Reading the World discussion

William Kamkwamba reveals that he will eventually be successful in creating a windmill that generates electricity. He begins by describing his childhood in rural Malawi, where magic is far more influential than science. William’s father, Trywell, has no time for magic and often saves William from getting in trouble with anything to do with witches – though Trywell still tells magical stories to William and his sisters. Trywell’s life includes enough strange and wonderful occurrences that Trywell has no need of magic. Trywell was a trader as a young man, rather than a farmer, and earned a reputation for drinking and fighting anyone. Trywell fell in love with Agnes, and later married her. Yet it is only when Trywell is arrested for beating a man that he becomes a Christian and turns into a wonderful husband and provider for his family. Trywell and his family move to the district of Wimbe so that Trywell can be a farmer like his successful brother John.

As a child in Wimbe, William spends most of his time with his cousin Geoffrey and his friend Gilbert, the son of the chief of their district. They make toys out of trash and recycled goods when they are not at Wimbe Primary School or helping their families in the fields. William daydreams in his private bedroom, safe from the squabbles of his four sisters, wishing he could be strong through a magical ritual called mangolomera. He has heard of a man named Phiri who had super strength and agrees to go through the same ritual. However, the magic does not work and William is left worrying if the fake medicine given to him by a sing’anga (witch doctor) will make him sick.


From
https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-boy...