+1 vote
in Class 12 by kratos

The roof is an intelligent manipulator. Justify with reference to the story,

OR

What is the role played by Roof in ‘The Voter’?

1 Answer

+2 votes
by kratos
 
Best answer

Roof Okeke is an energetic young man and has come back to his own village Umuofia, after working as a bicycle repairer’ apprentice for two years in Port Harcourt. It is true that he would have enjoyed a rich life if he had stayed on in his job. But he comes back to the village and tells the people that he wants to guide them in difficult times. Later he becomes ’election campaign manager’ for Marcus Ibe and over a ***** of five years becomes an expert in election campaigning at all levels.

In the story, we get to know more about Roof when he is on the job, engaged in one of his whispering campaigns. He tells the elders that Marcus Ibe, being a ‘son’ from their village, has been made a minister and it should be considered a great honour. Then he tries to use his rationalistic thinking with the people. He asks them, “Do you ever stop to ask yourselves why we should be singled out for this honour?” He himself answers his question. He tells them that they are favoured by the PAP leaders. Here we see Roof as a manipulator at work. He knows for sure that Marcus was perhaps the only man with some education.

Secondly, there was no opposition party. Basically, the village folk were innocent and naive and hardly realized the meaning of an election and the value of their mandate. Roof exploits this situation to his advantage.

Moreover, when he comes to learn that people had understood the benefits of entering politics and winning an election as seen in the case of Marcus Ibe and are now planning not to give their vote free of charge, he immediately informs Marcus and keeps him prepared to pay some money to the people in exchange for their votes.

Finally, we get a clear picture of Roof as a manipulator when he accepts five pounds from the election manager of POR He makes sure that they will not disclose the news of his accepting the money. He also tries to keep his conscience clear by telling them that he works for Marcus; while putting his ballot paper into the box, he cleverly manages to cast his vote for both Marcus and Maduka, without attracting the wrath of ‘iyi’.

...