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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.