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MABALA THE FARMER. Author/Writer of the Book: RICHARD S.MABALA

SETTING:

INTERPRETING SIMPLE STORIES SIMPLE STORY ONE
Title of the Book: MABALA THE FARMER.
Author/Writer of the Book: RICHARD S. MABALA.

The setting of the book is in Tanzania. The events take place in Tanzania both in Urban and Rural sub- settings. Urban sub-setting includes the Dar es salaam town where Mabala works for the company and rural sub-setting, include Morogoro rural areas, in the village where Mabala migrates to, it also includes places like, Mabala’s home, the farm, the village office and the Mtama Bar.

THE PLOT

Mabala The Farmer is one among the prominent stories ever written by literary authors. This class reader (short story) has seven chapters. The first chapter talks about the main character Mabala. The second chapter is about Mabala The First Day on the Farm. The third chapter is about Mabala has a rest. The fourth chapter is about At the Mtama Bar. The fifth chapter is about The Hoe and the Gallon Can. The sixth chapter is about Mabala and the Fertilizer, and chapter seven is about Mabala Wins Respect. At the end of the story the author has included glossary of Kiswahili words.

CHARACTERS;

The following are the characters found in this class reader (Mabala the Farmer)
  1. He is the main character in the story or book.
  2. He is the husband of Mauja.
  3. He is the father of Martina.
  4. He wants to live a luxurious life while his salary is not enough to run the family.
  5. He decides to leave town life and start a fresh rural life.
  6. His actions in the village make people laugh at him.
  7. He is selfish and does not consider others. This can be seen when he eats all the food at the farm without considering his wife.
  8. He is stubborn and dynamic though he pretends to know much while the facts he does not.
  9. He doesn’t save money for the future.
  10. He doesn’t take other people’s advice.
  11. He adopts drunkardness behavior in the village.
  12. He is lazy.

POSITIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF MABALA

    These are characters or behaviours which make us to like or admire Mabala.They include;
  1. He is honest as he keeps well the village accounts.
  2. He is very sympathetic as he sympathizes with his wife when she cries for food.
  3. Mabala takes her to the Mtama Bar and buys for her some food stuffs.
  4. He is not cruel to his family.

    5. CHARACTERS

  • Main character
  • Husband of Mauja
  • Father of Martina
  • Wants luxurious life despite low salary
  • Migrates to rural life
  • Selfish, stubborn, dynamic, lazy
  • Doesn’t save money or take advice
  • Adopts drunkard behavior

Positive Characteristics

  • Honest with village accounts
  • Sympathetic to his wife
  • Not cruel to family

Negative Characteristics

  • Troublesome
  • Doesn’t take advice
  • Careless with money
  • Argumentative

MAUJA (MAMA MARTINA)

  • Wife of Mabala
  • Hardworking, careful with money
  • Gives good advice
  • Tolerant and generous

MARTINA

  • Daughter of Mabala and Mauja
  • Born in Dar es Salaam
  • Primary school pupil
  • Migrates to Morogoro

SEKULU

  • Mabala’s neighbor
  • Observes Mabala’s fertilizer mistake

MZEE KOMBO

  • Villager
  • Drinks at Mtama Bar
  • Believes town life is easy

CONTENT OF THE BOOK

The story is about Mabala, a man born and raised in Dar es Salaam. After working for 25 years, he retires and moves to Morogoro with his wife Mauja and daughter Martina. He struggles with rural life but eventually adapts and earns respect from villagers.

THEMES

1. Conflict

Between Mabala and Mama Martina over fertilizer application.

2. Hard Working

Mama Martina works hard both in town and village.

3. Selfishness

Mabala eats all the food without considering his wife.

4. Extravagance

Mabala spends without saving, leading to hardship.

5. Roles of Women

  • Care for family
  • Advisor
  • Respectful

6. Exploitation

Mabala feels exploited by his employer.

7. Drunkardness

Mtama drinking culture in both town and village.

LESSONS FROM THE STORY

  • Be careful with money
  • Save for the future
  • Take advice
  • Work hard
  • Don’t be troublesome

MESSAGE FROM THE BOOK

Life is challenging in both town and village. Success comes from hard work.

RELEVANCE TO SOCIETY

  • Reflects real-life behaviors and challenges
  • Encourages hard work and respect

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