This question is based on Amma Darko's Faceless The dominant tone of the novel is one of

Analyze the question: The question asks about the dominant tone of Amma Darko's Faceless (2003). Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject, shown through diction, imagery and the way events are narrated.

Explain the concept: In a novel, tone is not the same as mood or theme. To find the dominant tone, ask what attitude the author takes toward the issues she writes about.

Work through the novel:

• Faceless is set in Accra and centres on street children, especially Fofo (Baby T), who is abused, exploited and trafficked.
• Maa Tsuru's daughter, Baby T, is a victim of sexual exploitation and of her own family's neglect, while the powerful figures (Poison, Fofo's family, Kpakpakpa and Odarley's abusers) escape consequences.
• Darko's narration is blunt, satirical and critical of corruption, parental neglect, poverty, and the indifference of society and officials.
• There are small glimmers of hope, such as Kabria's activism and the rescue efforts of the NGO MUTE. But these do not control the book's overall feeling. They are set against heavy social criticism.

Evaluate the options:

• A. Bitterness: Fits. The author speaks with anger and resentment about exploitation and social decay.
• B. Hope: Present only faintly, not dominant.
• C. Fear: Fear is felt by the characters, but it is not the author's attitude.
• D. Joy: Does not fit the novel at all.

Exam tip: For tone questions on social-realist African novels (such as Faceless, The Lion and the Jewel or Things Fall Apart), look at the author's purpose. If the book exposes social ills, the tone is usually critical, bitter, satirical or sombre, not joyful.