The Samaritan by John Lara: Act 1 Scene 1 – “The Failed Award” Summary, Quickfire Questions and Answers

Act 1 Scene 1, “The Failed Award,” opens at Sagrada Secondary School, where students and staff gather for a grand award ceremony. Two innovative students, Alvita and Montano, are to be recognized for creating The Samaritan App — a digital tool designed to promote honesty and accountability in the community.
However, the joyous event turns sour when Mayor Harvester and his officials reject the innovation, fearing exposure of corruption. The scene introduces key themes of truth, youth innovation, leadership, and resistance to change.

⚡ Quickfire Questions and Answers

1. Where does Act 1 Scene 1 take place?
   – At Sagrada Secondary School.
2. What event is taking place?
   – An award ceremony for innovation.
3. At what time of day does the event occur?
   – In the morning.
4. Who presides over the event?
   – The Deputy Principal, Ms. Carmona.
5. Who are the two students being honoured?
   – Alvita and Montano.
6. What is the name of their innovation?
   – The Samaritan App.
7. Who is the guest of honour?
   – Mayor Harvester.
8. What is the mood of the school before the mayor’s arrival?
   – Joyful and celebratory.
9. Who is the mayor of Maracas Municipality?
   – Harvester.
10. What nickname is the mayor known by?
    – “Mossi Oa Tunya.”
11. Name two municipal leaders who accompany him.
    – Basdeo and Bembe.
12. Who is the school’s principal?
    – Ms. Narine.
13. Who is the deputy principal?
    – Ms. Carmona.
14. What subject does Ms. Nicole teach?
    – Ethics and innovation.
15. How do students show respect to the guests?
    – By standing and applauding during the introductions.
16. What vision does Montano describe at the beginning?
    – A dystopian world full of corruption and suffering.
17. How does Alvita’s vision differ?
    – She imagines a hopeful, honest future.
18. What is the main message of both visions?
    – That the future depends on moral choices made today.
19. What problem does The Samaritan App aim to solve?
    – Corruption and lack of transparency in the community.
20. How does the app help citizens?
    – It allows them to report and track issues affecting the public.
21. Why does the mayor refuse to launch the app?
    – He fears it will expose corruption and misuse of funds.
22. What excuse does he give?
    – He claims the app invades privacy and may cause chaos.
23. Who supports the students’ innovation?
    – Ms. Narine and Ms. Nicole.
24. How does the crowd react to the mayor’s refusal?
    – They are shocked and disappointed.
25. What warning does the mayor give before leaving?
    – That anyone promoting the app will face serious consequences.

26. Which theme is strongly shown in this scene?
    – Corruption versus honesty.
27. How does the scene portray leadership?
    – As resistant to change and afraid of accountability.
28. What does the failed award ceremony symbolize?
    – The suppression of truth and innovation.
29. What do Alvita and Montano represent?
    – The voice of youth and integrity.
30. What emotion ends the scene?
    – Tension and disappointment.