Harvest of Shame By

Harvest of Shame: Full Summary, Themes, Moral Lessons & Exam Questions for JSS3

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Introduction

Harvest of Shame is a powerful and heart-wrenching novel that narrates the story of Ejiro, a young girl orphaned early in life and subjected to betrayal by the very person meant to protect her. The book sheds light on sensitive societal issues such as sexual abuse, domestic betrayal, gender oppression, and street life survival.

It is recommended for JSS3 students in Nigeria, particularly within the Lagos State-approved literature texts for junior secondary schools.

Detailed Summary of Harvest of Shame

The novel opens with Ejiro, a vulnerable girl who loses her parents at a tender age. She is sent to live with her uncle in a foreign land, hoping for care and protection. However, her life takes a tragic turn when the man she trusted most deflowers and violates her innocence.

Unable to cope with the betrayal, and without anyone to turn to, Ejiro flees from her uncle’s home and finds solace in the harsh realities of street life. The novel chronicles her experiences — the dangers she faces, the people she encounters, and the hard lessons learned while navigating a life meant for survival rather than dreams.

Through Ejiro’s eyes, readers witness the deplorable state of womanhood in society and the systemic neglect that often leaves vulnerable girls unprotected. The story challenges cultural silences around abuse and inspires a call for a positive change in attitudes toward women and girls.

Major Characters in Harvest of Shame

Themes in Harvest of Shame

• Sexual Abuse and Betrayal

• Orphanhood and Vulnerability

• Gender Oppression

• Survival and Resilience

• Societal Neglect

• Hope Amid Despair

• Moral and Cultural Decay

• The Need for Social Reform

Moral Lessons in Harvest of Shame

1. Guardians should be protectors, not predators.

2. Silence on abuse encourages more abuse.

3. Every child deserves a safe, loving home.

4. Society must take responsibility for vulnerable members.

5. One’s circumstances should not define one’s destiny.

6. Street life is harsh, but resilience can spark hope.

7. Betrayal by family can be more devastating than from strangers.

8. It’s important to speak out against injustice.

9. Compassion can save lives.

10. Positive change begins when communities challenge harmful traditions.

Likely JSS3 Exam Questions

Objective Questions

1. Who is the main character in Harvest of Shame?
   a) Nkechi
   b) Ejiro
   c) Chika
   d) Grace

2. What led to Ejiro’s street life?
   a) Hunger
   b) Betrayal by her uncle
   c) Choice
   d) Adventure

3. The main theme of the story is:
   a) Wealth
   b) Survival and betrayal
   c) Friendship
   d) Politics

4. Who was Ejiro betrayed by?
   a) Her friend
   b) A stranger
   c) Her uncle
   d) The police

5. The author advocates for:
   a) Gender oppression
   b) Silence over abuse
   c) Positive social change
   d) Street violence

Answers:
1-b, 2-b, 3-b, 4-c, 5-c

Theory Questions

1. Summarize the story of Harvest of Shame.

2. List three major themes in the novel.

3. Describe Ejiro’s character.

4. Why did Ejiro leave her uncle’s house?

5. Suggest three lessons young readers can learn from this book.

Classroom FAQs and Discussions

Q1: What is Harvest of Shame about?
A: It’s about Ejiro, a young girl orphaned early and betrayed by her uncle, forced to survive on the streets.

Q2: Why is the book titled Harvest of Shame?
A: Because it reflects the disgraceful consequences of societal neglect and betrayal within families.

Q3: What societal problem does the novel expose?
A: Sexual abuse, domestic betrayal, and the plight of orphaned girls.

Q4: What role does Ejiro’s uncle play in the story?
A: He betrays Ejiro’s trust by violating her, triggering the events of the story.

Q5: What lesson does Ejiro’s story teach society?
A: To protect vulnerable individuals and speak against abuse.

Conclusion

Harvest of Shame is more than a novel; it is a social critique that highlights the harsh realities faced by vulnerable young girls in society. Through Ejiro’s tragic but resilient story, readers learn about the dangers of silence, the importance of compassion, and the urgent need for societal reform.

It is a must-read for every young person and adult who desires a positive shift in societal attitudes towards womanhood and justice.

Harvest Of Shame

Harvest Of Shame