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Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
“No Joseph,” she said in an infantile whimper. “I can’t bear that we can’t express the love that we have for one another because of some primitive culture. If by loving you, I
offend the sensibilities of Nasila then let me offend and face the consequences of doing so!” “I also love you very much,” Joseph Parmuat responded finally. “I loved you the moment I saw you during your father’s homecoming ceremony. But then the clan matter came to separate us. It is true we have no blood relation. But Nasila culture dictates who are related and who are not. We are slotted among those who cannot
marry.” “No, it can’t be, I cannot accept its verdict,” she said petulantly her words agonized. “No way, never!” She stopped, confused and angry with herself at her inarticulate outburst. She took several long steadying breaths and then said, “I cannot accept that a culture that does not feed, clothe or house me comes to control my life...

Answer Text:
1. What happens before this excerpt?
Taiyo visits Joseph’s house in the evening and find the door unlocked. She gets in and observes the rooms. Joseph returns and she expresses her infatuation.
Joseph also confesses that he love her. She sobs and press close to him.

2. For both Joseph and Taiyo, give and illustrate two character traits.
Joseph is responsible – Even though he loves Taiyo, he controls himself from doing something that may put them in trouble.
Joseph is conservative - He chooses to take sides with the Nasila culture. He tells Taiyo that they are slotted among those who cannot marry.
Taiyo is loving- She has strong feelings for Joseph. She expresses her love without fearing the outcome.
Taiyo is assertive - She is ready to offend sensibilities of Nasila culture for love. She
says she cannot allow culture to control her life.

3. How is dialogue significant in this excerpt?
It brings out Taiyo’s rebellious character. She skeptically questions the enslaving nature of Nasila culture. “I cannot accept culture that does not feed
me.” She poses that culture should be beneficial.
Dialogue in this excerpt also help in portraying the theme of love.
We are also able to see the dilemma and internal conflict that Joseph is experiencing because of loving Taiyo.

4. Explain any two thematic concerns addressed in the excerpt.
Theme of love. Taiyo and Joseph express their love for each other. Taiyo says …“I can’t bear that we can’t express the love that we have for one another because of some primitive culture. If by loving you, I offend the sensibilities of Nasila then let me offend and face the consequences of doing so!”
Theme of culture. Their love relationship is held at ransom by culture that objects love between people of the same clan.
5. From elsewhere in the novel, how does Joseph sacrifice for his love for Taiyo?
He accepts to be the contact man in the mission of rescuing Taiyo. He makes the security guards drunk leading to her escape. The guards later kill him.

6. Explain the meaning of the following vocabulary as used in the excerpt.
a) destiny
Means fate.
b) Infantile
Means Childish/ immature
c) Petulantly
Means grudgingly
d) primitive
Means backward/outdated

7. What happens immediately after this extract?
Joseph says he is ready to face any eventuality that may arise out of their love for one another. Taiyo appreciates the new stance of Joseph. She sheds tears and becomes excited.