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Sharlo

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Shazil Ejaz
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19 views2 pages

Sharlo

Uploaded by

Shazil Ejaz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SHARLOS

 Who was Sharlo and why was he called "Long-belly Sharlo"?


Sharlo was a man in Glentis Village who loved food, earning him the nickname "Long-belly Sharlo" because of
his large belly.
 What was Sharlo known for apart from his love for food?
Sharlo was also known as the best fife player in the village.
 What happened when Sharlo sheltered under the tree during the rain?
Sharlo played his fife while waiting for the rain to stop and attracted the attention of a mysterious red man.
 Who appeared before Sharlo while he was playing his fife in the rain?
A tall, red man appeared before Sharlo.
 How did the man describe himself when Sharlo asked who he was?
The man said that everyone knew him and that Sharlo would soon remember who he was.
 Where did the man take Sharlo for shelter?
The man took Sharlo to a large, oven-like room with fires burning along the walls.
 What did Sharlo find in the calabash when he recited the rhyme?
When Sharlo recited the rhyme, hot pepper pot appeared in the calabash.
 What deal did Sharlo make with the man?
Sharlo agreed to trade his fife for the magic calabash.
 What happened to Sharlo after he got the magic calabash?
After getting the calabash, Sharlo stopped working and started eating constantly, growing fatter.
 Why did the villagers become suspicious of Sharlo during the drought?
The villagers wondered how Sharlo was always well-fed during a drought when everyone else was struggling.
 What did Zakky ask Sharlo about the source of his food?
Zakky asked Sharlo how he was getting so much food, suspecting magic or obeah.
 How did Sharlo feel after Zakky accused him of using obeah?
Sharlo felt guilty and nervous because Zakky might spread the word about his use of the calabash, which could
be seen as using obeah.

 Why do you think Sharlo was so willing to trade his fife for the magic calabash? What does this tell us
about his character?
Sharlo’s willingness to trade his fife reflects his desperation and greed. He is so focused on satisfying his
immediate desires (food) that he doesn't consider the long-term consequences. It shows his impulsiveness
and lack of foresight.
 What does the mysterious red man symbolize in the story? How does his appearance affect Sharlo’s
decisions?
The mysterious red man symbolizes temptation and the allure of easy solutions. His appearance affects
Sharlo’s decisions by convincing him that the calabash is the answer to all his problems, leading Sharlo to
make a hasty and ill-considered trade.
 How does Sharlo's obsession with food and his growing belly reflect the themes of greed and instant
gratification?
Sharlo’s growing belly represents his greed and desire for immediate satisfaction. He doesn’t consider the
consequences of consuming too much; his obsession reflects how greed can cloud judgment and lead to
excess.

 What role does the village drought play in highlighting Sharlo's actions? How does the community’s
situation contrast with Sharlo's behavior?
SHARLOS
The village drought sets the context for Sharlo's selfishness, as the community is suffering while Sharlo is
focused on satisfying his personal needs. His behavior contrasts with the collective struggle of the villagers,
highlighting his lack of empathy and sense of community.
 In what ways do the villagers' suspicions about Sharlo reveal human nature, especially in times of
scarcity?
The villagers' suspicions show how people become wary and distrustful in times of scarcity. In such
circumstances, individuals are more likely to be suspicious of others’ actions, especially when they seem to
benefit disproportionately from a difficult situation.
 How does the use of the calabash change Sharlo’s life and his relationships with the villagers?
The calabash gives Sharlo an illusion of power and control, but it isolates him from the villagers. As he
becomes more secretive and self-absorbed, his relationships with others deteriorate, and he loses the trust of
the community.
 What might the calabash and its magic symbolize in terms of power and control? How does Sharlo
misuse or over-rely on it?
The calabash symbolizes the temptation of power without effort. Sharlo misuses it by relying on the magic for
everything, rather than using his own abilities or working with others. His over-reliance on the calabash leads
to his downfall, as he loses the balance between natural effort and shortcuts.
 Why do you think the author chose to include the rhyme Sharlo must recite to get food from the
calabash? What does this suggest about the theme of ritual or obligation?
The rhyme represents the idea of a ritual or formulaic approach to life, suggesting that there are conditions to
gaining benefits or rewards. It reflects how, even with magic or shortcuts, there are still rules or obligations to
follow, and ignoring them can lead to consequences.
 How does the interaction between Sharlo and Zakky represent the theme of guilt and secretive actions?
The interaction with Zakky reflects Sharlo’s guilt and the burden of his secret actions. Zakky’s suspicion
highlights Sharlo’s internal conflict, and his inability to share the truth shows how secretive actions weigh on
the conscience.
 What message do you think the story is conveying about the dangers of relying on shortcuts (like magic)
instead of hard work?
The story conveys that relying on shortcuts, like the magic calabash, can lead to long-term consequences.
While shortcuts may offer temporary relief, they do not promote personal growth or sustainable solutions and
can lead to dependency and isolation.
 How does the setting of Glentis Village contribute to the overall tone and themes of the story?
The setting of Glentis Village, a small, struggling community, enhances the themes of scarcity and selfishness.
The village’s challenges make Sharlo’s actions stand out more starkly, reinforcing the contrast between
communal struggle and individual greed.
 If Sharlo had used his newfound resources wisely, how might his life have been different? What does
this suggest about decision-making in times of abundance?
If Sharlo had used the resources wisely, he might have shared with others or used the calabash more
sparingly, leading to better relationships with the villagers and more sustainable outcomes. This suggests that
decision-making in times of abundance requires careful planning and consideration, rather than indulging in
excess.

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