Answer to Question #214339 in English for Kingsley

Question

What two possible meanings can be attached to the sentence, 'The breezes of the West African night were intimate and shy'? (Line1). Substantiate your answer with close reference to the text

Answer 1

 It could indicate that the night breezes brushed against the writer gently and lightly. "Intimate"

 refers to someone who is warm and pleasant, whereas "shy" refers to someone who is reserved. As a result, the breezes were gentle and pleasant.

It could also indicate that the writer was familiar with West African night winds and had a deep 

and intimate interaction with them. "Intimate" can also refer to a close or personal relationship. 

The rest of the text backs up this interpretation: "licking the hair, skimming through cotton skirts with indecent familiarity."