A MAN OF THE PEOPLE (By C. Achebe)
SYNOPSIS OF THE NOVEL
A man of the people is a novel reflect most of African Countries after independence where by Most of the leaders show Moral decay to their citizens.
Through the central character (Chief Nanga) Leaders are reflected as corrupt people. As we see through the Novel Chief Nanga posses luxurious cars and owns Mansions. Chief Nanga as minister for culture he misuses the public funds for his benefits
This shows dishonest of some leaders and how they secure a position in the government.
Not only leaders but also the author wants to show how citizens are blinded by their leaders pretending that they are good to them while they are not. The narrator tells us that the Anata grammar school hall was full of the villagers waiting for the Honorouble Minister chief Mirah A. Nanga to address This is an obstacle to the few people like Odili who have come to realize that chief Nanga is not a good leader a he stands for the bad decision made by the PM believing that only by doing so he will secure his position in the government.
Also author shows us that in African countries privileged people continue to exploit unprivileged people. This is through Josiah who possess a shop and a bar exploit his customer by selling his commodities at a higher price. A gain he steal Anzages stock for the purpose of getting richer.
Together with the central theme, the author shows minor themes like ignorance. Conflicts, poverty, protect, Betrayal, Nepolism, immorality, Irresponsibility. Cultural imperidom sacrifice etc.
Here the author wants to make us aware that we need to fight against corruption as it is the obstacle of development to the society.
FORM
The title. The title A man of the peoples is a satarical/ironical title as Chinua Achebe wants to tell us that a man they consider as a man of the people is not because of some of the features we observe from him (Chief Nanga) e.g. Being womeniza helping Edina for the self interest, using public funds for personal benefits, being nepotist. Etc.
The setting: A man of the peoples an immaginary novel (fictional novel) as Chinua Achebe uses immaginary towns like Bori and villages like Urua and Anata. Though students do belive that the setting of novel is Nigeria, appart from the pidgin used in the novel we don’t have any other due that support us when making such a generalization. It is obvious that all other works of C. Achebe set in Nigeria but this is different in the novel “A man of the people” where he uses immaginary setting so as to be in a safe side regarding issues he rises in his novel as they direct tovel the government.
The plot: This refers to the arrangement of events in the novel Chinua Achebe uses chronological plot as he starts at the beginning to the end. The novel has thirteen chapters – in chapter one the narrator introducethe honorable Minister Chief Nanga and his visit to Anata Grammar school. In chapter two chief Nanga invite Odili to visit Born. In Chapter three Odili visit his home village urua before making a long journey to the capital. Odili describes Ezekiahs family and in this chapter we see Odilin Chief Nanga’s empire. Odili Explains that living with Chief Nanga makes him and know manythings which many people do not know. Odili is supprised because chief Nangas house as seven bathrooms each with WC.
Chapter five, Odili and Nanga are invited by Jean and John to a part on Saturday. We see Odili and Jean exchange ideas. Chapter six Odili explains the relationship between him and Elsie and the book Exhibition.
In chapter seven, Chief Nanga as a politician, the visit of the editor Julio, also the love affair between Nanga and Elsie, Odili become fusions with Elsie behaviour Odili leaves Chief Nangas home and go to his friend Maxwell. Chapter eight At Maxwell’s home Odili recalls the previous wents about betral of Elsie. Odili and Maxwell discuss about their new political party CPC(Common People Conversion).
In Chapter nine, is about the discussion of Josiah as an exploitation, we are also told about the blind begger (Azoge) defined as a thief in the name of trade. Odili meets Edna on their way to the hospital to see Edna’s mother they get a bicycle accident. Chapter ten Christians at Anata village Odili convices Edina not to be the second wife of Nanga. Odili tells many student who come have come back to anata spend christimas, they are found of western culture. Odili announces to contest against chief Nanga hence he is hated by everyday. Chapter eleven, Odili receives a letter from Edina, Odili enters the danger game of politics, Chief Nanga tries tto bribe Odili he offers Odili a scholarship so that Odili can leave the bad game of politics, Odili denid the offer .
Chapter twelve. Odili’s father welcome CPC members in his hence, Maxwell receives corruption from chief Koko. Odili’s father condemns Odili for rejecting the offers campaign starts.
Chapter thirteen, Odili attends the Nanga’s campaign meeting chief Nanga beats Odili and Odili is taken to the hospital. We are informed the death of Maxwell Edna visits Odili in the hospital, Eunice shoots chief Koko, the Army takes over the government. Edna marries Odili.
Though the plot is chnological this does not hinder C. Achebe to use flashback as we see in chapter one Odili takes us away back in 1948 where he tells us that chief Nanga was his teacher in standard 3 and how he become a minister in 1960 after supporting the firing of Dr Makete and other ministers.
Also we see the flashback in Pg. 28-29 Odili tells us how he was chased away by his friend’s father just because of the hatrage that Ezekiah samalu had to the people. It is in this pg. That we get to know who is Ezekiah samalu.
Style of the Novel.
This novel “A man of the people” is well developed in style as we read the novel we find that in narrating the story the authory uses all persons but 1st person singular is dominant. The author use Odili to narrate the story of Chief Nanga. In chapter one we see how Odili starts to narrate the story using the first person point of view “…………………………… I have to admit this ……………….. I was teaching at the time ………………… I took one look……………………. I couldn’t remember when I last ……….. Pg 1
Also the author use another genne in a none for instance the author uses poems in the novel
“it is the time to spread the news abroad
That we are well prepared
To tie ourselves with silvery chord ………………………….” Pg 22
He also uses songs (i) Pg 122 & Pg 80
“Hip, hip – hip -,
For they and jolly good fellows
For they and jolly good fellows ………….”
Again me see the use of letters in Pg 10 and Pg 133
Likewise the author use stroy telling in chapter one Odili takes us way back in 1948 and tells us the story of Nanga. Also in the same chapter when he was chased away by his friend’s father. Also in Pg. 96 the gives the story of the group of dancers. Also in Pg 106
Language use:
Generally the Language in “A man of the people” is understood but it is a bit difficulty to say whether the Lg is complex or simple, such kind of generalization can base on an individual reader.
The author use pidgin in some incidences intentionally so as to make cleara distinction between characters basing on education Chinua Achebe use pidgin to distinguish two classes in the society ie the schooled and unschool people where by educated people use the standard Language while the uneducated people. Use nonstandard Language (Pidgin). Eg. –”Why I go kill my master?………………….. I de eraze why I no go go jump for insider lagoon instead to kill my master?” “Pg said tge cook in pg 34. Another pidgin in Pg 14 and 15 after the ministers speech. Also in pg 31 by gate keeper.
He also use American diatect. Eg…………. But at the same time we have gotten somewhere” In British English we don’t have such past participle. This is in Pg 44 where Odili was making conversation with John the husband of Jean, these are the a parties who are advising their government on how to improve public image in America.
Together with this we have different figure of speech that accompany Language Use in the novel
Similes:
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District officer was like the supreme deity” and the interpreter the principal minor god who carried prayers and sacrificed to him says Odili Pg. 28
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His huge body was quivering like jelly
Chief Koko’s cook quivered as he was brought by the cowboy to answer to why he put poison to bis boss’s coffee. Pg. 34
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“………. the towel as lager as a alapa” Pg 37
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“…………….. looking as fresh as a newly –hatched chick……….” Pg. 43
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“He turned on are then like an incised leopard” Pg 73 said Odili
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“You are eating all the hills like yam” Pg 93
Sayings:
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“Do the right and shame the Devil” Pg 11. Means that one should be honest to others and od things according to ten commandments.
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“Kick the bucket” – to die “I nearly kicked the bucket, Pg 25 this shows the way Odili and Elsie was very close.
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Pooring a little water into a dried up well” said by Odili when she remembered her died mother hence he says giving thing to his father is nothing as he used to have more than that Pg. 27
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“When one slave sees another cost into a shallow grave he should know that when the time comes he will go the same way Pg 35-36 quesed Odili that the fear of Chief Nanga is not the safet of chief Koko rather himself
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“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” said Elsie in Pg 61. She comes to say this after Nanga says that being a Ministers is like to welcome problems.
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“Man no fit fight tiger with empty hand” Said Boniface Pg. 113 –Means one should be full equiped when fighting for 5th
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“He that knows not and knows not that he knows not is a fool” Pg 117
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You have lost the sky and the ground Pg 120 samalu tells Odili.
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A man of worth never gets up to unsay what he said yesterday Pg. 135 samalu tells Odili.
Symbolism:
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Azoge the blind begger- stands for the people in the society who are blind hence can not see the evils done by their leaders like corruption, misure of government resources etc
These people are poor hence are exploited cheated easily
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Cadillac in the novel stands for wealth
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Gun is a symbol of power.
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Love making in the represent trouble instead of pleasure
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The journey to the hospital on bicycle stands for struggle.
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The refusal of the villagers to buy commodities to Josiah’s investment is a symbol of unity.
Irony:
The title of the book
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“Teaching is a very noble profession” in Pg. 9 by Chief Nanga is an ironic expression as he means the opposite
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“I can swear to God that I am not as happy as when I was a teacher” The opposite is true. Pg 9.
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“If someone wants to make you a minister run away” The opposite of this is true Pg 36
Biblical language:
“A voice was heard in Ramah
Weeping and great limitation
Rachel weeping for her children
And she will not be comforted, because they are not Pg. 81 (Merthew 2:18)
Satire:
Chief Nanga tells Odili that he can bring him six girls and Odili will have sex with them fill he gets tired Pg. 72
“If you like I am bring you six girls this evening”
Chief Nanga says Julio has composed a song instead of a book
“I know Mr. Julio himself his composed a brillant song called ……. erm ……….. what is it called again?” Pg 63
Chief Nanga prones that he does not know the meaning of book exhibition
“Book exhibition? Asked Elsie How they de make that one again? My sister, make you de ask them for me- O Pg 61
Chief koko realizes that the coffee was not poisonous Chief Nanga starts tearing him.
” But S.I you to fear death ………………….” Pg. 35
CHARACTER CHARACTERISATION
1. Chief Nanga.
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He was a teacher later a minister for culture
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He is corrupt, he receives bribes from different British companies
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He tries to bride Odili, he uses his possition to influence things
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He represents African leaders who are immoral ie. Adulterer Womalizer and sexmaniac
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He uses his money and position to oppress and humiliates women e.g Edina
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He lives a luxury life.
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He is a standard six graduate, he does not fit to be a minister
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He is unfaithful husband as he is having sexual relationship with different women
2. Odili Samalu
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He is the narrator of the story
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An educated
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He represent African intellectuals after independence
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He is enxious to educate the mass about the evils of the leaders but people are not ready
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He hates corruption
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He is a teacher at Anata Grammar school
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He joins politics because he want to revange chief Nanga.
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He has honest love for Edna
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He has weakness towards women (sexist)
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Politically, he represent people have progressive mind and desire for change.
3. Maxwell Kulamo:
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He is lawyer and a poet
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He is one of the founder of CPC
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He was killed by chief Koko
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He wants to contest chief Koko’s position Chief Koko bribes him but Maxwell does not withdraw from contesting chief Koko’s position but later on he ends up being killed.
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He also represents progressive intellecturals in independent african states
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He meets the qualifications of being “A man of hte people“
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After the coup detat the new government declare him a hero.
4. Ezekiah Samalu
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He is Odili’s father
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He is a polygamist, he has five wives and thirty five children
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A district interpreter during colonial period
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Local chairman of P.O.P
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He invites Odili’s friends from the opposition part O.P.O in his house and allows them to start compaigning.
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He is corrupt, he blames Odili for rejecting chief Nangas bribe.Edna Oda
5. Edna Odo
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An educated (chief Nanga sponsored her believing that he will marry her) Edna lamented but she didn’t succed
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Come from poor family
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She represents girls who loose their freedom and surrender themselves to men because of poverty
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She is sympathy as she went to see Odili to the hospital after being beaten by chief Nanga’s thugs.
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She married to Odili after being realized that chief Nanga is not her right choice
6. Eunice:
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She is a lawyer
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She is Maxwell’s fiancee
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She is a member of C.P.C
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She shoots Chief Koko as a vegence
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She has true love
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She was prisoned after killing chief Koko and she was released after the revolution
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She represents, women who can fight against evils without considering their sofety
7. Elsie:
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An educated (a trained nurse)
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She is immoral
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She is Odilis girlfriend
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She caused conflict between Odili and chief Nanga
8. Mrs Nanga:
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She is standard six leaver
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She was intelligent but she was forced into marriage (ie by Chief Nanga)
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She is a traditionalist, she struggled to maintain her tradition value
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She represents women who are humiliated and oppressed in the society who are considered as house keepers
9. Azoge:
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He is a begger
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He is having visual imparment (blind)
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He represents poor people who are harrassed by the previledge one
Other characters include:-
Mr. Mwege Dr. Makinde, Josiah, Boniface, Jean, John, Mr. Julio, the PM, Odo, Agness etc.
II. CONTENT:
1. Corruption.
Through the novel we see how leaders are corrupt and how they use their little to get what they want, a good example is chief Nanga who use his position to blind the mass so that they can not see his evils. Chief Nanga uses his money to sponsor Edna for the purpose of winning her he tries to bribe Odili so that he can not contenst against him, also Chief Nanga receives bribes from British companies. Also we see the same Chief Nanga bribes the journalist so that he can keep on writing things which are not true or an not be done.
Not only that, but also chief Koko bribes max as the way of weakening the CPC power. Boniface tells Odili that they have bribed the police officer and court clerk to cancel their case
Generally chief Nanga has succeded in this because the majority are ignorant and blind and their silence have paved the way to this succession
“It is impossible to any society to proposer under corrupt leadership.”
edu.uptymez.com
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Ignorance:
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People of Anata are ignorant as they have failed to realize how corruption affect them and the nation at large. Though they encounter problem in their daily life still they don’t take action against it. We are told that even if some one tries to educate them they are conservation
Ezekiah Samalu who is a local leader of P.O.P is not away of what is going on in the party
Edina’s father failure to realize the trick played by Chief Nanga.
Also we see ignorance among the leaders and professionals like Elsie who do not know the meaning of book exhibition
Azoge the blind begger failure to realize the trick played by Josiah proves that people are not even aware with the simple trick played by privileged people.
“People need to be aware and take action once they realize something bad”
“Ignorance lead to blindness”
edu.uptymez.com
This is the state of being unable to get basic needs. A good example of this is Azoge the blind bigger who earn his living by begging. Edna’s family who are very poor chence Edna sacrifice his body to chief Nanga so that she can get education as her parents have failed to educate her. (to take her to school) Edna’s father want his daughter to be married by chief Nanga so that she could get wealthy
Also when Edna and Odili was on the way to the hospital they get an accident and the food was poured down, Edna cried claming that her mother to buy another food.
All these shows the sign of poverty
Chief Nanga’s brother says he is poor innocent. Victim P.I.V he is just enjoying his brother’s bevelage
Likewise Odili’s life as a house boy in Gillgili all these are the indicator of poverty
“Poverty is an obstack towards development
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Self awarenes
edu.uptymez.com
In the Novel Achebe shows different evils done by African leaders. Achebe’s intention is to rise awareness to the mass so that they can take action against evils in the novel we see the villagers refuse to buy goods from Josiah as they have realize that Josiah is exploiting them. Not only that but also we see Odili who has realize that chief Nanga is not a good leader as he is a corrupt leader he wants to rise awareness to other.
Not Odili perse also the formation of CPC is a sign of awareness as the main objective of CPC is to fight against corruption .
“People need to the aware with what is taking place in the society”
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Nepolism:
edu.uptymez.com
The situation of some one who is having authority to asist those he/she knows especially those they share tribe.
A good example of this is the expression we get from the novel that, “No matter what you know but who you know.
All the favour tht chief Nanga provide to Odili is becaused he knows him
Also the old man at Urua (after max’s speech) he says it is the time of Urua people to eat because those of Anata have eaten already
“We need to disnglish-swahili/courage” target=”_blank”>courage nepotism as it leads to uneven nglish-swahili/distribution” target=”_blank”>distribution of services”
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Moral decay
edu.uptymez.com
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Being a corrupt leader proves the immorality of African leaders
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Elsie is also immoral as we do not expect an African lady to be like that (sexist)
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Chief Nanga shows immorality because as a leader who is a modal in the society we do not expect to see him the way he is ie Womenizer of the society
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“Leaders and adults should be front line to maintain moral of the society”
7. Betrayal
That means going against certain agreement
In the movel we see Chief Nanga nglish-swahili/betray” target=”_blank”>betrays his wife after having relationship with other women.
Also the same Chief Nanga nglish-swahili/betray” target=”_blank”>betrays his people as he lives luxirious life while his people are suffering.
Elsie nglish-swahili/betray” target=”_blank”>betrays her ex-boyfriend Ralph after having relationship with Odili and Nanga
Agnes nglish-swahili/betray” target=”_blank”>betrays her husband after having sex with Nanga
8. Protest
The situation of being against something in the novel we see the villagers are against Osiah’s behaviour of exploiting them.
Odili is against his father’s behaviour of marring many wives hence many children. Who can not be able to take care of them.
Odili is protesting Chief Nanga’s bad behaviour hence he decides to go and live with his friend Maxwell.
“People should protest against bad things”
2. PLAYS
BETRAYAL OF THE CITY (By Francis Mbuga)
It was Kenya’s national entry to the second world Black and African Festival of Art and Culture in Lagos, Nigeria in 1977.It is a play within a play we have the play where Jusper is the main character and it is this main character who composed a play to entertain the visitor which makes creatively ending of the first play. Due to this we can say. Mbuga’s play is very unique as he composes two plays in one .It is the second play which gives the title of the main play which is “Betrayal in the City”.
It is a tragic comedy play as it has elements of both plays (tragedy and comedy).It is a tragedy as it appeals to sadness where we see many people suffer in jail and some of the killing in the play.eg Adika, Chagga, Mulili, Kabito. It is a comedy because there are some areas that appeals laughter .For instance in page 36 where Jusper says” shit! God what crap Is your toilet repaired”, Also in page 47 he says”…you need a little grey and perhaps a blue here and there” again in Page 49.Tumbo tell Jusper” Jusper tell your cousin that life is not a straight line” Jusper tells his cousin………”Jusper tell your cousin that we are here for a season”. Also Mulili language (poor grammar) “so I wakes up .I go to my cousin to explanation him “Page 54″I objection Mr. Chairman! Children should must………”page 55″That one, he be a green grass in snake page 59”.
Generally the play examine problems that encounter most of African Independent countries. As we seen from the play francis Mbuga shows how African leaders treat the citizens. We see in Kafira one is not allowed to shout against evils. We see people like Adika and Kabito who were killed in cold blood.Moses and Jere were jailed because they stand for the truth.
FORM
Plot summary
Francis Mbuge ‘s play start by showing the contradiction between Africans culture inherited government system in Africa Francis cuts a clear distinction between leaders and mass.The play opens by showing the life of Nina and Doga who mourn for their lost child,who was killed on an organized demonstration ,which was focused on Africa dictatorship and corruption.Plot is built up by the author by adding more character who represent different situations on different circumstances.For instance we see Mulili an illeterate soldier who was employed and given high post because the president (Boss )is his cousin.On the same scene we see Jere who is faithfull soldier and he adores African style of life.Him and Mulili fall into fight since they take different couses of reasoning,Here Mullli representing the ruling class and it is common habits of bulldozing the society.
Again country is provern rotten and how harmfull speaking the truth.
We see how those dare to open their mouths and reveal of truth face difficulties,sometimes are being imprisoned if not sillenced.For example Jusper,Jere and Mosses also the late Adika.
Title of the Play
Title of the play “Betrayal in the city”is straight forward to what we see in the play as the general concept is to show the relationship between the system and the citizens after independence .Leader go against the agreement and the expectation that people had during the struggle for independence.People are still suffering from exploitation,Poverty,injustice and many other evils.So leaders have failed to fulfill what they promised.Saying(Proverbs and Idiom)
PROVERBS
-“A mouse does not share a bowel with a cat”Doga tell Nina.Here Doga is against the sub chief because Chagaga killed Adika Page 3
-“A cloudy sky does not always cry rain “said Doga as he tells Nina that the ceremony will be conducted no matter what they say page 3
-“Silence is the best ship home” Askari acknowledge Mosese in Page19
-“The tree -climber begins from the bottom,not the top” page53
Kabito tells his member of the committee that we better know about the potatoes then we shall talk about the responsibilities of the committee
-“Colour name in blood page 59.Mulili tells boss that Kabito colour his name in blood to mean that Kabito has said bad thing against him(Boss).
-“Determination is greater in worth than numbers”Page 65 says Jusper that means if you are determined number is not a factor.
IDIOMS:
” Hot mouth” Page 19 to be tocative. Askari worn Moses-“In cold blood”Means he died inocently page 24. Moses explains to why he is jailed just by attending the funeral of his student Adika who was killed in cold blood.
-“Bend so low “Page 26.Means to be humble and Mosese is not ready for that ,Moses believes that because he is not guilt he can never bend low as by doing so is to sale his dignity.
-“Black and white”means to be transparent in Page 47 Jusper says in Kafira things are not in black and white instead you need a little grey and perhaps a blue here and there.”
-“Tears in eyes” to cry page 63.This is when Mulili was explaining about the death of Kabito and says “Boss is with tears in his eyes.”
-“Cut short”Means to stop someone from saying something “Don’t cut me short,You do the listening I talk”.Askari tells Jere.Similes
-“You work like the meteorological department “This means that No public questions into method used and no assurance page 17-“We have no choice like caged animals,we move but inside the cage .Says Tumbo in Page 62.This means that though they are in the committee they’ve no choice they are to do as the instruction of the boss”.
Hyperbole
-For instance Regina says”there is no brand of beer that Jusper hasn’t tested”Page 41.This is exaggeration of fact because it not true that Jusper has tested all brand of beer.The idea here is that Jusper drinks too much.Symbolism
-Coins in the grave symbolize money of illiteracy of the people in the system.-Potatoes symbolize money page44
-Mulili poor grammar is a symbol of illiteracy
-Also the picture on the cover of the play shows the pressure of injustice/torture
Foreshadowing
-When Jusper picks up two sticks and hold them as if they were two pistols…….squad,attention!Aim…..one,two….in page 66.This was a prediction of what will happen later,he kills Mulili at the end in the same way.
-Doga’s curse foreshadow the death of Mulili…..”….May you die the way Adika died!”page 10.
-Paradox eg:Jere tells Askari “I know .innocence can be an offense “page29.
-Has it ever occurred to you that the outside of this cell may well be the inside of another Page 16.
Soliloquy
Is a speech in a play in which a character who is alone on the stage,Speaks his/her thoughts it is like monologuee.g.Observe Jusper speech on page 5-6
also Mosese’s speech on page 30-31Onomatopoeia
e.g- Tu-tu-tu-tu !this is the sound of the gun given by Jusper in page6.This means that in Kafira state killing is something common
Generally Language used in the play is standard and understood except the ungrammatical structure used by Mulili which is made intentionally to show incompetence of some of the leaders.Mulili is the adviser of the boss while his English shows that he is uneducated person .This lead to the failure of the government due to involving people who are not qualified.Character & characterization
1. Jusper Wendo
Patriotic – he advocated for change
Brave – did not sway away regarding issues for truth
Courageous
Stubborn
Creative
Philosophical
2. Mulili
· Soldier, Jere’s colleagues then a farmer bods distance cousin
· Betrayer
· Flamboyant
· Not very educated
· Self centered
· Ego
3. Jere
· Mulili’s colleague, comes from a difference culture
· Kind heated
· Trust worthy
· Short- tempered
· Religious
· Naive
4. Boss
· Head of state of Kafira, wasn’t liked by the students mostly
· Arrogant
· Naive
· Dictator
· Womanizer
5. Mosese
· Lecture in Kafira, Regina’s brother, framed for drugs and got arrested
· Intellectual
· Silent
· Philosophical thinker
· Caring
· Patriotic
· Tolerant
6. Nina
– Caring
– Religious
– Tradition
– Courageous (pg 9)
– Uneducated
7. Doga
– Traditionalist
– Religious
– Courageous
– Vocal
– Egocentric
– Looks down upon women (wife)
8. Regina
– Caring
– Truthful
– Naive
– Courageous
9. Tumbo
– Corrupt
– Self centered
– Kind
– Coward
10. Nicodemo
– Lazy
– Greedy
– Betrayer
– Self centered
– Coward
– Uses innuendo
11. Kabito
– Considerate
– Coward
– Corrupt
– Greedy
– Educated
– Unhappy
ELABORATION OF TRAITS
1. Jusper wendo
– Patriotic because he advocated for change being one of the students in Kafira university he also played port in the protest that ended up with the death of Adika (one who loves his country).
– Brave and nglish-swahili/courage” target=”_blank”>courageous due to the fact that the was not afraid to speak truth regarding matters of Kafira and he did not sway away from that.
– Stubborn, this is seen through the conversation between him and his mother (page 6) and also with Regina his girlfriend who seems to be advising him and convincing him to change (scene 3) page 32 (determined not to change)
– Creative because he could come up with a play for the visiting of the head of state
– Philosophical – He is a philosophy student at Kafira University. In page 33 he claim it himself that he is a philosophy student and also it can be proved by the way he speaks.
– Vocal in a sense that he expresses his ideas loudly (evident in normal conversations with others)
2. Mulili
He is an ex – soldier who is now a farmer. He is Jere colleague and Boss distance causing
– Betrayer because he nglish-swahili/betray” target=”_blank”>betrayed Jere, his colleague who trusted him (evident in pg 14 were Jere reminds him that he had not told on him regarding a man called Mustafa who escaped.
– Flamboyant – one who misreads others
Not very educated this is evident on the way he speaks e.g. 11 what have happen? And many more in his conversations.
– Ego – the act of thinking that you are right and if gets you way you seal with him or her. Mulili has e.g., this is evident on the way he dealt with Kabito who seemed to get on his way. He ended up three
– Self centered – to think about you and not about other people. Mulili though much of himself, regarding his action of nglish-swahili/betray” target=”_blank”>betrayal having ego.
3. Jere
Mulili’s colleague comes from different culture
– Trust worthy – one that you can trust. Jere is trust worthy because he could keep a secret (about Mustafa) and never told, unlike mulili.
– Religions – to be connected with religion (having strong belief) Jere shows that he is religious, as he claims to read the bible (the New Testament) and taught religious knowledge for three years before he went to the army.
– Short tempered – to be easily annoyed
Jere prises to be short tempered (page 15) considering his conservation with Mulili after having a misunderstanding he reaches a point of aiming a pistol at him
– Naive – to be easily convinced
Jere is naive in the sense that he was easily coned by Mulili on the matter of Mustafa
– Patriotic is one who loves his country and Jere being one of them proves it by.
– Kind –Hearted because of his intentions of do good Jere (page 13) feels the need to allow the ceremony to go on
4. Boss
Head of state of Kafira and wasn’t like so much mostly by the students of the university
– Boss was naive because he was easily convinced by Mulili through false information that led to the death of Kabito.
– Also he was a dictator, one who rules with force, He wanted everything his way caring less what others think, that why people did not like him.
– Arrogant that is one who thinks he is better or more important than others (pg 60) after finding out that had gone against him, he deals with him.
– Womanizer is also a trait for Bods whereby despite of being married to Mercedes he also wanted Regina.
5. Mosese
Lecturer at Kafira University (philosophy) He is Regina brother and was frames with drugs and got arrested.
– Mosese is intellectual ni the sense that he has the ability to reason and understand. This is a fact because he is a lecturer at the university.
– He is silent in the sense that he rarely speaks or makes noise. This is evident in prison whereby there was silent up until Askari decides to ask him (page 18) and he repels saying “it prudent to be silent”.
– Moses is a philosopher / thinker regarding to the way he speaks e.g. Page 28 where he talks of memories, the post and the future.
– Caring in the sense that he was concerned about his sister Regina, he was not ready to let her face the Boss knowing what man he was and what might happen to her.
– Patriotic due to the fact that he plays part in the play which was based on advocating for change and stopping the worse that could probably happen in Kafira.
6. Nina
Doga’s wife and Jusper and Adika’s mother
– Caring – being concerned about someone or something, Nina cared much about his son, and mostly evident towards Jusper as the only son left.
– Religious – one who is greatly concerned with religion Nina proves to be religious when she decides to put the day in God’s hands and saying a prayer (page 8).
– Traditionalist – very concerned with tradition Nina and Doga her husband were to have a ceremony for their dead son Adika (shaving ceremony)
– Courageous – showing that you are not afraid when you do something that might be dangerous or difficult. Nina has his trait in the sense that the way she was able to confront Mulili and Jere who wanted to stop the ceremony was with nglish-swahili/courage” target=”_blank”>courage and without fear regarding what who said and their response (page 9).
– Remorseful – a feeling of guilty or compassion
This is shown by Nina in (page 12) whereby she feels guilty having to send her son to address something which she didn’t know therefore ever thought would bring trouble but rather it does.
7. Doga
– Nina’s husband
– Jusper and Adika father
– Courageous also in the way he addressed issues without fear of the consequences of what is saying.
– Traditionalist in the sense that he is so attached to it and seems to know much (pg 4).he practises the shaving ceremony for Adika.
– Religions, his also concerned with religion (page 12) he offers Jere a pocket Bible and tells him that may God open his eyes to the suffering of his people.
– Vocal as in he expresses his ideas loudly, the way he speaks with Jusper, his wife Nina
– Egocentric also describes Doga in the sense that he thinks he is always right.
– Looks down upon women whereby he tends to crash most of his wife thoughts and also (pg 3) he speaks of women they think the beds upon which they wide for the night.
8. Regina
Mosese sister and Jusper’s girlfriend
– Caring
She was very concerned about both Mosese and Jusper she gave Jusper advice despite his stubbornness and wanted to help Mosese get out of prison through seeing the Boss to help Mosese get out of prison through seeing the Boss.
– Truthful
Regina preferred to stick to the truth when Tumbo brought the idea of having Jusper win play write competition immediately so as to get extra cash.
– Naive
She was easily convinced by Tumbo to go see Boss.
-Courageous
Regina nglish-swahili/courage” target=”_blank”>courageous because she could address matters without fear and also had the nglish-swahili/courage” target=”_blank”>courage to face Boss for the sake of his brother Mosese.
– Wise
She is wise because she could give advice to Jusper regardless his stubbornness.
9.Tumbo
– Chairman of the visitors entertainment committee corrupt – his corrupt due to his unfair or dishonesty of conducting the play write competition.
– Kind – Tumbo has a good heart because he brought drinks for Regina and Jusper and also connected Regina with boss.
– Coward – Tumbo is afraid of Boss, has no nglish-swahili/courage” target=”_blank”>courage
– Self centered – Misuses play write by making short cuts also in page 42
10. Nicodemo
One of the members of the visiting committee.
– Lazy
Nicodemo proves to be lazy by asking for a three hour break as the meeting begins.
– Greedy
Page.53 Nicodemo is so anxious to know the size of the potato (money) that he will be getting from the committee he insists on been played per hour.
– Betrayer
He nglish-swahili/betray” target=”_blank”>betrayed Mosese by framing him with drugs on page 52 he speaks of what a tragedy it would be to him if mosese is pardoned after the visit of the head of state.
-Self centered
Does not like the fact prisoners are been treated nicely, now that they are going to act a play.
-Coward
He is afraid of the boss and knows what is due to happen.
11. Kabito
Member of the visiting committee.
– Considerate
Whatever decisions brought forward, Kabito tends to consider the possible impact of them (page 55) the school children.
– Coward – He is afraid of the boss (pg.52)
– Corrupt he practiced corruption by giving people cash and being nice so as to get a tender which he didn’t get.
– Greedy – he is interested to know the amount of money he will be getting as payment in the committee before it even begins.
– Educated – this is due to the way he gave ideas which proved at some point that the was intellectual.