Question

How did the POP campaign team trap Roof and force him to swear on the "iyi-iyi" spirit?

Hint:

In story-based answers, explain both the event and its impact on the character’s moral conflict.

Answer 1

Concept: This question is based on the story \textit{“The Voter”} by Chinua Achebe. The story highlights political corruption, bribery, and the moral dilemma faced by Roof, a local campaign agent.
Step 1: {\color{red}Roof’s role and temptation.
Roof works as a campaign agent for Marcus Ibe of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP). Although he is loyal to Marcus, he is tempted by money when the Progressive Organization Party (POP) approaches him secretly before the election. \medskip
Step 2: {\color{red}The trap set by the POP team.
The POP campaign team visits Roof at night and offers him five pounds to vote for their candidate. To ensure that he does not betray them, they bring a small idol representing the feared “iyi-iyi” spirit. They place the idol before him and demand that he swear an oath that he will vote for the POP candidate. Afraid of the supernatural consequences and the power of the spirit, Roof feels compelled to take the oath. \medskip
Step 3: {\color{red}Roof’s dilemma.
By making him swear on the “iyi-iyi” spirit, the POP team traps Roof between fear and loyalty. He now faces a moral and practical dilemma—either betray his employer or risk angering the spirit. This situation reflects the theme of corruption and the conflict between traditional beliefs and modern politics. \medskip Final Answer: The POP campaign team trapped Roof by offering him money and making him swear on the feared “iyi-iyi” spirit to ensure his loyalty. They placed the idol before him and forced him to take an oath. Out of fear of supernatural punishment, Roof agreed, which left him caught between loyalty to his party and his promise to POP.