ENG1501 – Assignment 1 (Semester 1, 2025)
Module Title: Foundations in English Literary Studies
Total Marks: 100
Submission Deadline: [20th April]
Instructions:
- Answer all questions.
- Write in full sentences unless otherwise instructed.
- Type your answers clearly.
- Include proper referencing where required.
- Use the Harvard referencing style.
QUESTION 1: Comprehension and Textual Analysis (25 marks)
Read the following excerpt from the fictional short story "The Road to Makhanda" and answer
the questions that follow:
“The midday sun beat down on Sipho as he walked alone along the dusty gravel road. The
distant mountains shimmered like a mirage, and the silence was broken only by the soft crunch
of his shoes on the dry earth. He had left the village without telling anyone—without looking
back.”
1.1 What can we infer about Sipho’s emotional state from the description in the paragraph?
(5)
1.1 Sipho seems to feel isolated, determined, and possibly burdened. Walking alone and leaving
“without looking back” suggests he is leaving something painful behind.
1.2 Identify and explain one example of imagery used in the excerpt. (5)
1.2 The phrase “the distant mountains shimmered like a mirage” is an example of visual
imagery. It creates a vivid picture and suggests Sipho’s goal is far away and possibly
unreachable.
1.3 What might be the symbolic meaning of “the distant mountains” in this context? (5)
1.3 The mountains may symbolise a hopeful future or a difficult journey ahead. Their distance
highlights the challenges Sipho might face.
1.4 How does the author use setting to reflect the character’s inner feelings? Provide two
examples. (10)
Module Title: Foundations in English Literary Studies
Total Marks: 100
Submission Deadline: [20th April]
Instructions:
- Answer all questions.
- Write in full sentences unless otherwise instructed.
- Type your answers clearly.
- Include proper referencing where required.
- Use the Harvard referencing style.
QUESTION 1: Comprehension and Textual Analysis (25 marks)
Read the following excerpt from the fictional short story "The Road to Makhanda" and answer
the questions that follow:
“The midday sun beat down on Sipho as he walked alone along the dusty gravel road. The
distant mountains shimmered like a mirage, and the silence was broken only by the soft crunch
of his shoes on the dry earth. He had left the village without telling anyone—without looking
back.”
1.1 What can we infer about Sipho’s emotional state from the description in the paragraph?
(5)
1.1 Sipho seems to feel isolated, determined, and possibly burdened. Walking alone and leaving
“without looking back” suggests he is leaving something painful behind.
1.2 Identify and explain one example of imagery used in the excerpt. (5)
1.2 The phrase “the distant mountains shimmered like a mirage” is an example of visual
imagery. It creates a vivid picture and suggests Sipho’s goal is far away and possibly
unreachable.
1.3 What might be the symbolic meaning of “the distant mountains” in this context? (5)
1.3 The mountains may symbolise a hopeful future or a difficult journey ahead. Their distance
highlights the challenges Sipho might face.
1.4 How does the author use setting to reflect the character’s inner feelings? Provide two
examples. (10)
