Introduction

Characters are the voice of the author in any works of art. In plays, they come alive and may take different forms depending on the director of the play. In the play Inheritance, David Mulwa creates vivid characters some of whom we may have encountered in real life. For instance, Lacuna Kasoo is a clear mirror of our current Kenyan politicians. He is as greedy as he is detached from the problems facing his people. As we explore characters we need to look at them as people who may have or do exist in real life. A character like Judah Zen Meloh represents a confusion of sorts. The Judah we know in the Bible betrayed Jesus while our Judah in the play does not want to betray his blood brother. Although, we need to tell the difference between Judah and Judas. Talking about Judah, he was the son of Jacob in the Old Testament of the Bible. He is the man who came up with the brilliant idea of selling Joseph Ishmaelites.

Our Judah, on the other hand is neither Judas nor Judah the brother of Joseph. He is the brother of Romanus Bengo and the man who tries in vein to redeem his name after he refused Lacuna Kasoos directive of eliminating the stubborn Romanus Bengo.

Other characters like Tamina, Malipoa and Chipande play mute to all the atrocities being committed in Kutula as long as they get by.

In plays, characters play different roles so as to bring out the playwrights message. In the play Inheritance, David Mulwa creates colonial and post-colonial characters who shape the direction of the play and the ripples of their decisions are felt in the present day Kutula.

Bishop Menninger sets in motion neocolonialism by his plans to assassinate the arrogant King Kutula XV. On the other hand, King Kutula plants a seed of hope in princess Sangoi which manifests itself when princess Sangoi now reverend leads a bloodless revolution that ousts Lacuna Kasoo from power effectively ending the colonial grasp over Kutula.

CHARACTER AND CHARACTERIZATION

LULU ZEN MELO
She is the daughter of Tamina and Judah Zen Melo. Romanus Bengo, the activist is her uncle. Lulu has two brothers both of whom are mentioned but do not play an active role in the play. However, they are pivotal in bringing down Lacuna Kasoos leadership.

Lulu is an outstanding student at a local government institution. She has dreams of studying up to university level and becoming a doctor. However, with recession in Kutula, her mother has no money for her university entrance exam.

Lulu gets upset with the complacency of her mother especially when her future is in jeopardy. Her mothers piety disgusts her. She wants her mother to stop her religious myopism and protest against the dictatorial leadership of Lacuna Kasoo. Nevertheless, it is not just religion that has created fear among the people, Lulus mother included, but the fear for the repercussions like those meted on Lulus father.

Lulu displays a rather peculiar personality. On the one hand, she is a naive, innocent and easily trusting girl. That is one of the reason she plays a pivotal role in the commemoration of King Kutulas death. On the other hand, she is a defiant follower of Romanus Bengo and a fearless critic of the gospel of mindless obedience and fear. Her outspokenness and outgoing nature makes her mingle with Robert Rollerston- a key investor in Kutula. Out of politeness, Lacuna does not get to spend the night with Lulu as had been planned. Lacuna is incensed by Lulus behaviour but according to Malipoa, the ritual can be performed at a later date.

She, however, stands for the voice of the oppressed young women who are put down by oppressive leadership and backward traditional practices meant to prey on the weak and the vulnerable. Her triumph after Lacunas fall is the win for women who have forever been yoked by a retogressive society.

CHARACTER TRAITS
Intelligent/radical/resilient
Lulu is top of her class and an active participant in many of her schools activities. She nurtures a dream of becoming a doctor. This drives her to join the radicalized in her society. In her struggle she is displays a not-giving-up attitude despite the financial constraints in the familyand the fluctuating Kutula economy.

Rebellious/persistent/insistent/vocal
Lulu is rebels against religious and moral standards of her society. It is not really being rebellious but she speaks defiantly against her mothers religious and moral beliefs which she alludes to their current state. Her scathing remarks against Bishop Menningers religion makes her earn stern discipline from her mother. However, this does not stop her from speaking but marks a journey towards activism which ends up with her interacting with Robert Rollerstone.

Social/outgoing/vibrant
She is a free spirit a character that earns her a leading role in the commemoration ceremony. Her vibrant soul makes her meet and spend the night with Robert Rollerstone. Although, she was supposed to entertain Lacuna Kasoo, she more than engaged with a like-minded individual and young investor Robert Rollestone

Naive/Easily Trusting/vulnerable/weak/Pure
One of the reasons as to why Lulu was chosen is because of her purity. I should point out that the word Lulu is Swahili for Gold. Therefore, Lulu was as pure as gold. However, her naivete landed her in a hot mess when she learned about the true intention of her being invited in the royal palace. Although, she was driven by the desire to find someone who would finance her education, her vulnerability could be hereditary own undoing.

Demanding/Insensitive/provocative/forceful
Lulu is tired of pretending and demands action from her mother. She is insensitive to her parents struggles against the biting poverty and demands that something should be done for her education. Her painful stand makes her appear as a spoilt brat to her mother.

LACUNA KASOO
He is the son of the former King Kutula XVI. He becomes the first leader of the independent Kutula state. As the head of state, Lacuna Kasoo uses his powers to intimidate the people and gain personal wealth as he runs the economy of Kutula down.

Despite the skyrocketing inflation and donors withholding funding, Lacuna is oblivious of the suffering of the masses. He continues to impose stricter rules on the people demanding more concessions on the citizenry. In the silver mines, despite the rickety machines, he demands for more output. This leads to the death of Judah Zen Melo. Around the state, there is massive land grabbing by state to satisfy multinational conglomerate while displacing the poor commofolk.

As can be seen in the play, Lacuna leads his tribesmen and those loyal to him in grabbing state resources. For instance, Lacuna controls the silver mines while Councillor Chipande has large tracts of land in the village from which Lulu resides. Moreover, he rewards those loyal to him with lucrative jobs. He also tortures and fires those who cannot do what has been asked of them.

However, towards the middle of the play, he changes tact. Firstly, he releasedpolitical prisoners including Romanus Bengo. Secondly, he appoints Rev. Sangoi into senior position. Lastly, he reaches out to elders from Bukelenge Basin in order to discuss evacuation plans. Nevertheless, Lacunas olive beach was just a veil to get his way. But he was wrong this time. The elders were tired of being manipulated and refused to convince the people to evacuate.
Lacuna represents the voice and puppet of the former colonial masters. Instead of serving his people, he is much more interested in serving two industrialists who control his pocket money. When he fails to pay the industrialists their loans, he realises how vulnerable his position is. Although, he tries to exercise his sovereign power, it is too late because on both sides he has been rejected.

He also represents a class of political elites who believe in the inferiority of their own people. In this regard , they outsource everything subjecting the masses to foreign exploitation. As can be seen in the play, the silver mines and cash crop farming are encouraged over other basic production. In fact, the evacuation from Bukelenge plains is meant for further foreign investment.

CHARACTER TRAITS
Greedy/Corrupt/impatient/
Lacuna Kasoo participates in the execution of his father in order to rise to power. While in power, he uses his position and authority to enrich himself. According to Rollerstone, Lacuna has millions of shillings in foreign accounts. Besides, the loans he takes do not go to economic development as seen in the old machines used by miners in the silver mines. Most of the money is either used for his entertainment or banked for him and his henchmen.

Stupid/Ignorant/Reckless
Lacuna finds pride in associating with internationally financiers whom he believes have his interests at heart. He believes that since he conspired with former colonial masters to end his father, then they owe him. However, when he fails to pay the loans, he realised that business does not have a human face.

Although he is advised by Chipande not to detain the foreigners, he ignores the plea. He also strongly believes in his military despite the growing opposition in the country. Thats one of the reasons he is removed from office.

His ignorance makes him believe Malipoas predictions and prophecies when the only thing needed was to listen to his people.

Superstitious/pretender/ignorant/arrogant
Lacuna believes in the wise counsel of Malipoa especially on the matters concerning the leadership of Kutula. He has the notion that he is the rightful heir to the throne of Kutula and that the popular opinion does not count. He pretends to care for the development of his country yet he misuses the loans and grants given by the foreigners to bring development. Lacuna believes that his father was a failure and that he has done more for his country than his predecessor. He talks about free education and healthcare when all that is needed is economic empowerment so that the people can afford education and healthcare among other things. He believes that his subjects do not have intellectual know-how to participate in the complex international trade.

Dictatorial/authoritative/Power hungry
Lacuna is described by Bishop menninger as an ingenious greedy rascal thats utterly devoid of human feelings. Nero and Caligula all rolled into one ambitious mould.(pg15) In his desire to ascend to power, he assassinated his own father. While in power he uses fear and intimidation to rule and control his subjects. He rewards loyalists like Malipoa and Chipande and torture dissidents like Judah and his brother Bengo. Judah had been asked to get rid of his activist brother but he politely refused. This decision turned around Judahs life from a successful civil servant to a poor man who would die struggling to make ends meet. Activists like Bengo are jailbirds while loyalists continue to loot the countrys coffers with the help of Lacuna himself

Easy to manipulate/myopic/dependent
Menninger knew Lacuna so well. He is the one who prepared him for the role he would play later in life-that of ending the life of his wife. The foreigners first used him to eliminate the humanitarian leader and then continually used him to loot both the natural and agricultural resources through loans whose interests were very high. Since Lacuna was not a visionary leader he easily fell for easy cash that lands Kutula into inflation. Dependence on foreign aid becomes Lacunas major undoing since the people rebel against him.

ROBERT ROLLERSTONE
He is a young energetic foreign investor in Kutula. He plays the role of the bad cop, a business face that has no time for petty conversations like his counterpart Daniel Goldstein.

Robert dislikes Lacuna because he believes that the old geezer has thrown Kutula into turmoil. In fact he fearlessly blames Lacuna for the deplorable condition of the country. However, this should not be construed as a sympathetic foreigner. He is just angry because Lacuna has severally failed to to service the loans extended to the country of Kutula.

Meanwhile, the same Robert who could be construed as a sympathetic foreigner, has compelled Lacuna government to allocate prime plots for foreign investment according to his terms. In this regard, he is contributing to more suffering to those who will be evicted in Bukelenge for the said project.

Therefore, his interests in Kutula are purely business and has no interest with the stupid locals who do not know how to utilize the numerous local resource for development.

Nevertheless, Robert saves Lulu from imminent sacrificial ritual organized by Malipoa in the palace. Lulu was supposed to spend the night with Lacuna according to traditions after the celebrations to celebrate the death of King Kutula XV. However, that night the oblivious Lulu spent the night entertaining Robert.

CHARACTER TRAITS
Tough/officious/Straightforward
He does not babysit Lacuna Kasoo as Daniel does. He is gruff and bold as he reads out the terms of the loans extended to Kutula and the results for the loans. His official manner makes Lacuna despise him. He readily threatens to take all the money Lacuna and his henchmen have stashed in foreign accounts.

Young/ambitious/business-minded
Robert is young and ambitious. His youth drives him into taking bigger risks to expand company operations in Kutula despite the marauding corruption. However, this time round he does want to finance the agricultural projects with company oversight and leave Lacunas government out of it.

Outgoing/good listener/social
When Robert meets the young Lulu, they instantly hit it off and becomes friends. He keen sense of listening makes him gain insights into operations in Kutula and that is why he does not want to pamper Lacuna any further.

Quick-tempered/Unpretentious/concerned/arrogant
Robert knew very well the operations in Kutula and how the leadership misappropriated state resources. For this reason he hated them and did not want to play any games with them. He also shows concern for the local people and thats why he wants to invest in them. However, he does not ask the people what they should want since he believes that his company has all the answers for the ignorant folk

ROMANUS BENGO
Romanus Bengo is the brother to Judah Zen Melo and uncle to Lulu and her two brothers.

He is the leading civil rights activist in Kutula having escaped death when his brother Judah refused to finish him as had been ordered by Lacuna Kasoo.

According to Tamina, Judah had cursed Judah since it is Judahs activism that had made them lose their jobs, cars and lands and were now living in abject poverty. Tamina does seem to blame Romanus for the situation in her household.

However, Romanus is adamant. He believes that the only way out of Kutulas situation is to speak against Lacunas excesses despite the apparent challenges. Lulu shares her unclessentiments and so does her brothers who join him in the revolution that ousts Lacuna Kasoo from power. Therefore, Romanus becomes the voice of reason and hope in the play.

CHARACTER TRAITS Calm/patient/persistent
He displays a calm demeanour even in times when he is incarcerated. He shows patience because he knows fully well that he is dealing with people confronted by teachings of submission and respect for those in authority and the poor. He does not give up in his fight even when imprisoned.

Educated/radicalized/brave/courageous/fearless
Judah made sure that Bengo obtained the best education in Kutula. It is this education that exposed Bengo to the suffering of his people and made him decide to fight for the rights of the people. Despite the prosecution of rights activists, Bengo displayed courage knowing fully well the risks to which he exposed himself.

Hopeful/reliable/charismatic/dependable
Bengo is hopeful that he will overcome Lacunas reign of tyranny. He makes sure that he is reliable and using his wit and charm attracts a huge following.

Kind/forgiving/understanding
Bengo accommodates everyone and does not take it to heart when his brother curses him. He also understands why Tamina hates and despises him.

TAMINA ZEN MELO
Tamina is the wide of Judah Zen Melo. She has three children with him among them Lulu. Currently, Tamina lives in poverty. She is pained by the fact that she has been compelled to live a miserable life because of her stubborn brother-in-law.

Instead of Tamina blaming her situation on Lacunas situation, she blames it on her brother-in-law. She is among the majority who believe in doing nothing even when the leadership is blatantly corrupt and unreasonable. She believes that Lacuna was annointed by God and only God shall remove him from office. She is patient as she is prayerful.

Nevertheless, towards the end, she joined the protesting bandwagon that yanks Lacuna from office. This happens late for she had previously lost her husband.

DANIEL GOLDSTEIN
Daniel Goldstein is a company man. Together with Robert Rollerstone, they represent neo-colonial interests in Kutula. Goldstein is a wide old man who knows how to manipulate Lacuna Kasoo. He is the man looks towards as a friend and a confidant.

He builds such trust in Lacuna which makes Lacuna feel comfortable to work with him. However, once he has put Lacuna into his grasp, he brings in Robert to finish what Goldstein had started.

The withdrawal of Goldstein is very tactical since he shows that there is nothing he can do to help. Goldstein claims that business has no human face.

Goldsteins mannerisms and conduct are the very core of how the situation is in Kutula. He is unlike his counterpart Robert. He is ruthless and cunning. He uses polite talk and praise to uplift Lacuna then once he has gotten an opportunity, he takes a business tone tearing down Lacuna. He knows very well that Lacuna leads a bunch of greedy uneducated loyalists who do not understand investments, but he keeps on extending loans which are grabbed and carted to foreign accounts.

Hiding on the principle of sovereignty, he choses not to pursue the matter of rampant corruption in Kutula. However, when his business is threatened by the huge loans taken by Lacuna, he is ready to take what readily belongs to him including emptying Lacunas foreign accounts.

CHARACTER TRAITS
Firm/Calm/Intelligent/Wise/brilliant/calculating/Categorical
He speaks calmly and wins Lacunas confidence. Thereafter, he walks Lacuna through the financial debt the leadership owes him until he reduces Lacuna into a helpless beggar. When they started speaking, Lacuna had the authority but towards the end of the conversation we realize that Lacuna is just a puppet but power belongs to Daniel Goldstein. He knows exactly how to put Lacuna in his place despite Lacunas arrogance.

Manipulative/cunning/Liberal
Goldstein averted Lacunas desire for power to greed for money. In this way, he knew Lacuna being lazy and stupid, he wont look for opportunities to create wealth but take the easy way out- borrow loans. At the beginning he made sure that the loans appeared to have been a mutual consent between two parties. However, he knew pretty well that the loans would be a noose around the people of Kutula especially given the fact that the leadership was clueless. Have bagged Kutulas resources, he takes a liberal stand and throws in Robert Rollerstone- a fierce financier who makes Lacuna regret his decisions. On the other hand, Daniel plays as helpless as Lacuna.

Heartless/Pretender/aloof
Daniel knew very well the insatiable greed Lacuna and his cabinet had, however, he continued to finance Lacunas government. The huge debt coupled with inflation lands a majority of the people of Kutula into abject poverty. However, Daniels company still has the audacity to proclaim further investment that would evacuate the people from their homes in Bukelenge Valley.

COUNCILLOR CHIPANDE
Chipande is Lacunas trusted hand in running Kutula. He is a people pleaser and astute follower of Lacuna. Together with Malipoa, they form a ring of trusted allies of Lacuna.

Using their positions and power, they enrich themselves by grabbing up lands and embezzling government resources. Chipande is Lacuna Kasoos strongest ally. He is there to advice Lacuna Kasoo to tread lightly infront of the two white people. As can be seen, he employs a modest and humble tone with the westerners but is bossy around his countrymen. He believes in the colonial mindset of being ruthless to keep the natives in tow.

As a land owner, Chipande pays his employees peanuts so as to keep them coming. He does not extend credit facilities and that is why Tamina has no savings or nowhere to turn when Lulu asks for school fees money.

COUNCILLOR MALIPOA
Together with Chipande, they are the closest and most trusted leaders who surround Lacuna Kasoo. Malipoa plays as the traditional and religious advisor to Lacuna Kasoo just like Menninger was the advisor to the colonial Governor Thorne Macay.

As a religious advisor, Malipoa ensures that he continues to incalculate religious rituals that raise Lacuna to Devine status. In this regard, people of Kutula believe that the Lacuna was chosen by God and no one can supplant him from the office. It is Malipoa traditional rituals that keep Lacuna in office for long.

Malipoa also demands certain privileges to be extended to the leader. An example is that the people should offer a pure girl teenager to Lacuna as a piece of sacrifice to appease the ancestors and bless Kutula. It is for this reason that Lulu had been chosen to entertain Lacuna Kasoo.

PRINCESS/ REVEREND SANGOI
She is Lacuna Kasoos half-sister. She has been adopted by the late King Kutula the XV because of her intelligence and wit. Although she had come from poor background, the little girl was infatuated by the white mans religion and education.

King Kutula seeing this, he requested that Bishop Menninger should ensure that the girl obtained the best of the white mans education. However, Menninger had other plans for the girl-he wanted to make her a good for nothing religious and philosophical fanatic who would have nothing to do with the suffering of her people but fervently in search of the white mans philosophies burried in books.

Menninger was wrong. It seems the King had seen something human in the little girl. For although the girl grew to become a Reverend, she never forgot her people. In fact she used the bible to elevate the suffering of her people and fight for the muffled freedoms.

This made her at loggerheads with her half-brother Lacuna Kasoo. Kasoo tries to buy her by appointing her into office as councillor and representative of the people but she refuses to silence the voice of the people. Instead she leads the opposition against Lacuna Kasoo and his foreign saboteurs.

JUDAH ZEN MELO
Judah is the father to three children, Lulu and her two brothers. He is the husband to Tamina. He is also the brother to Romanus Bengo.

Judah is an obedient folower to Lacuna Kasoo. He rises above the ranks and becomes one of the most powerful people in Kutula. However, Judahs brother Romanus Bengo, refuses to tow the line. He becomes a leading activist in Kutula. When Lacuna Kasoo asks Judah to deal with his brother Bengo. Judah declines because he cannot shed the blood of his own brother.

Thereafter, Judah is attacked by a mysterious gang that leaves him for dead. When he recovers, thanks to Reverend Sangois husband. He finds out that he has lost favour with Lacuna Kasoo. For the rest of his life he would work hard to please Lacuna to no avail until when he is killed at the mines.

KING KUTULA XV
King Kutula XV was the last post colonial leader in Kutula. He was the father to Lacuna Kasoo, who succeeded him and Reverend Sangoi- an adopted child.

King Kutula appears in the prologue. He is one of the driving force behind the activism manifested in Romanus and Sangoi.

Kutulas wisdom and defiance drives the colonial authorities to device a means of eliminating him. Kutula favours complete emancipation as opposed to political freedom when the economy of his people is still in the tentacles of the super powers. His sentiments are shared by Sangoi, who when she released the two foreign friends declared that Kutula was ready to do business with them at her own discretion.

GOVERNOR THORNE MACAY
He is the last colonial Governor of Kutula. He hopes to continue the exploitation of Kutula by foreign force. However, he meets a defiant King Kutula.

According to conversation between Kutula and Macay, the Governor turns out to be illiterate to Kutula customs and manner of speaking. He is also oblivious to the suffering of the people as he leads a lavish lifestyle while the majority are languishing in abject poverty.

His inhumanity blinds him to the fact that the colonial authority is in fact milking the people dry instead of creating an environment of development and prosperity. He is more interested in Kutulas mineral and natural resources as opposed to humanitarian interests.

BISHOP MENNINGER
He is a representative of colonialist religion. As it were, this religion was tailored to raise submissive initiates who have little opposition to their own humiliation.

Seeing that King Kutula would jeopardize his plans, he hatches a plan to eliminate the king. He also plans to also induct Sangoi into the field of academia such that she has no mind of her own or plans to liberate her people from implanted ignorance.

His plans for King Kutula succeeds in driving the king to death and raising Lacuna into power. However, instead of Sangoi being brainwashed, she comes out well educated in matter political freedom and economic emancipation which she plans to use to bring an about turn in Kutulas deplorable poverty.

Analysis by Musungu Okach

INHERITANCE

Inheritance refers to what is left by the deceased to the family in material wealth or sometimes power. However, the word could have diverse meanings when applied to works of literature. In this respect, David Mulwa looks at inheritance in various ways.

The play revolves around a three decades old Kutula under its new leadership. Having achieved independence from colonial masters, Kutula is now governed by Lacuna Kasoo-the son of pre-independence King Kutula XV. Lacuna ascended to power after the death of his father. Although the King has adopted Princess Sangoi as his successor, he dies mysteriously thus handing the power to the greedy, self-centred Lacuna. As it were, Lacuna conspired with the colonial masters to assassinate his father King Kutula XV.

Having assumed power with the help of colonial masters, Lacuna runs the government under the influence of Kutulas former imperialists. He receives hefty loans aimed at developing the country. However, the loans are meant to make Kutula a slave of foreign saboteurs led by Old Daniel Goldstein and young Robert Rollestone. Even though Kutula boasts of being an independent state, there is a lot that suggests that the country inherited the former colonial legacies. For instance, the Daniel Goldsteins company bankrolls Kutula. Without their loans and donations, Kutulas economy is bound to collapse. (Pg72) Secondly, when Goldstein points out how blatant misappropriations of funds were in Kutula, he assumes power and even sits on Lacuna Kasoos throne just to show who exactly was in power in Kutula. (Pg79) Therefore, Kutula was a sovereign nation under imperial powers.

One of the reasons King Kutula was assassinated was because he was tired of being treated as a slave by colonial authorities. He wanted liberation on Kutula terms not the terms set by the imperialists. He had demanded for total independence- a privilege the super powers were unwilling to extend. In order to control Kutula and perhaps harvest humongous profits from her mineral wealth, the colonial Bishop Menninger suggested the appointment of the greedy yet brainless Lacuna Kasoo. (Pg15) With Lacuna in office the colonialists continued to enjoy the same privileges they had enjoyed during the colonial period. On the other hand, the people of Kutula would suffer in poverty and bad governance as they had during the reign of Thorne Macay- the colonial governor. However, the people believe that the conditions were better of during the colonial period.

The play explores inheritance and its pains to the society. As it were, the people believed in the their leaders, especially King Kutula. On the one hand, locals believed that King Kutula had blessed Princess Sangoi- later Reverend Sangoi as the rightful heir to the throne. While on the other hand, the colonialist hatched a plan to swear in the legitimate child- Lacuna Kasoo as the new leader. Therefore, the struggle was between the rightful heir and the chosen one. In this case the rightful heir won but is thrown out of office in a bloodless coup led by Romanus Bengo.

As can be seen, inheritance maintains the status quo but a fresh breathe of new leadership brings to the table new ideas which can be optimistic for the people. In the play, Reverend Sangoi represents a fresh new leadership that would agree to negotiations with foreign investors as opposed to dictation as seen in Lacuna Kasoos regime where foreigners enjoyed while locals suffered in slavery and poor pay. The new Kutula is open to quid pro quo kind of agreement as stated by Reverend Sangoi. (Pg35)

POVERTY

From the beginning of the play, we are introduced to abject poverty of the people of Kutula. It is one of the reasons as to why Governor Thorne Macay- the colonial leader cannot agree with King Kutula XV. On one hand, Thorne wants the King to silence the surging rebellion in the colony, while on the other, the King is seen to side with the rebels.

According to the King, he cannot sit there and support what the white masters are doing. Riding on the will of the people, he tells the governor that he has no control over the people but is ready to deliver the people from suffering. This is the reason Thorne and Bishop Menninger conspire to eliminate the King in the prologue.

Over three decades after independence, the people of Kutula are still poor. In independent Kutula, the people are burdened by heavy taxation, huge international debt and wanton land-grabbing by their leaders. Besides these, the leadership is embroiled in massive corruption, nepotism and favoritism. The leader Lacuna Kasoo is as greedy as he is incompetent. However, he is supported by foreign saboteurs who really control the goings on the the state. These foreigners finance forced evictions of people from ancestral land for development and also mining rights.

With the leaders at the mercy of the foreigners and the wanton greed in the leadership, poverty is the order of the day. As can be seen in Taminas sparsely furnished grass-thatched house, families have little to live for. Tamina can barely feed herself and her daughter. She cannot also afford her daughters school fees and the never stopping need for money in the school. (Movement 1)

As can be seen, poverty is caused by various factors in Kutula chief among them being the leadership of Lacuna Kasoo. As a leader, he has chosen a cabal of sycophants as councillors and his chief advisors. These group of the elite have awarded themselves large chunks of land and hefty payments through graft which have left Kutula bankrupt and the general population poor.

If the government has no funds, every citizen is overly taxed in order to raise funds. Besides, the government may resort to austerity measures like firing older citizens from jobs in order to reduce the wage bill. (Pg38) Judah Zen Melo speaks about how he has to keep with younger men in order to maintain his job. As can also be seen, there are very little job opportunities in Kutula with a large pool of the unemployed.

Another cause of poverty in Kutula is government policy. Kutulas policies are mostly geared towards promoting the welfare of the foreigners. First of all the government deprives the people water by building a white elephant dam. (Pg17) The dam made the entire valley dry. The second policy is evacuation of people to create land for foreign investment. This is one factor that create a quiet rebellion in Kutula.

NEOCOLONIALISM

After independence, many countries that were granted independence found themselves drawn towards their former colonial masters. Such countries were drawn by incentives such as the Commonwealth, foreign aid and the promise of assistance in economic development.

Those countries or leaders who refused such arrangements were either assassinated or removed from power. In this respect, the colonialists found themselves coming back as expatriates and financiers for development.

In Kutula, the king who had vision for his people is assassinated. In his place, the colonial players put his greedy son as the new leader democratically elected. In this way, the former powers made leadership decisions for the people of Kutula even though the peoples favourite was princess Sangoi. Although the power arrangement has changed from kingdom to a democracy. Lacuna Kasoo seem to retain the pre-colonial title of king. Lacuna Kasoo is controlled by two international financiers: Robert Rollerstone and Daniel Goldstein. Goldstein is as old as Lacuna but Robert is way younger.

On his part, Daniel plays the good cop. He appeases Lacuna while defiantly asking for more concessions from the country. On his part, Lacuna needs more money to run the country. The colonialists knew how greedy Lacuna was, and they planned to use Lacunas greed to profit from Kutulas Silver mines and rich agriculture lands.

Although the country has rich mineral resources and people are working tirelessly in the mines, the country cant sustainably pay for the loans. Goldstein still demands for more. Indeed, Lacunas greed may have sent the mines to bankruptcy. However, if that was the case, then Goldstein would have frozen aid long ago before things got out of hand. They continued supporting Lacuna because they benefited from the mines and also from the loans they extended to the state.

Robert, on the other hand, is the bad cop. Using business voice, he threatens Lacuna to pay up the building loan instalments as had been agreed upon. He goes even further to claim that he could access Lacunas Foreign accounts and use the money to repay for the loans.

The foreigners show Lacuna that he could be running a sovereign nation but without money, he was just useless and dependent on their mercy.

RELIGION

Many times when we talk about religion, we look at Christianity and other major religion in the world. Although this religions play major roles in literature, there are still many other religions that writers and playwrights also discuss in their works.

In this play, Christianity and Kutula traditional religion play a significant role. However, the role played by these two religions is negative.

The play clearly brings out how religion can be applied subjectively to the people. During the colonial era, Bishop Menninger made sure to preach about obedience and humility in order to make the people of Kutula submissive. Besides, he used the sermons to get to know the people especially the young generation. It is within his teachings that he came to learn that Lacuna Kasoo would make a fine leader for Kutula(pg15).

Menninger also observes that Princess Sangoi would be no bother since she was enamoured by the foreign religion. According to the Bishop, Sangoi would be lost in the corridors of academia to worry about leadership. He was wrong as can be seen in the play.

The teachings of humility and obedience seem to have stuck in Kutula even after independence. Coupled with traditional teachings, they have reduced the people of Kutula into fearful sufferers including the leaders. Although some like Romanus Bengo and Lulu are waking up to reality and condemning this act of cowardice, the rest are still in the murk (pg30-47.) Lulu has woken up to realisation that being godly does not mean being stupid and afraid and points it out to her mother. Her mother Tamina, is afraid of those in power that the only person she can raise her voice to is her daughter. She represents the voiceless who suffer under the laws meant to benefit those in power.

Traditional religion is propagated by Councillor Malipoa. Using his understanding of his traditional religion, Malipoa propagates male chauvinistic ideologies which are meant to satisfy Lacuna Kasoos insatiable lust for innocent girls. Malipoa postulates that in order for Lacuna to keep his position, he needs to appease the gods by sacrificing a pure untainted girl in the former kings chambers. This tradition was meant to prey on unwitting parents and thus let the leader defile young women in the name of tradition.

ACTIVISM/ OPPOSITION

Activism is involves standing against what can be perceived as a social, political or economic ill in the society. It takes different forms including enlightening the masses through publications, both fictional and factual. It can also include civil disobedience through protests among other ways. In most occasions, activism is a peaceful process whose main agenda is to bring about change in the perceived wrong. However, some protests have turned violent leading to death and destruction of property e.g. the Soweto massacre in South Africa. Nevertheless, such cases occur when those in power decline to give protesters the needed freedom to express what they feel is wrong.

Other instances have seen those in authority arrest activists and put them behind bars for standing against them. Many activists die in the hands of brutal police force and bad governance.

However, in Inheritance we come across arrests as can be seen in the case of Romanus Bengo. Bengo could have been a victim of assassination had his brother Judah Zen Melo been a cold hearted murderer. According to the play, Judah had been asked to take care of Romania Bengo but he declined. Judah ended up losing his lucrative job in the government.(pg23)

Activism did not begin with Romanus in the play, it begun with the late King Kutula XV. The king refused to betray his citizens in the prologue. Since he was such an exceptional king, he was poisoned by his own son. (Pg15)

Other Activists in the play are the Reverend Princess Sangoi and the young Lulu. Lulu seems to have been converted into activism by his activist uncle Romanus Bengo. She speaks confidently against the fear that has been instilled to the people by the government to the shock of her mother. (Pg30) Besides Lulu, her two brothers and several elders too join in the resistance against Lacuna Kasoos regime.

In the play, the people are tired against colonialism and the grasp the former colonial masters have on the New independent Kutula state. Furthermore, they are tired of the increased nepotism and plunder of national resources by Lacuna and his clansmen and loyalists like Malipoa and Chipande. They are crying for openness in governance and an end to colonial policies.

SYCOPHANCY

This is the act of pleasing those in authority in order to gain favours. After ascending to power, Lacuna Kasoo made sure that he appointed people who were loyal to him and would do anything to please him.

Chief among the loyalists was Councillors Chipande and Malipoa. Malipoa invokes traditional teachings and practices in order to ensure that Lacuna Kasoo was well respected and adored as the chosen leader of the people. Even though Lacuna was unpopular because of his poor leadership, Malipoa ensured that the leader was confident that he was well received by the ancestors and popular among his subjects.

On the other hand, Chipande was the liason between Kutula and his foreign friends. He knew all Lacunas secrets including the foreign accounts. Both councillors are well rewarded for example Chipande has a huge coffee farm in which Tamina works.

People who refused to show their loyalty was punished and denied jobs in Kutula. When Judah was asked get rid of his activist brother, he refused to obey the Lacuna. Therefore, he was beaten and left for the dead. Besides, his job was taken and he spent the rest of his life trying to win Lacunas favour.

A PLAY BY DAVID MULWA

ANALYSIS BY MUSUNGU OKACH, H.O.D Lit, Literary Theorist, Teacher of English Literature

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Kakuta Mulwa was born just when the Second World War was coming to a close in April 1945. A child of a priest father, Mulwa would grow to become one of the most sought after playwrights in Kenya. He is an academic, a theatre director and an actor. As an academic, he is a Theatre Arts Lecturer at Kenyatta University School of Visual and Performing Arts. (Wikipedia)

As a playwright, Mulwa has penned several plays among them Inheritance (2004), Clean Hands (2000), and Redemption (1989). He has also penned several novels like Master and Servant (1979), We Come in Peace (2011) and Bahatis Love Nest (2017).

According to the Star Newspaper, Mulwa started off as a High School teacher in Mukaa and Kangundo High. Both schools are in Machakos. Later he would move to Ohio University where he was a teaching assistant in English before he joined Athens (1971-1980). From Athens, he would return to Kenya and join Kenyatta University where he has been teaching for the past three decades. He is a teacher of Theatre History, drama, directing, acting and play-writing.

David Mulwa has had a significant contribution in Kenyas performance art scene, from writing to acting, he has graced both the television and the theatre since 1952 when he began acting.

ABOUT THE PLAY

Inheritance is a play that revolves around individuality and the perspective of development as seen by modern day ‘independent’ African states. In the play, particularly the prologue, we get to find that the King of Kutula wanted real independence for his people. However, the British were unwilling to work with such an open-minded individual. They were looking for a leader who will bend to the whims of the imperialists. The perfect candidate was the son of King Kutula known by the name Lacuna Kasoo.

At the time of King Kutula, the colonial governor- a representative of the British Monarchy- was Governor Thorne Macay. The Governor worked closely with Bishop Menninger- a morally deranged priest who used the bible to confuse and subordinate the people of Kutula. As envoy of the imperial Christian God, he would more than use the church to learn the weakness of the people and report to the Governor who would see to it that the people remained backward and foolish on matters of freedom and individual rights.

The Bishop also observed the darkness in people’s hearts. In his interaction with the people of Kutula, the Bishop observed that Lacuna Kasoo was “an ingenious greedy rascal that’s devoid of human feelings.” (page15) In this respect, Lacuna was the perfect candidate to succeed his father King Kutula. The King, Kutula, would meet his untimely death at the hands of his son. Beside Lacuna Kasoo, King Kutula had adopted an intelligent girl Sangoi. The King brought Sangoi to the palace with the intention that the girl would obtain western education in the hopes that she will become one of the pillars of her society. But the bishop had other plans for her, he hoped that ‘the philosophical whelp will lose herself in Western Libraries, looking for devine answers that have eluded even the experts.’(pg15) He was wrong since Sangoi became the leader of the second liberation of her people.

With King Kutula gone and Lacuna Kasoo as president, neocolonial powers led by Daniel Goldstein and young Robert Rollerstone would descend on Kutula- the young state and command the new leader to do their bidding. The country descends into deplorable poverty with corruption and nepotism the order of the day. The new leader Lacuna Kasoo punishes dissidents and rewards loyalists like Councillor Malipoa and Chipande.

In order to keep the people in check, the leader ensures that the entire extended family of dissidents is punished and denied even gainful employment. A good example is what happens to Judah Zen Melo-Romanus Bengo’s brother. Romanus Bengo is a well-known activist in Kutula, his brother Judah Zen Melo, on the other hand, was a ‘Law-abiding’ civil servant who was ready to do anything for Lacuna Kasoo except getting rid of Romanus Bengo. When Judah refused, ‘to pluck this thorn out and pledge,’ (pg23) his loyalty a new to Lacuna Kasoo, he was beaten and thrown out into the cold.

Judah who was once a successful civil servant with large pieces of land becomes a pauper. His family is thrown in turmoil. In order to fend for his family, Judah travels allover Kutula leaving his family behind in the hands of his wife Tamina. Tamina has to feed and provide education for their daughter Lulu. Lulu harbours dreams of becoming a doctor like Reverend Sangoi’s husband. Nevertheless, the family’s economic position stands in her way. Talented and determined to succeed, Lulu falls into the shackles of Lacuna Kasoo as a sacrificial virgin during the commemoration of King Kutula’s death. Luckily for her, she dances with Robert instead of dancing and entertaining the leader Lacuna Kasoo.

In order to appease the gods, Lulu is detained in the palace awaiting for the new moon for the rituals to be performed again. However other events happen putting this event in jeopardy.

Judah and his family blame Bengo for their downfall except for their daughter Lulu who admires Bengo’s efforts to fight for the downtrodden. As things are in Kutula, it is better for one to lick the leaders shoe that live hand to mouth like the way Tamina lives. She is even unable to pay for her daughter’s school fees.

When Romanus is released from prison, he learns that his brother had cursed him and he was unwelcome in his brother’s house. His only choice is to join the revolution. Meanwhile, the people are tired with the level of poverty in Kutula and they are turning against the government. In addition, having squandered donor funds and stashed the rest of the loot in foreign banks, Lacuna is unable to service loans. As he tries to silence dissidents on one hand, he is also struggling to appease Robert Rollerstone and Daniel Goldstein- the international financiers. With no apparent exit, Lacuna corners the two financiers and detains them in his palace. Meanwhile, Romanus has gathered enough support from the people. The large numbers of protesters overpower Lacuna’s security and take over the palace. Lacuna and his close associates are detained, Robert and Daniel are given safe passage to the airport and Lacuna’s adopted sister Princess/Reverend Sangoi takes over leadership.

Characters

Thorne Macay: Governor of Kutula and representative of the King

Bishop Menninger: Servant to Thorne Macay

King Kutula XV: traditional ruler of Kutula

Princess Sangoi: King Kutula’s adopted daughter (later Reverend Sangoi)

Romanus Bengo: An Activist

Tamina Zen Melo Romanus’ sister-in-law

Lulu Zen Melo: Tamina’s daughter, a student

Judah Zen Melo: Tamina’s Husband and Brother to Bengo

Lacuna Kasoo: Present leader of Kutula Republic

Teacher: Miss Gerima, teacher/choreographer

Mama Melissa; Leader and Kasoo’s wife

Councillor Chipande: Kasoo’s political advisor

Councillor Malipoa: Kasoo’s traditional Advisor

Daniel Goldstein and Robert Rollerstone: international financiers

Elders (1,2,3) and The Woman: Opinion leaders of Bukelenge Valley

Attendant (I,II)- Palace staff

Woman leader I and II, Young Male leader, Elderly leader, young woman leader,

Palace staff

Prologue

The prologue is set in the colonial Governor Thorne Macay’s office. Lavishly furnished with animal skins, photos and a mural, the office espouses wealth and power of the governor. Nevertheless, the governor does not seem happy because of the ongoing unrest within the colony. The Bishop Menninger pays him a visit and offer advice on how to further contain the people of Kutula. Besides the Bishop, King Kutula-native leader- visits and arrogantly states his terms: that his people are tired of Thorne Macay’s Natives inhabiting their land.  The King believes that it’s time his people were given their freedom.
However, Macay and Menninger have other plans; to oust the king from office and bring in the greedy king’s son Lacuna Kasoo. Meanwhile, the bishop promises to take in the king’s adoptive daughter-Princess Sangoi as a student.

Observations from the prologue

The colonial government’s reluctance to concede defeat is seen as the governor and the bishop plan to remove King Kutula from office. It is observed that, the colonialists would prefer to work with self-centred Lacuna Kasoo than a King who cares for his people. The mural on the wall depicts the situation of the people on the ground while the office’s opulence, the lifestyles of those in power. Despite the suffering of the people of Kutula, the governor is more interested in what the land can produce than what he really offers.

Meanwhile, as seen in King Kutula, the people prefer education more than they do religion.

Questions from the prologue

Movement 1

The scene is in Tamina’s old grass thatched house. It should be noted that what we see here is abject poverty. From how the house is sparsely furnished, to the dressing of its inhabitant, and the wrinkles that make Tamina appear older than she is, we can tell that they live in deplorable conditions.

It is noteworthy that the actions here happen thirty years after independence. In the prologue, we are told of how the colonialists were planning to torment the people of Kutula. Nevertheless, from the scene we can see that their plans never materialized or did they?

In this act, Tamina, the host, receives unusual guests. First to arrive is his brother-in-law Romanus Bengo fresh from prison. From her mannerism and tone, Tamina does not welcome Bengo’s presence. She is ill at ease and blames Bengo for her current indignation. Before Bengo was arrested, Tamina and her husband Judah Zen Melo were prosperous civil servants with decent jobs and a government house. But when Bengo, their relative joined the opposition, and spoke against the government of Lacuna Kasoo, they were fired from their jobs. Apparently, the leader Kasoo had asked Judah to silence the rebellious brother Bengo but Judah refused to betray his own blood brother (pg23.)

Tamina longs to return to the past, days when they were living as sycophants. Life was beautiful and prosperous as opposed to how they are currently living. She can be looked at as selfish and self-centered because Bengo is fighting against the oppression in Kutula.

Her daughter, Lulu, is also against living in fear of the leader. Nevertheless, she wants to succeed in education and become a doctor. In order to do this she needs money. Therefore, she begs her mother to talk to those in power including Lacuna Kasoo. According to Lulu, Kasoo had extended an olive branch to the people and they were free to see him and talk to him about their problems. To the mother, this was only empty rhetoric. Lulu, however, promises to finish her school no matter the cost.

Lulu is as a rebellious spirit as her uncle Bengo. She is already aware of her rights and demands what is right. She is also against her mother’s religion of submission and a god who does not come down to help. She wants to go at it alone; something that earns her punitive retribution from her mother.

Tamina also receives another guest in the name of her husband Judah Zen Melo. It has been years ever since Judah left home to look for work to sustain his family. After the fall out, Judah cannot get any gainful employment in Kutula so he scrapes for any available opportunity to make ends meet. When he comes back, he is a drunk good-for-nothing man who has given up on life and afraid to stop moving. He has been working in the mines and seems to have been conditioned to work as hard and as long so as not to lose his job to younger energetic individuals.

When he comes home, he is ready to die.

Observations from the scene

Bad governance, rampant corruption and intimidation make those who are in power become wealthy and untouchable. However, the majority suffer from depravity and long for a day when they too will get to the limelight.

Tamina understands how bad Lacuna’s government is. However, instead of becoming part of the solution, she would rather be part of the problem. She would rather be part of Lacuna than join Romanus Bengo in the opposition.

Lulu, on the other hand sees the need for change. She hates her mother’s docile approach to life and wants action.

Themes from the scene

There seem to be despondency among the people of Kutula. The few who are rich pay meager salaries that cannot sustain the local people. Tamina is left alone by her husband to fend for her children. Life becomes very unbearable for Tamina especially sustaining the education of her daughter Lulu.

Apart from the scarcity of food, there is also scarcity of water. Lulu has to walk for long hours to fetch water for her family.  According to Tamina, all the water (pg19) had been directed to one large dam thus depriving the people their lifeblood.

The leader demands total loyalty from his subjects. When Romanus becomes an activist and condemns the current leadership, Lacuna feels threatened. In order to keep his position, he asks Judah Zen Melo to prove his loyalty. The simple task Judah is to carry is to eliminate his brother Romanus Bengo. Judah declines.

Judah is, therefore, fired from his employment and left for the dead. After his recovery, he tries to no avail to appease the leader. However, Judah’s efforts do not bear any fruits. Those who are loyal to the leader like Chipande continue to enjoy the fruits of independence.

This act plays out as a critic to Christianity. Lulu observes that many teachings in the church preach about hope especially to the poor and the needy. However, as much as they continue praying, nothing tangible comes off. She says that the Reverend taught them that with God everything is possible yet, He continues to let them suffer in despondency. As we can see, Lulu is ready to give up, take matters in her own hands and succeed by her own terms. (pg31)

Questions from the Scene

Movement 2

Scene One

The scene shifts to Kutula People’s Park where the commemoration of King Kutula is to take place. The current leader gives an inaudible speech to the audience while Lulu and her school musical team rehearse on the activities that will occur after the ceremony. Lulu has been chosen to be the star of the show (pg53-54.) Among the dignitaries attending this ceremony are Councillor Chipande, Goldstein and Rollerstone (check the list of characters.) After the events at the People’s Park, Lacuna invites the dignitaries and Lulu for a luncheon at the palace.

Observation from the Act

Lacuna Kasoo uses this event to look for a fresh girl for his entertainment in the guise of celebrating his father’s legacy. The leader tries as much to hide his true intentions in the fact that he is following tradition and the wish of the gods when his real motive is self-satisfaction.

Scene Two

Events in this scene occur inside Lacuna Kasoo’s palace. Councillor Chipande guides Goldstein and young Robert, into the palace. From their discussions, Robert and Goldstein are international financiers and investors. They have loaned Lacuna Kasoo a lot of money for development projects in Kutula. However, the money ended up in foreign accounts and feeding the insatiable greed of Lacuna and his henchmen like Chipande and Malipoa.

Robert is described by Goldstein as a young ambitious man who has come to do business in Kutula and ensure that Kasoo pays up Kutula’s outstanding loans. Lacuna does not seem to get along with young Robert. One of the reasons as to why the two do not get along is because Robert danced with the chosen one (Lulu) desecrating Kutula’s tradition. Lulu had been chosen as a young virgin who would entertain Lacuna Kasoo in the Political Perpetuation Chamber to appease the ancestors but instead she chose to dance with Robert.

Meanwhile, the two financiers are angry with the economic condition of Kutula. As things stand, it seems that Lacuna has squandered the country’s resources thus reducing productivity. This has led to the country not honouring its loan obligations.

In this regard, Goldstein proposes austerity measures including but not limited to reducing the workforce and doubling on production especially of the silver mines. However, the country does not have resources to meet these new demands yet the financiers are unwilling to extend more money towards the economic growth of the state.

Having been humiliated, Lacuna tries to detain the foreigners. Chipande advises him against such drastic decision given the field day foreign media will have. He relents and lets them go.

Scene three

Lacuna meets with elders to discuss the possibility of evacuation to create land for foreiegn investments as dictated by the donors. The elders oppose Lacuna’s move and refuse to convince the the people to move.

Among the elders in the palace is Sangoi who has now been promoted to position of a councillor. Lacuna blames her for turning the elders against his authority. But Sangoi reminds him that the people are entitled to their own decisions and that no one asked Lacuna to request foreign aid. She says that Kutula could have done well without the foreign aid.

Meanwhile, Lacuna calls Malipoa to report on the impending issue of appeasing the ancestors. According to Malipoa, the event is supposed to be performed again after four weeks during the new moon night. Meanwhile, Lulu is supposed to be detained in the royal palace awaiting the day. In this case her fate is sealed without question.

In the meantime, there is growing unrest in Kutula. Demonstrations against mass movement of people from Bukelenge valley are underway. Lacuna commands commander Meshak to suppress the uprising. Later the commander returns with news that the revolt has been dispersed.

Movement 3

Scene One

Events occur in Tamina’s house. She is alone awaiting her husband’s return but instead hosts the Reverend Sangoi. Sangoi has bad news. The much awaited for husband Judah Zen Melo is dead. He died while operating an old machine at full speed in the mines when the belt snapped and took him with them.

Tamina is lost for words and wants to walk to the mines but she is calmed by Sangoi and Bengo who comes to check on her sister after learning about Judah. Bengo reminds the Reverend that she needs to make up her mind because after the revolution to oust Lacuna out, they will need a level headed leader.

On the other hand, Reverend Sangoi cautions them against spilling any blood as they out to oust Lacuna. She promises to think about the leadership matter and get back to the rebels. Bengo leaves as Sangoi comforts the bereaved Tamina.

Scene two

In the palace, Lacuna is impatient of waiting for the day he will appease the dead by spending the night with Lulu. Malipoa cautions him to wait for one more week. In the meantime, Lulu has learnt of her father’s death is exasperated. But she cannot be let out of the clutches of Lacuna and his henchmen.

Lacuna is also visited by Robert and Goldstein. This, however, is not a social visit-it is business. Robert blames Lacuna for poor governance and corruption. He tells Lacuna that he is aware of the leader’s foreign accounts. In fact, using his miniature gadget, he transfers all of Lacuna’s loot to the company’s account in order to pay loans extended to Kutula. He says, the donors will use all means necessary to recover the 120 billion loan extended to Kutula. The first step will be freezing Lacuna and his henchmen’s account while the rest will be paid by the citizens. Lacuna is incensed. He commands them to leave. While they are leaving, he calls one of the guards and orders him to detain the foreigners.

With growing uncertainty about Lacuna’s future in Office, the leader issues martial law allover Kutula. In addition, he plans decides to marry Lulu and become a de facto leader of Kutula.

Movement 4

Scene one

In a simple room in house within the forest, Bengo and leaders of revolution are meeting to deliberate on the oncoming revolution. They are also waiting to hear from Reverend Sangoi. The whole operation depends on whether Sangoi will agree to be the people’s new leader or not. When she comes through, she accepts to lead the people and asks for a bloodless coup.

Sangoi is only ready to lead the people until such time that Kutula is ready for an election then she will retire to her church ministry and her family.

Scene two

In the palace Lacuna is planning to wed Lulu. He is confident that he will remain in power oblivious of what is happening outside the palace gates. Like a man trapped in a deep pit, Lacuna is caught unawares by the rebels led by Sangoi.

Lacuna together with his close associates is detained while Sangoi assumes power. The two foreigners, Robert and Goldstein are released and escorted to the airport. Sangoi warns them that Kutula will only do business with them according to the terms that they (the people of Kutula) have set.

Lulu reunites with her mother after a month of detention in the palace.

Henrik Ibsen was not your ordinary 19th-century playwright. He was a rebel in the field of theatre bringing in a new direction theatre would take hence making him one of the most recognisable Norwegian playwright. The themes discussed below deviate from major themes that have been explored by other writers. In this play, Henrik explores the conflict between humanity and society. The following are themes from the play.

Henrik Ibsen cleverly plays out contrasts in this play. What we see from the outset, is not exactly as it seems. From the beginning, the house of the Helmer’s seems progressive, happy and respectable. However, beneath the veneer of all the happiness, there are hidden secrets and sacrifices.

Nora can be seen as a naïve, playful woman with little care in the world. Her role throughout the play is that of a mother and chief decision-maker in the affairs of the house. Nevertheless, we come to see a mature Nora who sacrifices for her family and love. She confesses to Mrs Linde that she took a loan for the in order to save her husband who had been diagnosed by a fatal disease. It is a well-kept secret that even her husband does not know.  In order to pay up the loan, Nora has to plays spendthrift yet spends nothing on herself.

Besides the sacrifice, Nora grows into an independent woman. She realizes that her spineless husband is not worth her salt and walks away. Helmer is shocked at the turn of events. Nora, as a girl living under the shadow of her father and later as a woman under the shadow of her husband, had never known her true self and being independent. However, towards the end of the play, she is ready and willing to ditch all this security and take on the vicissitudes of the world. She is no longer naïve and weak as we saw her earlier in the play. She is a lioness.

Helmer, on the other hand, plays the role of a protective loving husband. However, when he reads Krogstads letter; he folds like a deflated ball and cringes at the fear of being shamed. Helmer’s turn-about shocks Nora. She had hoped that all she had sacrificed, Helmer would stand by her and protect her from Krogstad’s intimidation. Despite playing a loving, devoted and generous husband, Helmer was indeed a shallow empty man only concerned with his public reputation.

Another character, Krogstad comes of bitter, vengeful extortionist whose only interest is fighting for individual gain. However, when he is reunited with his love- Mrs Linde, he becomes a forgiving and generous man. He even forgives Nora’s transgressions to the relief of Helmer.

Finally, Mrs Linde we are introduced to is independent and self-sufficient until we learn of her misfortunes. In fact, she had come back to town solely with the purpose of looking for a job.

In Victorian society, a society within which the play is set, people believed in being respectable and honourable. Within this constructs, Torvald would do anything to safeguard his reputation including bending to the whims of Krogstad.

The biggest irony in A Doll’s House is that the play takes place in the living room of Torvald Helmer but, the men in the play are constantly haunted by their public image. In A Dolls House, ones standing in the society transcends family.

Having been promoted to a bank manager, Helmer plans to fire Krogstad because of his tainted reputation. Helmer is afraid that associating with such characters would ruin his reputation.

Krogstad, on the other hand, plans to redeem himself through the Helmers. On learning that he is to be dismissed, he digs up old dirt on Nora and plans to use it to his advantage. At first, he had planned just to extort from Nora using her forgery as a yardstick. Realizing that extortion won’t work, he pulls out the big gun. He plans to reveal Nora’s forgery to her husband and threaten to release it to the public unless the Helmer’s agree to his demands. This scares Nora. As things stand, Nora is more afraid of ruining her husband’s reputation than death. Like cancer, she is ready to cut ties with her husband for the sake of his reputation. On the other hand, when Helmer learns of Noras forgery, he is horrified and quickly switches to survival mode. He is ready to do anything to appease Krogstad than have his name disgraced.

As can be seen in the play, the members of A Doll’s house are keen on individual reputation and respect. Lack of these two virtues is considered as a contagious disease. Helmer believes that Krogstad’s children will be poisoned by their father’s crimes. In this respect, Helmer forbids Nora from raising their children after he learns about Noras transgressions in the letter.

Helmer also faces another agonizing situation. He knows his wife committed a crime. Given his good reputation and moral standing in society, he cannot live with such a disgraceful person in the house. But he cannot also separate with his wife since that would be more humiliating than the forgery. Therefore, the only way is to let Nora act as his official wife for the sake of their public image.

Women’s roles have always been in the shadows of men hence the saying, ‘behind every successful man, there is a woman.’ Going by this trend, women have always been overlooked in major decision making. To this day, America has had over 40 presidents but none is a woman.

Henrik Ibsen believed that women have the responsibility to develop their individuality; nevertheless, their role has always been self-sacrificial. In society, women have never been seen as equals in their contribution to family and society. This is the reason why Helmer finds it absurd that his wife can advise him not to fire Krogstad. He believes that it is embarrassing to kowtow before one’s wife. It will taint his image.

Women did not have the authority to conduct business or transact in their own money. When Helmer fall’s sick, Nora is devastated. On the one hand, her husband is afraid of debts and according to the doctor, really needs a holiday to get better. On the other hand, her father is very sick and on the verge of dying. Yet she needs to save her husband for the sake of her children. Having no other male relative, Nora forges her father’s signature and secures the loan necessary for her husband’s treatment.

Just like many other women, Nora had not had a decent education and did not really understand the implications of her forgery until when Krogstad pointed it to her. According to her, she thought she could get away with forgery.  She was wrong.

Nora envies Mrs Linde’s freedom. Such women had the opportunity to get jobs and their money did not go to their husbands. Nonetheless, opportunities open for women had limited freedom and the pay was extremely low. Women were offered jobs like clerical work, a domestic worker and teaching. Such jobs did not offer intelligent women opportunities to exploit their potential fully.

Women characters in the play are sacrificial lambs for their families. Mrs Linde was in love with Krogstad, but she chose to marry a rich guy in order to provide for her mother and her two brothers. Nora’s forgery was to protect her ailing father and at the same time secure her husband’s health. Nora’s Nurse has to leave her own children in order to look for a low-paying job for their own sake. Interestingly, the nurse considers herself lucky for getting a job yet she got her child out of wedlock. In this society, women were indicted for getting children out of wedlock as if they were Virgin Mary!

The play does not as much offer solutions to women’s trepidation; however, Nora’s realization that she is not part of her society is a glimmer of hope to women outside there. Nora realises that marriage is a trap and the only way she can regain her own identity is to let go of her children and begin the journey of self-realization. As an independent woman maybe she could equal and maybe rival men in their thinking and setting up standards that run the society.

Marriage is one of the most celebrated unions in the world. Similarly, it enjoys such high moral ground in religious and many cultural circles. In A Doll’s House, Henrik Ibsen explores this vital part of the society in the life and times of Nora, her husband Torvald Helmer and other characters.

From the onset, marriage seems a happy association since Nora is jubilant and bubbly as a wife. Although money could be one of the factors that threaten this marriage, Nora is capable of handling it. Torvald is very particular about the family’s expenditure and warns Nora to be careful. Being naïve and playing innocence helps Norah to get away with her husband’s restraint.

In their association, Helmer holds the high moral ground, chief financier and key decision-maker. He feels it a weakness to take advice from a woman. This makes him stand ground on his decision to fire Krogstad.

Mrs Linde’s marriage, on the other hand, was a marriage of convenience. She was in love with Krogstad, but she decided to marry a man of means because she needed to help her mother and two brothers financially. According to her, the chances of Krogstad making it in life were hopeless at the time. Anyway, when the man she married dies, she is free to reunite with her former love.

Marriage is a union of two like-minded individuals. As seen in the play, Krogstad settles down when he meets Mrs Linde. In the beginning, Krogstad was a bitter vengeful person, but when he meets Mrs Linde, he is ready to forgive anything. In fact, he is ready to ask Helmer for his letter back but Mrs Linde dissuades him from doing so.

According to Mrs Linde, a good union should be built on mutual trust with no secrets. The fact that Nora has kept such a secret from her husband shows that their marriage is built on falsehood. If Nora’s marriage is to work, she should reveal her true self to her husband.

This does not actually work for Nora. Indeed, Nora’s union was a meeting of unlike-minded individuals. Whereas Nora was a free-spirited risk-taker, Helmer was rigid and callous with an outward look at the society. Although at the beginning their marriage worked, it was just a time bomb waiting to explode.

Henrik brings an interesting conversation around marriage in this play. Firstly, there is the question of why we get married as seen in Mrs Linde’s marriages. And then there is the question of compatibility; not only physical but mental and in a way spiritual. Matrimony is a meeting of like minds for it to work and that is why Helmer’s family breaks apart.

Money can be many things. It is one of the reasons as to why this most loved commodity has become a human beings obsession. Henrik Ibsen, in A Dolls House, looks at how money has enslaved human being and in some occasions made them behave insane or docile depending on an individuals disposition.

In A Dolls House, Nora seems to be in need of an endless supply of money to make the cogs of her house go by. Being a Christmas season, Nora wants the festivities to be flawless and that is why she goes overboard with her shopping. Helmer asks her whether she has been overspending and her answer is, this was their first Christmas that they needed not to worry about money after Helmers big promotion (pg2). In this respect, Helmer is sceptical about Noras grasp on basic financing. According to Helmer, they should have waited until the new appointment had come into effect before overspending. However, Nora is of the opinion that it should be sooner rather than later.

When we observe Helmers mannerisms and conduct, he is more conservative with the use of money. With him, one is supposed to live within ones means. He does not share Noras view that even if they ran out of cash they could borrow. Nora is the direct contrast of Helmer. She is unafraid of being in debt and when Helmer cautions her about it asking what she would do in case he died immediately after he had borrowed, she says she neednt worry about the debt anymore since the debtor had already died.

Noras carefree spirit sees her secure a huge loan from Krogstad behind her husbands back. It was not for the want of a good life but for the life of her husband. Helmer had been seriously ill and the doctor had recommended they head South where the weather was tolerable. Knowing Helmers fear of loans, Nora took it upon herself to rescue her husband by securing a loan.

The payment of loan proves to be a difficult task for Nora. Since she keeps it as a secret from her husband, Nora has to salvage the little from housekeeping and what Helmer gives her for wardrobe to pay it. Although everything is fine, changes in the bank threaten her secret.

When Helmer is promoted as a bank manager, he threatens to fire Krogstad a man to whom Nora owes a great deal. Krogstad on learning of his imminent dismissal threatens to tell on Nora if she doesnt stop her husband from firing him. Nora would have been okay with the secret being let out but for the little misdemeanour- she had committed forgery in order to secure the loan.

Apparently, Nora and Krogstad were to peas in the pod; they both had committed forgery. Krogstad had been disgraced in the society and the dismissal was a final blow to his career and standing in society. Nora, on the other hand, had been living on borrowed time.

Nora understands her husband well. He cannot be swayed by his wifes petitions and truly Helmer refuses flatfooted to reconsider Krogstads situation. Armed with a letter, however, Krogstad is determined to destroy the Helmers.

When Helmer learns of Noras treachery, he is ready to submit to Krogstads demands. He issues edicts to which Nora has to abide. However, Krogstad under the persuasion of Mrs Linde decides not to punish the Helmers. Just as the bad news had thrown him into tantrums, the news of Krogstads forgiveness drives Helmer into a frenzied celebration. Upon which Nora makes a decision to stand for herself if her husband doesnt.

It is money that drives the health and wealth of the society and it is also the same money that tears apart a tight-knit relationship between Helmer and his wife. Without money, one cannot sustain themselves as seen in Mrs Lindes situation. She had married to safeguard her family from poverty but the death of her rich husband had left her a pauper.

Ibsen seems to compel society to revolve around the need for money. Whereas some are fearless and risk a lot to obtain it, others like Helmer are too careful that they are ready to die with a good name than risk the ridicule of society.

Morality can be many things. However, it basically guides what is regarded as right or wrong. Right or wrong is subjective to the individual, communal or societal beliefs at a particular time, within particular constructs. For instance, gayism/homosexuality was considered a moral wrong within so many societies and nowadays, it is slowly becoming a recognized social norm. Similarly, some communities in Africa and Asia practised and some still practise Female Genital Mutilation. Girls who did not undergo such rites were chastised and to some extent could not get a husband. However, such considerations are slowly losing ground as new philosophies around morality are formulated.

The community within A Doll’s House has its own moral rules which are to be followed by every individual. It is within this moral confine that Nora is caught. The society is such rigid that it considers Nora’s sole act of heroism as untoward. Nora’s act of forgery was mainly because she had nowhere to turn at the time her husband needed her. Her father having passed on, she had no male relative to sign an affidavit that will help her secure a loan.

Nora wonders why society would judge and ostracize someone for taking a desperate measure on behalf of their loved ones. As part of her self-discovery, Nora hopes to prove whether she or it is the society was wrong. She is embittered by the way the society treats those who do not follow rules. The truth about the matter dawns on her when Torvald, the representative of ‘the moral code’ states clearly the facts of the matter and how Nora is to conduct herself henceforth.

Another victim of morality is Krogstad. Although he was a fine lawyer and exceptional employee, his misdeeds make him a social pariah. Moral disciples like Torvald cut links with him. In fact, on being promoted Torvald dismisses Krogstad hence stirring the events that compel Nora to leave her husband. Krogstad opens Nora’s eyes to exactly what should happen to her and family if in case whatever she had done is exposed to the limelight.

Other characters who come in the play at the same time are Mrs Linde and Dr Rank. Mrs Linde had broken her relationship with Krogstad so that she could marry for money and security. On the other hand, Dr Rank is hopelessly in love with Nora. As can be observed, Ibsen was satirizing the society within which the play is set. Despite the clear cut image of what is considered right, most of its followers were imperfect except for Helmer.

A Doll’s House looks at various aspects of inheritance. Most often, inheritance is looked under the concept of coming into material wealth left behind by a dead relative. Banking on material inheritance, Nora lies to Torvald that the money she had used for their trip down south was part of her inheritance from her dead father.

By the end of the 19^th century, there was a growing interest in genetic science. However, society’s understanding of this science was not as conclusive as it is today. Therefore, there were a lot of misconceptions on what could be passed on from one generation to another.

Among the misconceived notions was that moral decadence could be inherited. Dr Rank suffers from a strange illness which he believes he inherited from his father who led a promiscuous life. When Nora learns about her own immoral conduct, she begins to distance herself from her children. She believes that she will poison her children with whatever disease she currently has. To reinforce her predicament, Torvald sets the terms of their new arrangements and forbids Nora (pg105) from bringing up the children. In fact, Torvald believes that Krogstad will poison his own children with his own moral crimes.

Characters are created by the author to disseminate information and at the same time entertain the audience. In order to create a compelling narrative, authors always create likeable characters (protagonists) and unlikable characters (antagonists.) In order for these characters to reveal themselves to readers, they ought to have certain attributes that either earn sympathy or empathy from the readers. When a reader relates to the tribulations of the character, the reader, therefore, forms a kind of connection to the story and enjoys its plot. Sometimes, readers hate certain character and form negative opinions about them. Such characters become antagonists and anything they do is despised. Protagonists and antagonists form the anticipation in the story which is also known as suspense.

In Blossoms, the protagonists are Resian, Taiyo, and Minik ene Nkoitoi. These characters attempt to fight the forces of negative traditions that are pulling Nasila down. In their quest, they meet people who are ready to help them achieve their goals. These characters are called supporting character. Such characters are Joseph Parmuat, Yeiyo Kiti, Nabaru the enkabaani among others.

On the other hand, the antagonists in the book are led by Parsimei Ole Kaelo, Oloisudori and Olarinkoi. These characters receive support from characters like Yeiyo bottorr, Mama Milanoi, Enkoboini and the Enkamuratani. These characters pose a real danger in the quest for the protagonists to achieve their goals. Other characters like the kind elderly woman who offered Resian a blanket on her maiden voyage to Inkiito, the driver and the rescuers, Oloisuduri’s gang, the women who lured Taiyo to the enkamuratani, workers at Ntaara Naaju ranch work at linking specific gaps in the development of the plot.

RESIAN ENE KAELO

Resian is the second daughter of Parsimei Ole Kaelo and Mama Milanoi. She is the sister to Taiyo. Resian contributes greatly to the development of the story. From the onset of the play, Resian is adamant that she wants to join the university. Her dream is however delayed by the fact that her confidant sister is reluctant to talk to their father about further education of the both of them.

Though Resian can be looked at as a weakling, she displays great courage as she handles various projectiles thrown her way. She was taught from her childhood to be sensitive because of her father lack of love for her. It turns out that this worked out the be sceptical about her father’s inclinations and sudden change of heart.

Although Taiyo’s happiness over Parmuat’s love for her clouds her judgment of the things around them. Resian is keen-eyed and very suspicious. She feels that something is wrong and that is why she takes great care to lock the doors before she sleeps.

As a woman, she is viewed as irrelevant and that is why she points out the equality for all. Firstly, she refuses Yeiyo botorr’s declaration that they had been raised well like women. Secondly, she points out to her father that she will not marry Oloisudori. And finally, she fights intensely to maintain her dignity when Olarinkoi attempts to rape her.

Because of her courage and focus, Resian astounds Nabaru who devotes her life in making sure that she achieves her life goals. Granting that Nabaru had been hired specifically to handle Resian’s healing after circumcision, her change of heart speaks a lot about the passion and focus Resian exuded in those days she was unconscious. It would have been easier for her to die and forget all about the painful world around her but she chose to withstand the pain and live another day. Such is the commitment that converts Nabaru into Resian’s follower.

Were it not for Resian’s wild beauty, Oloisudori would not have followed her to the ends of the world as he did. Resian represented an enchanting beauty that made Oloisudori go to extra length to decorate a house for her. Knowing her rebelliousness, Oloisudori had hired professionals to kidnap her. Even though he knew he was losing, he risks his life to fetch her in Ntaare Naaju Ranch. According to Oloisudori, all his wives had struggled to please him, but Resian…

Resian’s outstanding and remarkable performance is due to the following character traits.

At the beginning of the book, Resian comes off as a timid weakling who heavily relies on her sister for support. Throughout the book, she uses her sister as a crutch for social functions. She could only interact with other people through her very social sister. But when her world is invaded, Resian proves to be brave. She walks out from Oloisudori, shouts at her father and bites Olarinkoi just to survive.

Due to lack of fatherly affection, Resian seems sullen, someone lost into her only world. Her withdrawal from those around her made it impossible to be lovable hence she always received angry outbursts from her father. This made her grow with little confidence especially before her father. We see her break utensils or knock at objects whenever her father is around. However, these qualities do not render Resian into a resigned positioned in fact they empower her into a diligent, self-assured woman who is ready to fight for the rights of the weak.

Despite her lack of love from father and aloof mother, Resian’s vulnerability earns her love from her sister, Nabaru and Minik. Minik observes that although she is needy, there is a wild woman hidden within her. In order for Resian to win her battles, she heavily becomes dependent on those around her. She needs Taiyo to talk to their father about their joining university, she relies on Nabaru to find her transportation to Ntaare Naaju and she works hard to get help from Minik to join the university.

Resian is a radical, she believes in the dynamism of culture and why it should change to suit the changing society. She refuses to agree with the traditional role of women- the one she perceives as enslavement as men like Olarinkoi lie around waiting to be served like kings. Her opinions make her be considered as one possessed with olkuenyi (kisirani)

Taiyo blames Resian for getting lost into her books while she works at arranging their bedroom when they move to Nasila. Resian seems at home with just lying around while her sister works. Apart from laziness, Resian is stubborn. She refuses to serve her father’s guests alone unless Taiyo is there with her. She also insists on pursuing further education until when her dream comes true.

TAIYO ENE KAELO

She is Resian’s sister and the firstborn of Ole Kaelo. Throughout her childhood, Taiyo was an apple of her father’s eye. She was free with her father and she learnt to trust him as a confidant. However, just before they left Nakuru, she saw the other side of her father. for the first time in her life, he had said a defiant no to a request she had made. Taiyo had wanted to attend a musical extravaganza in Mombasa.

From that day, Taiyo became afraid of her father. In fact, she becomes reluctant to ask for further favours. Although Resian breathes on her shoulder seek their father’s blessings to join campus, Taiyo does not have the guts to face her father. It is like her childhood innocence was broken the day her father rebuffed her.

As observed earlier, Taiyo is a significant pillar in the book. She is the link between her sister and her parents, especially their father. Taiyo also helps her sister grow socially. Taiyo is a happy naïve soul who bends to the whims of the society. Although she has certain principals, she does not question authority.

It is her naivety that makes it easy for her mother to lure her into circumcision. She truly and dearly believed that her folks meant well for them and that is why she did not see it coming. Nevertheless, her circumcision presents a different perspective in the fight against FGM. She is advised not to become a victim but look at ways of preventing such an ordeal from happening to others. Apart from Minik and Nabaru, who had also undergone the rite, she would represent the younger women who were circumcised and were now steadfastly fighting against the right.

She also presents the class of young people whose dreams were shuttered just because they had chosen ‘unconventional’ careers. Taiyo loved performance arts-singing and dancing- professions associated with women and men who are considered to be morally corrupt. Her father did not want his child to ‘get lost’ and that is why he vehemently condemned her.

Taiyo’s role is manifested through the following character traits:

Taiyo has been raised up with love and direct confidence in her dad. In this regard, she grows up as a naïve innocent girl who easily believes in the goodness of the people around her. She was not suspicious at all when her mother asked her to go with some women who would take her to her sister Resian. She also believed strongly that her dad would never say no to her.

Taiyo takes care of her sister Resian. This makes Resian very dependent on her elder sister. It is through Taiyo that Resian can get through their and Taiyo proves an invaluable confidant. Taiyo also makes friends easily. Her social skills earns her a boyfriend in Nakuru and also in Nasila

Through her musical skills, Taiyo seems to enjoy making people happy and having a good. This is one of the reasons she asks for permission to attend the music extravaganza in Mombasa.

Her musical skills earn her a spot in the Mombasa musical extravaganza. When training with Parmuat she shows remarkable energy and some selfish predisposition since she wants Parmuat for herself.

She obeys her elders without questions and believes in the opinions of the adults around her even when she does not agree with. That is why she did not object to yeiyo botorr’s description of the role of women in society.

PARSIMEI OLE KAELO

He is the brother to Simiren and the husband to Mama Milanoi. Parsimei has two daughter; Taiyo and Resian. Formerly an employee of Agribix Limited in Nakuru, Parsimei finds himself thrown into the street by early retirement otherwise known as retrenchment. An ambitious fellow, Parsimei is introduced to one Oloisudori Lonkiyaa, a lewd rich fellow with connections in every government agency.

Parsimei receives huge loan from Oloisudori which he uses to build a home and an agribusiness in his hometown of Nasila. Having made a groundbreaking entry in Nasila- a town he had left in 20 years, Kaelo learns of Oloisudori’s shrewd behavior. However, it is too late to back down since he already owes Oloisudori a lot.

Kaelo’s relationship with Oloisudori develops the story into a fast paced suspense driven tale. Shortly after oloisudori is introduced, he demands pay in the form of a wife. His sights are set on Resian- the youngest daughter of Kaelo.

In this tale, Kaelo becomes the proverbial hyena who wants to get two impossible things. He wants to secure his business contracts and standing in society and at the same time, protect his daughters. Having been driven into dilemma, Kaelo chooses to sacrifice his daughter.

In so doing Kaelo spoils the reputation of monogamy since his house becomes the haunted house and Simiren- a polygamist makes a happy home filled with love, laughter and order. Kaelo’s daughters find it easier to live and interact with the Simiren’s than their own parents.

As the plot thickens, it is evident that Kaelo is truly blinded by Oloisudori’s wealth. Although he knows and understands the man’s reputation, he believes that such a gangsta would make for a good son-in-law and a better husband for his hot-headed daughter Resian.

Equally troubling it is Kaelo’s decision to let go of his other daughter Taiyo when Resian skips town.

The following are Kaelo’s Character traits:

Ambitious/self-driven/hardworking/focused/Intelligent/opportunist

Kaelo works hard to make into the job market. In Nakuru he diligently serves Agribix and his hardwork pays off. By the time of his retirement, he had worked his way to the position of the manager. After retrenchment, Kaelo shows his ambition for success by setting sights to opening an agribusiness in his home town. Such an investment is at home with his qualification and with the right person he could make a lot of money and that is why he chooses Oloisudori as a business partner. Kaelo’s focus to succeed makes him sacrifice his daughters while hiding in the tradition of his people.

Selfish/egotistical/ short-tempered/temperamental/irrational

Kaelo thinks of himself and not others. He puts the life of his daughters Resain and Taiyo at great risk for selfish gains. Although he knows how dangerous Oluisudori is, he tries as much to rationalize why he was making the best decision for his daughters. According to him, the other wives of Oluisudori were daughters of men like him.

When confronted by his brother (on behalf of the elders) on why he had only one wife, he calls the elders ‘megalomaniacs who were still trapped in the archaic traditions.” This reveals Kaelo’s short temper which extends to when he indignantly denied Taiyo s permission to attend a musical extravaganza in Mombasa. Also, his scathing remarks would make Resian uncomfortable and uneasy when around her father. Furthermore, he hits Resian when she confronts him in his office.

Domineering/Chauvnist

Kaelo wants to be seen as a man with power especially in his house. It is one of the reasons as to why he asserts power by harassing his family. Although mama Milanoi considers him as a good man, “over the years he had scolded and bullied her like a half-witted child.” (pg29)

When Kaelo speaks, he expects to be heard and not countered especially by a woman. It is no wonder mama Milanoi is afraid of him. When he tells her to prepare the girls for the now inevitable circumcision, although she is opposed to it she does not speak her mind. (pg61)

EDWARD OLOISUDORI LOONKIYA

Oloisudori is a self made millionaire who comes to the rescue of Ole Kaelo when the latter is dismissed from his place of employment. Being a man of influence, Oloisudori promises Ole Kaelo instant wealth and fame. True to his word, Oloisudori awards Kaelo enough money to build a nice house and a shop in Nasila. Furthermore, Oloisudori promises Kaelo lucrative government tenders from different government institutions in Nasila. This way Kaelo has a headstart in his business overtures in his hometown. Such deals will bring him money that will earn Kaelo respect in the society.

Kaelo never believed that Oloisudori was baiting him. He thought the great Lonkiya meant well for his clansman. Although he had been warned by his friend and mentor Ole Supeyo, Kaelo thought that such men were jealous of his achievements. However, it did not take long before Oloisudori came for his pound of flesh.

Having put Kaelo in his debt, Oloisudori asks for the permission to be let to marry Kaelos youngest daughter Resian. Both Kaelo and his wife Mama Milanoi had never anticipated for this. Even Oloisudori had not planned to ask for a wife. He had only come to extort from Kaelo like he did with those who were indebted to him when he met Resian.

Although Kaelo could have openly refused Oloisudoris offer, he is afraid of what the man could do to him. He therefore accepts the mans offer.
By accepting to let his daughter get married to Oloisudori. Kaelo sets in motion the conflict within the book. Oloisudori like Ole Musanka wants the girl circumcised before her betrothal. However, after frantic negotiations, it is agreed that the cut would be done in her matrimonial home.

As the book progresses there is building tension in Kaelos house as the man tries to find the best way to break the news to his daughter Resian. On the other hand, the girls suspect that something austere is taking place especially when Oloisudori comes to pay the bride price and gives them lavish gifts.

The girls therefore plan to retaliate behind their parents backs. Their plan goes flawlessly well but when Resian learns that her father had already taken bride price from Oloisudori, she is beside herself with anger.

As fate could have it, she successfully escapes Oloisudori. However, she leaves her sister behind. Taiyo too suffers immeasurably in the hands of her parents and Oloisudori. She is lured by her mother into forced initiation. After her circumcision, she is rescued by Minik ene Nkoitois men. The two sisters meet at Miniks ranch where they have to confront Oloisudori for one last time before joining university.

Indeed Oloisudori plays out a pivotal role in driving the plot of the book. In doing so, he reveals the following traits:

Figurative language uses figures of speech such as similes and metaphor to evoke emotions in the reader and write a more impactful and appealing work of art. H.R Kulet employs these styles heavily, firstly to create likeable protagonists e.g. Resian, Taiyo and Minik and unlikable antagonists e.g. Oloisudori, Olarinkoi and Ole Kaelo. Building such characters make us appreciate their endeavours to fight against negative aspects of Nasilian Culture and want them to succeed. In so doing we now start realizing how cruel FGM and other cultures are and therefore support the existence of Intoiye Nemengalana. In a nutshell, the styles motivate us to join in the fight against gender parity in our society. The following are figurative styles used in Blossoms of the Savannah

Imagery involves the use of language to create mental images. Most often, imagery makes use of carefully chosen words to create images of ideas in our minds. In Blossoms of the savannah, H.R Kulet uses imagery in the following instances.

(pg1) “Across the roads that crisscrossed the town, diminutive figures of men and women hurried briskly to their places of work. Uniformed school children, rucksacks on their backs, jostled boisterously…”

(pg3) “… the lanky dark-haired, blunt-faced young man whose big languid eyes…”

(pg59) “He lazily turned in his bed, opened his eyes and yawned: a mighty master’s yawn.”

(Pg96) “…his huge, slanting eyes probing her, stripping her naked, assessing her, shaming her and judging her.”

(pg123) “She gyrated her hips seductively. And as she did so, mischief was written all over her pretty face, eyes downcast in modesty that was so false as to be a challenge to him.”

(pg141) “He brought his right fist in a powerful blow, lifting himself to his toes and putting the strength from his legs,…”

(pg176-177) “ They were driven slowly to the front of the house, with their amber parking lights flickering in unison. … the blue pin-stripped designer business suit; the golden watch that dangled from his hand…”

(pg255) “She was exceptionally tall woman with slight built. Her shoulders and back were straight……..”

The above are examples of how Kulet has used imagery to build a compelling story. The vivid imagery builds the tension in the story and also help us discern the events and the characters as the story unfold before us as if we are watching it on a TV or a stage like a performance.

A simile is an example of comparison imagery. It is easily identified because of the words like or as. Many authors and orators enjoy using similes because of their ease with which they can explain a complex situation. For instance, it is difficult to explain the beauty of someone unless you compare that beauty to a well-known beautiful thing like the Mona Lisa or the setting sun. In Blossoms of the Savannah, H. R Kulet uses the following similes to help us grasp some of the difficult scenarios.

“Like cattle that required to be dehorned….” Pg 26 “reputation that would rival that of a randy he goat.” Pg27 “… was still hanging in the air like the sword of democles.”

“…like a halfwitted child…” pg30 “And like a magician, Ole kaelo stood…”

“… like the two chambers of his heart….” Pg43 “… like ducks upon water.”  Pg45 “… like a piece of ironsheet…” pg50 “… like the sound of waves…” pg51 “… like a physically oppressive force.”

“… like the legendary dilemma…” (pg 64) “… like an overfed lizard…”

(pg75)“… like a leopard would while stealthly…”

“… like ilmintilis being roasted in fire.”; (pg108) “… like toying with live electrified wire.” (Pg109) “… like a stinking rotten carcass.” (Pg113) “… like a woman in labour.” (pg115) “like a bushfire during a drought” Pg116 “as fast as their legs could carry them.” “like the waters of Nasila and all the rivers of Maa.” Pg119 “like an animal that was unable to free itself from a snare.” Pg121 “like ominous black clouds.”

(pg138) “…. Like the proverbial ostrich…” (Pg141) “….like a ghost.”

(pg145)“… like the proverbial greedy hyena…” (pg146) “… like a dark cloud…”

: (pg156) “ …. Mad like a buffalo that had been infected…” (pg156) “… groaned loudly like one in pain…” (pg157) “… like the oluorrur tree under a turbulent gale.” (pg163-4) “Like chicks that tucked their heads….”

(pg171) “…. Like a monster….”

(pg185 ) Resian’s beauty is compared to that of a legendary beautiful Maa woman, (pg 186) “She was also like the famous English lady….” (191) “.. like morning fog.”  (pg192) “… like an antelope…” “…like a spider did with a fly…” (pg194) “like water that churned…”  (pg208)” … like one hit by a bolt of lightning.”  (pg209) “… like one possessed with demented spirits.” (pg210) “… cracked like a whip.”

(pg215) like a sow that had been rolling….” (pg219) “And like a matchstick that kindled….” (pg221) “…flesh like a ferocious animal..” “…fiercely like a lioness.” (pg222) “…like a remote recollection of a distant past…”   (pg223) “ like the image of a charging elephant.” (pg228) “… growled like an irate bull…” (pg230) “…like a proverbial pig…”

 (pg236) “…stack ivory….like firewood.” “…Rhino horns… thrown into a heap like tree stumps….” (pg243)“… like a physical force….” (pg245) “… like a ferocious leopard…” “…like a snake…” (pg246) “…scooped her like a little baby…” (pg249) “…like embarie the coward fox…” (pg252) “… as if from a geyser.”

(pg259) “… aura like that of her principal in…”

(pg268) “… homestead like a hawk.” (pg271) “..like men fleeing from a burning village…”

Metaphors are harder to identify than similes. Like similes they compare a characters attribute with an existing concrete thing. The resemblance however is taken over by the concrete idea for instance a harsh father may be called a lion. This style in fiction help reveal the character traits of characters and at the same time add colour to the work of art. Examples in Blossoms of the Savannah are:

“Melting pot that Nakuru had become.” Pg8

pg26 “… a hyena in your homestead.” … it was a tsunami that did not discriminate.” (Pg117) “Nasila had been there as far back as the people could remember……” The paragraph uses the river as a metaphor of the Maa culture which now had been polluted by new cultures, some good and others bad.

(pg118) Resian …… was a hard nut to crack.” In reference to Resian incorrigible stand. (pg119) “…the way a bull would do to expel…” to show the helpless anger in Kaelo : (pg144) “… teeming with wolves, hyenas and crazy vagabonds.” (pg170) “… the way a tortoise withdraws into his shell.”

(pg174) “… a newborn mongrel….” (pg176) Resian compared her father to a major Domo(pg188) “ He reclined on his so far and let…” (pg219) “Was Olarinkoi a beast…” (pg227) “… resembled that of the legendary enenaunerr…” (pg267) Minik was called a wasp by the people of Nasila.

(pg 269) “ bitter bile sizzled inside her and he acid burned her heart-searing it the way fire would sear dry bushes.”  -to show how painful the situation had made Minik.  (pg271) “…shot past the range of their missiles.”

In personification, inanimate objects and abstract forms take up life and become realistic making sense to the mind and sometimes evoking laughter and a sense of realism.

… mind roaming the distant past…

(pg63) FGM is said to be “rearing its ugly head.” To show its monstrosity.

(pg129) “The only thing that stood between them was archaic Nasila culture. Culture is an abstract idea, not a physical thing. Also (pg 134)

(pg243) the moon is said to be sad.

This is exaggeration imagery. When we use hyperbole, we want to emphasise a certain quality or aspect of storytelling.

(pg203) “happiest lady in the whole of East Africa.”

(pg231) “… sucked your veins dry…”

(pg247) “…. A trail of fire down her stomach..”

(pg258) “…. Seas of tawny woolly animals flowing…”

Idioms are figurative expressions whose meaning is not exactly brought out by the word phrases. For example when we say ‘break a leg’ we don’t literally mean one should break their own leg but good luck, enjoy or have fun. Here are further examples from Blossoms of the Savannah. Try to see whether you can get the meaning.

(Pg1110) “…chicken had come home to roost.” “… demanding his pound of flesh.”  (pg111) “…pulling my leg” “…apple of his eye.” (pg112) “… sacrificial lamb.” (pg116) “…hell broke loose.” (pg128)“… the dustbin of history…” (pg135) “….seventh heaven…”

“… buried his head in the sand…”

(pg147) “… nipped in the bud….” (pg158) “…the die was cast.” (pg159) “whipping boys.” (pg166)“….hit the roof with indignation.”(pg167) “… stem the tide…” (pg168) “… lull before a turbulent storm.”

(pg187) “… added feather to his cap.” (pg195) “… draw the rug from beneath his feet,” (pg200) “.. to develop cold feet..”

 (pg219) “from frying pan to the fire”, “a flicker of hope…”

(pg228) “…with a silver spoon.”  “….some bitter bile rose…

(pg233) “….dipping his dirty finger into the porridge..” “…music to Resian’s ears!”

(pg250) “…hit a wall.”

This is sound imagery. Onomatopoeic words imitate the sound made by objects or things. Here are some examples.

(pg15) “Chicken clucked and scratched in the cool shade underneath.” Portrays the busy early mornings where everyone was engaged with the music of different chores performed.

(pg243) howls of hyena, groaning of wild dogs, chirrup of crickets and cicadas.

Allusion is the borrowing of content from other authors/writers of creators. It is like a metaphor but instead of calling an abstract idea, a physical thing; allusion tends to compare a situation with another well-known masterpiece be it a poem, or a section from another creation.

In Blossoms of the Savannah, there are well-known examples of allusion. H.R Kulet tends to use this allusion in order to bring hope to the characters or help relieve tension among other uses.

There are various kinds of allusion used in the text. The following are examples:

(pg230)Jobs story

(pg242) Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane.

(pg357 )1^st Cor 12:13 ‘Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, The we shall see face to face! Now I know in part, then I shall know fully.

-(pg186) the story of Lord Egerton lover.

(pg194) mention of Goldenberg and AngloLeasing-major corruption scandals in Kenya.

-(pg231) Famous quote: “ What pained one most was not the injustices carried out against one by one’s adversaries, but the silence of those who called themselves his or her friends at the time the injustice was being carried out.”

-pg251) “…find her nirvana..” (pg257)

Songs are a common feature in African storytelling. In as much as they build on the plot development, songs also contribute towards authenticating the story and telling us more about the story’s origin. Furthermore, songs reveal a lot about the character or characters while adding flavour to storytelling.

In the novel, Kulet has used a number of songs. Some are new creations while others have been handed down from generation to generation in the Maa Community. The songs in Blossoms of the Savannah, besides the functions we have said above, also invoke strong emotions while preaching optimism, especially to the intoiye nemangalana. A song like the one Taiyo composes, falls in the category of heroic songs that praise the bravery of certain members of the society like Minik ene Nkoitoi the emakererei. The song ‘Blossoms of the Savannah’ also pans out as a modern initiation song that encourages initiation into intoiye Nemangalana while demystifying the myth that true women were the ones who had been circumcised.

These are songs used in the book:

Oral Narrative

Just like any exceptional works of literature, H.R Kulet employed various literary styles including African oral narration. ‘Blossoms of the Savannah’ is equipped with several of these works.

To begin with, the writer extensively uses oral narratives to explore the traditional origin of the Maa people and their cultural rights. Parmuat uses an aetiological narrative to explain the origin of Female Circumcision. The story is also mixed in with the legend of Olarinkoi. Also, Oloisudori uses the legend of Lord Ngata and the Lord’s misery in trying to please the girl of his dreams to right the history. Oloisudori believes that Lord Ngata did little for his princess and that he (Oloisudori) would make sure that the girl of his dreams (Resian) falls in love with his affluence. Furthermore, Oloisudori compares the beauty of Resian to the beauty of a legendary Maasai beauty from Mosiro.

1.Tradition

Tradition is people’s beliefs and practices which in this case has been passed on from one generation to another. In the book, the author explores the tradition of the Maa people. Using the Nasilian community, the book looks at the socio-economic and political set-up of the Maasai people.

The Maa people, in this case, the people of Nasila, have several traditional practices. To begin with, they threaded female genital mutilation is the heart of the story. When Kaelo’s family relocates to the village, Mama Milanoi fears for her daughters (pg8). As it seems urbanisation had shielded them from the fearful mutilation. Another practice is polygamy. Kaelo seem contended with his lean family and wife but his brother Simiren bathes in the glory of four wives and more than sixteen children (pg16). Curiously enough the author does not give the definite number of Simiren’s children. I should point out that, in many African traditions, children are not counted. In most cases, an average number is given. Or maybe it is just the author’s way of writing.

Besides the two, the Nasila people practiced communalism.  The beauty of communalism or what I may call community socialism is that it promoted selflessness (pg149). The key lessons Kaelo’s daughter’s learnt were being mindful of others and respect for the elders. These virtues among others made Resian and Taiyo come to love Nasila and appreciate several aspect of Nasila tradition their parents had not taught them. Resian found out that in the presence of such uniformity of love and lack of preference she could relate well with society and perform her duties without her father’s reprimand. In fact Kaelo’s daughter had the best of times at their uncle’s home than when at their lovely mansion up the hill.

Furthermore, Nasila tradition had a way of maintaining itself through the informal traditional education called Olkuak (pg150). Olkuak ensured that the cultural practices were passed on to the next generation. It was the responsibility of the elderly to pass on the lessons to the young generations.

Also the people of Nasila were welcoming to any person who paid them a visit. “it was not unusual thing to get up in the morning to find the living room full of men and women who came that early, not for any tangible business, but simply to share sumptuous breakfast with their kith and kin.”(pg35) At first, it was unsettling for the girls but soon they came to acknowledge this as was of Nasila’s custom.

There were also aspects of Nasila tradition that had ceased to exist. When Oluisudori asks for permission to marry Resian, Mama Milanoi contemplates how things had changed (pg115). According to Mama Milanoi, tradition forbade a man marrying a daughter of his age mate. If a man was infatuated by such a girl, women would rally against men and only the persuasion of the elderly would appease women to allow their men back to the house. Meanwhile, the man who attempted such a thing was killed by the angry mob of women. Besides, Nasila people were overly protective of their girls. If male guests came to a homestead where girls were, they would wait outside until the girls had been taken away before getting into the house.

Another tradition that was thrown out was “emuata a horrible and disgusting cultural practice that demanded young brides to wear heavy copper wire tightly coiled around their limbs.” (pg263) The gruesome practice was discarded for its effects on girls and women. Minik hoped that FGM would go the same way.

QUESTION: Find any other examples of tradition in the book and share them with us.

2. Affluence

Affluence means extreme wealth. After Parsimei’s retrenchment, he returns to his homeland with delusions of grandeur. In order to secure his future, he enters into business dealings with Oluisudori Loonkiya.

Oluisudori is a man of means and he displays this to Parsimei by helping him secure lump sum loans and lucrative deals from the government institutions in Nasila. Having been a modest employee, Parsimei was leaving large on his wages. However, with someone like Oluisudori, he sees his dreams of making it large in the society come true.

As it seems, Kaelo is surrounded by very powerful individuals. One of them is Oluisudori and the other is Ole Supeyo. Supeyo made a lot of his wealth in selling his cattle. It was Kaelo who helped him greatly by counting the money the man brought home from the sale of his animals (pg21.) It was from this honest brow that Supeyo blossomed into one of the most powerful men in Nasila. Another successful individual was Oluisudori. From what we can gather in the book (pg25 and pg100) Oluisudori was a gangster and a well-known extortionist. According to Enkoboini, he was also a poacher (pg236)

Surrounded by such men of means, Parsimei strives to emulate his betters. Therefore, he enters into a deal with Oluisudori. Although Oluisudori is a man of his word, his mannerisms and conduct are questionable. His motto is; ‘I scratch your back you scratch mine.” When he finds out that Parsimei has two gorgeous daughters, he hatches his plan to extort from him. Parsimei unwilling to let go of his business contracts and the smell of quick wealth, Parsimei puts his daughters in a rather difficult situation. Resian and Taiyo are compelled to make a choice between their beliefs and early marriage.

The lure of affluence, especially when Oluisudori invited Parsimei and his wife to visit his homes, makes Parsimei insanely greedy that his principal and moral standing are compromised. In fact, his love for Taiyo is quickly replaced by the want into the rich cult that he lets her undergo a forceful FGM in preparation for nuptials with Oluisudori.

3. Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation is one of the traditions that has received a lot of criticism because of its impact on the psychological and physical well being of the girl child. Despite the heavy campaigns against it, the vice has continued to thrive among certain communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. As a practice, the vice is carried under cultural or religious viewpoint. In this avenue, some anthropologists condemn those against the vice for cultural infringement. However, Scientifically, there are no known benefits accrued from the practice.

In practice, female circumcision takes different forms. Firstly, there is clitoridectomy which involves the partial or complete removal of the clitoris. Secondly, some communities practice, excision which takes out both the clitoris and the labia minora (vaginal edge). And finally, there is infibulation where the entire vaginal orifice (opening) is closed either by stitching or holding the cut areas together until when the wound is healed. In infibulation, two openings are left for urinal activity and menses.

Although the book does not explain exactly what practice the Nasila people did, it is clear that the either practised clitoridectomy or excision because of the olmurunya. The practice is highly valued by the people of Nasila that those who do not undergo the ritual are derogatorily referred to as Intoiye nemengalana (A girl who has not been cut.) Men shun away from such women and they are viewed contemptuously (pg19, pg46 and pg137.)

In order to be fully ingratiated into Nasila Culture, Parsimei is told to ensure that the girls are initiated (pg52). This ritual is so important that Mama Milanoi’s request to be assisted against Oluisudori is denied (pg145.)

Oluisudori also demands that the Resian should be cut be she is married to him. However, after a lengthy discussion, they decide that cut will be performed in Nakuru. When Resian escapes, however, Kaelo takes over the responsibility of circumcising Taiyo (pg273).

According to Parmuat (pg87) and Minik (pg263) FGM was a tradition which had been introduced to curtail the lascivious Ilarinkoi. Women being powerless against the charm and provocative nature of Ilarinkoi decided to mutilate themselves as a form of resistance. However, as Resian and Minik observe the practice had outlived its utility and was now practised as a form of male subjugation against women. Nevertheless, Parmuat observes that the practice in so far is for the benefit of men, it is still women who wield the olmurunya (knife.)

4. Education

Education is the passing of knowledge from one individual to another. By this definition, education can either be formal or informal. In the novel, there is both formal and informal education.

Parsimei Ole Kaelo struggles with the rat race and manages to educate his two daughters to O’ levels. The daughters seem to hunger for further education and that is why Resian asks his sister Taiyo to request for permission to join the university (pg4).

As they move to Nasila, Resian and Taiyo hope that it will be a temporary shift as they prepare for the appropriate time to ask for the chance to go back to Nakuru and pursue their dreams. In Nasila, they meet educated and forward-thinking people like Parmuat and their Yeiyo Kiti. Parmuat is a teacher at a local primary school.

Despite their open mind, Parmuat and Yeiyo kiti are at home with Nasilian culture. Resian and Taiyo, on the other hand, find it hard to fathom hardline Nasilian stand on FGM and early marriage. In order to ingratiate the girls deeply into the Nasilian tradition, Taiyo’s father requests Parmuat to teach the girls about their own culture.

Parmuat walks the girls into Nasilian culture from the tyrannical rule of Ilarinkoi to why women undergo FGM and the different kinds of love among the Maasai. Furthermore, Parmuat teaches Taiyo song and dances. Parmuat’s lessons rely heavily on the word of mouth passed on from one generation to another. His keen and agile mind seems well versed with his traditions notwithstanding the western education he had received. In fact, he is ready to forsake Taiyo’s love for she is technically his sister although they are not related and also an Intoiye Nemengalana (uncircumcised girl.)

The Maasai informal education is called  Olkuak (pg150) which was the way of life and the beliefs of the people. Taiyo and Resian learn from Yeiyo Kiti that although more Maasai’s were taking their daughters to school, they were afraid of the influence of this new education system on their cultural fabric. Initially, many educated Maasai’s emigrated to the urban centres, however, Yeiyo Kiti (pg151)had observed a new trend where this urbaners were returning back to the villages. Yeiyo kiti hoped that this urbanized Maasai’s would be the pivotal points of change.

Meanwhile, with the help of the university educated Minik ene Nkoitoi, Taiyo and Resian join Egerton University to further their educational career.

5. Gender Inequality and the Place of a Woman in Society

Nasila is a male-dominated society. Kaelo marries the daughter of Nasila and is happy on how she has behaved in the over 20 years of matrimony. Mama Milanoi had remained loyal and submissive to her husband. When Kaelo is laid off from Agribix, she is worried about how life will be but when he reassures her, she believes him. In fact, she does not even as where the money for starting the business came from until Oloisudori (pg94) introduces himself to the family. She had never heard the name before.

Although her daughters confide in her about their dream to join campus (pg147), she does not find the courage to talk to her husband about it. She participates in Resian’s marriage plans without opposing to what she felt like a violation of her daughter’s rights(pg197.) By and by she stands by her husband’s word and follows his lead even when both her daughters fall into Oluisudori’s trap. Instead of alerting her daughters of the impending danger, she leads them blindly into their downfall (pg272.) First, it is Resian and secondly Taiyo who she reassures that everything will be okay.

In Nasila women are like property. When Taiyo and Resian report to their father about the near-rape incident, the father (chapter12) takes it as a personal insult and begins to seek revenge and not justice for the girls. Though the girls were the ones offended, their say is not significant to the case. They are really offended when they come to learn of the council of elders’ verdict(pg162.) Secondly, on the issue of marriage Resian is not consulted. Everything is planned without her knowledge and what is expected of her is consent without question (pg203.) Oluisudori on his part builds a house even without the knowledge of the wife’s consent on how the house should look like (190.)

When Yeiyo botor pays Parsimei’s family a visit, she comments on how good the girls were in the kitchen (pg76-77.) Although Taiyo finds it amusing, Resian is incensed by the perception that women’s position is in the kitchen. Resian’s resilience against the status quo has a name among the Maasai- Olkuenyi. Yeiyo botor says it is only FGM that can remove Olkuenyi from a woman.

It is not only Resian who is trying to wrestle inequality in Nasila. Minik ene Nkoitoi is at the helm of not only rescuing girls from FGM and early marriage but also ensuring that they learn to be independent and equal opinion makers in the society. Having graduated from Makerere University, Minik runs one of the largest ranches in the region. Furthermore, she is fearless and therefore confronts Oluisudori unflinchingly. It seems FGM did not remove her olkuenyi after all.

6. Patriarchy/ Male Chauvinism

Male chauvinism otherwise known as patriarchy has a long history. There are various schools of thought on where patriarchy came from. Firstly, theorists believed that patriarchy was born with Adam. Being the first man on earth, Adam, after the fall of man was given the power by God to rule over the woman. This is a type of patriarchy that Bob Thomas Pierik in his MA Thesis refers to as Traditional Patriarchy. According to the paper, patriarchy was mostly used to refer to the authority of the father over the household and its members. However, it would be Max Weber who would use patriarchy and patrimonialism to refer to domination beyond household to political territories hence introducing modern patriarchy. Another applied usage of patriarchy outside the family set up would be brought forth by Robert Filmer. In Filmer’s view, kings had divine power to rule over a kingdom without the consent of the people. Drawing from Adamic lineage, Firmer observed that Adam was the first King and so men with power and influence had the prerogative of inheriting leadership.

In as much as patriarchy was confined within the family set up, it blossomed into one humongous force taking over the economic, social and political privileges until the rise of feminism. In her book ‘The Evolutionary Origins of Patriarchy,’ Barbara Smuts postulates six hypotheses to explain its rise. According to the book, male domination is a characteristic that is well developed in humans than in other animals especially primates. Various anthropologists observed that male coercion was predominant where females lack social support from relatives and friends. Also, in cases where females were subjected to controlling mates, their resistance reduced as observed when female olive baboons are released into an area controlled by the dominant fierce hamadryas males. Smuts walks us through the journey of male domination until when males became the key decision makers on literally everything including reproductive health and the concept of virginity.

In Blossoms of the Savannah, we explore traditional patriarchy. According to the book, Mama Milanoi passes out as the ideal wife; she knows and understands her position as a housewife. In fact, she nurtures her children into model wives! (pg77) There is also the expected order of things; this is observed in Simiren Ole Kaelo’s homestead. All wives are expected to respect and obey the first wife- Yeiyo botor. She is the one in command of the homestead and every undertaking runs by her. Although this is done to bring a semblance of unity, it is playing deep into what the menfolk want.

In Nakuru, the daughters of Parsimei Ole Kaelo are nurtured into what may seem to be a gender-neutral society. Both Resian and Taiyo ooze a maturity about them and they seem to know what they want in Life. Taiyo is very confident and open-minded that she asks her father for permission to attend a music extravaganza in Mombasa. The father refused flatfooted. This was Taiyo’s initial encounter with patriarchy.

The refusal by Parsimei to let Taiyo go to Mombasa creates a sense of mistrust between the daughter and her beloved father. Therefore, when it is time to ask for permission to join the university, Taiyo becomes reluctant. Resian, on the other hand, has a keen sense of foresight and therefore avoids her father whenever possible. Maybe she sensed the chauvinism in her father.

In Nasila, the girls are introduced to stone hard chauvinism. To begin with, they are accosted by miscreants for being uncircumcised. Before long, the girls are nearly raped by the same vagabonds who had previously accosted them. To make matters worse, the issue is solved in the absence of the victims. In this regard, Resian and Taiyo felt the injustice did not meet the elder’s deliberations (pg167.)

Although Taiyo and Resian thought that the near rape incident was the furthest humiliation could go, they are yet to meet the storm of Nasila which is slowly gathering momentum. Resian smells a whiff of the storm and that is why she becomes insecure even in the presence of her family. Little did she know that her father had planned for her marriage to Oloisudori. When she learns about this, Resian is inconsolable (pg209.)

Oloisudori, on the other hand, displays a kind of wretched chauvinism. Having extensive wealth, he thinks he is magnetic and every girl would scramble to be his wife. Instead of courting Resian, he goes to extreme length to decorate her house (pg190) to be and shower her with expensive gifts (pg178.) In doing this, Oloisudori compared himself to Lord Ngata (Egerton) a man of considerable wealth who lived in Njoro and also, infatuated by a beautiful girl built a mansion to please her and convince her to be his wife (pg186.) Like Lord Ngata, Oloisudori was in for a rude shock, Resian refused him outrightly and in fact, she never got to see the beautiful mansion. Lucky for Lord Ngata, his girl looked at the grotesque monstrosity of a house and called it a pigsty.

Oloisudori and Lord Ngata had one weakness; they thought that girls were for sale to any outstanding man with considerable wealth. They outdid themselves in building what was the ideal home without giving room for a woman in order to know what she really wanted. Like all chauvinists, they thought they knew exactly what the women wanted. However, they are met by two open-minded women who turn them down in order to pursue their dreams. Nevertheless, Oloisudori did not give up on Resian, he followed her to Ntaare Naaju where he is met by Minik defiance and the brutality of the men working in the ranch.

Furthermore, Oloisudori thought as a man of influence everyone would fear and blindly follow him. He realises his mistake when Resian openly insults him and walks away from him. Being confident that she was being childish, he puts his second plan to kidnap the girl only to be beaten to the chase by Olarinkoi. He is also brutalized by Minik and his gang which sent him scampering for safety. Minik too had considerable influence.

Olarinkoi too displays masochism after rescuing Resian from the claws of Oloisudori. Firstly, she is left to ride on the bed of the pick up alone while Olarinkoi and his friend occupy the cabin. Whenever she falters on the journey she is insulted until they make it to Inkiito. Instead of welcoming Resian into his humble home, he orders her around to prepare dinner and walks away only to return and attempt to rape her. Resian puts up a spirited fight that leaves her for dead.

The men in the book have a lopsided way of displaying affection to the opposite gender. Though Kaelo was smitten by his wife Jane Milanoi, his way of showing affection was providing her with a comfortable home and food but not indulging her in decision making or opening for her opportunities to blossom. On the side of his daughter, he thought that the O’level education they had received was enough. When he realises how expansive Oloisudori’s estates were, he thought letting his daughter marry him would be the best a father could. In fact, he hopes that one of Oloisudori’s wealthy men will come for Taiyo.

On the other hand, Oloisudori thought that building expansive mansions for his wives was the most honourable thing to do. Being secluded in the well-secured mansions overlooking the scenic oceanic line was the splendour that would make them “the happiest women in the whole of East Africa.” He never thought that there were women whose desire was to achieve educational and career goals.

Play by HENRIK IBSEN

Analysis by MUSUNGU OKACH

Play Summary and about the author

There are those stereotypes that some people and the general public regard as truth. There equally are certain issues that people consider as the best conduct in society and what makes for a righteous human being. But, the truth is, we all have skeletons in our closets. These are among the issues explored by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen.

Born on 20^th March 1828 in Norway, Ibsen would grow to become a unique novelist not only in his country but also worldwide. Born to a merchant, Ibsen’s family fortunes will dissipate with the father’s bankruptcy. At the age of 15, he will move from his hometown Skien to Grimstad where he worked as an apothecary’s apprentice (pharmacist’s assistant.) In his free time, Ibsen will write plays.

By 1850s, Ibsen moved to Christiana (Oslo) and with interest in theatre settled as a student but worked his way as a director and a playwright. He was supposed to produce a play yearly. Although Ibsen’s earlier works did not go well with the audience, he picked out from theatres in Oslo enough experience to carve out his unique blend of playwright that has seen plays like Dukkjem (A Doll’s House ), Gengagere (Ghosts) and En Folkefiende (An Enemy of the People) dominate international stage.

Besides plays, Ibsen wrote hundreds of poems, which centred on the same themes like his plays. His obsession with questioning humanity would make his works speak to the audiences and spark introspection. Robert M. Adams says; “Thus, he made his audiences reexamine with painful earnestness the moral foundation of their being. During the last half of the 19th century he turned the European stage back from what it had become—a plaything and a distraction for the bored—to make it what it had been long ago among the ancient Greeks, an instrument for passing doom-judgment on the soul.” (Encylopedia Brittanica)

Ibsen died on 23^rd May 1906 in Oslo.

About A Doll’s House

Published in 1879, A Doll’s House is a complex yet simple three-act play that revolves around the family of Tovarld Helmer. Set in Torvald’s house, every prop on the stage is as significant as the characters and the rich dialogue.

The story in play revolves around Nora, Torvald’s wife. The wife and the husband share contrasting views about the society. Whereas Nora is a free-spirited individual who would do anything for her family, Torvald is a conservative self-righteous individual who flinches at what he considers ill-behaviour.

Riding on his high moral standing, Torvald is oblivious of Nora’s slight transgression, dislikes the mean spirited and incorrigible Nils Krogstad. Now, Tovarld and Krogstad work in the same bank and Torvald plans to fire Krogstad.

A long time ago, Torvald had been taken ill and the doctor’s had suggested a long vacation in the south of Norway. Having no money, Nora had forged her ailing father’s signature to secure a loan to save her husband’s life. She hid the secret from Torvald but Krogstad knew. Krogstad promises to reveal the secret if Norah does not persuade her husband to not fire him. But Nora’s husband is adamant; Krogstad has to go.

Krogstad writes a letter to Torvald detailing Nora’s secret. Although Norah delays the inevitable, she has to wait for her husband’s response. When Torvald read the letter he feels betrayed and angry at the thoughtless decision and reprimands Nora like a child.

Torvald’s reaction to Nora’s act of disobedience brings Norah to a realization that she is not significant to her significant other. In order to grow up and re-orient herself, Nora leaves her home and children.

The title A Doll’s House is a symbol of Norahs life since childhood. She was her father’s doll and when in matrimony, she became her husband’s toy.

Henrik Ibsen obsession with individual reflection for liberation saw him end the play sadly as opposed to the popular happy ending. In this regard, he hoped his audience would realise the power of equality stems from both the emotional and the everyday practice and not from the altar of a caring and loving husband as Torvald is to his wife.

Characters in A Dolls House

Torvald Helmer- A very honest and self-righteous man, Helmer has three children with Nora his wife.

Nora: Unlike Helmer Nora is a carefree spendthrift who lives for the moment and can do anything for her family including forgery.

Doctor Rank : He is a close family friend of the Helmer’s with terminal illness

Mrs. Linde: A close friend of Nora. She married for money in order to help her ailing mother and young siblings. Left with nothing she comes back to Nora’s life and meets the love of her life Nils Krogstad.

Nils Krogstad: He is considered as a man of ill-repute although he claims to be working hard to become an agreeable person. However, when his employment is threatened, he plans to pull a plug on Nora’s secret.

Helmer’s three young children: characters that enhance Nora’s playfulness and childlike heart.

Anne, Their Nurse

Housemaid

ACT ONE

Scene One

Norah is preparing for Christmas festivities. She is in a festive mood given that her husband has been promoted to a bank manager- a prestigious job and it is the first festive season they do not have to limit their spending. Her husband Helmer, on the other hand, cautions her against overspending and also about eating Macaroons. We can tell that Helmer is treating Nora like a child from how he playfully cautions her and appreciates her bubbly nature.

Nora is visited by Mrs Linde a friend whom she has not seen in over eight years. Helmer, on the other hand, is visited by his friend Doctor Rank and a colleague Nils Krogstad. Mrs Linde is a widow and needs Nora’s help. When she learns that Nora’s husband has been promoted to a bank manager, she hopes that maybe she may get a job.

Nils Krogstad is disturbed by Helmer’s promotion because it is well known that Helmer is a man of high moral standing. With full knowledge that he could lose his job, Nils prevails upon Nora to dissuade her husband against it on condition that, if she does not comply, he will reveal Nora’s forgery to her husband. Nora had forged her father’s signature on a document in order to secure a loan to take her husband abroad for treatment.

Although Krogstad makes it clear that Helmer should not know he had been in the house, Helmer meets him at the gate as he was making his leave. In the house, Helmer reveals to Norah that he met Krogstad and he knew what the motive for the visit was. Nevertheless, Helmer tells Nora not to him out of his plans to fire Krogstad.

Observation from Act One

We notice the existing relationship between Nora and her husband Helmer. It is a cordial relationship but Helmer speaks to his wife as if she were a naïve child who would not understand the adult talk. Their conversation is childish with a hint of adult caution directed towards Nora. However, we learn from Nora’s gossip that she is capable of making adult decisions for her family ergo taking a loan to safeguard her husband’s wellbeing.

Questions Act one