During this winter, Francis works for the first time. He works as a postman for two weeks. Francis makes Adah feel terribly guilty by complaining about the work. Adah can not work owing to her birth pain and after-delivery ailment. Thus no earnings came to the family.
Five days after leaving the hospital, Adah walks Titi to a playgroup when she is overcome with dizziness. She becomes angry at herself for worrying about Francis having to work when she herself is still so unwell.
When they reach the playgroup, the woman in charge notices how fatigued Adah looks and volunteers to walk Titi to and from the group until Adah is better. Adah is grateful for this relief. When Francis returns home that night to complain about his work, Adah ignores him.
Around Christmas, Adah tells people that her family would not be giving or receiving presents because they are Jehovah’s Witnesses. When Sue expresses shock, Adah explains that Jehovah’s witnesses believe Jesus’ birthday is in October and Christmas celebrations are satanic.
Adah does not care about these details. She believes in a loving God, and she believes the historical Jesus was a great man, but she isn’t sure about Jesus’ divinity. Adah clings on to this to avoid Christmas expenses. However, Mrs Konrad, her boss, sends a big parcel of children’s toys, which Adah interprets as a sign of God’s understanding and support.
Adah pays more attention to her children’s welfare. She puts them to bed, while Francis watches the television in Mr Noble’s house. On Christmas Eve, Adah notices that Vicky’s ear is swollen. He is not in pain, so she puts Vaseline on the ear and goes to sleep.
On Christmas Day, Vicky’s ear has swollen further. Their family doctor will not come. They send for another doctor who arrives shortly after. The doctor, a Chinese man, examines Vicky’s ear and asks if the apartment has bed bugs. Adah is embarrassed by this.
The doctor suggests a method to get rid of the bed bugs. Adah feels bad for disrupting the doctor’s Christmas over a bug bite, though he assures her that parents are often nervous about their children’s health.
Why does Adah claim her family does not celebrate Christmas? A. They cannot afford the expenses B. They believe Jesus’ birthday is in October C. They are Jehovah’s Witnesses D. Adah does not believe in spending during Christmas
How does Adah interpret Mrs Konrad’s Christmas gift? A. As a sign of pity from her employer B. As a symbol of God’s understanding and support C. As a bribe to keep her working harder D. As a reflection of Mrs Konrad’s wealth
Why does Adah feel embarrassed during the doctor’s visit on Christmas Day? A. The doctor criticises her parenting. B. The doctor questions the hygiene of their apartment. C. The doctor scolds her for interrupting his holiday. D. The doctor charges a high fee for the visit.
ANSWER: 1. A 2. B 3. B
Evaluate Adah’s decision to avoid Christmas expenses by claiming to be Jehovah’s Witnesses. What does this suggest about her resourcefulness and beliefs?
Describe the role of Francis in the family’s dynamics during this chapter. How does his attitude impact Adah?
