco.
90. ‘‘…Race is a part of the fabric of this nation. You’re either black
or you’re white, and this affects every aspect of your life’’ who said
this?
Ans: Kwame
91. To whom was this said?
Ans: Tayo
Chapter Thirty-Six Likely JAMB UTME Questions And Answers of the novel 'In Dependence' By Sarah Mayinka
92. What honorary degree did Tayo receive?
Ans: Doctorate of literature
93. Who asked Tayo and Nessa to help take a photograph of them?
Ans: A middle-aged couple
94. Did Miriam grace the occasion of Tayo’s award of honorary degree?
Ans: Yes
About the Novel
In Dependence was published in the UK in 2008;
in Nigeria in 2009 and in the US in 2011. It is Sarah Ladipo Manyika’s
debut novel. The novel begins in the early 1960s when Tayo Ajayi meets
Vanessa Richardson, the beautiful daughter of an ex-colonial officer.
Their story, which spans three continents and four turbulent decades, is
that of a brave but bittersweet love affair. It is the story of
individuals struggling to find their place within uncertain political
times – a story of passion and idealism, courage and betrayal.
Although, In Dependence can suitably pass for a love story, it is far
more than that, as it also traces the journey of the political history
of Nigeria; the military coups, the bad and deceitful leadership and its
experimental steps towards democracy/civilian rule.
Also, it brings the social realities of Nigeria into light- a situation
where the poor gets poorer everyday without any improvement. With the
events surrounding Tayo’s life, Sarah Manyika brings to limelight the
effects of bad governance on the country’s tertiary institutions
(universities) and the ensuing massive brain drain that Africa has
experienced. There are also issues of racial discrimination and cultural
dichotomy and we see Tayo, Vanessa and other characters live their
lives amidst these issues.
Outside the political spheres, In Dependence is Tayo and Vanessa's story
of a brave but bittersweet love affair. It is the story of two people
struggling to find themselves and each other - a story of passion and
idealism, courage and betrayal, and the universal desire to fall, madly
and deeply in love.
Furthermore, it is a convincing narrative on the price we pay for the
decisions we make in our lives, whether right or wrong; and life
sometimes is just about doing what makes you happy regardless of
people's opinions. Unfortunately, most of African cultures reject such
philosophy. For us, life is not only about the individual but also about
family, relatives, communities, tradition, culture etc.
Through an authentic and objective voice, the novelist ensures that all
these realities that characterize Nigeria and Africa at large are
adequately portrayed in her story.
About the Author
Sarah Ladipo Manyika was raised in Nigeria and
has lived in Kenya, France, and England. She holds a Ph.D from the
University of California, Berkeley, and currently teaches literature at
San Francisco State University. Her writing includes essays, academic
papers, reviews and short stories. Her second novel, Like a Mule
Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun was published April 1, 2016 by Cassava
Republic Press (Abuja-London). Her debut novel, In Dependence was
published by Legend Press (London) and Cassava Republic Press.
http://literature366.blogspot.com/2017/03/analysis-of-novel-in-dependence-by.html
