27. In the story “In the Shadow of War,” why did Omovo refuse money from the soldiers?

To understand why Omovo refused money from the soldiers in the story "In the Shadow of War," you will need to analyze the text and the motivations of the character. Here's how you can do that:

1. Read the story: Start by reading or reviewing the relevant parts of the story. Pay attention to the context, the events leading up to Omovo's decision, and any direct or indirect clues about his reasons.

2. Analyze Omovo's character: Consider Omovo's personality traits, beliefs, and experiences throughout the story. Think about how these factors might influence his actions and decisions.

3. Look for clues in the text: Pay close attention to any dialogue, descriptions, or actions surrounding the scene where Omovo refuses the money. Look for hints or explanations that the author may have provided.

4. Consider the soldiers' actions and behavior: Evaluate the soldiers' attitudes and behavior towards Omovo throughout the story. Try to understand their motivations for offering him money.

5. Connect the dots: Based on your analysis of Omovo's character, the story's context, and the soldiers' behavior, try to infer why Omovo refused the money. Consider possibilities like pride, moral principles, a distaste for charity, or a desire to maintain his integrity.

6. Develop a well-supported interpretation: Once you have collected evidence and considered different perspectives, form an interpretation that best aligns with the story's events and themes. Support your interpretation with specific examples from the text.

It's important to note that literary interpretations may vary from person to person. Ensure your interpretation is backed by evidence from the story, and be open to different perspectives that other readers may have.

In the story "In the Shadow of War" by Ben Okri, the protagonist Omovo refuses money from the soldiers for the following reasons:

1. Fear of compromising his principles: Omovo might refuse money from the soldiers because he does not want to compromise his principles or integrity. Accepting money from the soldiers could be seen as supporting or condoning their actions, which he may find morally objectionable.

2. Suspicions about the source of the money: Omovo might suspect that the money offered by the soldiers has been acquired through illegal or unethical means. He might feel uncomfortable accepting money that potentially comes from corruption or violence.

3. Desire to remain independent: Omovo might prefer to maintain his independence and not be indebted to anyone, including the soldiers. Accepting money from them could create a sense of obligation or indebtedness that he wishes to avoid.

4. Opposition to the war: Omovo might refuse money from the soldiers as a form of protest against the conflict or war itself. He may view taking money from those involved in the violence as hypocritical or contradictory to his beliefs.

5. Fear of potential consequences: Omovo may refuse the money out of fear that accepting it could have negative consequences for him or his loved ones. He might worry about being associated with the soldiers and becoming a target or facing repercussions in the unstable wartime environment.

It is important to note that the exact reasons for Omovo's refusal of money from the soldiers may not be explicitly stated in the story. These interpretations are based on the general themes and context of the narrative.