Prepared by

Nagaraj N
Lecturer in English
6362325725

Masters’ P U College
"The Voter"
by Chinua Achebe
"The Voter" by Chinua Achebe is a compelling short story set in the fictional Nigerian
village of Umuofia. The narrative centers around Rufus Okeke, affectionately known
as Roof, who is a trusted campaigner for Marcus Ibe, a politician running for re-
election. Roof is well-respected in the village and is known for his loyalty and
persuasive skills.

As the election approaches, Roof is offered a substantial bribe by the opposing party
to vote against Marcus Ibe. This bribe puts Roof in a moral quandary, torn between
his loyalty to Marcus and the temptation of the money. The story vividly portrays
the pervasive corruption in the political system, where votes are bought and sold
rather than earned through genuine support.

Roof's internal conflict is a central theme of the story, highlighting the ethical
dilemmas faced by individuals in a corrupt society. Despite his initial hesitation, Roof
ultimately decides to accept the bribe but still votes for Marcus Ibe, reflecting the
complexities of human nature and the compromises people make.

Achebe's use of humor and irony adds depth to the narrative, making the serious
themes of corruption and moral ambiguity more relatable. "The Voter" is a poignant
exploration of the impact of corruption on democracy and the individual's role in the
political process.
MCQs

1. **Who is the protagonist of "The Voter"?**

a) Marcus Ibe

b) Rufus Okeke

c) Maduka

d) Ezenwa

- **Answer:** b) Rufus Okeke

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Prepared by
Nagaraj N
Lecturer in English
6362325725

Masters’ P U College
2. **What is Rufus Okeke's nickname in the story?**

a) Roof

b) Rook

c) Rock

d) Root

- **Answer:** a) Roof

3. **Which political party does Marcus Ibe belong to?**

a) People's Alliance Party

b) Progressive Party

c) Unity Party

d) Democratic Party

- **Answer:** a) People's Alliance Party

4. **What does the opposing party offer Roof to vote against Marcus Ibe?**

a) A new house

b) A large sum of money

c) A car

d) A job

- **Answer:** b) A large sum of money

5. **How does Roof feel about accepting the bribe?**

a) Excited

b) Indifferent

c) Conflicted

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Nagaraj N
Lecturer in English
6362325725

Masters’ P U College
d) Happy

- **Answer:** c) Conflicted

6. **What does Roof ultimately decide to do with the bribe?**

a) Reject it

b) Accept it and vote against Marcus Ibe

c) Accept it but still vote for Marcus Ibe

d) Report it to the authorities

- **Answer:** b) Accept it and vote against Marcus Ibe

7. **What is the main theme of "The Voter"?**

a) Love and betrayal

b) Politics and corruption

c) Friendship and loyalty

d) War and peace

- **Answer:** b) Politics and corruption

8. **Where does the story take place?**

a) Lagos

b) Umuofia

c) Aniocha

d) Mbanta

- **Answer:** b) Umuofia

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Prepared by
Nagaraj N
Lecturer in English
6362325725

Masters’ P U College

9. **What is the significance of the title "The Voter"?**

a) It highlights the importance of voting in a democracy.

b) It refers to the protagonist's role in the election.

c) It emphasizes the power of the individual vote.

d) All of the above

- **Answer:** d) All of the above

10. **What lesson does "The Voter" teach about democracy?**

a) Democracy is always fair and just.

b) Corruption can undermine the democratic process.

c) Voting is not important in a democracy.

d) Elections are always free from manipulation.

- **Answer:** b) Corruption can undermine the democratic process

Two-mark questions

1. **Who is the protagonist of "The Voter" and what is his role in the story?**

- The protagonist of "The Voter" is Rufus Okeke, also known as Roof. He is a

trusted campaigner for Marcus Ibe, a politician running for re-election.

2. **What internal conflict does Roof face in the story?**

- Roof faces an internal conflict between his loyalty to Marcus Ibe and the
temptation of a bribe offered by the opposing party to vote against his employer.

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Prepared by
Nagaraj N
Lecturer in English
6362325725

Masters’ P U College
3. **How does the story "The Voter" depict the theme of corruption?**

- The story depicts corruption through the act of bribery, where Roof is offered
money by the opposing party to influence his vote, highlighting the moral
compromises individuals make in a corrupt society.

4. **What is the significance of the title "The Voter"?**

- The title "The Voter" signifies the power and importance of the individual vote
in a democratic process, and how it can be influenced by corruption and personal
dilemmas.

5. **How does Roof's decision at the end of the story reflect the theme of the
narrative?**

- Roof's decision to accept the bribe and vote against Marcus Ibe reflects the
pervasive corruption and the moral challenges faced by individuals in the political
system.

6. **What role does Marcus Ibe play in the story?**

- Marcus Ibe is a politician running for re-election, and he relies on Roof to

campaign for him and secure votes.

7. **How does the setting of the story contribute to its themes?**

- The setting of a fictional Nigerian village highlights the local political dynamics
and the impact of corruption on the community.

8. **What does Roof's nickname signify in the story?**

- Roof's nickname signifies his role as a trusted and reliable campaigner for
Marcus Ibe, as well as his position within the community.

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Prepared by
Nagaraj N
Lecturer in English
6362325725

Masters’ P U College
9. **How does Achebe use humor in "The Voter"?**

- Achebe uses humor to highlight the absurdities and contradictions in the

political process, making the serious themes of corruption and moral dilemmas
more relatable.

10. **What lesson does "The Voter" teach about democracy?**

- "The Voter" teaches that corruption can undermine the democratic process
and that the integrity of individual votes is crucial for a fair and just political
system.

Three-mark questions

1. **How does Chinua Achebe portray the theme of corruption in "The Voter"?**

- In "The Voter," Chinua Achebe portrays the theme of corruption through the
actions and behaviors of the characters involved in the election process. The
protagonist, Rufus Okeke, also known as Roof, is a trusted campaigner for Marcus
Ibe, a politician running for re-election. Roof is offered a bribe by the opposing
party to vote against his employer. This act of bribery highlights the pervasive
corruption in the political system, where votes are bought and sold rather than
earned through genuine support. Achebe uses Roof's internal conflict and eventual
decision to accept the bribe as a commentary on the moral compromises
individuals make in a corrupt society. The story illustrates how corruption
undermines the democratic process and erodes trust in political institutions.

2. **What is the significance of Rufus Okeke's internal conflict in "The Voter"?**

- Rufus Okeke's internal conflict is central to the narrative of "The Voter" and
serves to highlight the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in a corrupt
political environment. Roof is torn between his loyalty to Marcus Ibe, who has
provided him with employment and support, and the temptation of the bribe
offered by the opposing party. This internal struggle reflects the broader societal

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Prepared by
Nagaraj N
Lecturer in English
6362325725

Masters’ P U College
conflict between personal integrity and the lure of material gain. Achebe uses
Roof's dilemma to explore the complexities of human nature and the difficult
choices people must make when confronted with corruption. Roof's eventual
decision to accept the bribe, while still voting for Marcus Ibe, underscores the
theme of compromised integrity and the challenges of maintaining one's principles
in a morally ambiguous world.

3. **How does Achebe use humor in "The Voter" to address serious themes?**

- Achebe uses humor in "The Voter" to address serious themes such as

corruption and moral dilemmas. Through the character of Roof and his interactions
with other villagers, Achebe injects humor into the narrative, making the story
engaging and relatable. For example, Roof's clever manipulation of the situation,
where he accepts the bribe but still votes for Marcus Ibe, is portrayed with a touch
of irony and wit. This use of humor helps to highlight the absurdities and
contradictions in the political process, while also emphasizing the serious
consequences of corruption. Achebe's skillful blending of humor and serious
themes allows readers to reflect on the complexities of human behavior and the
impact of corruption on society.

Four-mark questions

1. **How does Chinua Achebe portray the theme of corruption in "The Voter"?**

- In "The Voter," Chinua Achebe portrays the theme of corruption through the
actions and behaviors of the characters involved in the election process. The
protagonist, Rufus Okeke, also known as Roof, is a trusted campaigner for Marcus
Ibe, a politician running for re-election. Roof is offered a bribe by the opposing
party to vote against his employer. This act of bribery highlights the pervasive
corruption in the political system, where votes are bought and sold rather than
earned through genuine support. Achebe uses Roof's internal conflict and eventual
decision to accept the bribe as a commentary on the moral compromises

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Prepared by
Nagaraj N
Lecturer in English
6362325725

Masters’ P U College
individuals make in a corrupt society. The story illustrates how corruption
undermines the democratic process and erodes trust in political institutions.

2. **What is the significance of Rufus Okeke's internal conflict in "The Voter"?**

- Rufus Okeke's internal conflict is central to the narrative of "The Voter" and
serves to highlight the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in a corrupt
political environment. Roof is torn between his loyalty to Marcus Ibe, who has
provided him with employment and support, and the temptation of the bribe
offered by the opposing party. This internal struggle reflects the broader societal
conflict between personal integrity and the lure of material gain. Achebe uses
Roof's dilemma to explore the complexities of human nature and the difficult
choices people must make when confronted with corruption. Roof's eventual
decision to accept the bribe, while still voting for Marcus Ibe, underscores the
theme of compromised integrity and the challenges of maintaining one's principles
in a morally ambiguous world.