Essay sample.

First Year
Question.
Song of the Banana Man highlights the hard work and skill that are needed for the
growth and production of foo.
a) According to the poem what are the tasks that the banana man does in order
to have successful crops? (6marks)
b) What is the tourists attitude to the banana farmer? Refer to specific
examples from the poem (6 marks)
c) Use specific examples from the poem to show the farmers attitude to the
tourist and to his own work in general. (8 marks)
d) Identify oen figure of speech and shoe how it is used to present the message
of the poem.
( 5 marks)
The song of the banana man is a poem that highlights the hard work and skill that
are needed for the growth and production of food. Throughout the poem, Evans
informs readers of the tasks that the banana man have to perform and invites us to
see his attitude about his job and the attitudes of those who look on.
Being a banana is not an easy job. Not only was he a banana man but he was
also a farmer. His tasks include: ploughing, weeding, digging and planting. These
tasks clearly show that bananas do not simply appear but there is a process that
must be undertaken in order for the final crop to be produced. Furthermore the
poem states that he had many acres of land, and many cattle to take care of.
Evidently the banana man was extremely hard working.
Even though the banana man worked hard for what he has, not everyone
appreciated his efforts. The tourist thought that the job of the banana man was not
really a job. The tourist Casts up his eyes and turned up his nose, which signals
that he was scorning the banana man. He even went on to ask if he was a beggar
man, because of the way that he was dressed. Furthermore the tourist advised the
banana man to get an occupation (and) be of some value to your nation. These
events clearly showed that the tourist white man was condescending towards the
banana man.
With all the negativity from the tourist, the banana man maintained a positive
attitude. The banana man responded to the tourist by telling of his many assets. His
acres of land, various types of bananas, many cattle, foods from trees and
underground. Also he even cautioned the tourist that on banana day he may want
to trade places, as the banana man reaps the rewards of his labour. In addition It is
evident that he loves his job as he repeatedly declares I will live and die a banana
man. Moreso the banana man leaves early morning time, and returns when
massa sun drops. This all day work is testimony to his love of being a banana
man. Additionally he clearly states in the last stanza that he is strong, proud and
free. The banana man ignores insult and works diligently.
The main figure of speech used in the poem is repetition. At the end of most
of the stanzas, he proudly declares I will live and die a banana man. This use of
repetition is effective as it emphasizes his love for his job. It also makes it clear to
readers that he cannot see himself doing anything else in the future and despite
what life may throw at him, he is willing to live and die a banana man.

Essay sample.First Year

This wonderful poem shows how hard work pays off. It teaches you to ignore
negativity and be proud of what you have despite how others may look down on
you.