A Stranger From Lagos

By: Cyprian Ekwensi

Luis Mourio
IGCSE English
P.6 Mrs. Contreras
Courtesy of http://www.cs.rutgers.edu

Vocabulary
Branded- To mark with disgrace or infamy;
stigmatize (Dictionary Reference).
Compound- (in Africa) a similar enclosure for
native laborers (Dictionary Reference).
Roundabout- circuitous or indirect, as a road,
journey, method, statement or person (Dictionary
Reference).
Frond- an often large, finely divided leaf, esp. as
applied to the ferns and certain palms
(Dictionary Reference).
teetotaller- a person who abstains totally from
intoxicating drink (Dictionary Reference).
Courtesy of http://ccms.wcpss.net

Review and Analysis

It is located in an
She remembers his look
African town named
during the Umu-ogbo dance
Onitsha Town. The
and claims that Only a
narrator is Lillian, an
stranger would look like that
African woman from
at the Umu-ogbo dance, and
this town (Wade 45).
only a man who had fallen
would linger on her
She is sewing when
movements that way (45).
she realizes there is
a stranger who is
Lillian is quick to realize that
going around asking
the stranger has fallen for
questions (45).
her and her intrigue in him
seem to imply she is falling
for him as well.
Courtesy of http://www.sacredhoopjourney.com

Review and Analysis

She doesnt know if she
She also states that in
should help him or not (45).
Onitsha Town there were eyes
on the wall (45). She is thus
The reason for her
indecisiveness is that her
saying that the people are in a
mother and fianc's mother
state of surveillance and are
are present (45).Thus, it
nosy, thus, any action she took
seems as if older
could be misinterpreted and
generations are regarded
she could have a bad
with greater respect.
reputation.
She decides not to and
She looks up and the stranger
begins to sew anew after
is gone; she asks her mother
glancing at his face and
as to what he wanted and her
seeing his look, full of the
mother does not provide a
agony of desire (45).
clear answer, only says that he
Courtesy of Wikipedia.org
is from Lagos (46).

Review and Analysis

She asks her mother if he gave Lillian then goes on her way
to find him and she does;
a name and her mother
as she expected, the whole
responds by saying He is not
town was watching (47).
of a family I know (46).
Lillian makes a reference at her She also says that
strangers were prone to
mothers habits saying she
scandalize and [leave]
cared little about the family she
you to the gossip (47).
knew and instead judged men
Therefore explaining why
by what her instincts told her
her mother was cautious
(46). This shows how the
with the information she
mother seems to think highly of
gave (so that her daughter
herself and reputation and
would not ruin the familys
doesnt give any one a chance
reputation) and harsh about
unless they come from a family
the stranger. It also
with good reputation.
Courtesy of http://www.nesegallery.com

explains why Lillian is so

cautious as to how to act.

Review and Analysis

She talks to him in a hurry, to which she only learns that
he is a stranger from Lagos that desperately needs to talk
to her (47).
She explains how it is rude to talk in the streets, asking
him to wait until evening and he agrees (47).
When she arrives home, she finds her angry mother
saying what she had heard through gossip. Her mother is
appalled by Lillians actions and tells her that she can not
bring scandal to her fathers name and that she should not
give her fianc any reason to brand her (48). It also
shows how quick gossip spread throughout the town.
Her fianc had been her fianc for three years, during
which they had a son. However, they quarreled and she
left to Lagos. When she came back, he was so impressed
by what he saw that he wanted her back (48).
Courtesy of http://www.fiona.co.

Review and Analysis

She only accepts him
back because she did
not much care either
way (48). It gives
emphasis to her
promiscuous ways. The
fianc also seems to
treat her as an item
which can be easily
won and bought.
Her fianc appears and
she even notices that
he treats her as if he
owns her (49).
Courtesy of www.wredes.com

She hears a sound and

thinks it is the stranger;
it is her friend Alice
instead (49).
Lillian seems to have a
better time now but then
the stranger arrives (49).
Oddly, her fianc greets
him and says that they
had met once in Lagos
(50).
Alice and Lillian leave
the men alone and could
not tell whether they
were offending each
other (50).

Review and Analysis

The Stranger leaves and Lillian confronts her
fianc. Her fianc explains that his being there
was due to the strangers arrival (50). In a way,
the fianc was defending his prize.
He also exclaims to Lillian that the stranger was
one of your lovers from Lagos (50). This gives
more emphasis to Lillians promiscuousness as
she had several lovers.
The fianc leaves and Alice talks to Lillian (51).
She seems to have the same views that Lillian
holds as she believes the town has many eyes
and that they treat her as a child, not a woman
(51).
Courtesy of http://www.lazytd.com

Themes

Promiscuity (Lillian)
Customs and Traditions (Town and mother)
Gossip (Town and mother)
Reputation (mother)
Property (Fianc)
Lack of trust (Fianc)
Lack of courage (Lillian and stranger)
Jealousy (Fianc)
Relationships (Everyone)

Courtesy of
Courtesy of http://bergoiata.org

Cyprian Ekwensi

Cyprian Ekwensi was

born on September 26,
1921 in Minna, Nigeria
(Cyprian Ekwensi 1-2).
He attended a
government college in
Ibadan (2).
He then switched to the
field of forestry and
became a forestry officer
for two years (2).
A drawing of the Author.
Courtesy of http://www.sunnewsonline.com

Cyprian Ekwensi
He was also a science professor, worked at a radio
station, and even studied pharmacy both Lagos
School of Pharmacy and the University of London
(2).
He received the Dag Hammarskjold International
Award for Literary Merit in 1968 (Killiam 1).
During his life, he has written hundreds of shortstories, a couple of novels, television and radio
scripts and even childrens books (Cyprian Ekwensi
2).
His works focus on love, infatuation, infidelity, war,
adventure, fantasy, politics, childhood, marriage,
death, and ritual sacrifice (Emenyonu).
Courtesy of http://www.gumtreegetaway.com

Other Works

People of the City (1954)

Jagua Nana (1961)
Burning Grass (1962)
Beautiful Feathers (1963)
Survive the Peace (1976)
Divided We Stand (1980)
Jagua Nana's Daughter (1986)
King for Ever! (1992)

Courtesy of http://pictures.ezpics.net

Social Influences
Cyprian Ekwensi wrote the story Jagua Nana
which tells the story of a socially ambitious
prostitute (Killiam 2).
Jagua Nanas daughter, a later novel, talks
about the daughter of his famous character
and how her education allowed for social
elevation (4).
Thus, it allowed her to get more lovers from the
higher class (4).
He is implying how in society, women needed
a highly placed professional in order to
receive security and protection they desire
(4).
Courtesy of yahoo.com

Nigeria-Biafra war
The Nigeria-Biafra war was a political conflict
caused by the attempted secession of the
southeastern provinces of Nigeria as the selfproclaimed Republic of Biafra (Nigerian Civil
War 1).
This war sensitized Ekwensi's restless
imagination (Killam 3).
He questions the war and its periods of
supposed peace in the book Survive the
Peace (3).
In Divided We Stand, he shows how ethnicity,
division, and hatred bring about distrust,
displacement, and war itself (3).
Courtesy of http://www.sacredhoopjourney.com

Critics
Douglas Killiam and Ruth
Rowe
They talked about the
authors life and the
novels he has written.
They also explain how
Cyprian does not
[stand] very high
with critics. They also
note that critics also
say that his characters
learn little or nothing
of themselves during
their quests (Killum 5).
Courtesy of http://a1259.g.akamai.net

Charles R. Larson
He talks about how
Cyprian Ekwensi
developed into a
Nigerian/African
writer. He also
spoke of his
focuses and the
purposes of his
books, also noting
Cyprians style.

Critics
Marie Umeh
She is proving her point
that African women
are not irresponsible.
She then makes
reference to Ekwensi
by saying he depicts
them as passive,
unimaginative,
powerless,
passionless and
irresponsible (Umeh
1).
Courtesy of http://www.wombat.zaq.ne.jp

Overview of Cyprian
(Odiatu Duaka)
Ekwensi
This critic goes into
details about
Ekwensis fans and
their favorite novel. He
also goes into detail
about Ekwensis most
famous work, Jagua
Nana and the
controversy it caused.

Critics
Lindfors Bernth
Ernest N. Emenyonu
This critic talks about
He defends Cyprian and
the American and
declares that
African influences in
Cyprians works
his stories. He says
should be carefully
that Cyprian is good at
reviewed with
imitating popular
patience. He also
literary forms, but
states that "[Cyprian
says that his stories
Ekwensi] is the father
are an excellent way
of the modern
on how not to write
Nigerian novel
fiction (Bernth 1).
(Emenyonu 2).
Courtesy of http://www.wombat.zaq.ne.jp

Outline
Thesis statement: Women are portrayed as characters
which are composed of faulty characteristics, are
promiscuous and give no respect to themselves, however,
they also care for the traditions which their people follow.
I.
Throughout the story, the women display flawed behavior
and attributes.
1. The women in Onitsha Town (the city in Nigeria where
the story takes place) maintain a high level of
observation on what is happening in the town and who
is causing it.
2. Women also seemed to spread deceitful news
throughout the village; news that was based on the
truth, but altered into a white lie.
3. Lastly, Lillian gave too much thought into what others
would think of her.
II.
Another important aspect which Lillian was demonstrating
and allowed for a story to take place was the promiscuity
involved in her character.
A.
During the whole story, Lillian is practically depicted as a
whore.

Outline
1.

III.

She seems to want guys; she gets them, they do their way
with her and later, she or they leave.
2.
Lillian also does not reveal any signs of caring for her body,
much like a prostitute would.
3.
Lillian is also the perfect example for the definition of
promiscuous.
As a final point, the women are careful to preserve the traditions
which are closely followed by society and its members.
1.
Lillians mother believes the stranger is not suitable for Lillian.
2.
Lillian also makes notice of street etiquette as it was not an
honorable custom to stop and talk on the streets.
3.
Throughout the story, Lillians mother is concerned on what
her daughter is doing and tries to disable any connections
with the newly arrived stranger.
Conclusion: Given the evidence from the story, one can see the
malicious, commanding, promiscuous and irresponsible
personalities that describe the women in Nigeria.

Blooms Taxonomy Questions

1.
2.

1.

2.

Level 1: Knowledge
Where was the stranger from?
What was Lillian doing while the Stranger
asked questions to the women?
Level 2: Comprehension
What do you think could have happened
if the Fianc had arrived after the
Stranger?
What differences exist between Lillian
and her mother? Are they in any way
similar?

Blooms Taxonomy Questions

1.
2.

1.
2.

Level 3: Application
What would you change of the
characters personalities?
Would you ask Lillian any questions? If
so, explain as to why you would ask
them.
Level 4: Analysis
What were some of the motives behind
the Fianc's visit?
What could have been another outcome
to the story if it had continued in the
direction it was headed?

Blooms Taxonomy Questions

Level 5: Synthesis
1. Can there be a solution to allow for a
friendship between the stranger and
Lillian?
Level 6: Evaluation
1. Judge whether Lillian should move away
to Lagos with the Stranger or stay at
Onitsha with the fianc.
2. Do you think the stranger was a lover
from Lagos?

Works Cited
Africa. Online Image. March 27, 2007.
http://ccms.wcpss.net/students/projects/africa/virkars/images/Africa_from_space.jpg>
African Animals. Online Image. March 28, 2007.
http://a1259.g.akamai.net/f/1259/5586/5d/images. art.com/images/-/African-Animals-C10064392.jpeg
African Elephant. Online Image. March 27, 2007.
<http://www.lazytd.com/travel/ec/ec-african-elephant.jpg>
African Mask. Online Image. March 28, 2007.
<http://www.gumtreegetaway.com.au/images/african_tribal_mask.jpg>
African Plains. Online image. Art.com. March 27, 2007.
<http://www.sacredhoopjourney.com/images/African_plains__rainbow.jpg>
African Sunset. Online Image. March 27,2007.
<http://www.cs.rutgers.edu/pub/hirsh/africaphotos/Elephants/Africa%20Photos%20284.jpg>
African Tribe. Online Image. Nese Gallery. March 27, 2007.
<http://www.nesegallery.com/art/26_African Tribe_1.jpg>
Carrington, Carrolleannea Crocodile. Online Image. Big Game
Animals. March 28, 2007.
http://pictures.ezpics.net/Photos/Art/ezpics.net
/carrington/BigGame/5.jpg?05024Cz5pR31l3N
"Cyprian Ekwensi." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 2007. March 26,
2007. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprian_Ekwensi>

Works Cited
Ekwensi. September 27, 2006. Online Image. The Sun News Online. March 26, 2007.
<http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/meandmybook/2006/sept
/27/meandmybook-27-09-2006-002.htm>
Emenyonu, Ernest N."CyprianEkwensi." DISCoveringAuthors. Online Detroit: Gale, 2003.
Student Resource Center - Gold. Thomson Gale. Miami-Dade County Public
High Schools. 28 Mar. 2007
<http://find.galegroup.com/ips/infomark.do?&contentSet=GSRC&type=retrieve
&tabID=T001&prodId=IPS&docId=EJ2101203418&source=gale&srcprod=
SRCG&userGroupName=miamidade&version=1.0>.
Huet, Michel. Dances of Africa. Online Image. Abrams. March 27, 2007.
<http://www.fiona.co.jp/GENERAL_BOOKS/images/INTEREST
BOOKS/DANCES_OF_AFRICA.jpg>
Killiam, Douglas and Ruth Rowe. "Cyprian Ekwensi profile." 2000 Africa Book Centre
March 26, 2007.<http://people.africadatabase.org/en/profile/2429 .html>
Larson, Charles R. "Fame and Poverty - The career of Nigerian novelist Cyprian Ekwensi
exemplifies the plight of the African writer." World and I 15.10 (Oct 2000):
254. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. Miami-Dade
County Public High Schools. 28 Mar. 2007
<http://find.galegroup.com/ips/infomark.do?&contentSet=IAC-Documents
&type=retrieve&tabID=T003&prodId=IPS&docId=A68927025&source=
gale&srcprod=OVRC&userGroupName=miamidade&version=1.0>.

Works Cited

Lindfors, Bernth "Cyprian Ekwensi: An African Popular Novelist." DISCovering Authors.

Online Detroit: Gale, 2003. Student Resource Center - Gold. Thomson
Gale. Miami-Dade County Public High Schools. 28 Mar. 2007
<http://find.galegroup.com/ips/infomark.do?&contentSet=GSRC&type=
retrieve&tabID=T001&prodId=IPS&docId=EJ2101203420&source=
gale&srcprod=SRCG&userGroupName=miamidade&version=1.0>.
Lion. Online Image. March 27, 2007.
<http://bergoiata.org/fe/felins/African%20Male%20Lion,%20Kenya.jpg>
Map of Africa. Online Image. Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. March 27,2007.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Afryka_1890.jpg>
"Nigerian Civil War." Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. 29 Mar 2007
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_civil_war>.
"Overview of Cyprian (Odiatu Duaka) Ekwensi." DISCovering Authors. Online Detroit: Gale
2003. Student Resource Center -Gold. Thomson Gale. Miami-Dade County
Public High Schools. 28 Mar. 2007
<http://find.galegroup.com/ips/infomark.do?&contentSet
=GSRC&type=retrieve&tabID=T001&prodId=IPS&docI
d=EJ2101200717&source=gale&srcprod=SRCG&userGroup
Name=miamidade&version=1.0>.
Metallic Animals. Online Image. March 28, 2007.
http://www.wombat.zaq.ne.jp/japanarrow/Postcard/african_animals.jpg

Works Cited
Metallic Lion. Online Image. March 28, 2007.
http://www.wombat.zaq.ne.jp/japanarrow/Postcard/kilimanjaro.jpg
Umeh, Marie. "Signifyin(g) the griottes: Flora Nwapa's legacy of (re)vision and
voice.(Special Issue on Flora Nwapa)." Research in African
Literatures 26.n2 (Summer 1995): 114(10). Student Resource Center
Gold. Thomson Gale. Miami-Dade County Public High Schools. 28
Mar. 2007 <http://find.galegroup.com/ips/infomark.do?&contentSet
=IACDocuments&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=IPS&docId=A
17156436&source=gale&srcprod=SRCG&userGroupName=
miamidade&version=1.0>.
Vocabulary Definitions. www.dictionary.reference.com
Wade, Barrie. Into the Wind: Contemporary Stories English . New Ed. Nelson
Thornes Ltd, 1998
Wrede, Helene. African Hunter. 2004. Online Images. Wredes. March 27,
2007.
<http://www.wredes.com/Bas/Tavlor/a.AfricanHunter.jpg>