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BLAIII : CRITICAL READING AND
RESPONSE
Using the river between by Ngugi Wa Thiong’o discuss any
three themes (30 marks)
Themes is the main idea or underlying meaning of a writer
explores in literary work. The three themes discussed in the river
and the source are;
1)
TRADITION
Tradition is of importance in any kind of society. Since it is the
essence of foundation of society itself.
In the river between various traditions have been depicted
through some characters such as; Muthoni – depicts the right of
circumcision of women in the society. Muthoni is the daughter
of Joshua who is a religious leader and is against it and finally
disowns his daughter because she chooses to follow tradition
and this tradition of circumcising women later puts her in a
critical condition leading to her death.
The kikuyu have long held their own beliefs on the subjects.
Ngugi suggests that not all new ideas are bad. Waiyaki, Muthoni
and Nyambura articulate the need for a fusion of Christianity
and tradition. He is aware that through the white man and
African supporters cannot expect to order the kikuyu to get rid
of something overnight rather patience is necessary.
2)
Themes of Conflict
The theme of conflict is evident in the River Between for there
are many and examples are the Christians do not agree with the
practice of indigenous people.
Personal conflict is highlighted as some characters struggle
while accepting the different culture introduced by the
colonialist for instance, Nyambura is torn between traditional
practices and religion when she fails to attend the annual ritual.
She feels remorseful. She to which culture is the best
The primary conflict in The River Between revolves around the
locals themselves i.e. the people living in Kameno, do not share
the same ideologies as those in Makuyu. The rivalry between the
two sides is deeply rooted in the past of the Kikuyu people.
3)
Unity and division
Ngugi evinces complicated views on human nature suggesting
that both unity and division can be sustaining and dangerous in
various circumstances. The two ridges are unified by the river
but at the same time divided by it. There is a neutral ground but
it is nearly impossible to occupy it.
Division is present in The River Between through the white man
and his religion / education /influence as we watch, various
Kikuyu come down on either side of these encroachments.
Division is natural because population cannot be perfectly
homogeneous; however, these divisions can become dangerous
and can be accompanied by Violence, ignorance and intolerance.
There is need for unity as Waiyaki feels convinced that petty
divisions and feuds between Kameno and Makuyu must end
since neither village is strong enough to resist the white
colonialist on their own.
Although educating children is critically important. Waiyaki
feels that the two villages must face a common energy to obtain
their potential freedom.