Houseboy By: Ferdinand Oyono Exercise Book One

Respond to the following questions in your journal. Use complete and grammatical sentences..

1. What is the connotation of the word vultures? Write an acrostic poem for the word Vultures. The poem should highlight the same theme found in Birago Diop’s Poem ‘The Vultures’  
2. How does Oyono present the effects of colonialism and the spread of  French assimilation policy on the native peoples?
3. To what extent do you agree with this statement? ‘Houseboy is  both a satire and a comedy’.
4. What are the following people’s perceptions of Toundi? 

• Father Vander Mayer
  Commandante
  Susan Decazy

   
• Perception

1. Toundi, the protagonist, laments "Who are we black men who are called French" Imagine that you are Toundi, before your escape to Spanish Guinea.  Write a 6-10 line ‘I am’ poem about who you are.
2. What can happen when the “real you” gets lost in other people’s perceptions of you?
3. How does Toundi perceive himself? Post your comment on the blog.

4. How does the author characterize the agents of assimilation?
   Educators- M. Salvain (31-32)
   Priests- Father Gilbert and Vandameyer (15)
   Administrators-Commandante- Panther Eye (28)