62 Theory Questions on Redemption Road by Elma Shaw

Redemption Road by Elma Shaw is one of the two African prose texts recommended for 2026-2030 SSCE Literature-in-English syllabus. We have prepared a set of theory questions on Redemption Road by Elma Shaw, modelled after the WASSCE and NECOSSCE Literature-in-English examination standard. These questions cover a range of aspects like themes, characterisation, setting, and narrative techniques.

62 Theory Questions on Redemption Road

1. “Redemption Road is set in a country recovering from a civil war.” Discuss the significance of the physical and temporal settings in shaping the narrative of the novel.
2. Examine the role of Bendu Lewis as the protagonist of Redemption Road.
3. Discuss the theme of redemption as portrayed in the novel.
4. How does Elma Shaw employ the use of flashbacks in the novel? Illustrate your answer with two examples from the text.
5. Discuss the symbolism of “The Oven” in the novel.
6. Compare and contrast the characters of Bendu Lewis and Moses Varney (Commander Cobra).
7. Discuss the narrative point of view in Redemption Road.
8. Analyse how Elma Shaw portrays the effects of post-war trauma on both individuals and society in the novel.
9. “Corruption is deeply entrenched in the post-war Liberian society depicted in Redemption Road.” Discuss.
10. Examine the role of women in Redemption Road.
11. Justify the title of the novel, Redemption Road.
12. Discuss the use of foreshadowing technique in the novel.
13. Discuss the impact of war on family relationships in Redemption Road, using the strained relationship between Bendu and her mother, Eva Lewis.
14. Explore the theme of guilt and regret in the novel.
15. How does Tenneh’s transformation contribute to the theme of healing and reconciliation?
16. In what ways does Elma Shaw utilise letters as a narrative device in Redemption Road?
17. Examine how the theme of resilience is depicted in the novel.
18. Discuss the theme of betrayal in the novel.
19. Comment on the role of NGOs to the post-war reconstruction and healing in the novel, with particular reference to Bendu’s organisation, Peace in Practice.
20. Examine the portrayal of the cultural and social tensions between Americo-Liberians and indigenous Liberians in Redemption Road.
21. Analyse the significance of the recurring nightmares experienced by Bendu.
22. Discuss how the author uses characters like Judge Dagoseh to expose the flaws and corruption within Liberia’s legal system.
23. Explore how the theme of loss and grief is portrayed through the experiences of Bendu and her family.
24. Evaluate the influence of historical events on the plot of the novel.
25. Examine the dual personality of Moses Varney (Commander Cobra).
26. Comment on the character of Agnes Jallah in the novel.
27. Discuss how the experiences of war lead to an identity crisis for characters like Bendu Lewis.
28. Discuss how Siatta’s experience living abroad shapes her perspective on post-war Liberia compared to other characters who remained in the country.
29. Examine the theme of reconciliation in the novel.
30. How does Elma Shaw portray the impact of war on children in the novel?
31. Discuss the theme of silence and secrecy in the novel.
32. How is female solidarity portrayed in Redemption Road?
33. Explore the theme of betrayal in Redemption Road.
34. Discuss the theme of courage and determination.
35. Discuss the role of Calvin Daniels in the novel.
36. Why is the setting of Duluma camp significant in Redemption Road?
37. Critically analyse the ending of Redemption Road. How does the resolution of the novel reflect the central themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption?
38. Discuss how Redemption Road addresses the theme of justice and its elusiveness in post-war Liberia.
39. Examine the non-linear plot structure of Redemption Road.
40. “The novel depicts various strategies employed by characters to survive the horrors of war.” Discuss how survival is portrayed as both a physical and psychological battle in Redemption Road.
41. Analyse the significance of the beach scene where Moses Varney confronts Bendu. What does this setting symbolise in relation to Bendu’s struggle for justice and her path towards liberation?
42. Discuss the role of dreams and nightmares in Redemption Road. How do these elements serve as a window into the psychological state of characters like Bendu?
43. “Despite the harrowing experiences depicted in Redemption Road, the novel also presents a message of hope.” Discuss how hope is woven into the story and how it influences the characters’ actions and decisions.
44. Discuss the character of Bendu Lewis as a symbol of resilience and survival.
45. Analyse the transformation of Moses Varney from a ruthless warlord to a man seeking redemption.
46. Examine the role of Judge Dagoseh in Redemption Road. How does his character embody the theme of corruption in the post-war legal system?
47. Explore the character of Tenneh and her journey towards healing.
48. Examine the mother-daughter relationship between Bendu and Eva Lewis.
49. Discuss the role of Weah, Moses Varney’s driver. How does his character serve as a representation of those who were coerced into participating in wartime atrocities, and how does his eventual remorse contribute to the theme of guilt and redemption?
50. Give a detailed account of Bendu Lewis’s first encounter with Moses Varney (Commander Cobra) after the war.
51. Provide a detailed account of Bendu Lewis’s experiences at Duluma camp.
52. Narrate the sequence of events surrounding Bendu’s attempted escape from Duluma camp.
53. Give a detailed account of the meeting between Moses Varney and Judge Dagoseh.
54. Provide a detailed narration of the incident at the beach where Moses Varney confronts Bendu.
55. Describe the political and social environment depicted in Redemption Road.
56. Explain the importance of the temporal setting in the novel.
57. Examine how Elma Shaw addresses the issue of sexual violence against women in Redemption Road.
58. Explore the theme of motherhood in the context of war.
59. Analyse the role of female solidarity in helping women heal from their traumatic experiences in the novel.
60. Discuss the impact of the civil war on children as portrayed in Redemption Road.
61. Examine the representation of child soldiers in the novel.
62. Analyse the role of women in the post-war reconstruction of Liberia as depicted in Redemption Road.

Summary

This post provides theory questions on Redemption Road by Elma Shaw. A total of sixty-two questions on Redemption Road are drafted in line with SSCE standards for students preparing for examinations and those testing their understanding of the prose text. We also hope that teachers find these questions helpful in the teaching of Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road.

Further Reading:

• Study Guide: Redemption Road by Elma Shaw
• Themes in Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road
• Plot Summary of Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road
• Characters in Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road

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